American Revolution Unit

American Revolution Unit

  • French and Indian War (7 Years War)

    • Two front war: fought in Europe and America

    • British victory

  • Colonial Economic Policies

    • Stamp, Tea, and Township Acts: aimed to generate revenue

    • Salutary neglect: British indifference to colonial governance

  • Key Events

    • Boston Massacre: 5 men killed by soldiers

    • Boston Tea Party: led to Intolerable Acts

  • Philosophical Underpinnings

    • "No taxation without representation"

    • Declaration of Independence authored by Thomas Jefferson, influenced by John Locke

  • Causes of the American Revolution

    • British taxes post-7 Years War

    • Enlightenment ideals

  • American Revolution Dynamics

    • America vs. British conflict

    • Strategies: Guerrilla warfare, alliances with French (British enemy)

  • Outcomes of the American Revolution

    • Articles of Confederation: Difficulty in reaching consensus among colonies

    • Adoption of the U.S. Constitution

    • Bill of Rights: Demonstration of Enlightenment influence

    • Leadership: George Washington's role