Road to Revolution

2nd Road to Revolution Study Guide

Topics & Resources

  1. The Road to Revolution

    • Road to Revolution Chart

    • Test: Monday, December 15th

    • Monopoly

  2. Big Ideas & the Enlightenment Thinkers

    • Colonial Influences + Enlightenment Ideas

  3. John Adams

    • Video Worksheet

  4. The Declaration of Independence

    • Organization + Deconstructing the Declaration of Independence

How Do I Study?

  1. Organize your materials.

    • The first step is to locate the resources listed above. If any are missing, see the instructor ASAP.

  2. Do something ACTIVE with the material:

    • Complete the Study Guide

    • Make Flashcards

    • Create your own study tools

      • Create a document or paper version of all the information needed to study. The process helps with retention and provides a study resource.

    • Use online study games to help review.

  3. Create a study schedule and stick with it.

    • Plan to study bit by bit each night to allow for questions to be asked before the test.

  4. Study with a buddy.

    • Ensure that studying occurs, not distractions.

Road to Revolution Vocabulary

Key Terms

  • Boycott: to refuse to buy goods.

    • Historical Example/Connection: Many colonists boycotted goods imported from Great Britain, including tea.

  • Effigy: a model of a person (used as a threat).

    • Historical Example/Connection: Colonists hung an effigy of a tax collector from the Liberty Tree in Boston as a form of protest against taxes.

  • Repeal: to take back or cancel.

    • Historical Example/Connection: After boycotting from the colonies, the King repealed many acts that imposed unfavorable taxes.

  • Militia/Minuteman: a voluntary army.

    • Historical Example/Connection: At Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts militia men met British troops in the first battle of the revolution.

Important Laws Passed by British Parliament

  1. Proclamation of 1763:

    • Reserved land west of the Appalachian Mountains for Native Americans.

    • Colonists were angry as they had fought for access to these lands and many had already settled there. Ignored British requests to leave.

  2. Stamp Act:

    • Imposed taxes on everyday items including printed documents and playing cards.

    • Colonists felt this violated their rights to representation as they had no representation in Parliament (slogan: "No taxation without representation"). Led to boycotts and the repeal of the law.

Actions Taken Against the British Government

  1. Protests:

    • Examples include hanging effigies of tax collectors and British officials.

    • Boycotting British goods, particularly tea.

  2. Boston Tea Party:

    • Patriots in Boston broke into a British merchant ship and threw all the tea overboard.

Revolutionary Ideas

Influential Documents

  • Magna Carta:

    • A document forced upon the King of England by nobles.

    • Introduced concepts of limited government, individual rights, rule of law, and due process.

    • Helped establish the nation's Parliament.

  • Common Sense:

    • Written by Thomas Paine, emphasizing that the issue was not just the king or Parliament, but the concept of monarchy.

    • Framed arguments for independence in an accessible manner, helping colonists understand the necessity for change.

The Enlightenment

  • Definition:

    • The Enlightenment was a European movement beginning around 1715, seeking to apply methods of inquiry and discovery to various fields, including law, religion, economics, and government.

    • Enlightenment thinkers believed that such ideas could lead to societies that were more equitable and just, not dominated by monarchs or religious leaders.

Key Concepts Related to Enlightenment

  • Natural Rights:

    • All men possess the inherent rights to life, liberty, and property.

    • Concept introduced by John Locke, stating these rights are not granted by governments but are innate to individuals.

  • Social Contract:

    • The agreement between people and government to ensure the protection of rights.

    • If not upheld, people have the right to rebel.

  • Tabula Rasa:

    • Latin for "blank slate", it implies all humans are born equal and without inherent power.

Appeal of Enlightenment Ideas to American Patriots

  • Enlightenment ideas provided a language for frustrations with Great Britain and justified rebellion against unjust governments, reflected in the Declaration of Independence.

John Adams Mini Series

Significant Decisions by the Second Continental Congress

  1. Sent the Olive Branch Petition to Britain.

  2. Created the Continental Army.

  3. Appointed George Washington as commander of the army.

  4. Drafted and adopted the Declaration of Independence.

Definitions of Key Concepts by John Locke

  • Patriot: Someone advocating for independence, believing the British government no longer served colonist interests.

  • Loyalist: Someone wishing to remain loyal to the British government, believing independence would be harmful to the colonies.

Patriot vs. Loyalist Arguments

  • Patriots:

    • Argue that British politicians focus solely on British interests without regard for colonial needs.

    • Assert colonies could rely on support from other nations (like France).

    • Believe it's necessary to fight for rights denied to colonists.

  • Loyalists:

    • Claim that independence is unrealistic against British military power.

    • State that colonists are Englishmen and should not fight against their countrymen.

    • Fear absence of a government plan post-independence.

Declaration of Independence: Meaning & Organization

Sections of the Declaration

  1. Preamble:

    • Introduces the document and its purpose.

    • Definition of "Impel": To strongly motivate to take action or cause movement forward.

    • Key Phrase: "declare the causes that impel them to the separation"

  2. Grievances:

    • Lists complaints against King George III, supporting the rationale for overthrowing him.

    • Key Definitions:

      • Redress: remedy or correct an unfair situation.

      • Tyranny: cruel and oppressive government.

    • Quotes:

      • "the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States"

      • "He petitioned for redress in the most humble terms:"

  3. Resolution:

    • Declares the United States as an independent country.

    • Key Phrase: "is, and ought to be"

    • Discusses fundamental rights: "Life, Liberty & Pursuit of Happiness"

    • Key Terms:

      • Consent: permission for action or agreement.

      • Alter: to change something.

      • Abolish: to formally end a practice or institution.

Audience of the Declaration of Independence

  • Written for colonists to rally support for the army and foreign allies like France to seek assistance.

  • Addressed to King/Parliament.

Persuasiveness of the Declaration

  • Clearly stated grievances against the King.

  • Demonstrated prior attempts to resolve conflicts.

  • Argued for natural rights inherent to all citizens.

Removed Section from the Declaration

  • The section on slavery was omitted to secure support from Southern states, which opposed abolition.

Risks of Signing the Declaration of Independence

  • Signatories risked being branded as traitors and facing execution by hanging as threatened by the King in response to the Olive Branch Petition.

Purpose of Government and Natural Rights

  • Defined the purpose of government and emphasized that natural rights are "unalienable"; they cannot be taken away.