Chronology of the Scientific Revolution (1543-1637)
1543: Publication of Copernicus's On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres
1576: Brahe sets up Uranienborg laboratory
1609: Kepler sets out his laws in Rudolphine tables
1610: Galileo publishes The Starry Messenger
1632: Galileo publishes A Dialogue between the Two Great World Systems
1620: Bacon publishes Novum Organum
1637: Descartes publishes Discourse on Method
1687: Newton publishes Principia Mathematica
Political Context Leading to Revolution
Salutary Neglect
Period of neglect toward the American colonies by British Parliament.
Queen Anne died in 1714 with no heirs, leading to George I's ascension—his lack of knowledge of English affairs allowed Parliament to operate independently, with self-enriching tendencies.
Timeline of monarchs: George I dies in 1732, George II dies in 1760.
The Ascendancy of George III (1760)
George III became king in 1760.
Prepared and involved in Parliament; a strong ruler.
First focused on ending wars with France.
Started directing governmental affairs from monarchy rather than Parliament—political power consolidates to the king by 1763.
The French and Indian War (Seven Years War)
Central conflict over control of the Ohio Valley.
Albany Conference in 1754 resulted in Iroquois neutrality.
1763: War concludes with English victory.
Treaty provisions prohibited English colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains due to protection concerns for colonists.
Enforced by the Proclamation Line of 1763.
Proclamation Line of 1763 Map
Denotes territories: Rupert's Land, Province of Quebec, Massachusetts, etc.
Illustrates territorial divisions and the impact of the Proclamation Line on the colonies.
Events Leading to Revolt Against British Authority
Sugar Act of 1764
Introduced taxation on sugar and coffee.
Protest among colonists due to lack of representation in taxation decisions.
Stamp Act of 1765
Tax imposed on all printed materials, including newspapers, licenses, building permits, etc.
Colonists opposed taxation by a distant Parliament they felt should be exclusive to local legislatures due to the period of salutary neglect.
Sons of Liberty
A revolutionary organization formed to oppose British taxation.
Leaders included Samuel Adams and James Otis.
Employed propaganda, organizing boycotts, and violent tactics including tar-and-feathering tax collectors.
Impact of Thomas Hutchinson's Enforcement of the Stamp Act
Thomas Hutchinson, Royal Lieutenant-Governor of Massachusetts, enforced the Stamp Act in Boston.
His residence was attacked by the Sons of Liberty in protest, despite him not supporting the tax.
John Adams and Patrick Henry
John Adams: Young attorney drafting anti-tax resolutions reinforcing the notion of consent in taxation.
Noted quote: "No free man should be subject to any tax to which he has not given his own consent."
Patrick Henry: Orator and member of the House of Burgesses, vehemently encouraging resistance against Britain.
Famous declaration: "Give me liberty or give me death!"
Taxation Without Representation
Discussion surrounding the rights of Englishmen regarding taxation raised by both James Otis and Patrick Henry.
Otis known for public stance against taxation not consented to by colonists, claiming it is tyranny.
Benjamin Franklin's Role
Franklin, a prominent publisher and intellectual, represented the colonies to calm tensions with England post-Stamp Act.
Stamp Act Congress (October 1765)
First gathering of colonists to forcefully address taxes imposed.
Main demands included repeal of taxes since the French and Indian War and assertion of the principle of taxation without representation.
Repeal of the Stamp Act
Following pressures, the King repealed the Stamp Act, seen by colonists as a major victory.
In response to ongoing tensions and colonial unrest, British troops were dispatched to Massachusetts to maintain order.
Declaratory Act of 1766
This act repealed the Stamp Act while asserting parliamentary authority over the colonies, reinforcing their subordinate position to British rule.
Townshend Acts of 1767
Imposed taxes on everyday items (lead, glass, paint, paper, tea).
Responses initiated more protests from colonists leading to further unrest.
Boston Massacre (March 1770)
Climax of tensions where British soldiers killed five civilians during conflict with a protesting crowd.
Crispus Attucks was the first casualty, marking a significant flashpoint in colonial grievances.
Aftermath of the Boston Massacre
English authorities repealed most Townshend Acts except the tea tax; soldiers were tried with John Adams as their defense.
The trial yielded acquittals for many soldiers, absorbing some tension but sparking further discontent among the colonists.
Tea Act of 1773
Established a tax on tea sold by the East India Company, inciting further colonial discomfort and marking a shift towards coffee due to discontent.
Boston Tea Party (1773)
Responding to the Tea Act, the Sons of Liberty disguised as Mohawks destroyed 342 cases of tea in protest, rejecting British ownership.
Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts)
Enforced to punish Boston following the Tea Party: closing the Boston Port, revoking the charter of Massachusetts, restricting town meetings, and the Quartering Act for troops.
Massachusetts Town Hall Meetings Suspended
Long-standing tradition suspended, impairing local self-governance in Massachusetts, marking it a Royal Colony.
First Continental Congress (September 1774)
Convened by delegates to address colonial grievances, leading to the decision to stop trade with England and prepare militias for defense.
Lexington & Concord (April 1775)
British attempts to seize colonial military stores escalated tensions into warfare, with Paul Revere's midnight ride alerting militias.
Initial confrontation resulted in Canadian troops being met by colonial militia,
Led to significant casualties, prompting full-scale warfare and marking the official start of armed conflict in the American Revolution.
Establishment of Second Continental Congress
Formed in May 1775, consolidating colonial governance while strategizing military efforts and alliances.
Overview of American Population During the Conflict
Population composition: roughly 3 million, with 1/3rd identifying as loyalists (Tories), 1/3rd disinterested, and 1/3rd supporting the revolution as patriots.
Reasons Against Revolution
Factors against revolutionary sentiments included fear of British power, loyalty to England, financial repercussions, and belief in the justifications of British taxation.