Uniting for IndependenceChapter 2.2

Government Mr. Biggs

The Colonies on Their OwnDuring the 150 years following the settling of Jamestown in 1607, the colonies in America did pretty much as they pleased.The Americans grew accustomed to governing themselves through their representatives by the mid-1700s.

Britain Tightens ControlTwo events changed the easy relationship between the colonists and Britain:

The French and Indian War (1754 – 1763)

George III became monarch in 1760The defeat of the French in America meant that the American colonists no longer needed the British to protect them and it left Britain with a huge war debt.

When George III took the throne, he was determined to deal more firmly with the American colonies.In order to generate additional revenue to help pay for the French and Indian war, Britain introduced taxes on tea, sugar, glass, paper, and other products.The Stamp Act (1765) was the first direct tax on the colonists which led to protests and colonists’ refusal to buy British goods.The 13 colonies became more united as a community against the perceived British oppression.In retaliation Parliament passed the Coercive Acts, which the colonists called the Intolerable Acts.

Taxing the Colonies

Taking ActionBy 1773 organizations called Committees of Correspondence were urging resistance to the British.They urged colonists to take action against oppressive acts.They organized meetings to protest the King’s actions.They challenged England’s right to tax without approval.

First Continental Congress (1774)The Intolerable Acts prompted a general meeting to be called. They imposed an embargo on British goods.Britain retaliated and adopted stronger measures and on April 19th, 1775 the “shot heard ‘round the world” started the Revolutionary War.

Colonial UnityBefore the mid-1770s most colonists thought of themselves as British subjects.But harsh new British policies spurred an American sense of community.

The Second Continental Congress (1775)Was organized within three weeks of the Lexington and Concord battle.John Hancock was elected President.George Washington was made commander of the Continental Army.The Congress had no constitutional authority, but assumed the power of the government.

IndependenceThomas Paine (1737 – 1809) argued that monarchy was a corrupt form of government.He wrote a pamphlet titled Common Sense which inspired colonists to desire independence.

Declaration of Independence

Congress appointed Thomas Jefferson to write the draft.The final draft was signed July 4th, 1776.

“When in the course of human events it becomes necessary….”

Key components of the DeclarationThe American Declaration of Independence is divided into three parts:

1) A statement of purpose to justify a break from England that had its roots in the writings of Locke and Paine.2) Specific complaints against the King.3) The colonists’ determination to separate from England.

First State ConstitutionsAll recognized the people as the sole source of authority in a limited government.Most states had created a constitution or converted colonial charters within a few years after the Declaration of Independence.Seven states incorporated a bill of rights defining personal liberties.

The End