Causes of Revolution in the Americas

Factors Driving Revolution

• People are driven to revolution by a variety of factors, these include:
  • Oppression: When people are subjected to unjust laws, policies, or treatment.
  • Economic hardship: When people experience poverty, unemployment, or unfair economic systems.
  • Social inequality: When people are denied basic rights or opportunities due to their race, gender, religion, or social status.
  • Political corruption: When leaders abuse their power or act in their own self-interest rather than the interests of the people.
  • Desire for self-determination: When people desire to govern themselves and make their own decisions.
  • Influence of Enlightenment ideas: Philosophers like John Locke emphasized individual rights and limited government, inspiring revolutionary movements.

The British Empire in the Americas

• The thirteen American colonies were part of the British Empire, with strong economic and political ties to Great Britain.

Sugar Act (1764)

• This act imposed taxes on sugar and other goods imported from the West Indies to the colonies, raising revenue for the British government and attempting to control colonial smuggling.

Stamp Act (1765)

• It imposed a tax on all printed materials, including newspapers, legal documents, and playing cards.
• It was met with widespread resistance from colonists who viewed it as an unfair tax imposed without their consent.

Stamp Act Resistance

• Colonists organized protests and boycotts, arguing that the Act violated their rights as British citizens.
• The resistance was successful, leading to the repeal of the Stamp Act in 1766. However, the British government remained committed to raising revenue from the colonies.

Quartering Act (1765)

• This act required colonial assemblies to provide housing and supplies to British troops stationed in the colonies, causing resentment among colonists who felt their homes were being invaded.

The Colonists Resist

• The colonists increasingly saw the British government as oppressive and began to develop a sense of national identity distinct from Britain.

Tea Act (1773)

• This act granted the British East India Company a monopoly on the American tea trade.
• This angered colonial merchants who felt that it would put them out of business and provoked colonial anger at the favoritism shown to the East India Company.

Boston Tea Party

• In 1773, colonists disguised as Native Americans destroyed 342 chests of tea belonging to the British East India Company at Boston Harbor.
• The Boston Tea Party was a highly symbolic act of defiance, signifying colonial resistance to British control.

The Coercive (Intolerable) Acts of 1774

• These acts were passed by the British Parliament in response to the Boston Tea Party, aimed at punishing the colony of Massachusetts.
• They included the Closure of Boston Harbor, the Quartering Act requiring colonists to house British troops, the Administration of Justice Act, allowing British officials accused of crimes in colonies to be tried in Britain, and the Massachusetts Government Act, which severely restricted the power of the Massachusetts colonial government.
• The Coercive Acts were widely considered oppressive by the colonists and spurred on calls for independence.

Continental Association

• The First Continental Congress organized the Continental Association, a system of colonial boycotts of British goods, aimed at pressuring the British government to repeal the Coercive Acts.

Thomas Paine

• Thomas Paine was a crucial figure in the American Revolution. He was an author who published Common Sense in 1776, which argued for American independence and galvanized support for a revolution.
• He also later wrote American Crisis, a series of pamphlets that inspired American troops and aided the revolutionary cause.

The Second Continental Congress (1775)

• The Second Continental Congress, which met in Philadelphia, served as the governing body of the colonies during the revolution.
• It established the Continental Army and appointed George Washington as its commander-in-chief.
• It adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776, formally declaring the thirteen colonies' separation from Great Britain.

Factors Driving Revolutions

• Oppression and Injustice: Political oppression, economic inequality, and social injustice can fuel revolutionary movements.
• Nationalism and Self-Determination: Desire for independence from colonial rule or for recognition and protection of ethnic or cultural identity often drives revolutions.
• Economic Crises: Poor governance, inflation, and unemployment can create widespread discontent leading to revolutionary uprisings.
• Charismatic Leadership: Inspiring leaders can mobilize and galvanize populations to fight for change.
• Failure of Reforms: If peaceful means of achieving change fail, people may resort to revolution.
• Inspiration from Other Revolutions: Successful revolutions in other countries can inspire similar movements elsewhere.

British Empire in the Americas

• Seven Years’ War Debt: The Seven Years’ War led to significant debt for Britain, prompting them to seek revenue from American colonies.

Sugar Act (1764)

• Taxation on Products: A major departure from previous British policy, the Sugar Act levied taxes on sugar, molasses, and other goods.
• Regulation to Taxation: This shift from regulation to direct taxation marked a significant change in the relationship between Britain and its colonies.

Stamp Act (1765)

• Direct Tax: The Stamp Act imposed a direct tax on various products, including legal documents, newspapers, and playing cards.

Stamp Act Resistance:

• In England: Opposition to the Stamp Act emerged in England, leading to its repeal.
• In the Colonies: Colonial resistance to the Stamp Act was widespread, including protests, boycotts, and the formation of the Stamp Act Congress.

Quartering Act (1765)

• Forced Accommodation: Required American colonies to provide housing and supplies for British troops, raising concerns about the infringement on colonial liberties.

Colonists Resist

• Massachusetts Assembly Petition: The Massachusetts Assembly drafted a petition expressing their belief that taxes should not be imposed without colonial representation.

Tea Act (1773)

• East India Company Monopoly: The Tea Act granted the East India Company a monopoly on tea sales in the colonies, effectively stifling competition.
• Tax on Tea: It also included a tax on tea, further fueling colonial resentment.

Boston Tea Party

• Destruction of Tea: In December 1773, colonists in Boston destroyed 342 chests of tea, valued at $1.7 million (2024 USD), in protest against the Tea Act.
• Harbour Protest: The Boston Tea Party was a symbolic act of defiance, taking place in Boston Harbor.

Coercive (Intolerable) Acts of 1774

• Punishment for Boston: Intended to punish Massachusetts colonists for the Boston Tea Party, but ultimately affected all 13 colonies.
• Boston Harbor Closure: The British Parliament closed Boston Harbor until the city paid for the destroyed tea.
• Massachusetts Government Act: Restricted local government autonomy by limiting the number of town hall meetings.
• Threat to Autonomy: These Acts were seen as a threat to colonial autonomy and local governance.

Continental Association

• Economic Boycott: Called for a boycott of British imports starting in December 1774, followed by a ban on exports to Britain in September 1775.
• Committee Enforcement: Local and colony-wide committees of inspection were established to enforce the boycott.
• Colonial Unity: Many colonial leaders hoped the economic measures of the Continental Association would foster unity among the colonies.

Thomas Paine

• Common Sense: Paine's pamphlet, "Common Sense," published in January 1776, argued for American independence and popular sovereignty.
• Influence on Public Opinion: Paine's persuasive writing played a significant role in shifting public opinion in favor of independence.

Second Continental Congress (1775)

• Continental Army Formation: The Congress established the Continental Army and appointed George Washington as its commander-in-chief.
• Olive Branch Petition: The Congress drafted the Olive Branch Petition, a last attempt at reconciliation with Britain.
• Declaration of Independence Drafting: The Congress began drafting the Declaration of Independence, a document that would formally declare the colonies' separation from Britain.
• Articles of Confederation Approval: The draft of the Articles of Confederation, the first governing document of the United States, was approved.

Social Contract Theory

• Agreement between People & Government: It suggests a voluntary agreement between the governed and the government.
• Natural Rights: It posits that individuals are born with inherent natural rights.
• Limited Liberties: Individuals consent to surrender certain liberties in exchange for protection of remaining rights.
• Consent of the Governed: The legitimacy of government rests upon the consent of the governed.

John Locke

• Second Treatise of Government: In this treatise, Locke outlined the principles of natural rights, including life, liberty, and property.
• Inalienable Rights: These rights are considered inalienable and should be protected by the government.
• Government's Role: Locke argued for a government that protects these rights and is accountable to the people.

The Articles of Confederation

• First US Constitution: Passed in 1777 and ratified in 1781, it served as the first constitution of the United States.
• Limited Congressional Power: Congress had limited powers, lacking the authority to tax, regulate trade, or create a uniform currency.
• Lack of Executive & Judiciary: It lacked a distinct executive branch or judiciary, making it difficult to enforce laws and maintain order.
• Prevention of Tyranny: The Articles were designed to prevent tyranny by limiting the power of the central government.

Failure of the Articles

• Weak Congress: The Congress was too weak to effectively govern the United States.
• Inability to Tax: Lacking the power to tax, it struggled to fund its operations and maintain an army.
• Unenforceable Trade Agreements: The absence of a strong federal government resulted in unenforceable trade agreements.
• No Executive/Judiciary: The lack of a separate executive branch and judiciary hindered stability and efficient governance.

Post-War Economy

• Economic Depression: Following the Revolutionary War, the United States faced economic depression, leading to unrest and rebellions.
• Debtors and Property Seizures: People struggling to pay taxes and debts faced threats of jail time or seizure of property.

Shays' Rebellion (1786-1787)

• Largest Rebellion: Led by Daniel Shays in Massachusetts, it was the largest rebellion against state governments.
• Response to Property Seizure: Driven by concerns about potential property seizures and imprisonment, including those who fought in the Revolution.
• Exposing Government Weakness: Shays' Rebellion highlighted the inability of the weak national government to effectively respond to crises.

What Shays' Rebellion Exposed:

• Federal Inability to Assist: The national government lacked the resources and authority to assist during the rebellion.
• Lack of National Funding: Due to the lack of power to tax, the government was unable to pay for even its limited functions.
• State Control over Taxes: State control over taxation limited the national government's ability to finance its responsibilities.

The Constitutional Convention (The Second Try)

• Addressing Articles’ Deficiencies: Delegates from all 13 states met in Philadelphia in 1787 to revise the Articles of Confederation, ultimately drafting a new constitution.

Explore the various factors driving revolution, including oppression, economic hardship, and the influence of Enlightenment ideas. This quiz delves into the motivations behind the revolutionary movements in the British Empire's American colonies. Test your understanding of these critical historical elements.