Causes of the American Revolution

Causes of the American Revolution

• Enlightenment ideas spread through the colonies, decreasing loyalty to the British king.
• The cost of the French and Indian War increased Britain's debt and led to increased taxes.
• British citizens were paying one-third of their salaries in taxes.
• Colonists opposed being taxed without representation in Parliament.
• The Proclamation of 1763 forbade colonial settlement of western lands.
• The Sugar Act (1764) and Stamp Act (1765) imposed taxes on printed materials and sugar/molasses, furthering colonial resentment.
• The Townshend Acts (1767) sparked protests from groups like the Sons of Liberty.
• The Boston Massacre (1770) increased colonial outrage toward British troops.
• The Intolerable Acts (1774) aimed to punish colonists for the Boston Tea Party.
• Colonists protested by boycotting British goods and forming militias.
• The First Continental Congress (1774) met, showcasing colonial unity against Britain.
• The Battles of Lexington and Concord (1775) marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War.
• The Second Continental Congress (1775) declared independence.
• The Declaration of Independence (1776) outlined colonial grievances, justifying their separation from Britain.
• The choice was to support independence or remain loyal to Britain.

Glossary

• Enlightenment: A movement emphasizing reason and science in philosophy.
• Militia: A volunteer army for local defense.
• George Washington: Served in the Virginia militia, and legislature.
• Mercenary: A soldier fighting for pay in a foreign army.
• Popular Sovereignty: Government authority derived from consent of the governed.
• Patriot: Someone who supported American independence.
• Loyalist: Someone loyal to the British during the Revolution.

Britain and the American Colonies

• Britain paid little attention to the colonies before 1763, which were approximately 3000 miles away.
• Colonists developed self-rule but remained loyal to the British Crown.
• Colonists felt connected to Britain and believed that British protection prevented conflict with other countries.
• Britain was viewed as a trustworthy trade partner and maritime protector for the colonies.
• British control led to resentment in the colonies.