American Revolution
Objective: Understand the
economic, political, social and
reasons for the American
Revolution
Seeds of Rebellion
# 1 Explain how each of these was a cause for an
eventual declaration of American independence:
Mercantilism
Navigation Acts
Salutary Neglect
Colonial self –government
French and Indian War (Seven Years’ War)
1754-1761
(officially ended in 1763- Treaty of Paris)
Proclamation of 1763
Revolution Review
#2 List 3 examples of growing tensions and conflict
#3 List 3 examples of organized resistance
#4 How had fighting erupted at Lexington and
Concord? What effect did it have?
# 5 Why were Americans reluctant to declare their
independence at first?
#6 What finally led to a Declaration of Independence?
When?
#7 Summarize the main beliefs of the Loyalists and
Patriots.
Arguments for Independence
# 8 Read each of the following slides,
Then give a one-sentence summary of the
FOUR most influential slides in your notes.
# 9 After you have finished reading and
summarizing each, write a paragraph
stating which argument you believed was
the best given for Americans to declare
their independence from Britain.
Argument 1
Damn the king and damn Parliament!
They are responsible for our suffering! Our
fathers and brothers have died at their
hands. They have taken our property and
destroyed our homes! Too long have we
been bound to the vile country called
Britain. Now we must take a stand.
Argument 2
Any thoughts of gratefulness or commitment to Britain
are mislaid. Britain has never protected our interests.
They care only for their welfare. Thomas Paine wrote in
Common Sense, “We have boasted the protection of
Great Britain without considering that her motive was
interest, not attachment.” If our colonies did not benefit
them, do you think that they would be trying so hard to
keep us under their control? They are using us to collect
their riches and what do we get in return? Nothing! The
regulations on trade were intended only to enrich Britain.
Without Britain’s laws, we could trade with whomever we
pleased. With that freedom our economy could
skyrocket. We could import goods from any country in
the world and other countries would be lining up to get a
hold of a piece of our trade.
Argument 3
John Locke has pointed out that we all have the right to
life, liberty, and the security of property. The British have
slaughtered our citizens, won’t allow us the freedom to
choose what we’re taxed on, and are telling us where on
this land we can and can’t move. They haven’t given us
any of our natural rights. So what do we owe them? The
Proclamation of 1763 forbids us from moving past the
Appalachians. But our population is growing! We are
thriving here! And we need that room to grow. This land
has no boundaries. By what natural right should the
British place boundaries on us? They do not know this
country like we do. How do they know how to control it?
Argument 4
Britain has been unfair to us all. We have
been taxed on probably everything that
Parliament can think of. We have had
absolutely no say in what ours laws will
be. We have the right to be heard! No
taxation without representation! Our laws
should be what we want them to be! We’re
the ones affected by them!
Argument 5
Britain has been holding us back. This
country has potential. Our vast lands
would attract people from all over Europe.
We could create relationships with the
countries of our choice. We don’t have the
same feelings of resentment towards their
opponents from distant wars that we had
no part of.
Argument 6
“…As Britain hath not manifested the least
inclination towards a compromise, we may be
assured that no terms can be obtained worthy
the acceptance of the continent, or in any ways
equal to the expense of blood and treasure we
have already put in.” As Thomas Paine so wisely
said, we have already put in the effort for an
agreement between the two of us. But, we have
been rejected. The king never gave a second
glance towards the Olive Branch Petition. Our
offerings of peace were ignored by your
“faultless” king.
Argument 7
Now, who of you among us doubts our success? Who of
you question our ability to win? I assure you that Britain
no longer doubts the determination and strength of our
loyal citizens. They can not forget the Battle of Bunker
Hill so quickly. Also, Britain does not have money to
finance another war. Why do you think they are taxing us
so? They will run out of resources. We have the
advantage. If Britain wants news of the war, then they
have to wait months for a ship to reach them with it, and
by then the news will have changed. Whereas we will
know what’s happening, when it’s happening.
Furthermore, Britain’s enemies would delight in
supporting our cause. France will not miss an
opportunity in weakening their enemy. There is word that
the French have already sent aid.
Argument 8
We can win this war! We can achieve
independence! If we don’t stand up now,
who knows what the British will do? They
have already massacred the farmers of
Lexington. You could be next. To hell with
the king! Let us go out there and declare
our independence! To freedom!
Write Paragraph
Reminder, # 9: Which was the
best argument for American
declaration for independence and
why?