The Revolution Before The War
“Salutary Neglect” Ends! King George III Reigns
(1760-1820)
• prior to George, Colonists had been largely
left to self rule
• Most colonists considered themselves loyal
British subjects
French Indian War (1756-1763) changes everything
French Indian War (1756-1763) changes
everything
• Who: Britain, France (part of larger Seven Years War
taking place in Europe)
• Where: throughout colonial America
– Fighting from Virginia up to Quebec, Canada
• Why: Border disputes between British and France,
seeking colonial domination
• Results: Britain defeats France & gained substantial
territory in America & what is now Canada
– Spain acquired Louisiana territory (later sold to U.S.)
– Britain runs up massive debt that must be repaid
Royal Proclamation of 1763:
– Land west of Appalachian MTS. Reserved for Native Americans
– Colonists restricted from expansion
Revenue Act – 1764 (Sugar Act)
– lowered 1733 Molasses Act tax but focused on enforcing
– Taxed sugar, coffee, wines, lumber & iron
Stamp Act - 1765
– tax on all papers, official documents, newspapers, licenses, wills,
etc
– idea of virtual representation
• Colonies did not have reps in Parliament to specifically represent them
• Britain believed in “virtual representation” Parliament serves all subjects
– Colonial anger & protests begin
– Sons of Liberty formed
Quartering Act – 1765
– Required housing of British troops
1766 - Declaratory Acts: Britain declared full & total legislative authority
over the colonies, also repealed the Stamp Act
Fall 1768 – 3000 British troops arrive in Boston
-tensions mount, but no open resistance yet
Boston Massacre – March 5 1770
• Group of colonists attack British soldiers
•Soldiers eventually open fire, 5 colonists killed
• Propaganda campaign (Revere Engraving)
Gaspee set afire – Rhode Island, 1772
•British customs ship run ashore
•Vandalized & burned by group of colonists
•any SUSPECT to be charged with high treason, sent to BRITAIN for
trial
1773-Tea Act
-gave favor (monopoly) to East India Company, lowered taxes on tea
-Boston Tea Party – Dec. 16
Coercive (Intolerable) Acts - 1774
-shut down Boston harbor except for food and fuel until reparations made for
Boston Tea Party
The Colonists Respond
1st Continental Congress
(1774)
2nd Continental Congress (1775)
• Fighting had already begun
• All 13 colonies sent delegates
• To respond to Britain’s passage of
Intolerable Acts
• Colonists urged to boycott (refuse to
buy/trade) with Britain
• Petition King George to ease/repeal
Intolerable Acts
• Unicameral Congress, John Hancock
elected as President of the
Congress
• Fought war, raised & paid army,
made treaties
True/False: As of 1775, the goal of most
colonists was to break away from Britain and
establish American independence?????
American Revolution: Tale of the Tape
Colonists
British
# of troops: varies, but
usually not more than
20,000-30,000 regulars at a
time + militia
Around 30,000 professional
soldiers + 30,000 Hessian
mercenaries
• Many loyalists in the
colonies
Naval Strength: Minimal,
around 30 ships at best
Naval Strength: Largest,
most powerful in world,
nearly 300 ships
Less Experienced leaders
without formal training
Highly trained, experienced
leadership