The roots were present in the nature of the people who first settled the wilderness that was to become the thirteen British colonies in North America. They were an independent-minded people who were willing to risk the dangerous voyage across the windswept Atlantic because they wanted a better and freer life. Then their sense of independence - and that of their descendants - grew as they carved out homes in the New World and harvested their own food. But despite this, they had no thoughts of breaking away from their mother country. They were loyal to their king and proud of being British.
But then, at the beginning at 1651 the British government confronted the colonists with a series of laws called the Navigation Acts.
One of the navigation acts, demanded that all goods headed to the colonies from foreign nations had to pass first through English ports so that Britain could collect customs fees (fees charged to the countries sending the goods) on them. Another prohibited the Americans from shipping certain goods to any country but England because they were needed there.
With these measures, England sought to profit from the growing American trade. And so, while there was some colonial discontent, the rage that eventually led to the revolution did not come until the end of the French and Indian War in the mid - 1700s.
NEW CAUSE FOR ANGER
Currency Act:
This act prohibited American colonies from issuing their own currency, angering many American colonists. . By the end of the year, many colonies were practising Non-Importation. Throughout the 1700s, England, France and Spain engaged in a series of wars in both Europe and America . One conflict, the French and Indian War (1756-1763) so called because the surrounding Indian tribes joined one side or the other left England heavily in debt, even though they were victorious.
And so, since the mother country (England) had battled to protect the colonies, the newly crowned King George III said the colonies should pay for the costs of the war.
Parliament ´ s first direct tax was the Stamp Act on the American colonies. This act, like those passed in 1764, was enacted to raise money for Britain. It taxed newspapers, almanacs, pamphlets, broadsides, legal documents, dice, and playing cards. Issued by Britain, the stamps were affixed to documents or packages to show that the tax had been paid.
The 2 million people refused with the famous slogan:
NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION.
The colonists flew into a fresh rage and boycotted the British goods. Street disturbances, led by the Sons of Liberty, erupted in several cities. The disturbances led to a tragedy on March 5, 1770, when the arrival of troops in Boston provoked conflict between citizens and soldiers. A group of soldiers, surrounded by an unfriendly crowd opened fire, killing five Americans and fatally wounding six more.
Townshend Act, 1767
To help pay the expenses involved in governing the American colonies, Parliament passed the Townshend Act, which initiated taxes on glass, lead, paint, paper, and tea.
Tea Act, 1773
By reducing the tax on imported British tea, this act gave British merchants an unfair advantage in selling their tea in America. American colonists condemned the act, and many planned to boycott the tea.
Boston Tea Party, 1773
When British tea ships arrived in Boston harbour, many citizens wanted the tea sent back to England without paying any taxes. However the royal governor insisted that all taxes had to be paid. On December 16th ,a group of men disguised as Indians boarded the ships and dumped all the tea into the harbour.
As a punishment, Parliament enacted a string of laws that colonials quickly dubbed the
“Intolerable Acts”
One of the new laws closed Boston to sea trade until the people paid for the destroyed tea. Another of the Intolerable Acts took away the right of Massachusetts to govern itself and placed the colony under the rule of the British army .For many Americans this was the final insult. The anger was at its greatest in Massachusetts. Its people were an especially independent lot and had always fiercely opposed the British laws. War with the mother country no longer seemed just a possibility but almost a certainty. However, though angry, many Americans did not want a complete break with Britain and the birth of a new nation.
In response to the Acts, delegates from the colonies met in Philadelphia in 1774 for what became known as the First Continental Congress. They discussed their complaints and then issued a Declaration of Colonial Rights and Grievances. In it, they held that the right to levy taxes belonged to them and petitioned the king to correct the wrongs being done to the colonies. The Declaration was politely worded because the delegates, despite their anger, were still loyal to their mother country. The king ignored their plea.
New England prepares for War:
British troops began to fortify Boston, and seized ammunition belonging to the colony of Massachusetts. Thousands of American militiamen were ready to resist, but no fighting occurred. Massachusetts created a Provincial Congress, and a special Committee of Safety to decide when the militia should be called into action. Special groups of militia, known as Minute Men, were organised to be ready for instant action.
Lexington and Concord
British troops planned to destroy American ammunition at Concord. When the Boston Committee of Safety learned of this plan, it sent Paul Revere and William Dawes to alert the countryside and gather the Minute Men. On April 19, Minute Men and British troops met at Lexington, where a shot from a stray British gun lead to more British firing. The Americans only fired a few shots; several Americans were killed. The British marched on to Concord and destroyed some ammunition, but soon found the countryside swarming with militia. At the end of the day, many were dead on both sides. On June 10, John Adams proposed that Congress consider the forces in Boston a Continental army, and suggested the need for a general. He recommended George Washington for the position. Congress began to raise men from other colonies to join the army in New England, and named a committee to draft military rules. On June 15, Washington was nominated to lead the army; he accepted the next day. To pay for the army, Congress issued bills of credit, and the twelve colonies represented in the Congress promised to share in repaying the bills.
Congress treaties with the Indians
Acting as an independent government, Congress appointed commissioners to create peace treaties with the Indians.
Congress Creates a Navy
Congress began to plan for aggressive action against British ships stocked with ammunition. It authorized the building of four armed ships and began to formulate rules for a navy. Soon after, Congress authorized privateering and issued rules for dealing with enemy vessels and plunder.
Congress Searches for Foreign Aid
When a congressional committee began to investigate the possibiltiy of foreign aid in the war against Great Britain, France expressed interest (later also the Netherlands and Spain).
Congress declares Independence, July 4, 1776
When North Carolina and Virginia empowered their delegates to vote for American independence, Virginian Richard Henry Lee offered a resolution stating that the colonies “ are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States. ” A committee was appointed to draft a declaration of independence, and Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write it. On July 2, Congress voted in favour of independence, and on July 4, the Declaration of Independence was approvaled
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are
instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organising its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness .
Translation: Folgende Wahrheiten erachten wir als selbstverstÄndlich: dass alle Menschen gleich geschaffen sind; dass sie von ihrem Schöpfer mit gewissen unverÄuß erlichen Rechten ausgestattet sind; dass dazu Leben, Freiheit und das Streben nach Glück gehören; dass zur Sicherung dieser Rechte Regierungen unter den Menschen eingesetzt sind, die ihre rechtm äß ige Macht aus der Zustimmung der Regierten herleiten; dass, wenn immer irgendeine Regierungsform sich als diesen Zielen abtrÄglich erweist, es das Recht des Volkes ist, sie zuÄndern oder abzuschaffen und eine neue Regierung ein zusetzen und diese auf solchen GrundsÄtzen aufzubauen und ihre Gewalten in der Form zu organisieren, wie es ihm zur GewÄhrleistung seiner Sicherheit und seines Glückes geboten zu sein scheint.
America has a flag,1777
On June 14, Congress declared that the flag of the United States would consist of thirteen alternating red and white stripes, and a blue field with thirteen white stars (representing the 13 colonies like Georgia, North and South Carolina, Massachusetts, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut)
The Conway Cabal
Many in Congress were unhappy with Washingon´s leadership; some murmured the name of General Horatio Gates as a possible replacement. Thomas Conway the army’s inspector general, wrote a critical letter to Gates about Washington, leading many to believe there was an organised effort to replace Washington. Conway resigned from the army, and eventually apologised to Washington.
Articles of Confederation:
When Richard Henry Lee made a motion for independence (1776), he also proposed a formal plan of union among the states. After a discussion lasting more than a year, the Articles of Confederation were adopted by Congress, although the states did not ratify the Articles until 1871.
France and America become Allies, 1778
France would be obligated to fight for American independence; and America would be obligated to stand by France if war should occur between France and Great Britain. Within four months, France and Great Britain were at war. France and America formed an alliance, negotiated by Benjamin Franklin.
The British Attempt to make peace
Threatened by the alliance between France and America, Parliament proposed the repeal of the Tea Act and Coercive Acts, and sent peace commissioners to America. However, most Americans were interested only in British recognition of American independence. When a British commissioner tried to bribe congressmen Joseph Reed, Robert Morris, and Francis Dana, Americans became even less interested in reconciliation. Competing for support from the American people, both Congress and the desperate commissioners appealed directly to them with broadsides, but the British commissioners soon returned to Great Britain, their mission a failure.
Spain joins the War 1779
Spain asked Britain for Gibraltar as a reward for joining the war on the British side. When Britain refused, Spain joined France in its war against Britain, although refusing to recognise American independence.
The British take Charleston, South Carolina, 1780
After a brief fight, the British took Charleston, capturing 5400 men and four American ships in the harbour. It was the worst American defeat of the war.
The treason of Benedict Arnold
An American general betray America
American General Benedict Arnold, frustrated and ambitious began dealing with British General Sir Henry Clinton. After he was promised the command at West Point by General Washington, Arnold told Clinton that he would give the strategic American fortification to the British. But when British Major John Andr, acting as messenger, was captured, Arnold fled to a British ship, revealing his involvement in the treasonous plan. Andr, was executed as a spy, and Arnold was made a brigadier general in the British army.
Congress creates a department of Finance, 1781
American finances were in such dire straits that Congress saw the need for a separate department of finance. Robert Morris was appointed superintendent of finance.
Peace negotiations begin in Paris, 1782 Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay.
British, French and American commissioners met in Paris to discuss peace. The United States sent Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay. By November, the commissioners had drafted a peace treaty. Its terms called for Great Britain to recognise American independence and provide for the evacuation of all British troops. Great Britain also gave up its territory between the Mississippi River and the Alle gheny Mountains, doubling the size of the new nation.
Congress ratifies the preliminary articles of peace, 1783
After Spain, France and Britain successfully came to terms, the treaty between France, Britain and America was put into effect, and warfare formally ceased. Congress ratified the Articles of Peace on April 15.
The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, 1786
The Virginia House of Burgesses passed a statute, written by Thomas Jefferson in 1779 and sponsored by James Madison, declaring that no person should be discriminated against because of religious belief, or compelled to join or support any church. This statute helped shape the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
The Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, 1787
Edmund Randolph proposed the “Virginia Plan”, drafted by James Madison - a plan that recommended an entirely new form of government, including an executive, a judiciary and a legislature composed of two houses and including a number of representatives from each state based on their population.
George Washington First President 1789-1797
Fast Fact: George Washington’s integrity set a pattern for all the other Presidents to follow
A tall planter from the State of Virginia, Washington commanded the Continental Army throughout the war, though two of his generals - Charles Lee and Horatio Gates - tried to overturn him and take his place. Both failed in their attempts. Washington went on to become the nation`s first president. Prior to assuming the presidency, he played an influential role in the 1787 Philadelphia convention that developed the United States Constitution.
THOMAS JEFFERSON
It was to Jefferson that the principal task of writing the Declaration of Independence fell ( Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston and John Adams did also writing). He served as governor of Virginia during the war. He later became the nation’s first secretary of state and its third president. His final years were devoted to founding the University of Virginia. He designed its buildings and supervised its construction.
Horatio Gates
An American revolutionary soldier, born in Maldon, England. He supported the colonial cause at the outbreak of the American Revolution in 1775 and was appointed adjutant general in the regular army. In 1777 Gates became commander of the Northern Department.Then he was involved in the Conway Cabal, an unsuccessful attempt to wrest the command from General George Washington. Gates retired to his farm, but he was recalled by Congress and given command of the Army of the South. His forces were disastrously defeated by Charles Cornwallis. So he was replaced by General Nathanael Greene.
The Constitution of the United States of America
There are seven original Articles of 1789 for example:
Article I
That all men are by nature equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights, of which, when they enter into a state of society, they cannot, by any compact, deprive or divest their posterity; namely, the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.
Article V
That the legislative and executive powers of the state should be separated and distinct from the judicature;...
Article XII
That the freedom of the press is one of the greatest bulwarks of liberty and can never be restrained but by despotic governments.
Bill of Rights
The conventions of a number of the states having at the time of their adopting the
Constitution, expressing a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added.
Amendment 1 No Religious establishment; Freedom of speech, of the press; Right to petition
Frequently asked questions
What were the Navigation Acts and how did they affect the American colonies?
The Navigation Acts were a series of laws enacted by the British government starting in 1651. These acts aimed to profit from the growing American trade. One act required all goods headed to the colonies from foreign nations to pass through English ports first, allowing Britain to collect customs fees. Another act prohibited the Americans from shipping certain goods to any country but England.
What was the Currency Act and why were the American colonists angered by it?
The Currency Act prohibited American colonies from issuing their own currency, which angered many colonists.
What caused the French and Indian War and what impact did it have on the relationship between Britain and the American colonies?
The French and Indian War (1756-1763) was a conflict between England, France, and Spain in both Europe and America. It left England heavily in debt, and King George III believed the colonies should pay for the costs of the war.
What was the Stamp Act and why did the colonists protest against it?
The Stamp Act was Parliament’s first direct tax on the American colonies. It taxed newspapers, almanacs, pamphlets, legal documents, dice, and playing cards. The colonists protested with the slogan "NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION," arguing that they should not be taxed without having representation in the British Parliament.
What was the Townshend Act?
The Townshend Act, passed in 1767, initiated taxes on glass, lead, paint, paper, and tea to help pay for governing the American colonies.
What was the Tea Act and what did it lead to?
The Tea Act of 1773 reduced the tax on imported British tea, giving British merchants an unfair advantage in selling their tea in America. This led to the Boston Tea Party, where colonists dumped tea into Boston Harbor.
What were the "Intolerable Acts" and what was their purpose?
The "Intolerable Acts" were a series of laws enacted by Parliament as punishment for the Boston Tea Party. One law closed Boston to sea trade until the people paid for the destroyed tea. Another took away the right of Massachusetts to govern itself and placed the colony under the rule of the British army.
What was the First Continental Congress and what did it accomplish?
In response to the Intolerable Acts, delegates from the colonies met in Philadelphia in 1774 for the First Continental Congress. They discussed their complaints and issued a Declaration of Colonial Rights and Grievances, petitioning the king to correct the wrongs being done to the colonies.
What happened at Lexington and Concord?
British troops planned to destroy American ammunition at Concord. The Boston Committee of Safety sent Paul Revere and William Dawes to alert the countryside. On April 19, Minute Men and British troops met at Lexington, where a shot led to more British firing. The British marched on to Concord and destroyed some ammunition, but soon found the countryside swarming with militia.
What actions did Congress take to prepare for war?
Congress created a Continental army and appointed George Washington as general. It also raised men from other colonies to join the army in New England, drafted military rules, issued bills of credit to pay for the army, appointed commissioners to create peace treaties with the Indians, and began to plan for aggressive action against British ships.
When was the Declaration of Independence declared?
The Declaration of Independence was approved on July 4, 1776.
What were the Articles of Confederation?
The Articles of Confederation was a formal plan of union among the states, adopted by Congress after more than a year of discussion, although the states did not ratify the Articles until 1871.
How did France become involved in the American Revolution?
France formed an alliance with America in 1778, obligated to fight for American independence. This led to war between France and Great Britain.
Who was Benedict Arnold and what was his role in the Revolution?
Benedict Arnold was an American general who betrayed America. He began dealing with British General Sir Henry Clinton, promising to give the British the strategic American fortification at West Point. However, his plan was discovered, and he fled to the British.
What was the significance of the Peace Negotiations in Paris in 1782?
British, French, and American commissioners met in Paris to discuss peace. The United States sent Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay. By November, the commissioners had drafted a peace treaty calling for Great Britain to recognize American independence and provide for the evacuation of all British troops.
What was the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom?
The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, written by Thomas Jefferson in 1779 and sponsored by James Madison, declared that no person should be discriminated against because of religious belief, or compelled to join or support any church. This statute helped shape the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787?
The Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 to form a new plan of government.
Who was George Washington and what role did he play in the early years of the United States?
George Washington was the commander of the Continental Army during the war and became the nation’s first president. He also played an influential role in the 1787 Philadelphia convention that developed the United States Constitution.
Who was Thomas Jefferson and what were some of his contributions to the United States?
Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, served as governor of Virginia during the war, became the nation’s first secretary of state and its third president. He founded the University of Virginia.
What is the Bill of Rights?
The Bill of Rights is a set of amendments to the Constitution expressing a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added. Amendment 1 guarantees No Religious establishment; Freedom of speech, of the press; Right to petition
- Citar trabajo
- Elisabeth Heidinger (Autor), 2001, War of Independence, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/102876
