The Road to American Independence: Key Events and Alliances

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What was the primary cause of growing political antagonism between England and its American colonies?

A feeling among the colonies that they did not belong to England and a lack of unity among them.

What global conflict began in the 1750s that influenced the relationship between England and its colonies?

The Seven Years’ War.

Which countries were the main belligerents in North America during the Seven Years’ War?

France, Great Britain, Spain, and Native people.

What was the outcome of the Treaty of Paris in 1763?

France had to cede territories to Britain, making England the most powerful empire.

What did the Royal Proclamation of 1763 forbid?

Settlements west of a line drawn along the Appalachian Mountains.

What was Pontiac’s War (1763)?

A loose confederation of Native Americans dissatisfied with British rule in the Great Lakes Region.

What was one major consequence of the Seven Years’ War for Britain?

Britain incurred a significant war debt, leading to taxation of the colonies.

Who was George Grenville in relation to British colonial policy?

The Prime Minister who concluded that colonists should help pay for the war due to their benefits from it.

What was the Stamp Act (1765)?

A law requiring tax stamps on printed materials, which catalyzed protests and resistance among colonists.

Who led the opposition against the Stamp Act?

Patrick Henry.

What was the purpose of the Townsend Acts (1767)?

To impose new taxes on imported goods like paper, glass, lead, and tea.

What was the "theory of virtual representation"?

The English defense that Parliament represented all English subjects, regardless of whether they could vote.

Who urged towns to establish committees of correspondence?

Samuel Adams.

What role did women play in the resistance during the 1760s?

They promoted boycotts and created "homespun fabric" as part of their commitment to liberty.

Who is known as the "Mother of the Boston Tea Party"?

Sarah Bradlee Fulton.

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Explore the growing tensions between England and its American colonies leading to the War of Independence. Discover the impact of the Seven Years' War, the French and Indian War, and the Treaty of Paris on colonial unity and aspirations for independence.

1. Women also took part in the resistance trying to prove their commitment to the cause of liberty and _____.

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2. There was a growing political antagonism between England and her American _____.

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3. The Seven Years’ War was, in a way, the first global war, as it implied different _____.

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4. The Royal Proclamation forbade settlements west of a line drawn along the Appalachian Mountains (Indian ____).

*********

5. The Stamp Act required tax stamps on printed materials: documents had to carry a stamp in order to be _____.

*********

6. Grenville, George III Prime Minister, concluded that since the colonists had benefited from the war, they should be asked to pay a large share in running the _____.

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7. The Tea Act granted the East India Company a monopoly on tea sales in the American _____.

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8. On March 5, 1770 happened the “Incident on King Street”: a crowd began to harass and throw snowballs at the _____.

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9. Paul Revere rode at night to warn the local militias at Lexington and _____.

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10. The purpose was to support Boston, and to work out a unified approach to the British _____.

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Study Notes

The Road to Independence: Revolution and the War of Independence

The path to American independence was shaped by a series of political tensions, colonial identities, and significant historical conflicts. These elements collectively fueled revolutionary sentiments among colonists, leading to their eventual break from British rule.

Political Tensions

  • Growing Antagonism: Increasing discord between England and its colonies fostered feelings of alienation among colonists.
  • Taxation Without Representation: Rising taxes post-war, including the Sugar Act and Stamp Act, intensified colonial dissatisfaction as they felt unrepresented in British Parliament.

Colonial Identity

  • Lack of Unity: Colonists identified more with local issues than as a collective entity. However, shared grievances began to forge a common identity.
  • Role of Key Figures: Leaders like John Adams and Patrick Henry rallied support for rights and representation, emphasizing that true governance required direct electoral representation.

Historical Context

  • The Seven Years’ War Impact: This global conflict altered colonial attitudes towards Britain. Its conclusion through the Treaty of Paris (1763) solidified Britain's dominance but also heightened colonial grievances due to increased control.
  • Royal Proclamation of 1763: This proclamation restricted westward expansion, igniting tension between eager settlers and British authorities.

Resistance Movements

  • Sons of Liberty: Formed as grassroots organizations opposing British taxation; key figures included Samuel Adams and Paul Revere.
  • Boycotts and Protests: Widespread boycotts against British goods emerged in response to the Townsend Acts, showcasing growing unity among colonies against perceived oppression.

Key Takeaways

  1. The interplay between political tensions and colonial identity was crucial in shaping revolutionary sentiments that led to independence.
  2. Economic policies imposed by Britain after the Seven Years' War played a significant role in fostering discontent among colonists.
  3. Grassroots movements like the Sons of Liberty were pivotal in organizing resistance efforts that ultimately contributed to the revolution.

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