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Uniting for Independence

Explore the events and changes that led to the American colonies uniting and declaring independence from Britain. From the Seven Years War to the Continental Congress, discover the path towards freedom.

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Uniting for Independence

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  1. Uniting for Independence From 1607-1760 the American colonies were self managed. The policy of the British govt. was called salutory neglect. “let sleeping dogs lie.” • Two events changed the relationship between Britain and the American colonies: 1. Seven Years War (French & Indian War) 2. King George III • Stamp Act of 1765: first direct tax on colonies • By 1772 colonial opposition to the taxes caused their repeal • 1773: Boston Tea Party 1. Parliament retaliated by passing the Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts) Colonial Unity • Before 1770s most American colonials were loyal to Britain. • Albany Plan proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1754 rejected • 1765-1773 saw the disparate American colonies begin to unite.

  2. Uniting for Independence contd. • 1773: Committees of Correspondence formed • 1774: 1st Continental Congress: placed an embargo on British goods • “The New England governments are in a state of rebellion, blows must decide whether they are to be subject to this country or independent.”---King George III • April 19th, 1775: Battle of Lexington & Concord“shot heard ‘round the world. • Second Continental Congress meets immediately afterward and forms a Continental Army with George Washington in command. Independence • Continental Congress debated what action to take, public opinion began to slowly shift from fighting for the rights of Englishmen to a call for outright independence.

  3. Uniting for Independence contd. • Thomas Paine’s Common Sense • July 2, 1776 Congress approved Richard Henry Lee’s resolution for a call for complete independence. July 4, 1776, Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence was ratified. • Key Parts of the Declaration of Independence 1. Statement of Purpose 2. 27 paragraphs of charges against George III 3. Formal statement of independence

  4. Articles of Confederation • After declaring independence, the Continental Congress wanted to create a “league of friendship” among 13 independent states. The first American govt. was a confederation formally called the Articles of Confederation Government Under the Articles • unicameral legislature, each state had one representative • no executive branch or national court system • Congress only had 9 powers: Weaknesses of the Articles • each state would not give up sovereignty to a national govt. • could not levy taxes • could not regulate trade • could not force states to obey national laws, only advise • amending the articles required a unanimous vote • no executive branch to enforce laws or act a commander-in-chief • no national court system

  5. Mazzarella Educational Media. "Understanding the Constitution: Creating the Federal Government.“ Discovery Education: http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/

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