The American Revolution: Origins and Key
Events
Historical Context: French and Indian War (1750s)
● Part of the Seven Years' War
● Major outcomes for Britain:
○ Massive war debt
○ Acquired French territories in North America
● Britain needed to:
○ Raise money quickly
○ Expand government administration in new territories
British Colonial Policies
Mercantilist Rules
● Previously practiced "salutary neglect"
● Strict rules:
○ Colonists must buy goods only from Britain
○ Sell raw materials exclusively to Britain
● Large smuggling operations existed
Taxation and Representation
● Key Acts:
○ Sugar Act (1764)
○ Stamp Act (1765)
● Colonists' Protest: "No Taxation Without Representation"
○ Disagreement on representation definition
■ British view: Class-based representation
■ Colonists view: Geographic representation
Key Events Leading to Revolution
● Boston Massacre (1770)
○ Increased British military presence
○ Tensions between colonists and British soldiers
Events
Historical Context: French and Indian War (1750s)
● Part of the Seven Years' War
● Major outcomes for Britain:
○ Massive war debt
○ Acquired French territories in North America
● Britain needed to:
○ Raise money quickly
○ Expand government administration in new territories
British Colonial Policies
Mercantilist Rules
● Previously practiced "salutary neglect"
● Strict rules:
○ Colonists must buy goods only from Britain
○ Sell raw materials exclusively to Britain
● Large smuggling operations existed
Taxation and Representation
● Key Acts:
○ Sugar Act (1764)
○ Stamp Act (1765)
● Colonists' Protest: "No Taxation Without Representation"
○ Disagreement on representation definition
■ British view: Class-based representation
■ Colonists view: Geographic representation
Key Events Leading to Revolution
● Boston Massacre (1770)
○ Increased British military presence
○ Tensions between colonists and British soldiers
