American Revolution

English Colonies in America

• 13 English colonies in North America along Atlantic Coast.
• Bulk of population independent farmers.
• North: Fishing and Shipbuilding
• South: Plantations like feudal manor, tobacco, slave labour from Africa. 
• Each colony had a local assembly elected by qualified voters.
• Colonies under the rule of mother country.
• Colonists found English laws imposed on them objectionable.

Cause of War of American Independence

• English policies did not encouraged economy of America colonies. 
• Non-British ships forbidden for trade.
• Products like tobacco, cotton and sugar can only be exported to England. 
• Heavy import duties on goods imported from other places. 
• Forbidden to start certain industries e.g. iron works and textiles.
• Growth of industry and trade in colonies was impeded by England. 
• Angered colonists by issuing a proclamation to prevent them from moving west into new lands.
• 1765 Stamp Act - imposed stamp taxes on all business transactions in American colonies.
• Aroused violent resentment, led to boycott of English goods.
• Colonist claimed English Parliament has no representative from colonies, it had no right to levy taxes on them.
• Massachusetts Assembly, 1765
• Leaders of 13 colonies met in Massachusetts.
• declared English Parliament has no right to levy taxes on them. No taxation without representation. 
• Threatened to stop import of British goods. 
• English repealed Stamp act but insisted on right to levy taxes.Objected by colonies, in response decreased English import by 50%.
• English Parliament withdrew the plan. Tax on tea only, to assert their right to levy taxes.
• Boston Tea Party, 1773
• Several colonies refused to unload tea coming in English ships.
• Boston Governor ordered ship to be unloaded. Group of citizens boarded ship and dumped crates of tea into the water.
• English governor closed port of Boston to all trade and commerce.
• Led to uprising of the colonies. 
• The Philadelphia Congress, 1774
• Representatives of the 13 colonies met as a group at First Continental Congress, Philadelphia,1774.
• Appealed to English King. Remove restrictions on industries and trade. Not to impose any taxes without consent. 
• King declared this to be mutiny and ordered troops be sent to suppress it.
• 1775, First battle of revolution. 
• American colonies were helped by French government with troops, supplies and funds. 

Declaration of Independence

• All men are created equal. 
• Endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights. 
• Among these rights are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
• Declaration advanced the principle that people are the source of authority.
• Affirmed the people's right to setup their own government.  

Significance of American Revolution

• Inspired many revolutionaries in Europe later in the 19th century/.
• Encouraged Spanish and Portuguese colonies in Central and South America to rebel and gain their independence.
• Establishment of a republic.