American+Revolution+-+Intro+-+SAMPLE


 * Introduction to American Revolution**
 * Article by: Ms. Axe**

The original 13 colonies of North America existed to serve Great Britain. Following the French and Indian War (a.k.a. the Seven Years’ War), Great Britain secured vast areas of eastern North America. North America at the time was mostly agricultural with little manufacturing. The colonialists were forced to export to Great Britain and import from Great Britain. The colonialists were basically at the mercy of King George and the British Parliament.

Due to the large debt incurred by the war, Britain raised taxes on the 13 colonies. Taxes included: The issue of taxes centered around the fact that the colonies lacked representation in the British parliament. In other words, the colonialists paid taxes but had no say in how the money was spent. The battle cry of **“no taxation without representation” ** was heard throughout the colonies. The Sons of Liberty formed and led several protests including the Boston Massacre (1770) and the Boston Tea Party (1773). Unfortunately, as frustration rose, more violence broke out. Tarring and feathering became common.
 * the Sugar Act (1764),
 * the Stamp Act (1765),
 * the Townshead Acts (1773),
 * and the Intolerable Act (1774).

However in 1775, the colonies were not completely united to fight. Prior to the Revolution, the colonies existed independent of each other. Each colony elected its own law-making assembly. Most colonies printed their own currency. Hence, before the colonies could fight England, they had to unite as one. A Continental Congress was convened in Philadelphia to organize the colonies. Notables at the meeting included: After much debate, it was determined that negotiations were at a loss. King George would not listen. The colonies were forced to declare independence.
 * John Adams, MA
 * John Hancock, MA
 * John Jay, NY
 * <span style="color: rgb(225, 9, 9);">Benjamin Franklin, PA
 * <span style="color: rgb(225, 9, 9);">Thomas Jefferson, VA.

Thomas Jefferson was asked to draft the <span style="color: rgb(224, 11, 11);">**Declaration of Independence**. The declaration is basically a break-up letter. It listed the main reasons for the break-up. Jefferson also advocated that all men are entitled to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” The declaration was signed by the members of the Continental Congress, sent to King George, and read to the public on<span style="color: rgb(218, 7, 7);"> July 4, 1776.

At the start of the Revolution, only 1/3 of the colonists were for the Revolution. 1/3 were Loyalists and 1/3 were neutral. Yet, all who lived in North America felt the affects of the war. It was a war fought in our own backyard. It was a war fought for our very survival. When the founding fathers signed the declaration, they committed themselves to winning or to dying. There was no third option.

Led by <span style="color: rgb(143, 10, 10);">General George Washington the <span style="color: rgb(195, 9, 9);">Continental Army overcame many disadvantages to fight the British. Lack of money and lack of training made the Continentals the underdog. But, colonialists were fighting for their home. Their passion drove them to victory.