Resistance from American Colonies
VUS.4c
French and British Rivalry
The rivalry between Britain and France led to the French and Indian War, in which the French were driven out of Canada and the west of the Appalachian Mountains.
Due to the war, Britain enacted the Proclamation of 1763, which prohibited settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains and also the Stamp Act, which put new taxes on legal documents, tea, and sugar, to pay costs from the French and Indian War.
These actions angered the colonists and led to the American Revolution.
Beginning of American Revolution
Acts of Retaliation from Colonists
• The Boston Tea Party
• The First Continental Congress was called and all colonies came together to stop the British
• The Boston Massacre took place when British troops fired on protesters
• War began when the “Minutemen” attacked in Lexington and Concord
Colonist Groups
There were 3 groups during the American Revolution for the colonists
Patriots
– Believed in independence from Britain
– Inspired by John Locke, Paine, and Patrick Henry (Give me liberty, or give me death)
– Provided the troops for the American Army, led by Virginian George Washington
Loyalists
– Also known as Tories
– Remained loyal to Britain because of cultural and economic ties
– Believed that American colonies deserved to be taxed for French and Indian war
Neutrals
– Colonist who stayed uninvolved in the war
Questions
2. What items did the Stamp Act tax?
3. Why was the Continental Congress assembled?
4. Who said "Give me liberty, or give me death"?
5. Who was the commander of the American Army?