APUSH: Period 3, 1754-1800 - Causes of the American Revolution

Why This Matters

The American Revolution was a pivotal event in world history, marking the first successful colonial revolt against a European power. It had far-reaching consequences for the development of modern democracy, individual rights, and the concept of national sovereignty. Understanding the causes of the American Revolution is essential for grasping the larger themes of American Identity, Politics and Power, and the ongoing struggle for liberty and equality. The Revolution's impact can be seen in the subsequent development of the United States, the French Revolution, and the rise of nationalist movements across the globe.

Key Events & People

• The Proclamation of 1763: Issued by King George III, this decree prohibited American settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains, leading to growing tensions between the colonies and Great Britain.
• The Stamp Act (1765): This tax on printed materials sparked widespread protests and boycotts, marking the beginning of organized resistance to British rule.
• The Boston Massacre (1770): Tensions between British soldiers and American colonists culminated in a deadly confrontation, further polarizing the two sides.
• Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" Speech (1775): This impassioned oration rallied Virginians to support the Revolution, emphasizing the importance of individual rights and self-governance.
• The Declaration of Independence (1776): Written by Thomas Jefferson, this foundational document articulated the colonies' grievances against Great Britain and established the principles of American democracy.
• George Washington's Leadership: As commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, Washington's strategic decisions and leadership helped secure crucial victories, ultimately leading to American independence.
• The Treaty of Paris (1783): This treaty formally ended the American Revolutionary War, recognizing American sovereignty and establishing the United States as a sovereign nation.
• The Enlightenment Thinkers: Influential thinkers like John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Thomas Paine shaped American thought, emphasizing the importance of reason, individual rights, and social contract theory.
• The Sons of Liberty: This radical group, led by Samuel Adams and John Hancock, organized protests, boycotts, and other forms of resistance against British rule.
• The Intolerable Acts (1774): A series of laws passed by the British Parliament, including the Boston Port Act and the Quebec Act, further antagonized the colonies and contributed to the outbreak of war.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The Proclamation of 1763 restricted American settlement and economic growth.
• Effect: The colonists felt their rights and interests were being disregarded by the British government.
• Long-term consequence: This perception contributed to the growing sense of American identity and the desire for self-governance.
• Cause: The Enlightenment thinkers' emphasis on reason and individual rights influenced American thought.
• Effect: This ideology shaped the Declaration of Independence and the principles of American democracy.
• Long-term consequence: The Revolution's emphasis on individual rights and liberties has had a lasting impact on American politics and society.
• Cause: The Intolerable Acts further antagonized the colonies and contributed to the outbreak of war.
• Effect: The colonists became increasingly radicalized and united in their opposition to British rule.
• Long-term consequence: The Revolution's success established the United States as a sovereign nation and set a precedent for future nationalist movements.

Essential Vocabulary

• *Taxation without Representation*: The idea that the British government was imposing taxes on the colonies without granting them representation in Parliament.
• *Social Contract Theory*: The idea that individuals enter into a contract with their government, surrendering some rights in exchange for protection and services.
• *Enlightenment*: A cultural and intellectual movement emphasizing reason, individual rights, and scientific progress.
• *Liberty*: The idea of individual freedom and autonomy, often seen as a central principle of American democracy.
• *Sovereignty*: The idea that a nation has supreme authority and control over its own territory and affairs.
• *Colonialism*: The practice of one country establishing settlements and exercising control over another territory or people.
• *Nationalism*: The idea that a nation has a distinct identity and should be self-governing.
• *Patriot*: A term used to describe those who supported the American Revolution and the ideals of American democracy.
• *Loyalist*: A term used to describe those who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolution.
• *Proclamation*: A formal announcement or declaration, often issued by a government or monarch.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: The Proclamation of 1763 was issued in response to the American Revolution, rather than contributing to its causes.
• Correction: The Proclamation was issued in 1763, before the outbreak of the Revolution, as a means of regulating colonial settlement and maintaining British control over the territories west of the Appalachian Mountains.
• What students often get wrong: The American Revolution was primarily a response to British taxation policies.
• Correction: While taxation was a contributing factor, the Revolution was also driven by a broader desire for self-governance, individual rights, and American identity.
• What students often get wrong: The Declaration of Independence was written by a committee of five individuals, including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman.
• Correction: The Declaration was written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, with input and revisions from other committee members.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the role of the Enlightenment thinkers in shaping American thought and the Revolution's emphasis on individual rights and liberties. Be sure to include specific examples from the writings of John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Thomas Paine.
• Possible DBQ question: Using the following documents, evaluate the impact of the Proclamation of 1763 on American settlement and the development of the Revolution. Documents may include:
  • The Proclamation of 1763
  • The Declaration of Independence
  • Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" Speech
  • The Treaty of Paris
• Possible LEQ question: How did the Intolerable Acts contribute to the outbreak of the American Revolution? Be sure to include specific examples from the laws themselves and the reactions of the colonists.

Quick Self?Check

1. What was the primary cause of the American Revolution? a) British taxation policies b) The Proclamation of 1763 c) The Enlightenment thinkers' emphasis on reason and individual rights d) The Intolerable Acts

Answer: c) The Enlightenment thinkers' emphasis on reason and individual rights

Explanation: While taxation and the Proclamation of 1763 were contributing factors, the Revolution was driven by a broader desire for self-governance, individual rights, and American identity, shaped by Enlightenment thought.

1. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? a) Thomas Jefferson b) John Adams c) Benjamin Franklin d) A committee of five individuals

Answer: a) Thomas Jefferson

Explanation: While the Declaration was written by a committee, Thomas Jefferson is credited with drafting the document, with input and revisions from other committee members.

1. What was the significance of the Treaty of Paris? a) It marked the beginning of the American Revolution b) It established the United States as a sovereign nation c) It imposed harsh penalties on the British government d) It led to the abolition of slavery in the United States

Answer: b) It established the United States as a sovereign nation

Explanation: The Treaty of Paris formally ended the American Revolutionary War, recognizing American sovereignty and establishing the United States as a sovereign nation.

Last?Minute Cram Sheet

• The American Revolution began in 1775, not 1776.
• The Proclamation of 1763 was issued in 1763, not 1773.
• The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson, not a committee of five individuals.
• The Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783, not 1776.
• The American Revolution was primarily driven by a desire for self-governance, individual rights, and American identity, rather than taxation policies alone.
• The Enlightenment thinkers, including John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, played a significant role in shaping American thought and the Revolution's emphasis on individual rights and liberties.
• The Intolerable Acts contributed to the outbreak of the American Revolution, but were not the sole cause.
• The American Revolution established the United States as a sovereign nation and set a precedent for future nationalist movements.
• The Revolution's emphasis on individual rights and liberties has had a lasting impact on American politics and society.