Overview
The lecture examines the causes and escalating tensions that led to the American Revolution, focusing on British policies, colonial reactions, and the evolving colonial identity.
The Unexpected Path to Revolution
- Contrary to a gradual desire for independence, most colonists were loyal British subjects until 1775-76.
- Key turning points included the battles at Lexington and Concord and the influence of Thomas Paine's "Common Sense."
- Colonists viewed themselves as part of the freest and most prosperous part of the British Empire before the Revolution.
Long-term Trends in Colonial Society
- Population growth in the colonies increased from a few hundred to millions by 1776.
- Political competence grew through powerful local assemblies and self-government.
- Economic prosperity rose; colonies became major producers of ships and iron within the British Empire.
- Independence became feasible but was not widely desired prior to British policy changes.
Emerging American Identity and Ideologies
- The Great Awakening fostered religious confidence and reduced admiration for England.
- Colonists read Whig writers and believed liberty was threatened by government corruption.
- A broad, landholding middle class in America was seen as the best safeguard of freedom.
- Newspapers revealed a shift from identifying as British to "American," especially after the French and Indian War.
Troubles After the French and Indian War
- British saw the need to defend a larger empire and manage Native American relations (Pontiac's Rebellion).
- Mercantilist policy led to a crackdown on colonial smuggling and increased law enforcement.
- British sought colonial financial contributions as Americans paid much less tax than Britons.
British Policies and Colonial Reactions
- Proclamation of 1763 restricted settlement west of the Appalachians; initially little protest.
- Increased enforcement of trade laws angered colonists, who saw new officials as tools of corruption.
- The Stamp Act imposed unpopular direct taxes; colonists objected due to lack of direct representation.
- The concept of "virtual representation" in Parliament clashed with colonial ideas about local representation.
- Colonial leaders organized the Stamp Act Congress and economic boycotts, leading to the Act's repeal but not resolving core issues.
Continued Tensions and Escalating Conflict
- Townshend Acts taxed imports; led to more boycotts and resistance.
- British stationed troops in Boston, heightening fears of standing armies infringing on liberty.
- Legal rights eroded: judges lacked independence, jury trials were removed, and the Anglican Church's influence grew.
- The Boston Tea Party and the resulting Coercive Acts intensified colonial outrage.
- The Quebec Act alarmed colonists by favoring Catholics and limiting representative government in Canada.
The Breakdown of Compromise
- Fundamental disagreement: colonies insisted taxes required local consent; Britain demanded colonies pay a share.
- Neither side could compromise without sacrificing vital interests.
- The unreconcilable conflict led directly to the outbreak of war.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Stamp Act — 1765 British law imposing direct taxes on legal documents and printed materials in the colonies.
- Virtual Representation — British idea that Parliament represented all subjects, even those who did not elect members.
- Proclamation of 1763 — British order prohibiting colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains.
- Great Awakening — Religious revival in the 18th-century American colonies emphasizing individual faith and equality.
- Townshend Acts — 1767 laws taxing imported goods in the colonies.
- Whig Writers — British political thinkers warning of government corruption and threats to liberty.
- Coercive (Intolerable) Acts — British punitive laws after the Boston Tea Party, including closing Boston's port.
- Quebec Act — 1774 law extending Canadian borders and allowing Catholicism, alarming Protestant colonists.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Prepare for the upcoming exam covering the leadup to the American Revolution.
- Review key concepts: British policies, colonial responses, and shifts in identity and ideology.