Overview
This lecture covers the British response to the Boston Tea Party, the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War at Lexington, Concord, and Bunker (Breed's) Hill, and the creation and significance of the Declaration of Independence.
The Intolerable Acts
- The Intolerable Acts were passed by Parliament to punish Boston for the Boston Tea Party.
- Boston Harbor was closed until the colonists paid for the lost tea, stopping all sea trade.
- Massachusetts lost self-government; officials were replaced by those appointed by the King, and town meetings were limited.
- British officials accused of crimes could only be tried in Britain, protecting them from colonial justice.
- The Quartering Act required colonists to house British soldiers in unused buildings; this was the least protested.
Outbreak of War: Lexington and Concord
- The first battle occurred at Lexington on April 19, 1775, when British troops confronted colonial militia.
- The "shot heard round the world" marked the beginning of open conflict, though it is unclear who fired first.
- Eight colonists died at Lexington; British troops then marched to Concord but found few weapons due to advance warning.
- At Concord’s North Bridge, colonists fought back, and British forces began a retreat to Boston under continuous attack.
- By the time the British reached Boston, around 300 British soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing.
The Battle of Bunker (Breed’s) Hill
- The Battle of Bunker Hill was actually fought on Breed's Hill, a key strategic point overlooking Boston Harbor.
- Colonists fortified the hill, and the British launched a frontal assault, suffering over 1,000 casualties.
- Though the British took the hill, it proved they would pay a high price to maintain control.
The Olive Branch Petition and Declaration of Independence
- The Continental Congress sent the Olive Branch Petition, offering loyalty if taxes and restrictions were lifted.
- King George III rejected the petition, labeling the colonists as rebels to be subdued by force.
- Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, helped by Benjamin Franklin.
- The Declaration outlined natural rights, listed grievances against the King, and formally announced American independence.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Intolerable Acts — Series of laws punishing Boston for the Tea Party.
- Lexington and Concord — Sites of the first armed clashes between colonists and British troops.
- Bunker (Breed’s) Hill — Strategic early battle with high British casualties.
- Olive Branch Petition — Last colonial attempt at reconciliation with Britain.
- Declaration of Independence — Document declaring American independence and outlining its reasons.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review questions: the King's response to the Tea Party, the events at Lexington, Concord, and Breed’s Hill, and the authors and purpose of the Declaration of Independence.
- Prepare for the next lecture: differences between Loyalists and Patriots.