Lecture Notes: Colonial America and the Path to Independence

Key Question

• Is Parliament a colonial aggressor or are the colonists the aggressors?
  • Depends on perspective.
  • Colonists view Parliament as aggressors due to direct taxation and lack of representation.
  • Rallying cry: "No taxation without representation."

Parliament's Actions

• December 23, 1775: Parliament banned trade with the colonies and authorized seizure of colonial vessels.
  • Eroded position of anti-independence moderates.
  • Bolstered pro-independence stance.

Colonial Response

• April 6, 1776: Congress opened colonial ports to all except Great Britain.
• Sent Silas Dean to France for potential alliances (extra credit question: Who was Silas Dean and why was he sent to France?).

Outbreak of War

• April 1775: Battles of Lexington and Concord occurred before Second Continental Congress could meet.
• British soldiers attempted to seize weapons in Concord, met with resistance from colonial militias.
  • Result: 49 Americans and 73 British dead.
  • Boost to colonial confidence.

Second Continental Congress

• May 10, 1775: Congress met amidst bloodshed.
  • Authorized raising of a Continental Army.
  • George Washington appointed as commander.
  • Division among colonists regarding independence and war.

Influence of Thomas Paine

• Common Sense: Pamphlet advocating independence and challenging monarchy.
  • Promoted democratic elections over hereditary monarchy.
  • Made politics accessible to a broader audience.

Southern Colonists' Support for Independence

• Earl of Dunmore's Proclamation (November 1775): Promised freedom to enslaved people who fought for the British.
  • Angered Southern colonists, perceived as interference.

Declaration of Independence

• July 4, 1776: Declaration adopted.
  • Written by Thomas Jefferson, edited by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin.
  • Key concepts:
    • Government derives power from the consent of the governed.
    • Inalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
    • Initial anti-slavery clause blaming King George III for slave trade removed.

The Revolutionary War

• British Advantages: World's best army and navy.
• Colonial Advantages:
  • French alliance due to rivalry with Britain.
  • British misunderstand colonial support.
  • Nationalism and collective identity growing.

African American Participation

• Washington’s Shift: Initially resisted black recruits, changed stance post-Dunmore's Proclamation.
  • About 5,000 blacks enlisted.
  • Rhode Island's all-black regiment promising freedom.

Key Battles and Turning Points

• Battle of Saratoga (October 17, 1777): Key turning point; led to French alliance.
• Treaty of Amity and Commerce (1778): Military alliance with France.

War's Conclusion

• Cornwallis's Surrender (October 1781): Major blow to British morale.
• Treaty of Paris (September 1783): Ended war, expanded American territory.
  • Negotiated by Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, John Jay.

Final Thoughts

• The war's outcome influenced by imperial rivalries and strategic alliances.
• Internal divisions and societal challenges reflected in founding documents.