BRITISH AMERICA, 1713-1783 - EMPIRE & REVOLUTION REVISION BOOKLET - Wyvern College
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BRITISH AMERICA, 1713-1783
EMPIRE & REVOLUTION
REVISION BOOKLET
End of 12 year war The Government of the colonies: British King & Parliament > Gover- Impact on Native Americans:
with the French and nor > Council > Assembly > Town Meetings & County Courts Tensions increased between the colonists and the Native Americans, because the colonists
Spanish (Treaty of Expansion: were squatting on Native American land rather than waiting for the government to buy
Ultrecht). The The population was increasing rapidly (because of natural increase— more land. The government then pressured the Native Americans to let them stay rather
British colonists it was 3% in British America compared to 1% in Europe) than remove the illegal settlers
were living in con- The settlers were searching for new land (west and south) for the
stant fear of a growing population to settle on. This led to the establishment of 1 Impact on the economy
Native American new colony and 49 new counties between 1701 and 1750. Britain controlled what the colonies traded and who they traded with. This was good for
raid (they were Immigration: the colonies because Britain provided a market for colonial goods, consumer goods and
By 1713 Britain controlled a strip of land on the
surrounded by There were groups of Germans (who travelled in large numbers with cheap goods need to grow crops.
east coast of North America. Settlers were rich
enemies on all their families), Scots-Irish (usually young and single people, many of Trade with the West Indies was a consequence of being a British colony (British colonies
landowners, poor servants, criminals and slaves—
sides), as the Na- them were indentured servants) and English (some had family in were strongly encouraged to trade with other British colonies) - For example, 1733 Molas-
they were attracted by the large amounts of land
tive Americans were North America but many were convicted criminals. ses Act reduced the tax on molasses from the West Indies. Which encouraged British
available (Europe was becoming very overcrowded)
living along the America to trade with the West Indies instead of foreign colonies.
border of the Brit- Tobacco became very important (45% of everything British America sold—which put the
ish colonies. colonists at risk if there was a drop in demand) and Tea replaced coffee as a valuable
drink.
Tension between social groups:
Colonists from England v Colonist from mainland Europe – feared that ‘foreigners’ would
swap their colonies (Germans forced to swear an oath)
Religious tensions (Scots-Irish Presbyterians v New England Congregationalists).
BLACKBEARD Joined Hornigold’s crew in 1713 Scared the Royal Navy - Affected trade - Encouraged some governors to support piracy -
Sailed the coast of British America in search of riches and prize Captured plunder - Attacked merchant shipping - Set up pirate bases
(EDWARD
ships.
TEACH) Set up pirate bases in North Carolina.
Captured £100,000 worth of treasure.
KING GEORGE Trade goods were September 1717, King George offered a pardon to any pirate until Around 500 pirates came to receive a pardon.
lost January 1718, a prize of £100 for anyone who caught a pirate. However, some pirates returned to their old lifestyles because of how much money they
I’S
Cost of trading made (included Blackbeard)
Around 2,000 pirates PROCLAMATION went up
preyed on merchant ships
PIRACY ACT, Increase in fear Declared that a person found guilty of piracy could be put to death. By 1718, 110 pirates were hanged.
By 1726, 600 had been executed..
1717
(These are also the
GOVERNOR consequences of the
Governor of Virginia took direct action to end piracy. Ended Blackbeard’s career in November 1718, capturing his crew and beheading Blackbeard
He asked for help from the British Board of Trade. himself.
SPOTSWOOD Golden Age of Pira-
Took legal action (ensured trial of Blackbeard’s men did not include
cy)
(GOVERNOR OF jury)
VIRGINIA) Offered prizes to encourage people to catch pirates (incentives)
1720-1740: over British monopoly: Impact on Tobacco Production:
70,000 more slaves In 1713 the British were bought the right of asiento from the Span- Provided a cheap workforce, improvement to farming techniques and a more efficient pro-
were transported to ish king for £7.5 million. This gave them a monopoly over the supply duction system. This led to a huge increase in the production of tobacco - 28 million pounds
the colonies (about of slaves to Spanish colonies. This also increased British investment produced in 1700 compared to 80 million pounds produced in 1760.
64,000 went to the in the slave trade. Landowners with slaves earned £479 (£65,000 today) more in Maryland county.
southern colonies) Basic Freedoms of Slaves: ** There was a similar effect on rice plantations. However, it was unlikely rice crops would
Slaves were at the lowest level of society, they were considered ever have been introduced without the slave trade and rice plantation owners earned 4x
property. They had no legal rights, but were allowed free time and more than tobacco plantation owners
freedom of religion. Most slaves found these conditions unbearable
and tried to escape (fugitive slaves), they were given severe punish- Impact on colonial society:
ments (whipped, branded). From 1714 a slave could be sentenced to Increased the population.
British America relied on enslaved Africans for its
death for attacking a white person Huge gap between rich and poor, poor labourers suffering, the number of slaves growing
success in the 1700s
Spanish Declaration, 1733 and outnumbering the free population increased fear of rebellion.
The Spanish King declared that slaves would have freedom and pro-
tection in Spanish colonies. This was to weaken the economy in South
Carolina
STONO The Spanish Declaration (1773) gave the In early September 20 slaves met near Stono Many slaves were brutally executed (heads placed on
REBELLION, slaves an incentive to escape from South Caroli- River Bridge. They armed themselves, beheaded mileposts throughout the colony, some hung in chains and
1739 na to Spanish Florida their masters and headed for Florida, gaining the left to the birds). This shows the high level of fear creat-
Slaves made up 67% of the population in South support of 100 more slaves on the way. They killed ed by the rebellion.
Carolina, which meant slave owners were fearful 20 white people in total and burned 7 plantations. The colonists attempted to limit the number of slaves in
of the outbreak of a slave revolt. They stopped to rest at the Edisto River, where the colony by placing a high tax on slaves, and using the
There were rumours that a war with Spain was they were spotted by the Lieutenant Governor of money from the tax to encourage European immigration
coming so the slaves believed the colonists South Carolina. The lieutenant rounded up local (balance the ratio of black slaves to white settlers).
would be distracted. militia and met the slaves at the river. Masters were fined for treating slaves to harshly; as
The Security Act was announced in August 1739 Most of the slaves were killed; around 30 escaped colonists believed it may lead to another rebellion.
(it said that it was compulsory for all white men and were captured later. The last was captured
to carry a gun on sundays because it was the three years later in 1742. NEGRO ACT, 1740
one day slaves didn't work). The slaves would
need to rebel before the end of September
(when this Act became law) for the revolt to
stand a chance
THE NEGRO Stono Rebellion, 1739 Fined slave owners who could not control their Greater suppression of the slave population
ACT, 1740 slaves.
It also removed the right to grant freedom to
slaves and restricted freedom of movement for
slaves.
NEW YORK Stono Rebellion, 1739 February: Robert Hogg’s coins robbed. Hinted that the theft was part of a wider conspiracy.
CONSPIRACY, March: Fort George set on fire (There was also 13 Fuelled the fears and rumours that there was a slave and
1741 War of Jenkins’ Ear other fires in the colonies). Catholic plot to burn down the city.
Catholic Spain v British America, New York City April: Mary Burton confession – her confession This confession turned the robbery investigation into a
was a port city and therefore they feared at- reveals the first details of a slave conspiracy, as full conspiracy.
tack. she said she overheard plotters planning the fire
at Fore George and arming themselves with guns.
Rough winter May: Mary Burton’s confession was followed by By the time the trials ended 31 slaves and 4 whites had
There was riots over food prices and wages, so many others, which led to many executions – the been executed, and 72 slaves deported.
it was believed that the white population would first happened only a month later.
join the slaves in a rebellion.
July: Catholic Priest, John Ury, put on trial and Showed that the colonists feared for slaves and Catholics
sentenced to death. at this time (John Ury’s crime was that he was a Catholic
priest, which was a criminal offense in New York).
November: Mary Burton was rewarded for her If those that confessed were going to be paid for their
confession. confessions, how reliable to you think these people are?
COLLECTION British government wanted to profit from their Every colony had a customs officer; the British PROBLEMS:
OF CUSTOMS Empire used these officers to increase customs revenue The customs officers were often overworked, difficult to
REVENUE (eg. Molasses Act, 1733) to encourage trade with control (many sympathised with the traders) and were
Britain. often absent (poorly paid men who came from England).
Many of the new measures were ignored, and it became
much easier to smuggle.
CONTROL- 1721: fur and skins added to the list of goods to This had a very limited effect as the fur trade wasn’t
LING THE be sent to England very big.
FUR TRADE 1732: The Hat Act stopped colonies exporting New York just sent fur to England instead of Holland.
beaver fur hats.
SMUGGLING Problems with collecting customs duties Molasses and Tea were the most smuggled goods. Difficult to know the full impact because there is a lack
They used various methods (landing on quiet coast- of records.
lines, false paperwork, bribing customs officers). However, it did not stop a dramatic increase in law abiding
trade
(1730-1: £559,000 to 1750-1: £1,179,000).
The Great Awak- Old religious ideas Church replaced with crowds of 20,000 people. DIVIDED SOCIETY
ening (1720s) were being ques- Personal experience that made religion seem more real The Great Awakening was supported by the poorer population and
tioned. to the colonists. received a lot of opposition from the richer colonial leaders and mer-
Intellectual movement that British colonies ques- chants.
influenced scientists, philoso- tioning their depend- Power moved away from the traditional church to new groups, such
phers and churchmen from the ence on Britain. as Baptists and Methodists.
It IMPROVED THE STATUS OF WOMEN, they were encouraged
late 17th century onwards.
to take a more active role in church (Eg. Preaching).
Led to the CONVERSION of some black people and Native Ameri-
cans.
Big open meetings used as POLITICAL MEETINGS.
Emphasis on Edu- Enlightenment placed Education was a core principle of the Enlightenment. This led to the increase in the number of schools in southern colo-
cation a lot of emphasis on 1760: Six colonies had colleges. nies, private schools and schools in small towns.
the individual, and Practical subjects (eg. maths, foreign languages, accounting) were
how important educa- added to the curriculum, as well as Christianity and Classics that
tion is. were already being taught.
More educated population.
Newspapers, Li- Individuals like Benja- Newspapers, Libraries and pamphlets were used to em- Pamphlets were cheap, and therefore reached a wide audience.
braries and Pam- min Franklin encour- phasise practical information. Colonists had created a way to share information across all of Brit-
phlets aged the improvement 1704: 1 newspaper ish America.
of newspapers and 1776: 40 newspapers. The library subscription meant that books were cheaper and there-
opened libraries. 1760: 20 libraries in American traditional works, practi- fore available to the lower classes.
cal books and fiction.
Benjamin Frank- Influenced by 1729: Franklin took over the Pennsylvania Gazette and More frequent newspaper printings meant there were more ideas in
lin, 1706-1790 Enlightenment ideas. increased how often they printed. circulation.
1731: Opened the first subscription library. Franklin’s philanthropic ideas led to the creation of a Police Force
Wrote many editions of the almanac between 1732 and (1752) as well as street paving, cleaning and lighting.
REMEMBER:
1758.
Philadelphia was the capital city at the time, which is why 1751-5: Franklin established the Academy of Philadelphia
(University), which had 64 graduates by 1775.
so much was set up there!
PHILANTHROPIST: Franklin improved the local commu-
nity by helping disadvantaged groups
1751: He opened the city hospital in Philadelphia.
New France and British May 1744: French attack the British at a village in Nova Scotia. Native American support for the British grew stronger during the war. In July
America wanted to ex- 1748 the Iroquois League agreed to launch a full-scale invasion of French Cana-
pand their colonies. June 1745: British capture Fort Louisbourg from the French (100 da. However, the war ended before the Native Americans had a chance to
War of the Austrian colonists lost in the siege). make a difference.
Succession spread to Nov 1745: 200 Native Americans and 300 French attack Saratoga, The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle gave Louisburg back to France and Madras (India)
North America. British rebuild it after back to the British Empire. As a result of this the COLONISTS FELT ABANDONED
(British troops no longer supports their efforts against France), ANGRY (many
June 1746: France sends a fleet to recapture Louisbourg, but ship
colonists died in the capture of Louisbourg, and it was given back to France)
wrecked in a storm and two commanders die.
and DISAPPOINTED (the colonists hoped to take land from the French and
Jan 1747: French and Native Americans attack Grand Pre and
Spanish, which didn’t happen).
Nova Scotia, British surrender (British take it back 3 months lat-
er).
After the war the British gave out land grants to encourage settlement in the
June 1747: French and Native Americans capture Saratoga, but Ohio Country (1747-50), established a fur trading post to compete with the
the British take it and burn it down. French (1749) and a settlement at Halifax to compete with Fort Louisbourg
Oct 1748: Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle signed because the war was (1749).
costing too much and neither side was making much progress. The result of this was that it:
THREATENED THE FRENCH
They started a Fort building programme in Ohio Country
ANGERED THE NATIVE AMERICANS (some helped the French to attack the
British at Pickwillany, the Iroquois ended their alliance with Britain)
Early De- British tried to end July 1754: French forces trap Washington at Fort Necessity, kill- After the terrible loss of Fort Henry William Pitt was put in charge of
feats in Ohio French Fort Build- ing/wounding a third of his troops forcing Washing to surrender. the war effort. He RAISED MORE TROOPS AND SUPPLIES (sent
Country, July ing Programme, July 1755: British General Braddock was killed trying to capture 8,00 British troop and 12 warships to the colonies), IMPROVED THE
1754 – Au- killing a small group Fort Duquesne, 900 of his troops died compared to 40 French. QUALITY OF LEADERSHIP (replaced the unsuccessful Lord Loudoun)
gust 1757 of French soldiers. As a result of these huge defeats the Native Americans began to and TRIED TO EASE THE TENSION BETWEEN BRITISH AND
So the war between turn against the British and attack their settlements) COLONIAL TROOPS (arguments of the ranking of colonial and British
the French and the troops, so Pitt improved the position of colonial officers).
British (now Native 1756: British lose more control as France captures Fort Oswego.
American allies)
started again.
1757: British in a terrible position as France also capture Fort Hen-
ry.
The Native Americans killed 200 and captured 300 British soldiers,
despite French attempts to stop them and offer the British a safe
passage out of Fort Henry.
Success in William Pitt put in July 1758: The British recapture Fort Louisbourg, closing down the After the British took Fort Duquesne and built Fort Pitt, they secured
Ohio Coun- charge of war ef- main route for French supplies. their control of Ohio Country and could shift their focus to other areas.
try, July fort. The French had also lost the support of the Native Americans which put
1758 – No- August 1758: The British capture Fort Frontenac, which had loads of the British in a stronger position.
vember 1758 their food and supplies. As the French had less supplies the Native
Americans started to desert them.
November 1758: The French had so few allies that the commanding
officer of Fort Duquesne decided to burn down the fort and aban-
don it rather than be captured. The British took it shortly after and
built Fort Pitt.
British Cap- British win in Ohio June 1759: General Wolfe tried to take his troops to capture Que- TREATY OF PARIS
ture Major country, so shift bec but could not get past their defensive forces.
Settlements their focus to ma- The War UNIFIED THE COLONISTS (different immigrant groups
July 1759: British Sir Johnson captures Fort Niagara.
in Canada, jor settlements in fighting together for one colonial unit), TRAINED THE COLONISTS
July 1759 – Canada. September 1759: Wolfe tricked his way up the mountain to the city, IN WARFARE (important leaders in the American Revolution learnt to
September General Montcalm did not expect the British to make it up the moun- fight during this war, eg. George Washington), however it also IN-
1760 tain so panicked and sent his army out in a disorganised formation. CREASED THE TENSION BETWEEN BRITISH AND COLONIAL
The British defeated the French, Wolfe died in battle and became a TROOPS (the two sides arguing over quartering troops and struggled to
hero. fight together as a team).
IMPORTANCE OF GENERAL WOLFE:
Used to scare Quebec’s population
September 1760: British General Amherst (who had already taken
Fired canons in residential areas so the people would want to surren- The War DAMAGED PERSONAL RELATIONS WITH BRITAIN
two important forts in Canada while Wolfe was attacking Quebec)
der (British soldiers thought that the colonists were poor soldiers, the colo-
captures Montreal.
Destroyed the land around Quebec nist thought the British were too harsh). It DAMAGED ECONOMIC
7 September, the French surrender.
Made it difficult for supplies to get to the city RELATIONS WITH BRITAIN (The British increased taxes to paid for
Trained the army well their war debt, and the colonists avoided them by with smuggling). Fi-
His army knew how to fight a pitched battle, which helped them de- nally, it DAMAGED POLITICAL RELATIONS WITH BRITAIN (The
colonial assemblies grew bolder and took steps to limit their dependence
on Britain).
French surrender FRANCE gained sugar lands from Britain and some small fishing is- Removal of the French threat, more land was available to the colonists.
at Montreal lands. French abandoned the trading posts, so the colonists took control of
SPAIN gained Cuba and land west of the Mississippi. the fur trade.
BRITAIN gained small islands in the West Indies, Florida, and land The Native Americans were vulnerable as they could no longer rely on
east of the Mississippi river. French support to protect them from the colonists, which meant that
the colonists felt less dependent on the British.
French defeat in the French and Indian War April 1763: 400 Native Americans under Pontiac set THE ROYAL PROCLAMATION, 1763
meant that the Native American population was up an alliance.
vulnerable to colonial expansion/invasion. May 1763: They begin to attack the British capturing 10,000 extra British troops were left in the colonies
all their forts and posts in Ohio Country (except De- which increased the cost to the British by £440,000
troit, Fort Pitt and Fort Niagara), killing over 2,000 a year.
colonists and 400 soldiers.
June 1763: British responded with germ warfare
(blankets with small pox were sent as gifts to the
Native Americans), but the siege of Fort Pitt contin-
ued until Pontiac signed a peace treaty in 1766.
September 1763: Devil’s Hole Massacre, near Niagara
300 Native Americans killed 31 British and wounded 8
before they retreated.
PONTIAC’S REBELLION The Proclamation established Quebec, East Florida Improved relations between the British and the Na-
The British needed to compromise with the Na- and West Florida as part of British America. tive Americans.
tive American’s who were attacking their settle- It also banned settlement west of the Proclamation Damaged relations between the British and the colo-
ments. line, and cancelled any land claims to Native American nists, this proclamation went against the colonist’s
territory made before the treaty. dream of expanding their territory.
Damaged trade between the colonists and the Native
Americans, the colonists were cheating the Native
Americans and increasing the amount of alcohol sup-
plied to them.
However, this Proclamation was not very effective as
Pontiac’s Rebellion carried on until 1766.
The events of the Paxton Boy’s Massacre (1763-4)
also show that the Proclamation was ineffective.
In response to Pontiac’s Rebellion a local militia December 1763: The Paxton Boys killed 6 peaceful Peace talks with the Native Americans became very
was set up in Pennsylvania to fight against the Conestoga and another in Lancaster, on the incorrect difficult, as they had excused the Paxton boys for the
Native Americans. It was made up of Scots-Irish assumption that they had taken part in Pontiac’s re- murder of innocent Native Americans.
colonists – they called themselves the Paxton bellion. Pennsylvanian Assembly looks weak because they can’t
Boys. control their settlers.
February 1764: The Paxton Boys had gained a follow- 1763 Royal Proclamation was clearly very ineffective.
ing of over 250 men, who marched together to Phila-
delphia to kill the refugee Native Americans. On the
journey politicians from Philadelphia offered them
amnesty and protection if they returned home.
The British were trying to increase their control Encouraged the colonists to pay tax by lowering the Ended the period of salutary neglect in 1721.
over the British American economy. tax on foreign molasses. Colonists struggled to pay debt and taxes without
The payment was to be made in metal coinage, which metal coinage.
was more valuable to the colonists. Strong, organised opposition meant that little tax was
There were also measures taken to stop smuggling. collected (Britain expected to collect £78,000 a
year).
The opposition to the Sugar Act showed that if parlia-
ment tried to raise money without the agreement
from colonial assemblies the customs officers would
struggle to collect it.
Stamp Act, British wanted to collect money from its colonies. A huge range of documents had to be printed on This resulted in organised colonial opposition
1765 stamped paper, and paid for by tax (eg. Newspapers). (Virginia Stamp Act Resolves—colonists can only
The tax to be paid in metal coinage. be taxed if they are properly represented in the
Law breakers were to be tried in vice-admiralty court. government).
The British had to begin considering colonial in-
terests (Free Port Act 1766).
The Stamp Act was repealed March 1766.
Quartering The colonists had to provide barracks for British The colonists were angry that the British were
Act, 1765 troops and pay for supplies. controlling all aspects of their lives.
Troops housed in inns and empty houses without own- Further damaged the relations between British
er’s consent. and the colonists.
Revenue Act, Solution to repealing the Stamp Act. ew duties on tea, glass, paper and painter’s colours. BOSTON MASSACRE, 1770.
1767 The duties were used to pay the salaries of royal gov-
(Townshend ernment representatives (eg. Judges).
duties)
British policies in the colonies (particularly the Organised and led demonstrations, riots and boycotts From October 1766 they began to shut down the
Stamp Act, 1765). of British goods. British operations.
No stamp collector took up his new job.
Stamp Act was repealed March 1766.
Showed the British government could be effec-
tively resisted.
Why Boston? Boston was the area most affected March 1770: 100 Bostonians gather outside customs Propaganda for an anti-British cause.
by the Revenue Act, and because of the opposition hall. British troops responded to a snowball by killing 5 September 1771: Committee of Correspondence
the British had stationed 4,000 troops (population colonists and wounding 8. was set up, to stop the massacre happening again
was only 15,500). and to strengthen the links between Boston and
Peaceful protests in opposition to the Revenue Act. the other colonies.
The Boston Tea British attempted to increase the duty on tea (Tea December 1773: 60 men disguised as Native Americans Damaged relations between British and colonists.
Party, 1773 Act, 1773: reduced the tax on tea from 12 pence to broke into a trade ship, throwing 342 chests of tea Tea ships on the way to Boston had to return
3 pence). However, it still angered the colonists overboard (£10,000 or £1million today). home.
because they saw it as the British trying to en-
force taxation.
Intolerable Acts Punishment for the actions during the Boston Tea BOSTON PORT ACT, 1774: Boston was closed to all It was more difficult to organise riots as town
Party traffic from June, only to be reopened when Boston meetings were reduced to one a year.
repaid the East India Company for the tea they ruined. The colonies became more unified as the other
colonies sent food and supplies to Boston during
the 1774 blockade (Boston Port Act, 1774).
MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNMENT ACT, 1774: SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT: boycott of
Elected council in Massachusetts was replaced with one British goods in Boston.
chosen by the British government. Number of town CONTINENTAL CONGRESS: the colonies all
meetings reduced to one a year. decided to come together as their relationship
with the British fell apart.
IMPARTIAL ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
ACT, 1774: Anyone found to commit a capital crime
when trying to stop a riot would be tried in another
colony or England (so a royal official could kill a colo-
nist in a riot and be tried in England to receive a light-
er sentence).
QUARTERING ACT, 1774: Renewed the Quartering
Act of 1765, troops could now be housed with private
families.
First Continental Intolerable Acts pushed the colo- 55 delegates from every colony, except Georgia. Colonial government began to collapse, replaced with committee
Congress, Septem- nies to act together against the DECLARATION OF COLONIAL RIGHTS AND of observation and inspection or Provincial Congress. The colo-
ber – October 1774 British. GRIEVANCES: laid out what the colonists be- nies therefore had two governments competing for control.
(Philadelphia) Colonists decided to co-ordinate lieved were their rights. BATTLE AT LEXINGTON AND CONCORD, APRIL 1775: The
their opposition. CONTINENTAL ASSOCIATION: agreement conflict between the British and colonists turned to violence on
that the colonists would stop trade with the Brit- 18 April when 73 British troops and 49 colonists were killed as
ish. the British sent troops to arrest the armed leaders of the Pro-
COMMITTEE OF OBSERVATION AND IN- vincial Congress.
SPECTION: local committee set up to make sure
continental association was obeyed.
All peaceful measures to resist the British.
Second Continental The Battle at Lexington and Con- Representatives from every colony were present, August 1775: King George rejected the Olive Branch Petition
Congress, May- cord, April 1775. they begun acting as a national government. and said that the colonists were rebels (before they were con-
August 1775 THE OLIVE BRANCH PETITION, JULY 1775: sidered protestors).
an appeal by made to King George III to repeal AMERICAN PROHIBITORY ACT, DECEMBER 1775: The Brit-
the Intolerable Acts. ish passed the American Prohibitory Act, which banned trade
PAPER MONEY PRINTED: $2million in Spanish with British America and said that the Royal Navy could take
dollars was printed to fund opposition to the Brit- American ships.
ish government. THE COLONIES BECAME DIVIDED: 40% of the colonists
THE CONTINENTAL ARMY, JUNE 1775: remained neutral in the fight, 20% actively supported the Brit-
George Washington was made commander-in-chief ish (loyalists). This meant that the war of independence wasn’t
of the colonies new army. just between the British and the colonists, but between the
COMMITTEE FOR FOREIGN RELATIONS: a colonists themselves.
new committee was set up to get help from other
countries.
Outbreak of the War of Inde- Pamphlet published on 10th January 1776. 100,000 copies were printed, which meant that these ideas
pendence It was AGAINST THE BRITISH GOVERN- were widespread and had a huge influence in the colonies.
MENT, challenging the whole idea of monarchy.
In favour of INDEPENDENCE, as Paine believed DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.
it would bring greater freedom in trade and poli-
tics.
It was for a NEW DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC, he
wanted people to have a say in their government
and a president they elected.
From April 1766 the colonies Thomas Jefferson wrote the draft of the Decla- First formal document to use ‘United States of America’.
were given permission to vote for ration of Independence. Increased the power of the anti-British argument.
independence, so Congress creat- The introduction included the ideas that inspired
ed a Declaration Committee. the document (eg. all men are born with natural IMPACT FOR SLAVERY: The declaration stated that ‘all men
rights). are created equal’ (born free clause). This statement led to
Then the document listed 18 crimes committed by some progress towards the abolition of slavery, particularly in
King George III (eg. Taxing them without their the northern colonies (eg. Quok Walker case, 1781 – the first
agreement). slave to sue his master in Massachusetts, Walker won and
The conclusion said that the British government gained his freeom). However, some southern colonies also made
had not protected their natural rights and there- some progress towards abolition (eg. In 1782 the Virginia As-
fore the United States of America should be free sembly said that owners could free slaves in their last will and
and independent. testament).
Congress made several changes to the Commit-
tee’s draft and adopted it on 4th July 1776.Beginning Battle of Bunker
of the Hill, Massachu- British suffered heavy losses (228 killed, 800 wounded), but secured British victory, but they abandon Boston in 1776.
war setts (June 1775) control of Boston.
Colonial armies withdraw intact.
Battle of Long Washington was driven out of New York City. British were able to secure New York City and use it as their army
Island, New York 300 Americans killed and 1,100 wounded or captured, however 900 headquarters.
(August 1776) troops escaped and won small victories against the British
Northern Battle of Bran- Washington fails to stop British march on Philadelphia. British victory, but they abandon Philadelphia in 1778.
campaign dywine Creek, Americans fail in an attempt to attack the British at Germantown, they
Pennsylvania survive the battle but lose Philadelphia.
(September 1777)
Battle of Bemis British General John Burgoyne planned to conquer new England with two American victory led to greater French involvement in the war, as
Heights and sur- forces. the French realised the Americans had a chance of winning. The
render at Sarato- The first force, led by Lieutenant St Leger retreated in June 177. French signed the TREATY OF ALLIANCE to support the Ameri-
ga, New York The second had made little progress by September and could not defeat can war effort.
(October 1777) the Americans at the Battle of Bemis Heights. This victory also led to the British asking for peace with the Amer-
By October 177 the 5,800 British troops had to surrender at Saratoga icans, on the condition that they return to how their relationship
and were sent to Virginia until the end of the war. was in 1763.
The British commander-in-chief resigned, William Howe was re-
placed with Sir Henry Clinton.
Southern Siege of Charles- British capture Charlestown. British victory helped to secure control of southern colonies.
campaign ton, South Caroli- 2,571 Americans surrender, they lose a huge number of weapons and
na (February-May supplies.
1780)
Siege of York- General Cornwallis took his 7,200 troops to rest and resupply at a naval American victory encouraged the British to make peace. When the
town, Virginia base in York Town in August 1781. news of the loss reached England, the people lost enthusiasm for
(October 1781) French Admiral de Grasse took 20 ships and blocked access to supplies, the war.
leaving the British very vulnerable. As a result, in February 1782 parliament voted to end the war.
Cornwallis waited for help that never came, which meant that the British
suffered a horrible loss when the 17,000 American and French soldiers
began to attack in September 1781.
The British surrendered in October 1781.
Significance of Washington KEPT THE ARMY TOGETHER: Strategic retreats (eg. Stopped the capture of all his troops in Long Island) and he provided his army with
smallpox vaccines in 1777.
TOOK OPPORTUNITIES: Washington didn’t follow traditional European warfare (eg. Fighting in winter when the enemies are unprepared).
ENCOURAGING SUPPORT: Promoted the idea of the ‘glorious cause’ of American liberty. He also won over key French figures, such as Admiral
de Grasse (Yorktown,1781) and Marquis de Lafayette (joined the American war effort before the French agreed to join the war.
Significance of British mistakes POOR BATTLE PLANS: The British won some battles, but with heavy causalities (Battle of Bunker Hill, 1775). Many Americans escaped cap-
ture (Battle of Long Island, 1776).
POOR COMMUNICATION: Generals couldn’t work together in Yorktown (Clinton promised Cornwallis he was coming with supplies and troops,
but failed to keep this promise).
POOR BEHAVIOUR: did very little to support neutral/loyal Americans.
French and Spanish involvement The involvement of the French and Spanish made the War of Independence a worldwide war.
The British could not afford to fight the colonists off and protect their other colonies from French/Spanish invasion (64 French ships and 57
Spanish ships against the 90 British ships).
In 1778 41% of the British Navy was in American, this dropped to 13% in 1780 – this shows that the involvement of French and Spanish forces
had to move some of their focus away from America towards their own colonies).
The French sent £48million worth of vital supplies, military experts and ships.French surrender at Yorktown. November 1782: The first draft was NATIVE AMERICANS: not mentioned in the treaty, so they
British parliament voted to end the agreed. were at risk of the colonists expanding into their land.
war, so they sent a British repre- September 1783: France formally agreed to FRENCH: wanted a weaker USA as they would be more reli-
sentative to America in April 1782. the terms and the war formally ended. ant on France.
LOYALISTS: offered little protection, so many left as a
MAIN TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT result.
SPAIN: Given to Florida and Minorca
USA: Recognised as independent, granted
territory east of the Mississippi, fishing
rights off Newfoundland, British agreed to
withdraw their troops.
Britain: Kept the Bahamas and Gibraltar,
debts to be paid by USA, Congress agreed
to encourage the return of the loyalist’s
land.
France: Regained land in the Caribbean (eg.
St Lucia and Tobago) and Africa (Senegal).
Little protection was offered to 1783: 30,000 travelled to Nova Scotia and Loyalist towns developed quickly.
the loyalists in the Treaty of Paris. 5,000 travelled to Quebec (770 in Niagara). New loyalist colony established (Upper Canada, with Niagara
They were threatened, attacked as their capital).
and their land was taken. Some black loyalists were given land – 2,485 settled in Birch-
Loyalists tried to reclaim town, Nova Scotia. However, slavery continued as 1,200
£10million in compensation from slaves travelled to Nova Scotia with their masters.
the British, but only received
£3million.…
Explain two consequences of the expansion of Explain two consequences of the golden age of
the British colonies and immigration piracy, from 1715-1725
Explain two consequences of King George I’s Explain two consequences of British control in
proclamation North America
Explain two consequence of trade with the Explain two consequences of the British
British West Indies monopoly of slaves in colonial America
Explain two consequences of smuggling in Explain two consequences of the fur trade with
British colonial America the colonies in British America
Explain two consequences of the revivals in Explain two consequences for the American
colonial America colonists of Benjamin Franklin’s work as a
writer
Explain two consequences of the French and Explain two consequences of the Treaty of
Indian War (1754-1763) Paris (1763)
Explain two consequences of the Royal Procla- Explain two consequences of the Paxton Boys
mation of 1763 Massacre
Explain two consequences of the Stamp Act Explain two consequences of the Boston
(1765) Massacre in 1770
Explain two consequences of the Boston Tea Explain two consequences of the Intolerable
Party in 1773 Acts that were passed in 1774
Explain two consequences of the First Explain two consequences of the Second
Continental Congress in 1774 Continental Congress in 1775
Explain two consequences of Thomas Paine’s Explain two consequences of the British
Common Sense surrender at Saratoga (1777)
Explain two consequences of French and Explain two consequences of the Treaty of
Spanish support in the American War of Paris (1783)
Independence
Explain two consequences of the Declaration of Explain two consequences of the War of
Independence (1776) Independence (1775-83) for Native Americans
Explain two consequences of the resettlement
of loyalists after the War of IndependenceWrite a narrative account analysing how pi- Write a narrative account analysing the key
racy was supressed in the American waters events in the years 1739-40 leading to the
in the years 1717-1720. suppression of slave rights in South Caroli-
You may use the following in your answer. na
-George I’s Proclamation. You may use the following in your answer.
-The work of Governor Spotswood. - The Stono Rebellion.
You must use you own information. - The Negro Act, 1740
You must use information of your own.
Write a narrative account analysing the key Write a narrative account analysing the key
events of the New York Conspiracy of 1741 aspects of the Enlightenment in Colonial
You may use the following in your answer. America
The confession of Mary Burton. You may use the following in your answer.
The trial of John Ury. The emphasis on education.
You must use information of your own. The growth of public libraries
You must use information of your own.
Write a narrative account analysing the Write a narrative account analysing the ef-
changing relations of the British with the fects of the French and Indian war be-
French and Native Americans following King tween 1754-63.
George’s War. You may use the following in your answer.
You may use the following in your answer. The capture of Fort William Henry.
War against the French. The role of the Native Americans.
Improving relations with the Native Ameri- You must use information of your own.
cans.
You must use information of your own.
Write a narrative account analysing the key Write a narrative account analysing the
events of 1758-63 that led to the French consequences of the French and Indian
surrender. War, 1754-63 on relations between Britain
You may use the following in your answer. and the colonists.
The French abandon Fort Duquesne (1758). You may use the following in your answer.
The capture of Montreal (1760). Economic consequences of the war.
You must use information of your own. Political consequences of the war.
You must use information of your own.
Write a narrative account analysing the Write a narrative account analysing the key
turning points of Britain’s relations with events of Pontiac’s Rebellion, 1763-1766.
the colonies between 1754 and 1764. You may use the following in your answer.
You may use the following in your answer. Native American fears.
The French and Indian War 1754-63. Devil’s Hole Massacre, 1763.
The Sugar Act, 1764. You must use information of your own.
You must use information of your own.Write a narrative account analysing the key Write a narrative account analysing the events of 1770-74 that led to the Intolera- events that helped cause the American War ble Acts of Independence. You may use the following in your answer. You may use the following in your answer. The Boston Massacre (1770) The Stamp Act, 1765. The Boston Tea Party (1773) The Boston Tea Party, 1773 You must use information of your own. You must use information of your own. Write a narrative account analysing the Write a narrative account analysing the successes of Washington in the Revolution- reasons why Britain lost the Revolutionary ary War War. You may use the following in your answer. You may use the following in your answer. The Winter at Valley Forge, 1777-1778. The siege at Yorktown, 1781. He gained the support of other key figures Victories came with heavy casualties. in War. You must use information of your own. You must use information of your own. Write a narrative account analysing the key events of 1778-1783 that led to the Treaty of Paris (1783) You may use the following in your answer. The French sign the Treaty of Alliance (1778) The British surrender at Yorktown (1781) You must use information of your own.
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The importance of the Piracy Act (1717) BE R! F nswer
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for the suppression of piracy REM ill have
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The importance of the Molasses Act The importance of William Pitt’s appoint-
(1733) for the colonial customs service ment as Prime Minister in 1757 for Brit-
ish victory in the French and Indian War.
The importance of the Treaty of Paris of The importance of the Sugar Act of
1763 for colonists in British America. 1764 for relations between Britain and
its North American colonies.
The importance of Benjamin Franklin for The importance of the Treaty of Aix-la-
intellectual developments in British Chapelle (1748) for relations between
America the British Colonists and the French in
the years 1748-53
The importance of Pontiac’s Rebellion The importance of the First Continental
(1763-66) for British attitudes to the Congress for relations between Britain
Native Americans and British America.
The importance of Thomas Paine’s Com- The importance of the Declaration of
mon Sense (1776) for the American colo- Independence (1776) for the develop-
nists’ attitude to Britain. ment of the War of Independence.
The importance of Sons of Liberty for The importance of the surrender at
the failure of British attempts to tax Yorktown (1781) for the American victo-
the colonists ry in the war
The importance of the Declaration of The importance of the Stono Rebellion
Independence (1776) for slavery in the (1739) for the government of South Car-
United States of America olinaYou can also read
