AR - The American Revolution; Causes and Impact (Lesson)

American Revolution: Causes and Impact

Introduction

American Revolution: Causes and Impact Icon The French and Indian War began in 1754 and ended in 1763. Great Britain and France fought over colonial dominance. The Native Americans sided with the French. The war concluded with the Treaty of Paris of 1763. Britain forced the French to give up claims to Canada and land east of the Mississippi River, except New Orleans. Spain also lost Florida to the British as well. Britain gave up all claims of land west of the Mississippi River. After the French and Indian War, the relationship between the English and the colonies became permanently effected. King George III was left with a large war debt and wanted the colonies to help pay the amount. This produced great resentment among the colonies.

 

British Acts 

Take a look at some of the British Acts that lead to the revolt of the colonies:

Proclamation of 1763

  • Britain drew an imaginary line along the crest of the Appalachian Mountains
  • Settlers west of the line were to "remove themselves at once"

Sugar Act

  • Tax on sugar and molasses
  • Molasses was a valuable item in the triangular trade

Stamp Act

  • Put a tax on legal documents such as wills, diplomas, and marriage papers
  • Also taxed playing cards, almanacs, and dice

Townshend Act

  • Taxed goods such as glass, paper, paint, lead and tea
  • Writs of assistance allowed customs officials to inspect ships without reason or cause

Tea Act

  • Bypassed colonial tea merchants and sold tea directly to colonists
  • Although the tea was cheaper to buy, colonists protested because colonial tea merchants were cut out of the tea trade.

Intolerable Acts

  • A series of act imposed on Boston in response to the Boston Tea Party
    • Port of Boston Shut down
    • No town meetings could be held
    • British officials charged with major crimes would be tried in Britain
    • Soldiers could be housed in citizens' homes.

 

Review the Acts!

Test your knowledge about the acts listed above by completing this review activity.

 

American Revolution

Watch the presentation below to learn more.

 

Review

Review what you've learned by completing the activity below.

 

 

Think About This

 

 

The American Revolution had immediate and long term causes. Ultimately the impact of the war had a lasting effect on all the colonies. We will continue to look at the lasting effects of the war in Georgia in the future modules.

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