Taxation without Representation (3.3)
What was the context for taxation without representation?
Britain's win in the 7 Years War gave them unchallenged supremacy among Europeans in North America. Also, American colonies no longer faced the threat of concerted attacks from the French, Spanish, and American Indian allies. This means that Britain now has full control over North America.
What developed the context for the philosophical foundations of the American Revolution?
Enlightenment ideals, particularly John Locke's ideas of natural law, social contract theory, right to revolution, & Montesquieu's idea of separation of powers.
Why did the American Revolution happen?
The American Revolution happened due to colonial resentment toward British taxation, lack of representation, and increasing military control, culminating in demands for self-governance and independence.
"How is the one exalted and the other depressed, by the contrary modes of education which are adopted! the one is taught to aspire, and the other is early confined and limited. As their years increase, the sister must be wholly domesticated, while the brother is led by the hand through all the flowery paths of science." "On the Equality of the Sexes" (Judith Sargent Murray) (1779)
To what extent does this document reflect a change in the women's role in Revolutionary America?
Judith Sargent Murray’s On the Equality of the Sexes reflects a significant shift in Revolutionary-era thinking, advocating for women’s intellectual equality and challenging traditional gender roles. While women had played crucial roles in the Revolution—managing households, supporting boycotts, and even serving as spies—Murray’s argument pushed further, asserting that women deserved equal educational opportunities and intellectual recognition.
Britain's taxation without representation represents a continuity/change in their previous relationship with America? How was this significant?
Britain's taxation without representation represents a MASSIVE change from Britain's former governance of the colonies. They used to be lax in enforcing regulations (salutary neglect). This is significant because the colonists are now receiving harsh treatment after the previous lax salutary neglect.
Did Enlightenment ideas demonstrate more of a continuity or change from previous colonists beliefs?
Enlightenment ideas more represented a change because Enlightenment introduced new concepts that challenged established authority, particularly ideas about natural rights (John Locke) and separation of powers (Montesquieu). These principles fueled resistance to British rule, as colonists increasingly questioned monarchy and embraced the idea that government should protect citizens' rights.
What was the significance of the 1st Continental Congress?
The First Continental Congress (1774) united colonial leaders to organize resistance against British policies, establishing a boycott of British goods and setting the foundation for coordinated revolutionary action.
Explain how the role of women contributed to the Revolutionary victory.
All Americans were united against Britain, including women, who played a crucial part in securing the victory for America. The Daughters of Liberty organized to oppose British actions. The most important contribution of women during the war was maintaining the colonial economy. While fathers, husbands, and sons were away fighting, women ran family farms and businesses.
What were some of the ways that Britain imposed unfair governance on the colonists?
Sugar Act, Quartering Act, Stamp Act, Declaratory Act, Townshend Acts, Intolerable Acts
Common Sense by Thomas Paine (1776)
How was the Declaration of Independence a turning point in American history?
The Declaration of Independence (1776) marked a turning point by officially severing political ties with Britain, transforming the conflict from a rebellion into a full-fledged war for sovereignty based on Enlightenment ideals.
How did women become more active in the nation's political life?
During the American Revolution, women had a new view of their status in society evolve, a change referred to as Republican Motherhood. This new role called for educating women so that in the home they could teach their children the values of the new republic and their roles as citizens.
What were some of the ways that the colonists responded to taxation without representation?
Stamp Act Congress, Sons/Daughters of Liberty, Boston Tea Party, Committees of Correspondence
Did the views of Deists represent a continuity or a change from views of Christians of their time?
Deism represented a change from views of Christians of their time. Deists believed in God, but in one who had established natural laws in creating the universe and that rarely intervened in human affairs. Christians during this time believed that God intervened in everyday life, often to reward or punish individuals or groups for their actions.
Name the major turning point of the Revolutionary War and how that helped America win.
The Battle of Saratoga (1777) was the major turning point, as the American victory convinced France to ally with the Patriots, providing military aid and resources that were crucial for winning the war.
How was the role of African Americans changed during the American Revolution?
The importation of enslaved people is stopped by the Continental Congress, slavery was in decline, & many fought in the Revolutionary War (on both sides).
What was the significance of the image "Bostonians Paying the Excise Man (AMSCO Pg. 171)?
This image highlights the escalating tensions between Britain & America during the American Revolution. This image is a powerful symbol of colonial resistance to British taxes, including showing a British man being tarred & feathered, drinking tea (in reference to the Boston Tea Party & Tea Act) & with the Liberty Tree emphasizing independence from Britain.
How did Deist beliefs held by Enlightenment thinkers in Europe & America contribute to the American Revolution?
Deist beliefs, emphasizing reason and natural law over divine intervention, inspired colonial leaders to view government as a rational human construct rather than a divinely ordained system. This perspective fueled revolutionary thought, as figures like Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson argued that political power should derive from the consent of the governed, not religious or monarchical authority.
What was significant about the Treaty of Paris (1783)?
The Treaty of Paris formally ended the war and recognized American independence. Britain now recognizes that America won and they are their own nation. This allows America to develop a new distinct identity and culture apart from Britain.
Were ideas towards Native Americans during the Revolution a continuity or a change from 1700-1900?
The ideas towards Native Americans during the Revolution were a continuity from 1700-1900. During the early 1700s, wars like the Pueblo Revolt & Pontiac's Rebellion were started by Indians against their foes showing that Indians could not stand up for the unfair treatment and therefore started wars. The roles of Native Americans stayed the same throughout 1700-1900 because of more important events in American history. The Dawes Act in 1887 did not recognize Native Americans as part of tribes and forced them to assimilate into American culture.