French & Indian War
Who fought in the French and Indian War?
Great Britain and its American colonies vs. France (Both had Native American allies).
What was the Proclamation of 1763?
An order from King George III that banned colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains.
What was the Stamp Act?
A 1765 law that taxed all paper goods, such as documents and newspapers.
What year was the Declaration signed?
1776.
Who were the three Georgia signers of the Declaration?
Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, and George Walton.
What year did the war end?
1763
Why did Britain create it?
To prevent expensive wars with Native Americans over land.
What items did it place a tax on?
Legal documents, newspapers, licenses, and playing cards.
Who was the main author of the Declaration?
Thomas Jefferson.
Name one important fact about Button Gwinnett.
He was killed in a duel; his signature is now extremely rare and valuable.
How did Britain’s debt after the war lead to taxing the colonies?
Britain needed money to pay off its massive war debt, so it decided to tax the colonies.
Why did the Proclamation anger many colonists?
They felt they had earned the right to settle that land by fighting in the war.
Why did colonists believe it was unfair?
"No taxation without representation" – they were taxed by Parliament without having a vote.
What are the three main parts of the Declaration of Independence?
The Preamble, the Grievances, and the Declaration.
Name one important fact about Lyman Hall.
He was a doctor and minister who helped persuade Georgia to join the Revolution.
Why was the French and Indian War a cause of the American Revolution?
It led Britain to tax the colonies directly and end its policy of "salutary neglect," which angered colonists.
How was the impact of the Proclamation of 1763 different in Georgia than in other colonies?
Georgia actually gained new land in the south, so most Georgians were pleased with it.
How did the Stamp Act help cause the American Revolution?
It was the first issue that united all the colonies in protest against Britain.
What does each part of the Declaration do?
Preamble: Explains why they want freedom. Grievances: Lists complaints against the king. Declaration: Officially breaks ties with Britain.
Name one important fact about George Walton.
He was the youngest person to sign the Declaration of Independence (age 26).
How did the French and Indian War specifically impact Georgia?
Georgia's western border was expanded to the Mississippi River.
Why was signing the Declaration considered an act of treason?
It was an open act of rebellion against the King, which was a crime punishable by death.