Eric Tweets The History Leading To The American Revolution
I’m posting this on behalf of Eric, who on twitter (@e_cowperthwaite) gave a series of tweets highlighting the key events leading up to the US Revolution & Declaration of Independence. I’m providing the whole list here:
How did the American Revolution happen? Did we really fight a bloody, 7 year war only because of taxes imposed by Parliament? #USHistory
If we care to find out, our Founders left a written record. They were committing treason and wanted to explain why. #USHistory
The roots of the American Revolution begin during the French & Indian War (aka the Seven Years War), which was very costly. #USHistory
The British govt required American products be shipped exclusively to England (Navigation Acts) in order to raise revenue. #USHistory
Next came taxes levied on molasses and sugar. Enforcing these taxes was difficult, at best. Rise of “Pirates of the Carribbean”. #USHistory
In 1765 & 66, Parliament passed: Stamp Act, Quartering Act & Declaratory Act. These led to the beginning of the rebellion. #USHistory
More info: Stamp Act http://bit.ly/niZbI Quartering Act http://bit.ly/LOaPeV Declaratory Act http://bit.ly/dD43rX #USHistory
In 1767, Parliament passes the Townshend Revenue Act to raise revenues for administration of colonies #USHistory
This results in riots & British Regulars occupying Boston. Colonial response is non-importation of British goods. #USHistory
Non-importation dries up British-American trade, and powerful British merchants get Parliament to back down. #USHistory
British occupation of Boston leads to Boston Massacre in 1770, a critical event on the path to rebellion. 5 colonists killed. #USHistory
British troops involved in Massacre are tried & acquitted or receive token punishment. Colonists react rebelliously. #USHistory
1773: Parliament passes Tea Act. This was not a tax, but rather let East India Co sell tea at very low prices in America. #USHistory
1773: the Boston Tea Party occurs when Colonists realize that Tea Act creates a monopoly on tea in the Colonies. #USHistory
1774: Parliament passes the Intolerable Acts in response to rebellious Colonists. More information: http://bit.ly/Ca315 #USHistory
Boston Port Act closes Port of Boston, gives King direct power to decide when to re-open it. #USHistory
Mass Govt Act unilaterally alters the govt of Mass, giving King direct control of Colonial Govt, limits town meetings. #USHistory
Admin of Justice Act allows Governor, not judge, to move trials of royal officials to locations outside of Mass. #USHistory
Quartering Act allows Royal Governors to house troops in colonial buildings if Colonists wouldn’t provide quarters. #USHistory
The Colonists view the Acts as a violation of their constitutional rights as British citizens and acts of tyranny. #USHistory
1774 the first Continental Congress is organized, acts to bring Colonial grievances before British govt. #USHistory
1774 Continental Congress also establishes non-importation of British goods via Association if Intolerable Acts not rescinded. #USHistory
British Govt do not allow Colonists (Franklin) to petition for redress of grievances, a right of British citizens. #USHistory
British Regulars decide to arrest Sons of Liberty leaders and confiscate arms and gunpowder of the militia. #USHistory
Ride of Paul Revere (The Regulars are coming! & lamps in North Church) to warn Revolutionary leaders. #USHistory
The battles of Lexington and Concord occur when American Militia confront the British Regulars. #USHistory
The first battle of the American Revolution is fought to prevent disarmament of British citizens by military. #USHistory
Read the Declaration of Independence for the full list of Colonial grievances against British crown: https://thelibertypapers.org/the-declaration-of-independence/ #USHistory
Taxation without Representation was merely one of about 30 grievances. Focus is violation of rights and tyranny. #USHistory
A clear understanding of American Revolution is that it is based on individual liberty and started because of gun rights. #USHistory
Enjoy!