Luke Demas
Chapter 4: The Empire in Transition, Part II
Explain why both 1763 and 1776 were turning points in American history.
1763
 marked a change in imperial control of America from salutary neglect to direct English
control
 the passing of restrictions and acts angered colonists and contributed to eventual
revolution
 Britain took more control in economic aspect of colonies, leading to increased taxation
and trade regulation through stricter application of mercantilist policies
1776




marked first attempts at complete colonial independence
Thomas Paine’s Common Sense published
Declaration of Independence signed
first state constitutions written
Explain the ideological philosophy that developed in the colonies that would help to justify
colonial revolt against the British.





Revolutionary support was drawn from religious sources (particularly Puritans), colonial
political experiences, British radicals who opposed their government, Scots who
considered the English tyrannical, country Whigs who felt excluded from power, and
philosophical minds like John Locke.
The fact that England’s constitution was not written out and was subject to constant
changes upset colonists, who were used to colonial charters and other written forms of
government organization.
Americans believed in the right of people to be taxed only with their own consent (“No
taxation without representation”).
Americans favored actual representation (town meetings, colonial assemblies) over
virtual representation (English Parliament).
Colonists wished for a division of sovereignty between the English Parliament and
provincial governments.