SOL USI.6a: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the causes and results of the American
Revolution by: a) identifying the issues of dissatisfaction that led to the American Revolution
1) As Great Britain expanded control over the American colonies, many colonists became DISSATISFIED
and rebellious
Great Britain’s Reasons for Control:
1) Great Britain wanted to remain a WORLD POWER.
2) In the American colonies, Great Britain’s desire to remain a world power resulted in a conflict with the
French known as the FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR
3) Great Britain imposed TAXES, such as the Stamp Act, to raise necessary revenue to pay the cost of the
French and Indian War.
Great Britain’s Reasons for Taxation:
1) To help finance (pay for) THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR
2) To help with the maintaining of British TROOPS in the colonies.
Sources of Colonial Dissatisfaction:
1) Colonies had no representation in PARLIAMENT
2) Some colonists resented the power of COLONIAL GOVERNORS
3) Great Britain wanted strict control over colonial LEGISLATURES.
4) Colonies opposed TAXES.
5) The Proclamation of 1763, which followed the French and Indian War, restricted the WESTERN
movement of settlers
“No Taxation without Representation”:
1) Led to BOYCOTTING (refusing to buy) British goods.
SOL USI.6b: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the causes and results of the American
Revolution by: b) identifying how political ideas shaped the revolutionary movement in America and
led to the Declaration of Independence
1) New political ideas led to a desire for INDEPENDENCE and democratic government in the American
colonies.
2)The Declaration of Independence proclaimed independence from ENGLAND. It stated that people
have natural (inherent) rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
3) Key philosophies in the Declaration of Independence were based upon ideas first expressed by
EUROPEAN philosophers
Ideas of John Locke:
1) People have NATURAL rights to life, liberty and property. Since these rights were natural, no one
could take them away, including the government and King.
2) Government is created to PROTECT the rights of people and has only the limited and specific powers
the PEOPLE consent (approve) to give it.
Key Philosophies (Ideas) of the Declaration of Independence:
1) People have “certain UNALIENABLE rights” (rights that cannot be taken away)—life, liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness.
2) People establish government to PROTECT those rights.
3) Government derives (receives) its power from the PEOPLE.
4) People have a right and duty to change a government that violates (breaks, or takes advantage of)
their RIGHTS
SOL USI.6c: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the causes and results of the American
Revolution by: c) describing key events and the roles of key individuals in the American Revolution,
with emphasis on George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and
Thomas Paine.
1) Many individuals played important ROLES in shaping events of the American Revolution.
The British:
1) King George III: BRITISH king during the Revolutionary era.
2) Lord Cornwallis: British GENERAL who surrendered at Yorktown.
The Future Presidents:
3) John Adams: Championed (stood up for) the cause of INDEPENDENCE
4) George Washington: Commander of the CONTINENTAL Army
5) Thomas Jefferson: Major AUTHOR of the Declaration of Independence
The Patriot and The Ambassador:
6) Patrick Henry: Outspoken member of the House of Burgesses; inspired colonial patriotism (love of
one’s country) with “Give me LIBERTY or give me DEATH” speech.
7) Benjamin Franklin: Prominent member of the Continental Congress; helped FRAME (form) the
Declaration of Independence, helped gain FRENCH support for American independence
The Journalist, Poet Slave, and Brave Rider:
8) Thomas Paine: Journalist (writer), author of COMMON SENSE.
9) Phyllis Wheatley: A former ENSLAVED African American who wrote poems and plays supporting
American independence.
10) Paul Revere: Patriot who made a daring RIDE to warn colonists of British arrival
Key Events of the Revolutionary War:
1) Boston Massacre (Boston): Colonists in Boston were SHOT after taunting (making fun of) British
soldiers (March 5, 1770).
2) The Boston Tea Party (Boston): Samuel Adams and Paul Revere led PATRIOTS in throwing tea into
BOSTON Harbor to protest tea taxes (December 16, 1773).
3) First Continental Congress (Philadelphia): Delegates (representatives) from all colonies except Georgia
met to discuss problems with GREAT BRITAIN and to promote independence (September 5, 1774).
4) Battles of Lexington and Concord (Massachusetts): This was the site of the FIRST armed conflict of the
Revolutionary War (April 19, 1775).
5) Approval of the Declaration of Independence (Philadelphia): Colonies declared independence from
GREAT BRITAIN (July 4, 1776).
6) Battle of Saratoga (New York): This American VICTORY was the turning point of the Revolutionary
War (September 19 and October 7, 1777).
7) Surrender at Yorktown (Virginia): This was the colonial victory over forces of Lord Cornwallis that
marked the END of the Revolutionary War (October 19, 1781)
8) Signing of the Treaty of Paris (Paris, France): Great Britain recognized AMERICAN independence in this
treaty (agreement for peace). It was signed on September 3, 1783
SOL USI.6d: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the causes and results of the American
Revolution by: d) explaining the reasons why the colonies were able to defeat Britain.
1) Defense of the colonists’ own LAND, strong beliefs, and capable leadership contributed to the
AMERICAN victory in the Revolutionary War,
Colonial Advantages:
1) Some colonists defended their own LAND
2) Additional support from FRANCE
3) Strong LEADERSHIP
SOL USI.6, Revolutionary War Vocabulary
1. revolution- an overthrow of an established government or political system
2. rebellious- defying or resisting the power of an authority figure
3. taxes-a charge required by government so it can operate; a burdensome charge
4. revenue-the money a government receives from taxation
5. Parliament-the legislative branch of Great Britain’s government
6. representation-having delegates or representatives in a government which allows one to have a voice in
laws and policies
7. Proclamation of 1763- a document that restricted colonists from moving past the westward boundary of
the Appalachian Mountains
8. restrict- to keep within a limit
9. philosophy- investigating truths behind knowledge or conduct
10. independence-freedom from the control or influence of others
11. prominent-standing out; to be recognized easily
12. Treaty of Paris-the document in which Great Britain formally acknowledged the independence of the
United States.
13. patriotism- the love of one’s country
14. massacre-the unnecessary killing of a large amount of people; a general slaughter
15. surrender-to give up or abandon an effort