unit 6 lesson 2 growing tensions
Unit 6 Lesson 2: Growing Tensions
In this lesson, we will explore the growing tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain leading up to the American Revolution. This period of time, also known as the pre-revolutionary period, saw an increase in conflict and disagreement between the colonists and the British government.
1. British Policies:
- The British government implemented various policies that angered the American colonists. These included the Sugar Act, Stamp Act, Townshend Acts, and the Tea Act. These acts imposed taxes on the colonists and restricted their trade, causing economic hardship and resentment.
- Colonists believed that it was unfair for them to be taxed without representation in the British Parliament, leading to the famous rallying cry, "No taxation without representation!"
2. Protests and Resistance:
- The American colonists organized protests and acts of resistance against British policies. They boycotted British goods, participated in acts of civil disobedience, and formed groups like the Sons of Liberty to fight against unjust taxation and acts.
- Some of the notable acts of resistance include the Boston Tea Party, where colonists dumped British tea into the harbor, and the non-importation agreement, where colonists agreed to stop importing British goods.
3. Response from Britain:
- In response to the colonists' resistance, the British government took several actions to assert their authority. British troops were sent to Boston to enforce the laws, leading to the Boston Massacre in 1770, where British soldiers shot and killed several colonists.
- The British government also passed harsher laws, known as the Coercive Acts or Intolerable Acts, in 1774. These acts closed the port of Boston, expanded royal control over Massachusetts, and restricted town meetings.
4. Colonial Unity and the First Continental Congress:
- Growing tensions and British actions led to increased unity among the American colonies. Colonists realized they needed to come together to protect their rights and liberties.
- In 1774, representatives from twelve colonies met in Philadelphia for the First Continental Congress. They discussed their grievances against Britain and called for a boycott of British goods until these grievances were addressed.
5. Growing Calls for Independence:
- As tensions continued to rise, some colonists began calling for complete independence from Britain. Influential pamphlets like Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" argued for the need to break away from Britain and establish a new government.
- These calls for independence would eventually lead to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
In conclusion, Unit 6 Lesson 2 explores the growing tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain, including British policies, colonial resistance, British responses, colonial unity, and the growing calls for independence. This period of growing tensions ultimately set the stage for the American Revolution and the birth of the United States of America.