Junior Cert History Powerpoint on the American Revolution.

3. Key Word – Colony (a country or region controlled by another country)

4. Most of the original thirteen colonies of America (can you
name them?) were established by British explorers
Many people emigrated to the colonies in the 1700s to avoid
religious persecution and gain new wealth
Tobacco and cotton were two key “cash crops” grown in the
colonies for export to Britain and Europe

6. African Slaves were denied an
education and subjected to harsh
beatings .
If they attempted to escape they
could be killed.

8. King of England appointed Governors to each colony
Governors were advised by an elected assembly in each
colony
The King (George III) had final say on how the colonies should
be run
Colonists elected NO representatives to the English
Parliament in London.
Why?
What problems could this cause?

9. The Enlightenment (spread of new ideas) meant people were
less willing to accept the idea of the “Divine Right of Kings” to
rule countries
Immigration – not all colonists considered themselves British
No Representation – Colonists did not elect anyone to the
English Parliament
Unfair Taxes – the London Parliament placed taxes and trade
restrictions on the colonies which many colonists felt was
unfair (e.g. The Townshend Acts)

10. British “Redcoat” soldiers shown
firing into a crowd of unarmed
civilians who were protesting
against the Townshend Acts.
In reality only two soldiers fired
into the crowd and only after
being attacked by the crowd.
What is this an example of?

13. 1773 – Boston Tea Party
1773 – Intolerable Acts passed by British to punish Boston
1774 – Continental Congress – Colonies began to cooperate
to defend themselves from British control
1775 – British General Gage (below) attempts to seize colonial
militia weapons – battles at Lexington and Concord follow.

16. Redcoat ___________________________________________
Militia ____________________________________________
Intolerable Acts _____________________________________
Townshend Acts ____________________________________
Lexington __________________________________________
Continental Congress ________________________________
General Gage ______________________________________
Quartering Act _____________________________________
Navigation Act _____________________________________

26. Democracy established – an example set for other countries
(esp France & Ireland)
USA was Governed according to a Constitution and Laws – no
more “Divine Right of Kings”
America free to expand Westwards – growing to become the
superpower it is today
Some problems (e.g. Slavery) not resolved – would continue
to be a problem to the present day.