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What were the main factors that led the colonists to declare war on Britain?

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Discuss the economic reasons such as the various taxes imposed by Britain (e.g. Stamp Act, Tea Act). Use primary sources like the actual texts of these acts to detail their impact.

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A Spotlight on a Primary Source by George III

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The Stamp Act, 1765 | Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

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The Stamp Act, 1765 | | On March 22, 1765, the British Parliament passed the “Stamp Act” to help pay for British troops stationed in the colonies during the Seven Years’ War. The act required the colonists to pay a tax, represented by a stamp, on various forms of papers, documents, and playing cards. It was a direct tax imposed by the British government without the approval of the colonial legislatures and was payable in hard-to-obtain British sterling, rather than colonial currency. Further, those accused of violating the Stamp Act could be prosecuted in Vice-Admiralty Courts, which had no juries and could be held anywhere in the British Empire. Important dates in the Stamp Act Crisis March 22, 1765: British Parliament passes the “Stamp Act.” October 1765: Delegates from nine colonies meet in New York City in what has become known as the Stamp Act Congress, the first united action by the colonies; the congress acknowledges that while Parliament has a right to regulate colonial trade, it does not have the power to tax the colonies since they were unrepresented in Parliament. November 1, 1765: The Stamp Act goes into effect in the colonies. March 1766: Colonial resistance to the Stamp Act and pressure from London merchants prompt Parliament to abolish the Stamp Act. March 1766: Parliament issues the Declaratory Act, which states that the king and Parliament have full legislative power over the colonies. Excerpts King George III, An Act for granting and applying certain stamp duties, 1765 An act for granting and applying certain stamp duties, and other duties, in the British colonies and plantations in America, towards further defraying the expences of defending, protecting, and securing the same; and for amending such parts of the several acts of parliament relating to the trade and revenues of the said colonies and plantations, as direct the manner of determining and recovering the penalties and forfeitures therein mentioned. WHEREAS by an act made in the last session of parliament, several duties were granted, continued, and appropriated, towards defraying the expences of defending, protecting, and securing, the British colonies and plantations in America: and whereas it is just and necessary, that provision be made for raising a further revenue within your Majesty’s dominions in America, towards defraying the said expences: we, your Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the commons of Great Britain in parliament assembled, have therefore resolved to give and grant unto your Majesty the several rates and duties herein after mentioned; and do most humbly beseech your Majesty that it may be enacted, and be it enacted by the King’s most excellent majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the lords spiritual and temporal, and commons, in this present parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, That from and after the first day of November, one thousand seven hundred and sixty five, there shall be raised, levied, collected, and paid unto his Majesty, his heirs, and successors, throughout the colonies and plantations in America which now are, or hereafter may be, under the dominion of his Majesty, his heirs and successors, For every skin or piece of vellum or parchment, or sheet or piece of paper, on which shall be ingrossed, written, or printed, any licence, appointment, or admission of any counsellor, solicitor, attorney, advocate, or proctor, to practice in any court, or of any notary within the said colonies and plantations, a stamp duty of ten pounds. For every skin or piece of vellum or parchment, or sheet or piece of paper, on which shall be ingrossed, written, or printed, any note or bill of lading, which shall be signed for any kind of goods, wares, or merchandize, to be exported from . . . within the said colonies and plantations, a stamp duty of four pence. For every skin or piece of vellum or parchment, or sheet or piece of paper, on which shall be ingrossed, written, or printed, any licence for retailing of wine, to be granted to any person who shall take out a licence for retailing of spirituous liquors, within the said colonies and plantations, a stamp duty of three pounds, For every skin or piece of vellum or parchment, or sheet or piece of paper, on which shall be ingrossed, written, or printed, any notarial act, bond, deed, letter, of attorney, procuration, mortgage, release, or other obligatory instrument, not herein before charged, within the said colonies and plantations, a stamp duty of two shillings and three pence. And for and upon every pack of playing cards, and all dice, which shall be sold or used within the said colonies and plantations, the several stamp duties following (that is to say) For every pack of such cards, the sum of one shilling. And for every pair of such dice, the sum of ten shillings. And for and upon every paper, commonly called a pamphlet, and upon every newspaper, containing publick news, intelligence, or occurrences, which shall be printed, dispersed, and made publick, within any of the said colonies and plantations, and for and upon such advertisements as are herein after mentioned, the respective duties following (that is to say) For every other almanack or calendar for any one particular year, which shall be written or printed within the said colonies or plantations, a stamp duty of four pence. . . . A copy of the excerpts is available.

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Explain the political causes, including the lack of representation in Parliament. Discuss the phrase 'No taxation without representation,' and its significance.

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Students will work in small groups to discuss and list additional reasons they believe the colonists wanted to declare war. Each group will then share their list with the class. Use Padlet to post these lists and discuss similarities and differences among the groups.

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Students will individually write a short paragraph summarizing the main economic, political, and social factors for the American Revolution. Provide feedback on their understanding.

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For students who have a strong grasp of the material, have them research and present another lesser-known act or event that contributed to the revolution. They can use Padlet to create their presentations.

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Throughout the lesson, ask questions and observe group discussions to gauge student understanding. Take notes on any misconceptions to address during the closure.

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At the end of the lesson, students will complete a quiz with multiple choice and short answer questions covering the main reasons for the American Revolution.

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In a class discussion, have students share one economic, political, and social factor they found most compelling. Encourage students to summarize how these factors collectively led to the revolution.

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Students will write one sentence summarizing why the colonists declared war against Britain. They will turn this in before leaving class.

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Students will complete a worksheet that includes questions on the economic, political, and social factors discussed in class. This will reinforce their understanding and prepare them for future assessments.

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Assign a small project where students create a mini-poster illustrating one factor of the American Revolution. This can be done on paper or using a digital tool like Padlet.

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Students will be able to understand the various factors that ignited the colonists to declare war during the American Revolution. They will analyze the economic, political, and social reasons for the revolution and provide examples of each.