1. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION AN ENLIGHTENMENT INSPIRATION!

2. Before George Washington America was known as the 13 Colonies and was part of BRITAIN After the French and Indian War (1754-1763) the British began to ENFORCE taxes on the colonists. The Colonists felt less and less British and more “American”, they began to plan for a Revolution.

3. Causes to the American Revolution

4. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES AMERICAN COLONISTS BRITISH LOYALISTS DISADVANTAGES: Disorganized People loyal to states rather than nation. No standing military Little money ADVANTAGES: Home-Field Advantage DESIRE TO FIGHT!!! Support from France DISADVANTAGES: Far away from home Didn’t care if colonies were part of Britain or not Hired German Mercenaries--Hessians ADVANTAGES: Largest Navy in the World Established/organized military Experienced Generals

5. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION Fought between the British and the Colonists George Washington led the American Army Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence The Colonists won and the United States of America was established.

6. IMPACT OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION American republic became a symbol of freedom, democracy and end of tyranny. Inspired French Revolution and Latin American Independence Movements Constitution became an example to many other countries. Challenge to Absolute Monarchs