Week 2 Discussion 1: The American Revolution
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
Textbook: Chapter 5, 6
Lesson
Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook)
Initial Post Instructions
For the initial post, pick two (2) of the leading causes of the American Revolution.
-The Proclamation Act of 1763
-The Navigation Acts
-The Stamp Act
-The Declaratory Act
-The Townsend Act
-The Boston Massacre
-The Coercive Acts
Then, address the following for your selections:
-Analyze the cause and effect of two acts passed by the British Parliament on British North America.
-Which of your two selections do you consider the most significant and why?
-Examine and explain the significance of the Declaration of Independence to the development of the American Revolution.
(As a separate paragraph)
Follow-Up Posts:
Compare your selections and analysis with the following response:
“Two of the leading causes that led to the American Revolution are The Townshend Act and The Boston Massacre. By the time these two events took place the colonies had become tired of the British Parliament overreaching their power and control over British North America. In 1767 Charles Townshend, who oversaw the of British finances decided to impose a tax on many different items like paper, paint, tea, lead, and glass in order to support the British army in America (Corbett, 2014). This act basically enabled Britain to enforce higher tax rates which in turn caused protests because the colonists felt that they were being taxed without representation and led to boycotting British goods (Corbett, 2014).
Then in 1770 after years of conflict between Bostonians and British officials a riot broke out with many of the townspeople throwing objects towards British soldiers resulting in shots fired by the soldiers into the crowd resulting in 5 people dead (Corbett, 2014). This event became known as the Boston Massacre.
I think that obviously all the seven causes listed built up to the American Revolution, but the Boston Massacre was probably the tipping point. With many of the other acts imposed there were mini wins by the colonies in the form of repeals. However, with the Boston Massacre there were lives taken with 6 of the 8 soldiers being acquitted and the other two with reduced charges. The Boston Massacre showed that the Parliament would be willing to do whatever it cost in order to maintain control, power, and profitability throughout the colonies.
The Declaration of Independence was a document drawn up in 1776 that stated the motives behind the nation becoming independent and choosing their own government (History.com, 2009). This document allowed the united colonies to move forward toward becoming a nation with their own government. To break free from the power and control of Britain the American Revolution would ensue.”
If different acts are chose than your own, examine how yours are similar and/or different. If the the same acts are chosen, build on that response by providing additional information about the acts that you have not already noted in your own post.
Writing Requirements:
APA format for in-text citations and list of references
