Britain's response to colonial protests intensified tensions. The Coercive Acts punished Massachusetts, limiting self-governance and trade. This unified the colonies, leading to the First Continental Congress and a boycott of British goods.

The conflict escalated at Lexington and Concord. British attempts to seize weapons led to armed clashes, marking the start of the Revolutionary War. This spurred the formation of the Continental Army and attempts at reconciliation.

Britain's Law-and-Order Strategy and Colonial Resistance

British response to colonial protests

• British response to the Boston Tea Party
  • Passage of the Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts) in 1774 aimed to punish Massachusetts and assert British authority
    • Boston Port Act closed the port of Boston until damages were paid and order restored, effectively shutting down trade and commerce in the city
    • Massachusetts Government Act limited the power of the Massachusetts legislature and gave more power to the royal governor, undermining local self-governance
    • Administration of Justice Act allowed British officials accused of crimes to be tried in Britain or another colony, shielding them from colonial justice
    • Quartering Act required colonists to provide housing and supplies for British soldiers, placing a burden on colonial communities
  • These acts represented a shift in imperial policy, moving away from colonial autonomy towards more direct control
• Colonial reaction to the Coercive Acts
  • Perceived as a direct attack on colonial rights and liberties, uniting the colonies against British oppression
  • Increased solidarity among the colonies as they recognized the need for collective action
    • Committees of Correspondence facilitated communication and coordination between colonies, allowing for a unified response
  • First Continental Congress convened in September 1774 to address the crisis
    • Issued a Declaration of Rights and Grievances outlining colonial grievances and asserting their rights as British subjects
    • Called for a boycott of British goods to pressure the British government economically
    • Protested against taxation without representation imposed by the British Parliament

Escalation at Lexington and Concord

• British attempt to seize colonial weapons and arrest leaders
  • General Thomas Gage ordered troops to march to Concord to seize weapons and capture Samuel Adams and John Hancock, prominent colonial leaders
• Battles of Lexington and Concord (April 19, 1775) marked the beginning of armed conflict
  • Lexington: British troops confronted colonial militia; shots fired, eight Americans killed, symbolizing the first blood spilled in the conflict
  • Concord: Colonial militia forced British troops to retreat back to Boston, demonstrating colonial resolve and military capability
  • "Shot heard 'round the world" - symbolized the start of the American Revolutionary War and the global significance of the conflict
• Aftermath of Lexington and Concord
  • Colonial militia laid siege to Boston, trapping British forces and limiting their ability to project power
  • Second Continental Congress convened in May 1775 to coordinate the colonial response
    • Established the Continental Army with George Washington as commander-in-chief, creating a unified military force
    • Authorized the printing of paper money and the establishment of a post office, laying the groundwork for a functioning government
  • Olive Branch Petition sent to King George III as a final attempt at reconciliation, demonstrating a willingness to negotiate while preparing for war

Impact of revolutionary writings

• Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" (January 1776) played a crucial role in shifting public opinion
  • Argued for complete independence from Britain, making a compelling case for severing ties with the mother country
  • Criticized the monarchy and the idea of hereditary rule as irrational and unjust
  • Used plain language to appeal to a broad audience, making complex political ideas accessible to the masses
  • Sold over 500,000 copies within a few months, reaching a significant portion of the colonial population
  • Helped shift public opinion in favor of independence, providing a powerful rationale for the revolutionary cause
• Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776) formalized the break with Britain and articulated the principles of the revolution
  • Formally declared the United States' independence from Britain, marking a decisive turning point in the conflict
  • Outlined the reasons for seeking independence, justifying the revolution to the world
    • Grievances against King George III and the British government, detailing the abuses and usurpations of power
    • Asserted the natural rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, grounding the revolution in Enlightenment ideals
  • Affirmed the principles of popular sovereignty and the right of revolution, establishing the legitimacy of the American cause
  • Served as a unifying document for the colonies, providing a shared vision and purpose for the struggle
  • Gained international recognition and support for the American cause, helping to secure vital foreign aid (France)