ThoughtCo, Apr. Link couldn't be copied to clipboard! This activity will help students determine their overall understanding of module concepts. First, it closed the port of Boston, thus destroying the property of thousands. Not to find out new principles, or new arguments, never before thought of, not merely to say things which had never been said before, but to place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent, and to justify ourselves in the independent stand we are compelled to take. Barbara B. Oberg, ed., Women in the American Revolution: Gender, Politics, and the Domestic World (Charlottesville, Va.: University of Virginia Press, 2019). Describe how ancient and Enlightenment thinkers influenced the development of many of the key ideas on which the nation was founded. The American Enlightenment was a critical precursor of the American Revolution. Give examples of each of the criteria in the graphic organizer before asking students to start their group work: Break students into four groups and allow them time to explore, discuss, and begin to complete the graphic organizer. The American Revolution was shaped by high principles and low ones, by imperial politics, dynastic rivalries, ambition, greed, personal loyalties, patriotism, demographic growth, social and economic changes, cultural developments, British intransigence, and American anxieties. Second, it declared void certain parts of the charter of Massachusetts, following a policy begun in New York in 1767, and so it virtually attempted to annihilate the protection of chartered rights and chartered liberties that has always been so dear to Englishmen. Module 2: Principles of the American Revolution Why did the American colonists believe that they had the right to overthrow their government? 1. Historian Robert M. Calhoon estimated that only about 4045% of the free population supported the revolution, while about 1520% of the free white males remained loyal. . When you are finished, review the Declaration of Independence and identify where the principles are referenced. But it was so only in name. The war was finally fought out on principles as far-reaching as the history of nations. Kelly, Martin. These were the Puritans, who had fought the wars of liberty in England. Then, complete the Activity Guide: Quote Analysis worksheet. British officials and soldiers were given more control over the colonists and this led to widespread corruption. They levied new taxes on the colonists and increased trade regulations. * The request timed out and you did not successfully sign up. But in 1776, when news reached Britain of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the atmosphere was anything but celebratory. Basic Principles Archives - The American Revolution Institute Explore our new 15-unit high school curriculum. Stamp Act - Fact, Reaction & Legacy - History Some, though, blamed the British government for what was happening, and willed their leaders to give up and abandon the war with the Americans. Tax burdens in the colonies were incredibly light . No singleevent caused the revolution. The intent was to normalize relations with the Indigenous peoples, many of whom fought with the French.