Unit 8

The Road to Revolution

The effects of the French and Indian War led to widespread tensions between Great Britain and the American colonists. Britain, in massive debt, felt the colonists should shoulder some of the financial burden of the war. The colonists, frustrated by the inability to move onto new lands gained in the war, were resentful of Britain's Proclamation of 1763. When Britain began issuing new taxes aimed at raising revenue to pay off the war debt, the colonists became rebellious. This in turn caused Britain to abandon its policy of salutary neglect and rule the colonies with a firmer hand, leading to further resistance by the colonists.

Guiding Questions for Unit 8

- How did changes in British colonial policy affect the Thirteen Colonies?
- Why did resistance to British colonial policy develop into a movement for independence?
- How did the colonists attempt to repair their relationship with Britain?
- How did opinions on the issue of independence differ among the colonists?
- What claims did the authors of the Declaration of Independence make?