6.1: Conflict in the Thirteen Colonies
How did the emergence of the United States shape Canada?
vocabulary
debt - to owe money
American War of Independence - also known as the American Revolution
What was the the American War of Independence?
1763 - Britain was in debt because of the Seven Years' War. As a way to save money, it decided to make the Thirteen Colonies pay for the troops who were currently stationed there. To help recover the cost Britain decided to raise the taxes. However, the colonists refused to pay, as they felt that Britain had no authority to tax them.
Knowing what you already know about the British government,
why do you think the colonists refused to pay this tax?
The colonists were justified in not paying the tax, as Britain did not allow colonists to elect representatives to the British parliament.
1775 - George Washington took charge of an army that was raised in the Thirteen Colonies to battle this British rule.
1776 - The Thirteen Colonies became known as the United States and declared itself independent of Britain. This was the start of the American war of Indepence.
1783 - The American Revolution ended
There were two sides in this war.
The Patriots - rebelled against British rule
United Empire Loyalists, - loyal to Britain.