The American Revolution Causes and Effects on Georgia Rise to Rebellion – Part 1
Why is this important? People died fighting for their beliefs. Our system of government was patterned after ideas born in Europe during the Enlightenment period and carried out as a result of this event. We live in the 13 th colony that was hesitant to get involved. Our heritage as a democratic people that opposes tyranny was born from this event.
Salutary Neglect From 1607 to 1763, the unwritten British policy for governing the American colonies. Under salutary neglect, enforcement of parliamentary law was deliberately lax, with the stated objective of encouraging colonial prosperity. Colonists were, for the most part, left to look after their own affairs.
French and Indian War 1754 – 1761 (Seven Years War) French and Indians – vs – Great Britain and Colonists Conflict over land claims in the Ohio River Valley Mercantilism: Merchants from colonies (raw material) trade only with empire (manufactured goods) creates favorable balance of trade for mother country
Mercantilism is economic nationalism for the purpose of building a wealthy and powerful state, that would bring gold and silver into the country, and maintain domestic employment.
Mercantilism Trade Colonies Fear and Greed Trade restrictions. Proclamation of 1763. Increased taxation
Georgia’s Boundaries - 1763
Sugar Act Enacted in 1764 Enforced tax collection on molasses. Reduced production of rum Increased tax on sugar, wine and coffee. Georgia became more concerned when the Sugar Act was passed placing a tax on sugar and molasses imported from the West Indies. Georgia did a great deal of trading with sugar-producing countries such as Jamaica and Barbados.
Stamp Act Enacted in 1765 Stamp and tax paid on paper products such as newspapers, almanacs, and playing cards. Raised concerns about “taxation without representation” a few Georgia citizens showed their dislike of the Stamp Act by burning an effigy (a likeness) of the stamp master in the streets of Savannah. Most Georgians kept quiet, preferring the income of tax dollars from the English taxes.
Tondee’s Tavern, Savannah, GA On November 6, a group of Georgians came together to oppose the Stamp Act. They called themselves the Liberty Boys . Older Georgians called them the “Liberty Brawlers” because they met in local taverns. Tondee’s Tavern in Savannah was a favorite meeting spot.
Townshend Acts Enacted June, 1767 Replaced British property taxes, funded British colonial officials. Glass, lead, paint, paper, tea Colonists boycotted British goods.
Reflection For the assignment for Lesson 2.5.2, answer the following questions on paper or in a Word doc: How did the French and Indian war contribute to the ‘rise to rebellion’? What taxes did people in Georgia find offensive, if any? Why? Why not others? What relationship did Georgia have with the King and Parliament during this time?