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Franklin was a philosopher, scientist, publisher, legislator, and diplomat. He sought financial and military support for the war in Paris in 1776 and was sent by Congress. He became popular because of his intelligence. Some admired him because of their goal of having America's freedom. He returned to America after nine years and served as the oldest delegate to the Constitutional Convention.
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England and Wales were united with Scotland to become the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Free trade with Scotland created a larger market for farmers and manufacturers. Ireland had come under English control in the 1600's.
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Washington was chosen to lead the American army, and by Britain's surprise succeeded in winning the war. He faced many challenges, struggled with order and discipline, and with pride and loyalty with his soldiers. He became the nation's first president after his success as being a leader.
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Prosperous colonies stretched along the eastern coast of North America and were a part of Britain's growing empire. Boston, New York, and Philadelphia were commercial centers that linked North America to the West Indies, Africa, and Europe.
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Madison attended the Constitutional Convention in May in 1787 in Philadelphia. Sitting in front the president's chair, Madison kept detailed notes about the debates and quickly became the convention's floor leader. Fifty years later, his notes were published and they are the main source of information on the Constitution.
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George III began a 60-year reign, and unlike his father and grandfather, he was born in England. He loved England but wanted to regain the powers that the crown had previously lost. He wanted to end Whig domination, choose his own ministers, dissolve the cabinet system, and make Parliment follow his will. He slowly gave seats to "the king's friends," who helped him assert his leadership. He ended up making a lot of decisions that ended out with bad outcomes.
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The end of these two wars in 1763 brought Britain all of French Canada. They also monopolized the Spanish American slave trade, bringing them much wealth
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The Sugar Act was passed by Parliment and imposed taxes.
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The Stamp Act was passed by Parliment and imposed taxes on items like newspapers and pamphlets. The colonists protested, "no taxation without representation." They believed that because they had no representatives in Parliment
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Parliement repealed the Stamp Act in 1766 but then passes a Declaratory Act that stated it had complete athouritu over the colonists.
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British soldiers in Boston opened fire on a crowd that was pelting them with stones and snowballs, killing five protesters. This event is know as the Boston Massacre.
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A few colonist threw a cargo of British tea into the harbor to protest a tax on tea. This is called the Boston Tea Party.
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The tension between the colonist and the British resulted into war in Concord and Lexington, Massachusetts, which is known as the Revolutionary War or American Revolution.
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The Second Continental Congress voted to declare independence from Britain. Thomas Jefferson of Virginia was the main author of the Declaration of Independence. This document reflects John Locke's ideas of the government needs for protecting the people's natural rights to life, liberty, and property, and also that people had the right to revolt.
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American leaders adopted the Declaration, as well as pledging their lives to "our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor" to creating and protecting the new United States of America.
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Americans triumph over the British at the Battle of Saratoga persuading France to join the Americans against Britain. The French brought over supplies, soldiers, and French warships. The Netherlands and Spain also helped.
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During this time, Continental troops at Valley Forge suffered from cold, hunger, and disease. Washington was patient and determined, holding the army together.
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French fleet blockaded the Chesapeake Bay forcing the British army to surrender at Yorktown, Virginia.
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American, British, and French diplomats signed the Treaty of Paris two years after the British army surrendered, ending the war. Britian gave the United States of America independence in the treaty.
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Englands territory became known as "Great Britain"