The american war of independence

• Causes of the American War of Independence:

  • American colonists resented taxes imposed by the British government on items like newspapers, printed materials, glass, lead, paper, paint (Intolerable Acts)
  • They wanted more representation in government and believed in "No taxation without representation"
  • Resented British interference in trade and business
  • They didn't want to pay for the upkeep of the British army
  • They desired independence
• Tensions leading up to the American Revolution:

  • Boston Massacre (March 1770): Colonists threw snowballs at soldiers, who fired into the crowd killing 5 persons
  • Boston Tea Party (1773): Colonists dumped tea into Boston Harbor to protest the Tea Act of 1773, dressed as Native Americans
  • Skirmish at Lexington officially started the war in 1775
  • Declaration of Independence (July 4th, 1776): Stated the North American colonies' right to be free and independent from Britain
• Treaty of Versailles (Treaty of Paris 1783):

  • A binding formal agreement signed between parties or countries settling disputes and establishing obligations, typically after a war
  • Results/Consequences:
  • Thirteen colonies given their freedom
  • East Florida returned to Spain
  • The Bahamas returned to Britain
  • Loyalist refugees were given 18 months to leave East Florida
• Loyalist refugees:

  • People who wanted to remain British after the American War of Independence
  • Also known as Royalists or Tories
  • Mistreated for remaining loyal to the British during the war
  • Reasons for mistreatment:
  • Lost their homes and businesses
  • Attacked by patriot rebels
  • Not allowed to purchase goods
  • Bullied, tarred & feathered, imprisoned, businesses boycotted
  • After the Treaty of Versailles, they sold their property in North America and moved to other countries like Canada, the West Indies, and The Bahamas
• Reasons why many Loyalist refugees came to The Bahamas:

  • The islands were close to the North American mainland
  • Warm sunny climate
  • British colony status
  • Fear of Spanish rule in Florida
  • Suitable soil for growing cotton
  • Given free grants of land