The Road to Revolution: America, 1763-1776

About this course:

In 1763, colonists across British North America could not have been prouder to be members of the British Empire. But fast forward to 1776 and many among them were at war with that empire. This course explores the tumultuous thirteen years between 1763 and 1776 that turned thirteen loyal British colonies into a united confederation willing to go to war to achieve independence. We examine the Stamp Act, which sparked unprecedented protests forging common cause between merchants and consumers. Next, we explore Parliament’s decision to send four redcoat regiments to Boston to keep the peace in 1768, which led to escalating provocations that culminated in the Boston Massacre. We then focus on the consumer politics wrapped up in the 1773 Boston Tea Party, and finally we investigate its aftermath, the critical 18 months that brought the colonists to the brink of rebellion and war. This course will be recorded. Students will have access to videos for the duration of the course.