Source: John of England(John Lackland),
Soerefm, Wikipedia
In this resource, you will examine the issues and events surrounding the American Revolution. This section will provide background information that will help you understand life in the American colonies and what led to their founding.
Source: John of England(John Lackland),
Soerefm, Wikipedia
Before establishing the American colonies, England had a history of denying basic rights to its citizens. Some of the rights that were taken away were the following:
Source: Magna Carta,
National Archives
Throughout the centuries, English citizens had tried to fight for their rights. In 1215, the barons of England had grown tired of being denied certain rights. They forced King John to sign an agreement that gave Englishmen (not women) some basic rights. This agreement was known as the Magna Carta.
Below are excerpts from the Magna Carta. The excerpts express two principles that have influenced other documents and are relevant to this day.
Using your notes, read each excerpt and rewrite each one in your own terms. In addition, explain which principle you think each excerpt represents. (Remember this is the language of 13th century England; use a dictionary to help you understand some of these terms.)
No freeman shall be taken, imprisoned, disseised, outlawed, banished, or in any way destroyed, nor will We proceed against or prosecute him, except by the lawful judgment of his peers and by the law of the land.
To no one will We sell, to no one will We deny or delay, right or justice.
What principles are represented by these excerpts?
Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. due process of law; justice in the court of law
By the 17th century, Englishmen had secured many rights and freedoms. When the English began to colonize the American colonies, those who lived there expected to have the same rights and freedoms. In the next section, you will learn how American colonists fought for their basic rights, which eventually led to a war between the colonists and the English government.