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A skirmish on the western frontier between French troops (supported by Indians) and American colonists begins the French and Indian War.
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George III becomes King of England and ruler of the British Empire. He favors new political leaders and advisors who follow a stricter policy toward the colonies.
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The Treaty of Paris ends the Seven Years War. In defeat, France gives up most of its claims to North American territory.
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Parliament passes the Sugar Act to raise money from the colonies through import taxes. In response, Boston merchants refuse to buy English luxury goods.
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Virginia's House of Burgesses adopts Patrick Henry's Stamp Act Resolves, which protest taxation without representation.
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Realizing that the Townshend Acts are discouraging the purchase of British goods, Parliament repeals all the taxes except the tax on tea, which cannot be grown in North America.
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The Tea Act gives the British East India Company a monopoly on sales. In protest, patriots in New York and Philadelphia force ships to return to England without unloading their cargoes of tea.
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An American assault on Quebec, led by Generals Richard Montgomery and Benedict Arnold, is repulsed, and Canada remains under British control.
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France begins secretly sending money and military supplies to the colonies.
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The Second Continental Congress approves the final version of the Declaration of Independence.
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General Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown. As a result of the American victory, Britain begins peace talks with its former colonies.
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The Treaty of Paris is signed whereby Britain recognizes the United States as an independent nation.
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Britain abolishes the slave trade. U.S. follows in 1808, but slavery is not made illegal in all states of the U.S. until 1865.
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Hong Kong (China) becomes part of the British colonial empire.