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Sugar Act
The British placed a tax on sugar, wine and other important things. This act made the coloniests really upset. -
The Stamp Act.
The Act required all commercial documents (for example: newspapers, playing cards) to be stamped proving that they have been taxed. -
Sons of Liberty Formed
The Sons of Liberty, a group opposed to the Stamp Act, is formed. -
Boston Massacre
A massacre provoked by a group of patriots against British sentries. -
The Boston Tea Party
Colonists dressed as Mohawks, dumped a shipload of tea into the Boston harbour to protest against British taxation---the Tea Act restricted the colonists to only trade tea with the British empire. -
Intolerable Acts
British punishment after the Boston Tea Party. The British closed the Boston Harbour and they eliminated the Massachusetts government. -
First Continental Congress
Lasted until October 26. The congress was held in secret to discuss unfair treatment from Britain, such as the Intolerable Acts. -
Lexington and Concord
The first battlebetween the patriots and the loyalists. -
The Second Continental Congress
The New England militia was still trying to drive the British out of Boston when they held this meeting. In the meeting they established the militia as the Continental Army to represent the thirteen states. George Washington was elected Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. -
The Battle of Bunker Hill
Victory went to the British.
2,400 British troops against 1,500 Americans. -
Thomas Paine publishes Common Sense
Common Sense was a pamphlet that provided an easy-to-understand defence of the revolution. 100,000 copies were sold in the year of its publication. The pamphlet helped to forge a common revolutionary identity throughout the colonies to unite the people of America. -
The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence declares independence of the United States of American from Britain. The document was written by Thomas Jefferson and signed by representatives from the colonies. The American people were not aware of the importance of the document at the beginning. But as the U.S matured as a countries, people began to realize the importance of the Declaration of Independence and see the document as a mark of the birth of the country. -
American victory at Saratoga
After suffering several defeats from Washington's troops, the British troops commanded by Gerneral John Burgoyne, surrendered at Saratoga. The victory at Saratoga persuaded France to recognize America as a country, and enter the war on America's side. It was ironic because the American colonies and the British fought against the French and Native Americans in the French and Indian War 20 years before the Revolution. -
Articles of Confederation
The Ariticles of Confederation created a national government for the Continental Congress to meet the need of a strong and stable government. The head of the congress is known as the president. -
The British Surrender at Yorktown
General George Washington and French Commander Comte de Rochambeau, attacked the British navy in Chesapeake Bay, forcing them to retreat to New York. The general of the British Army was forced to surrender. -
The Treaty of Paris
The treaty of Paris was signed, recognizing the independence of the United States. -
Shay's Rebellion (Massachusetts)
Farmers revolting in Massachusetts because of taxes and debts. Farmers organized themselves to attack the courthouses to free people who were unabled to pay taxes and imprisoned by the courts. -
The Constitution of the United States
The Constitution is signed at the constitutional convention.