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Britain and France fought over land in North America. After the war, Britain was in debt and started taxing the colonies.
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Britain taxed paper goods in the colonies (like newspapers and playing cards). The colonists were angry – “No taxation without representation!”
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British soldiers fired into a crowd of colonists in Boston, killing five. It increased anger and tension in the colonies.
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Colonists (disguised as Native Americans) dumped British tea into the Boston Harbor to protest the Tea Act.
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Britain punished Boston by closing the harbor and taking away rights. Colonies became more united against British rule.
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The first battles of the American Revolution. “The shot heard ’round the world.”
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Colonists officially declared independence from Britain. Thomas Jefferson wrote the document.
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A major American victory and a turning point in the war. France decided to help the colonies.
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Washington’s army spent a hard winter training at Valley Forge. Many soldiers died, but they came out stronger.
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The final major battle. General Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington.
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The war officially ended. Britain recognized the United States as an independent country.