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Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was an act where the British Parliament were increasing income in the American colonies. The stamps were placed on mail, certain articles, documents and most paper items. This was a way of taxation against American colonies in order to pay off debt from the Seven Years War. This added tension between British and American colonies. -
Protest of Stamp Act
Many American colonists were upset by the new form of taxation. Protests against the British taxation included petitions, refusal to pay the tax, property damage and harassment of Brithish officials. -
Gaspee Affair
The Gaspee was Lieutenant William Duddington's ship, often used for cargo. On June 9th 1772 the Gaspee ran aground, at later known Gaspee Point. The ship was soon attacked by fifty five men led by John Brown. The attackers wounded the crew, looted the ship and then burned it. -
Committees of Correspondence Established
Committees of Correspondence was created in order to spread the power of written word among the towns and colonies. Samuel Adams was the leader of the first committee. Many towns were persuaded to have a committee. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was an event in which Boston colonists dressed up as Indians to protest againt British taxation on tea. These Boston colonists raided the British ships and threw hundreds of chests of tea into the Boston harbor. -
Coercive Acts
The Coercive Acts or the Intolerable Acts are a series of laws passed by British government to try and punish Massachusetts for the Boston Tea Party. -
Quebec Act
The Quebec Act was an act passed by Parliament intentioned to increase the French inhabitants in Canada. In the following years, British efforts to bring Quebec into the empire had failed. -
First Continental Congress
This was the first congress meeting, all but Georgia sent representatives to the meeting. During this meeting the colonies all agreed the King and Parliament must understand the grievance of the colonies. This meeting was very important becuase it was the first time the colonies came together as a whole instead of individual colonies. -
Paul Revere's Ride
On this day, Dr. Joeseph Warren told Paul Revere it is his job to warn the Americans when the British are coming.When he saw them coming, he went through the town on horse screaming to everyone "the British are coming." Revere was soon accompanied by two other riders, later arrested by British troops. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
The Battles of Lexington and Concord were the battles that sparked the American Revolutionary War. Hundreds of British troops marched into Boston to sieze an arms cache. Paul Revere warned the Americans and sounded the alarms. The British and American troops met on Lexington green and the battle began. -
Second Continental Congress
In May 1775 the redcoats again came into Boston. This called for the Second Continental Cogress to meet in Philidelphia. At this meeting the idea of a continental army would be created. -
George Washington Appointed General
George Washington was selected to be the general over candidates such as John Hancock. George Washington had already had previous military exsperience before he was appointed general. George Washington headed to Massachusettes soon after he recieved word he was to be the general.He was the general for eight years before he resigned. -
Battle of Bunker HIll
The Battle of Bunker hill was the first major battle toward American independence between the British and the Americans. It was fought on Breed's hill in Charlestown, MA. Many reedcoats were killed or wounded during this battle. Although, the British defeated the Americans in this battle, it soon became known as a heroic stand against the British. -
Olive Branch Petition
The Olive Branch Petition was approved by the Second Continental Congress. The Olive Brand Petition was a petition by Americans to the King asking for independence from Britain. The King refused to receive this petition. -
Proclamatino for Suppressing Rebellion and Sedition
After the Battle of Lexington and Concord in spring of 1775, King George III of England announced this proclamation.The proclamation said that the coloinies are in an open rebellion to his authority and could result in severe punishment.This was also true for any British subject who did not report any superstition of rebellion. -
Common Sense Published
Common Sense, by Thomas Paine, was one of the first documents to openly ask for independence. It also, directly challenge the British royal monarchy and authority. Thomas Paine used a language that he would use to speak to people. -
British Evacuated Boston
The British forces were forced out by American troops led by George Washington. Geroge Washington's specific placement of troops and cannons were a major factor to forcing the British out of Boston. -
Writing of Declaration of Independence
There was a meeting with the Continental Congress in Philedelphia, the meeting was about voting for independence from England. Thomas Jefferson was to write the declaration. After revisions of the declaration it was finaly sent to the Continental Congress who refined it and released it to the public. -
Declaration of Independence
Written by Thomas Jefferson, this document is a symbol of liberty. It states independence of the states from the British Empire. The document was not signed until August 2, 1776. -
British Pulled out of Virginia
The British pulled out of Virginia during the Battle of Yorktown. Lt. Gen. Charles Cornwallis surrendered to the Americans becuase he believed continuing the battle would be a hopeless cause. The British surrendered, and the next day they made negotionations. Two days later American victory was declared.
