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Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was the first tax put on the American Colonies by the British. It was on all paper documents and helped the British's debt. The Americans were upset about it because they weren't represented in the Parliament. It was repealed in 1766.
[http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/stamp-act]
This was asymmetrical because the British thought the Patriots would go along with it, especially since the tax wasn't big. The Patriots were really unhappy with it, and violence broke out. -
Boston Massacre
Americans were taunting British soldiers sent to enforce taxation. Private Hugh Montgomery was hit by a snowball and began firing. Soon, all the soldiers were. Five colonists were killed. [http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-boston-massacre]
This is asymmetrical because the Americans didn't fight back and attack the soldiers. -
Tea Tax
The Tea Tax was put on tea in the colonies because the British needed money. It was very small and cheaper than other teas. The colonists were unhappy with it because it was again taxation without representation. When the tea arrived in England and they wouldnt bring it back, the Boston Tea Party occurred.
[http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/parliament-passes-the-tea-act]
This was asymmetrical because the British did not expect the Americans to get upset about the small tea tax. -
Lexington and Concord
Tensions between the Americans and British had been rising for years, when the British finally attacked.This is when Paul Revere said "the British are coming!" To this day no one knows who shot first, but after they did it was chaos.
[http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battles-of-lexington-and-concord]
This is asymmetrical because the British didn't expect the colonists to be ready to fight. -
Bunker (Breed's) Hill
The Americans were very inexperienced and lost. The battle did serve as a confidence boost to the Americans, though. A significant amount of casualties was inflicted on the British.
[http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battle-of-bunker-hill]
The battle was symmetrical because both sides fought back. The Americans didn't do anything unexpected. -
Common Sense
Common Sense was originally published anonymously arguing for America's independence. It helped unite American citizens and leaders.
[http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/thomas-paine-publishes-common-sense]
It was asymmetrical because the pamphlet stated that regular people could be part of the government, which was not normal at the time. -
Declaration of Independence
After years of battles, the Continental congress (a five man committee) wrote a formal statement that included the colonies' want for freedom. The document was mostly written by Thomas Jefferson and was officially adopted on July 4, 1776.
[http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/declaration-of-independence]
This is asymmetrical because America no longer wanted to be part of the British Government. -
Battle at Trenton/Princeton
George Washington's army won two important battles in American Revolution in the course of 10 days. One at Princeton and the other at Trenton. Winning these battles reassured their control over New Jersey and improved militias attitude.
[http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battles-of-trenton-and-princeton]
It was asymmetrical because the British didn't expect them to win and be in such high spirits. -
Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga was a turning point for the American Revolution.The British were defeated and forced to retreat. The American's win allowed for the French to recognize them and enter the war as their ally.
[http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battle-of-saratoga]
The battle was symmetrical because the Americans fought head on, which is another reason the French joined them. -
Continental Army wintering at Valley Forge
For winter encampment, Washington moved his troops to Valley Forge. It was easily defended because of its high ground and position near the Schuylkill River. Log huts and defensive trenches were built. Conditions were not ideal and about 2,000 men died.
[http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/battleswars16011800/p/valleyforge.htm]
The British expected the Americans to stop fighting during the winter, and they did that. -
War in the south/Charleston
After a siege, Americans surrendered to British General Sir Henry Clinton. The British held more than 3,000 patriots captive and stole a lot of ammunition.
[http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/americans-suffer-worst-defeat-of-revolution-at-charleston]
This was asymmetrical because after the Patriots surrendered, the British held many captive. Less than a year later on October 19, 1781 British General Cornwallis surrendered to the Americans. -
Battle of Yorktown
The Battle of Yorktown is often called the most important of the Revolutionary War. Washington decided to finally act and completely encircled the British at Cornwallis and Yorktown. They battled day and night until the British surrendered. It ended October 19, 1781.
[http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/battle-of-yorktown-begins]
This battle is symmetrical because the British expected the Americans to eventually attack and they did.
