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Navigation Acts
These acts were passed to strengthen the British economy. The colonies were only allowed to rely on British good, but smuggling still occurred frequently. This was the beginning of regulating the colonies. -
French and Indian War Ends
Britain triumphed in the war, gaining land in America. Unfortunately, they were very in debt and needed to gain money. As a result, many taxes would be imposed on the colonies in following years. -
Stamp Act
Parliament created a tax on newspapers and pamphlets, among similar goods. This created resentment in the colonies as they created the phrase “no taxation without representation” and began to question Britain’s authority. -
Boston Massacre
British soldiers occupying Boston killed 5 colonists after being taunted and hit with snowballs. Fellow colonists were outraged and began to distrust British soldiers’ occupation of the colonies. -
Tea Act
This Act was created to help the British East India Company get out of financial trouble. A tax on tea in the colonies was created, as well as the East India Company creating a monopoly. This was the big spark to revolution, as colonists were growing more upset with the excessive taxes. -
Boston Tea Party
Colonists dumped crates of tea leaves off a British ship, costing a lot of money, in protest of the taxation. Massachusetts was strictly punished for this, but it did lead to the other colonies supporting Massachusetts. -
Intolerable Acts
Britain wanted to assert their authority after the Boston Tea Party by imposing these acts on Massachusetts. As they were “intolerable”, colonists were only getting more upset with Britain’s actions. -
First Continental Congress
Representative from twelve of the colonies met to discuss the harsh treatment of Massachusetts. This meeting helped the colonies unite and show Britain they could work together. -
Lexington and Concord
On this day, the first shots of the Revolutionary War were fired. The colonists, through this action, showed Britain they were serious and willing to go to war for their freedom. -
Second Continental Congress
George Washington was appointed as commander in chief of the army at this meeting, and the representatives worked to organize and direct colonies. This planing would give them a better chance of winning the war. -
Declaration of Independence Adopted
The document written by Thomas Jefferson outlined political ideas separate from Britain’s, and how the colonies were going to be independent. Showing the King how serious the colonies were was an effect of the adoption. -
Winter at Valley Forge
A harsh winter struck the colonial army, and they were running out of funds. Disease, hunger and cold ravaged the already worn-out army, but George Washington was able to hold them together. He created positive spirit that helped the army continue to fight. -
Battle of Saratoga
With the Americans winning this battle, it became the turning point in the war. As a result, the French saw that the colonists were people they could work with and decided to join the war on their side. With the aid of the French, victory became more possible. -
Battle of Yorktown
With the aid of the French fleet, the Americans finally won the war. Britain surrendered and retreated. As a result, a new government would have to be formed for the new country. -
Writing of the US Constitution
James Madison was the main author of this document, and it laid out the foundations for a soon-to-be new country. It had a strong emphasis on the people and democracy, in contrast to monarchical Britain. -
US Constitution Adopted
Delaware ratified the Constitution in 1787, with the other colonies following. The Constitution was then officially instated as one of the most important documents of the country.