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Navigation Acts
Britain passes laws to promote mercantilism in the English colonies, saying that the colonies can trade only with the mother country. Colonial manufacturers’ businesses were harmed, and the colonists were not happy. -
French and Indian War Ends
Britain defeats France, and France surrenders it’s territory in America and Canada. Britain’s number of colonies increases, and with it grows Britain’s control over North America. -
Stamp Act
Britain passes a tax on all legal documents. The colonials refuse to pay this tax and boycott. -
Tea Act
Britain passes a tax on tea in the colonies. The colonists refuse to be taxed without their consent and rebel against the tax. -
Boston Tea Party
In an act of resistance against British taxes, American revolutionaries dump 342 chests of tea into the sea. This rallied colonial resistance across the 13 colonies and showed the British that the colonists did not want to be taxed unfairly. -
Coercive/ Intolerable Acts
Four acts are passed by Britain to restore order and dominance in colonies. This outrages American revolutionaries, such as the Sons of Liberty. The rebels will not allow a power across the sea to impose laws without colonial consent. -
Boston Massacre
Colonists riot in the streets, causing British troops to panic and shoot into the crowd, killing 5 colonists. This fuels resistance and hate towards the British -
First Continental Congress
Colonial leaders assemble from each colony to discuss issues with Britain. In the end, a resistance is organized and the colonies agree to boycott British goods. -
Lexington and Concord
British soldiers attempt to confiscate colonial weapons, leading to violent resistance. This marked the beginning of the American Revolution. Colonists were now officially going to war against Britain. -
Second Continental Congress
Colonial leaders assemble a second time. They raise the Continental Army and appoint generals for it. The war has fully begun. -
Declaration of Independence is Adopted
America officially declares its separation from Britain. Most states have now agreed to break away from Britain and make America its own self-governing country. This also made it possible for France to create an alliance with the colonists against Britain. -
Winter at Valley Forge
Winter begins, and American troops are short of supplies. Many die from disease and the cold. Afterwards, the Continental Army emerges more disciplined. -
Battle of Saratoga
American soldiers defeat the British in a battle. This boosts the American soldiers’ morale and convinces the French to aid the colonists in the war. The French bring supplies and troops. -
Battle of Yorktown
The British surrender, marking the end of the American Revolution. Washington is seen commonly as a great leader for his success in the war. Other countries are inspired by America’s success at revolution against tyrannical rule. -
U.S. Constitution is Written
The framework is set for the new colonial government. The Constitution can not be put into effect until 9 out of the 13 colonies ratify it. -
U.S. Constitution is Adopted
New Hampshire becomes the ninth state to ratify the Constitution. This makes the Constitution come into effect, making it the official foundation of American government.