American Revolution Buildup

By emilyzieff
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    American Revolution Buildup

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    French and Indian War

    Fight between France and Britain over resources, land, and power. Native Americans fight on both sides.

  • Sugar Act

    The British Parliament of Great Britain passes an act that raises revenue by imposing a tax on molasses.

  • Stamp Act

    The British Parliament of Great Britain passes an act that raises revenue by imposing a stamp necessity on newspapers and other printed materials.

  • Declaratory Act

    Statement of the Parliament's authority that accompanies the repeal of the Stamp Act and the lessening of the Sugar Act.

  • Townshend Acts

    Imposition of duties on glass, lead, paints, paper, and tea. Includes the Revenue Act of 1767, the Indemnity Act (1767), the Commissioners of Customs Act (1767), the New York Restraining Act (1767) the Vice Admiralty Court Act (1768).

  • Boston Massacre

    Five colonists are killed by the British, who (it seems) were provoked.

  • Boston Tea Party

    Political protest led by the Sons of Liberty against the Tea Act in which demonstrators loot tea and dump it into the ocean.

  • Intolerable Acts (Coercive Acts)

    Laws passed by the British as punishment/revenge for the Boston Tea Party.

  • Quartering Act

    The British Parliament passes a law that soldiers are allowed residence in private occupied homes.

  • First Continental Congress

    Meeting of 12 of the 13 colonies' delegates in Philadelphia.

  • Battles of Lexington and Concord

    First military engagements of the Revolutionary War. Patriot militia successfully drive British out of Boston.

  • Second Continental Congress

    Convention of delegates from the Thirteen Colonies that meet in Philadelphia and declare the start of the Revolutionary War.

  • Battle of Bunker Hill

    British defeat the colonists at Bunker Hill, shortly after being at Breed's Hill. Though this is technically a British victory, the colonists benefit because they inflict heavy casualties on the British and are now more aware of their fighting abilities. This significantly boosts the confidence of the colonists.

  • Olive Branch Petition

    Adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 5, submitted to King George III on July 8, and denied by the king on September 1, this is a document written by John Dickinson in an attempt to peacefully demand colonists' rights while willing to stay loyal to Britain. When denied, the colonists give up on peace, and about a year later, they draft the Declaration of Independence.

  • Common Sense

    Thomas Paine publishes a pamphlet written for the common person to understand, urging colonists to separate from and fight against Britain. He argues that the actions of the British were harmful and unforgivable, and that the colonists standing up and fighting for freedom will surely influence the rest of the world to do the same. This largely spurs the American Revolution.