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The Stamp Act
made colonists pay a tax, represented by a stamp, on various forms of papers & documents. -
Boston Massacre
British guarding the Boston Customs House shot a civilians, killing three men and injuring eight. -
The Boston Tea Party
60 colonists threw 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor to rebel against a tax on tea. -
Intolerable Acts
Gave arrangements for housing British troops in American areas. -
First Continental Congress Convenes
The First Continental Congress convened in Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Was to consider their reaction to the British government's restraints on trade and representative government after the Boston Tea Party. -
Patrick Henrys Speech
Convinced that war with Great Britain was inevitable. “I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” -
Paul Revere’s Ride and the Battles of Lexington and Concord
Alerting Colonial militia of British invasion. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The American patriots were defeated at the Battle, but they proved they could hold their own against the British Army. -
The Townshend Acts
Taxes on glass, lead, paint, paper, and tea. -
Thomas Paine’s Common Sense published
Paine argues that representational government is superior to a monarchy or other forms of government based on aristocracy and heredity. -
Declaration of Independence adopted
The 13 American colonies severed their political connections to Great Britain. The Declaration summarized the colonists' motivations for seeking independence. -
Nathan Hale executed
Captured by the British while attempting to return to his regiment, he entered the British lines on Long Island to obtain information. He was hanged without trial the next day. -
The Treaty of Paris
Ended French and Indian War between Great Britain and France, as well as their respective allies.