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American Revolution
This is a timeline that explains a few of the events occuring before, during, and after the American Revolution. -
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French/Indian War
French/Indian War
The exact date of when this war started and ended is unknown.
Even though the war is actually 9 years long, it is well-known as the 7-years war. This war initially started because of a rivalry between France and Great Britain over land territory. After the war, Great Britain tried to tax the American colonists heavily in order to pay for war debts. This angered the American colonists royally (pun intended!). -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act
In order to try and pay for the 7 years war, Great Britain passed an act for Americans to pay taxes. This led to the famous statement of “No taxation without representation.” -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre
Even though only 6 people were killed in this event, Americans were outraged whenever British troops fired at civilians.
British troops were already unwelcome in Boston, so this event caused a major uproar for Americans. -
Boston Tea Party
The Coming of the American Revolution
This event played a role in starting the revolution whenever Americans dressed as Indians and dumped the equivalent of $4,000,000 U.S. dollars in today's money into the Boston Harbor in protest of paying Great Britain's taxes. -
Paul Revere's Ride
Paul Revere rode to warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams that the Redcoats (British) were coming by sea to attack Americans. He warned many people in Lexington that the British were coming. "One by land, two by sea" is a famous quote signaling Paul Revere to tell people if the British were coming by land or sea. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
Battles of Lexington and Concord
The Battle of Lexington was won by the British, while the Battle of Concord is what really inspired Americans to believe they could defeat the large British military. This was when the British were introduced to the guerilla warfare tactics used by American soldiers. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill
Even though the British won the Battle at Bunker Hill, they still lost many men, making it a bittersweet victory. There was approximately 2,000 casualties, making it a very bloody battle. -
Declaration of Independence
Declaration of Independence
The signing of President John Hancock authenticated the Declaration of Independence. This document officially stated that the United States wanted to break free from England and govern themselves. This inspired many of the American soldiers to fight against the British Army. -
Battle of Saratoga
Battle of Saratoga
Since the Americans had surrounded Burgoyne’s troops at Saratoga, it forced him to surrender. Hearing this made the French join the war as an American ally. This was a major turning point in the war. -
Surrender at Yorktown
Battle of Yorktown
When the British were on the Yorktown peninsula, they got overwhelmed by the American/French troops and had to surrender. Lieutenant General Lord Cornwallis agreed to the surrender. By this point, the American Revolution was almost won. -
Treaty of Paris
Treaty of Paris
This treaty signified the end of the American Revolution, and Americans had their freedom. Great Britain had to recognize that they no longer had control over the colonies, and boundaries were set for the United States. -
Adoption of the United States Constitution
U.S. Constitution
The Constitution tells of the supreme law of the United States. It was ratified September 17, 1787 at the Constitutional Convention and put into effect on March 4, 1789. -
Washington Becomes President
President Washington
Washington was elected unanimously in 1788 and served two terms. Many of his concepts like the cabinet system are still used in today’s government. -
Bill of Rights
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments in the Constitution were ratified on this date. They outlined the rights given to American citizens.
