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British legislation aimed at ending the smuggling trade in sugar and molasses from the French and Dutch West Indies. -
Stamp act requires stamped paper for documents, printed items
Tax reaches every colonist; lawbreakers tried in vice-admiralty court -
Townshend Acts levy duties on imported materials,
Colonists enraged causing riots. Customs agents seize John Hancock’s ship Liberty for unpaid taxes. -
Mob gathers at Customs House; clashes erupts, five colonists killed. Colonists burn customs ships; suspects to be tried in Britain -
Tea Act lets East India Company avoid tax, and disguised colonists dump 18,000 lbs, tea in harbor. -
1774, Parliament passes Intolerable Acts as response to Tea Party
Acts close Boston Harbor; quarter soldiers in empty homes, building -
The start of the American War of Independence causing many Americans to take up arms and fight for their independence. -
The British Navy bombarded and burned the towns of Falmouth, Massachusetts -
The colonial forces faced important causalities against the enemy which provided them with a confidence boost. -
Congress sends Olive Branch Petition to restore, “harmony”, George III rejects petition, orders naval blockade.
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Second Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia and debate independence, recognize militiamen as Continental Army, appoint George Washington commander, and prints paper money to pay troops -
Washington crosses Delaware River into New Jersey and surprises Hessian garrison making him win the Battle of Trenton -
Gen. William Howe beats Washington at Brandywine, PA. Howe takes U.S. capital, Philadelphia; Continental Congress flees
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Gen, John Burgoyne leads British, allies south from Canada and
surrounded at Saratoga, Burgoyne surrenders to Gen, Horatio Gates -
Valley Forge was the site of Continental Army’s winter camp.
Makeshift huts, tents provide little protect against cold. Out of 10,000 soldier, more than 2,000 die of cold and hunger.