-
End of the French and Indian War
The French military threat to the colonies is ended; Britain decides the colonies should contribute more to maintain the territories of the British Empire. -
Period: to
American Revolution
-
Sons of Liberty
Patriots formed this group to protest tax laws using tactics of rhetoric, legislation, and violence.
Moderates led by John Dickinson drew up a "Declaration of Rights and Grievances" stating that taxation without representation violated their rights.
The Sons of Liberty were responsible for the Boston Tea Party. -
Stamp Act
In order to raise money for Britain after the costly 7 Years War (French and Indian War), Britain imposed a tax on printed materials (including newspapers, legal documents, playing cards, etc.). Many colonists considered this tax a violation of their rights to be taxed without their consent, -
Townshend Acts
A series of laws enacted to passed to raise money for the salaries of governers and judges in the colonies who remained loyal to the British Crown.
These acts included the following:
The Revenue Act of 1767, the Indemnity Act, the Commissioners of Customs Act, the Vice Admiralty Court Act, and the New York Restraining Act.
These laws were hugely unpopular with the colonies, creating much civil unrest and beginning the movement to split away from Great Britain. -
Boston Massacre
British Army soldiers killed five civilians after escalating civil unrest prompted by unpopular Parliamentary legislation. -
Parliament Withdraws Taxes
British Parliament decides to withdraw all taxes except those on tea, in response to escalating violence and unrest in response to taxation without representation. -
Committees of Correspondence
Samuel Adams in Boston created these Committees, linking Patriots in all 13 colonies, providing a framework for an eventual rebel government. -
Boston Tea Party
In political protest against the taxes imposed by the British, the Sons of Liberty destroyed a shipment of tea in the Boston Harbor.
Colonists objected the Tea Act and other forms of taxation without reprentation.
This incident is often cited as beginning the Revolutionary War. -
Intolerable Acts
This is the name given by Patriots to a series of punitive laws passed by the British Parliament in response to the Boston Tea Party. These laws sought to punish the colonists for their defiance of taxation without representation, and took away Massachusetts self-governent and historic rights.
Colonists were outraged! In response they organized the First Continental Congress to coordinate a protest. -
First Continental Congress
This convention of delegates from 12 of the 13 colonies (Georigia was not present) met to discuss problems arising from British rule, most notably the enactment of the Intolerable Acts.
The Congress considered boycott of British trade, and also urged each colony to set up and train its own militia. -
Shot Heard Round the World
Refers to the first shot of the American Revolutionary War. According to legend this occured at the North Bridge in Concord, MA, where the first British soldiers were killed in the Battles of Lexington and Concord. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
The first battles of the Revolutionary War in the towns of Lexington and Concord, near Boston, MA.
The patriots were able to set siege to Boston and expell royal officials from all colonies. The establishment of the Provincial Congresses allowed Patriots to take control from the British.
The legendary Ride of Paul Revere refers to his alerting the Colonial militia to the approach of British forces. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
In response to intelligence informing Colonial forces that British troops were headed their way to occupy the hills surrounding Boston, Patriots occupied Bunker Hill and prepared for battle.
Though the British won, their victory came at a high price. There were many casualties, including many high-ranking officers. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Congress managed the colonial war effort, acting as a national governent before independence, and
adopting the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. -
Declaration of Independence
The statement adopted by the Second Continental Congress in which the 13 Colonies declared independence from Britain.
The original draft was written by Thomas Jefferson and edited by the Congress, which included Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. -
Siege of Yorktown
A victory by combined American Continental Troops led by George Washington and French Troop over the British Army.
The last major battle of the Revolutionary War. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris ended the war between Great Britain and the United States.
