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Age of Enlightenment
This age lasted throughout the 1700s and was an act of reform for Europe. Many intellectuals had ideas of opening new paths towards advancements in mathematics, astronomy, physics, politics, and many more fields. There was a very large amount of new knowledge rising during this time. -
The French Indian War
This was the beggining of conflicts between the colonies and France. France's expansion was coming into effect with the colonies which led to the beggining of this seven years war. Treaties were later made to apply to everyones accomodations. -
The Sugar Act
Parliament passed a modified version of the Sugar and Molasses Act. Under the Molasses Act colonial merchants had been required to pay a tax of six pence per gallon on the importation of foreign molasses. The act also listed that more foreign goods had to be taxed including sugar, certain wines, coffee, pimiento, and others. -
The Stamp Act
The act required the colonists to pay taxes for every piece of paper they buy. All the money that was received would be put towards defending and protecting the American frontier. The colonies thought the law was put nto place to raise money. -
The Tea Act
This act allowed the India Company to send millions of pounds of tea to be sold in the colonies. Many colonies refused to accept the tea which later led to the Boston Tea Party. They believed Parliament made this act to enforce their taxes. -
The Boston Tea Party
A group of patriots from Massachusetts, who were protesting against Parliament's tea act snuck onto three ships and threw all the tea into the harbor. After Common Sense more people started to protest for what they believed in and carried out such actions like this. -
Battle of Lexington and Concord
This was the beggining of the Revolutionary War. Hundreds of British troops mached into Boston and the colonists sounded alarms and the British were soon under heavy fire and had to retreat. Figures like Paul Revere played key roles for the colonists. -
Thomas Paine's Common Sense
Common Sense challenged the British government and their laws. It enforced the idea of independence and that the colonists should fight for what they believe in. This was one of the first works to ever question such a big authority. -
The Second Continetal Congress
Political leaders of the olonies came together to decide what the next move was against the British. At first, many disagreed with the idea of freedom, but Ben Franklin insisted and by May 1776 they put the colonies under the defense. -
Constitutional Convention
A convention that brought together the political leaders of the thirteen colonies to resolve problems of the nation. Economic troubles brought up rebellions that declared for a stronger governement. The convention was intended to revise the Articles of Confederation. -
Declaration of Independence
As the war was in full swing, the cry for freedom was heard across all colonies. Political leaders like Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin came together to sign the Declaration. It is not celebrated on July 4th as the birth of American Independence. -
Valley Forge
Washington's soldiers had to spend the winter of 1777 at Valley Forge. It was well defended and was also close to the city for assistance. His army came out of Valley Forge as a stronger fighting force. -
Treaty of Paris
The war has ended and the colonists earned their independence. The treaty negotiated between America and Great Britain and ended the war and gave America their freedom. -
Shay's Rebellion
Farmers protested against state tax collectors. In some states, this led to framers losing their farms altogether. Factors like economic depression, bad harvests, and high taxes caused these farmers to lose their crops. -
The Ratification of the Constitution
When the constitution was brought to the states for approval, George Washington took a role in convincing states for their support. He would send political leaders persuasive letters hoping for their support. The constitution was later voted into action.