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French & Indian War Ends
Expensive War between France and England, with Native Americans on both sides. Led France to be driven from the New World, but also created massive debt for England, leading to taxation acts. These massive debts created an investment bias for England, who promptly ended Salutary Neglect. -
The Sugar Act
The first of the English-imposed taxes to help pay for the very expensive French and Indian War, this act was an import tariff on Molasses, which was strictly enforced (unlike its previous counterpart, the Sugar and Molasses Act of 1733) In response to the Act, many colonists protested it, until it eventually got repealed -
The Stamp Act
Tax on paper goods; practically all papers, including wills, letters, and newspapers required an expensive royal stamp Of course, colonists protested the act, creating movements such as the Sons and Daughters of Liberty to violently protest British taxes, and reduce dependence on British imports respectively. -
The Declaratory Act
Repealed the Sugar and Stamp Acts. Established that Parliment retained the right of legislation (including taxation) over the colonies Ironically, because the Sugar and Stamp Act were repealed, the colonists ignored in celebration, even though this led to more taxation acts -
The Townshend Revenue Act
Taxes on glass, paint, oil, lead, paper, and tea, meant to replace the Sugar Act and the Stamp Act, and lead to similar colonial hostilities. This is where the Daughters of Liberty shined since they specialized in removing dependence on British imports, which these taxed -
The Bostom Massacre
After a dispute with soldiers, 3 men were killed and 8 were injured, led to massive outrage in colonies, who demanded that the soldiers be tried for murder Activists for Independence took this event and blew it way out of proportion, using it as a propaganda tactic. -
The Boston Tea Party
In response to the Tea Act and The British East India Company's Monopoly, radicals in Boston dressed up as Native Americans and dumped 362 chests of tea into the Boston harbor Many of those wanting independence stood and cheered, and did nothing to report or stop the actions -
The Intolerable Acts
In Response to the Boston Tea Party, Parliment passes the "Intolerable Acts", including 1) the Boston Port Act -
First Congressional Congress Meeting
At the meeting, they issue multiple declarations & resolves, in response to the Intolerable Acts. They serve as a "last warning" for Parliment. -
Minutemen and redcoats clash at Lexington and Concord
"The shot heard 'round the world." The first true conflict between colonials and the British military started the war. This was seen by the colonists as the true start of the war, they weren't protesting any more, they were fighting for alleveation -
Continental Congress Adopts Declaration of Independence
The Continental Congress officially declares independence from the United Kingdom. Patriots were obviously excited about the Declaration, while many Loyalists were concerned that this would lead to an even harsher British response -
US & France Sign French Alliance
In addition to being the first real negotiation made with a foreign polity, it also gave the rebels much-needed supplies and training This was big for the burgeoning nation, as it gave them a whole lot more resources to work with -
Articles of Confederation Adopted
The first constitution of The United States, the federal government was extremely weak, states basically could rule themselves. Proved to be ridiculously ineffective. Many federalists very much disliked these articles, because they gave almost all the power to the local legislatures. Laws passed by Congress needed a 2/3 majority for all affairs. Others, however, liked them, because they basically created 13 nations loosely joined together (think Switzerland) -
Treaty of Parris
Ended the Revolutionary War, United Kingdom recognized American Independence This was obviously taken well by the Patriots, they had won the war! -
U.S. Constitution Signed
Second and Current Government of the United States. Gave the federal government much more power, but also established checks and balances. Ensured life, liberty, pursuit of happiness and voting rights to (white, male, land-owning) citizens The revised constitution was better-taken, it gave the federal government much more power, and seemed to be actually functional
