American Revolution Timeline

Navigation Acts

1763

The Navigation Acts are when the Britain imposed a tax on all trade in the colonies. This made American colonists very angry.

French and Indian War ends

Feb 10, 1763

This event leads to disputes over expenses of the war, which helps to eventually lead to the Revolutionary War.

Stamp Act

Mar 22, 1765

The stamp act imposed a tax on all official documents, papers, and stamps for the colonists. The colonists did not like this.

Boston Massacre

Mar 5, 1770

The Boston Massacre is a fight that happened when a colonist threw things ,such as snowballs and sticks, at a British Soldiers. This event ended with loss of life, but a form of unity throughout the patriots.

Tea Act

May 10, 1773

The tea act imposed a tax on all tea shipped into the American colonies. This made colonists very angry and fired them up.

Boston Tea Party

Dec 16, 1773

This event showed the British government that the colonists were willing to be defiant. The American colonists rebelled against the British taxes by dumping tea into the Boston Harbor.

Coercive/ Intolerable Acts

Mar 31, 1774

They were laws passed by the British Government following the Boston Tea Party. These laws only angered the American Colonists more.

First Continental Congress

Sep 5, 1774

This date is the first time that the U.S. first continental congress met. This led to patriot’s boycotting taxed British goods.

Lexington and Concord

Apr 19, 1775

This was the very first battle to start the Revolutionary War. This battle started the whole war.

Second Continental Congress

May 10, 1775

This date is when the U.S. Second continental congress met, which is when America’s independence was declared.

Declaration of Independence adopted

Jul 4, 1776

This is when the separation of Britain and the U.S. colonies was announced. This eventually led to freedom of the U.S.

Winter at Valley Forge

1777

The American Army stood a long test of patriotism and loyalty. They got much stronger because of this event.

Battle of Saratoga

Sep 19, 1777

The Battle of Saratoga served as a “turning point” during the war. This provided a spirited win for America against the must stronger Britain; which boosted not only foreign support, but also support within the country.

Battle of Yorktown

Sep 28, 1781

This was the last battle fought in the Revolutionary War, in which Britain surrendered to America. This was the deciding factor in the war.

U.S. Constitution Written

Sep 17, 1787

The U.S. constitution was written, thus establishing the United States as a free nation.

U.S. Constitution adopted

Jun 21, 1788

This is when the U.S. Constitution was signed and implemented by the new government. This essentially marks the start of the new country and it’s government.