American Revolution Timeline

  • Sugar Act

    Sugar Act

    Strongly enforced tax on sugar, molasses, and other goods exported from non-British Caribbean sources. This is important because this was one of the first steps to the revolution.
  • The Stamp Act

    The Stamp Act

    Britain placed a tax on all paper goods in the colonies. Colonists were upset that they were being taxed without representation in the British parliament. This is important because this was another step towards a revolution
  • Townshend Act

    Townshend Act

    Initiated taxes on glass, lead, paint, paper, and tea. This is important for the same reasons as the previous taxes.
  • Boston Massacre

    Boston Massacre

    British regulars opened fire on a large group of civilians, killing several. Contributed to sparking the Revolutionary War.
  • The Boston Tea Party

    The Boston Tea Party

    American colonists dressed up as Native Americans and sneaked up on a British supply ship carrying over 92,000 pounds of tea, all of which were dumped into the harbor, which was the main reason the Intolerable Acts were passed. This was important for being one of the first uprisings in the revolution
  • Intolerable Acts

    Intolerable Acts

    Laws were made to punish the colonists for the Boston Tea Party.
    -Boston Port Act
    -Massachusetts Government Act
    -Administration of Justice Act
    -Quartering Act
    -Quebec Act
    These are important for being significantly more wild, and crossing the line
  • First Continental Congress meets

    First Continental Congress meets

    Delegates from 12 of 13 Colonies met to discuss America's future from the British. This was important because they would ultimately decide whether to retaliate or to stay loyal.
  • Siege of Boston

    Siege of Boston

    After the battles of Lexington and Concord, British soldiers retreated to Boston, and American troops began a siege that would end up being successful. This was important because it kicked the British out of Boston.
  • Battle of Lexington and Concord

    Battle of Lexington and Concord

    Massachusetts colonists bore arms and outnumbered and ambushed British redcoats, the battle was a colonist victory, and they forced the British to retreat back into Boston. First battle of the Revolutionary War.
  • New York Armory Raid

    New York Armory Raid

    Colonists raided the British armory, taking weapons and gunpowder. This was important because weapons and ammunition were very important to an army such as the Continentals, they weren't as supplied or equipped as the British.
  • Battle of Bunker Hill

    Battle of Bunker Hill

    Bloody battles took place among the hills. This was important because it was one of the first major battles of the Revolutionary War.
  • George Washington is assigned as the General of the Continental Army

    George Washington is assigned as the General of the Continental Army

    This was important because George Washington is arguably one of the best generals in military history, without his leadership America would struggle to defeat the British.
  • Declaration of Independence signed

    Declaration of Independence signed

    The Declaration of Independence was signed. This is important because our country would later be built off these values.
  • Battle of Long Island

    Battle of Long Island

    The largest battle of the entire war, taking place in present-day Brooklyn, both sides suffered casualties but the British took the victory. This was important because it was a turning point in the war.
  • Crossing of the River Delaware

    Crossing of the River Delaware

    Washington launched a counterattack on hessian soldiers on Christmas, crossing the frozen Delaware River. He successfully forces the off-guard Hessians to surrender. This was important because this allowed Washington to get a foothold in New Jersey.
  • Battle of Saratoga

    Battle of Saratoga

    Major American victory, this battle helped secure and solidify America's independence.
  • Valley Forge

    Valley Forge

    Continental soldiers hunkered down for the winter at Valley Forge, disease and bad conditions killed over 2 thousand soldiers. This was important because this would filter out the willing to fight, and the ones who weren't willing.
  • Battle of the Cowpens

    Battle of the Cowpens

    Another critical American victory, this battle further weakened British troops. The British suffered 310 casualties whilst the Americans only had 72. This was important because it was a major American victory, greatly weakening British forces.
  • Siege of Yorktown

    Siege of Yorktown

    Cornwallis surrendered, this was important because it was another major victory for the Americans and boosted Washington's reputation.
  • Treaty of Paris

    Treaty of Paris

    Formally recognized America as an independent nation. This is important because it officially named the colonies as a country.