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France cedes its North American territories east of the Mississippi to Britain, setting the stage for colonial unrest due to new taxes imposed to cover war debts.
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Britain enacts the Stamp Act, taxing legal documents and newspapers, leading to widespread colonial protest and the rallying cry of "No taxation without representation."
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To enforce tax laws, British troops are stationed in Boston, escalating tensions and leading to confrontations with local residents.
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Virginia's royal governor offers freedom to enslaved people who join the British cause, influencing African American participation in the war.
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Colonial leaders form networks to coordinate responses to British policies, fostering unity and shared identity among the colonies.
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In retaliation for the Boston Tea Party, Britain passes punitive laws, including closing Boston Harbor, which galvanize colonial opposition.
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First shots of the Revolutionary War are fired as British troops confront colonial militias, igniting armed conflict.
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Colonial forces demonstrate resilience by inflicting heavy casualties on the British, despite ultimately losing the ground.
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Virginia's royal governor offers freedom to enslaved people who join the British cause, influencing African American participation in the war.
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Patriot forces defeat Loyalists in North Carolina, suppressing British support in the southern colonies.
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South Carolinian defenders repel a British naval assault, securing Charleston from capture.
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The Continental Congress formally declares the colonies' independence from Britain, articulating the principles of liberty and self-governance.
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American victories convince France to ally with the colonies, marking a turning point in the war.
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France signs treaties of alliance and commerce with the United States, providing crucial military support.
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American and French forces commence the siege of British General Cornwallis's army in Virginia.
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Cornwallis surrenders to Washington, effectively ending major combat operations in the war.
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The treaty formally ends the Revolutionary War, recognizing American independence and establishing borders.