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After the French and Indian War, British parliament needed a way to pay off the expenses. The Stamp Act made a stamp required on all legal and commercial papers, pamphlets, newspapers, and other documents. Colonists protested the act because they felt their rights to only be taxed by a representative they voted for were violated. -
The Sons of Liberty was a group of colonists who retaliated against Britain. The roots can be traced back to the Loyal Nine, a secret organization in Boston. They used propaganda, petitions and assemblies to show their support to the colonial resistance. There was even time where they would resort to violence against British soldiers.
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To assert authority over the colonies, the British Parliament passed four acts. The four acts restricted the colonies, especially in the financial area. The second act specifically put taxes with the purpose of raising revenue. The third act implemented strict customs for the colonies like additional officers, searchers, spies, and search warrants.
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The conflict started with a confrontation with British soldiers sparked by rage on the series of acts passed by British parliament. And it escalated to the colonists throwing objects at the soldiers. The mob of people were threatening and insulting the soldiers so in reaction, they fired their muskets. Five civilians were killed and six others were injured on that day. -
In result of the Townshend Acts of 1767, Americans protested by throwing chests of tea into the Boston Harbor. The Americans were specifically protesting the taxation without representation on tea and the dominant market position that the East India Company had. People who partook in the Boston Tea Party dressed up at Native Americans to get onto the shop where they dumped the tea. -
In Philadelphia, the first Continental Congress meeting was held to discuss the peoples responses to the increase of British oppression. The meeting formally declared that colonists and Englishmen should have equal rights. -
The Olive Branch Petition was adopted by Congress to be sent to the King for a last attempt to stop a formal war from taking place. The document was written and edited by Thomas Jefferson and John Dickens. The King did not read the Petition but reacted by declaring his own Proclamation of Rebellion. -
The Second Continental Congress typically had up to sixty delegates. During the Revolutionary War the Second Continental Congress was the thirteen colonies government. The delegates were responsible for things like: economics, budgeting, issuing currency, etc. -
Thomas wrote "Common Sense" to hit two main points, independence from England and the creation of a democratic republic. He was not religious but quoted the Bible because he knew the people reading were. In the end, his claim was actually common sense. Why should Britain rule over the vastness that is America? Why should America expect foreign support when they still support the British King? -
The Declaration of Independence set Americas boundaries for freedom. They declared themselves independent in the document and made their alliance with France's government official. The document led to the colonies separation from Great Britain. -
George Washingtons troops crossed the Delaware River and made a ten-mile march into Trenton, New Jersey. They attacked German troops who were working with British troops. The outcome was victorious for American soldiers and they gained lots of very needed supplies. -
Taking place in South Carolina, this battle was a victory for the British. In fact, it was one of the most crushing losses for the American army. Major General Horatio Gates, the commander in charge of the Americans, was known to be a poor field commander and earned his spot as a south commander from other more talented commanders and their victory at Saratoga. -
American and French troops laid siege to Yorktown, Virginia which was a stronghold for the British army. The siege, led by George Washington and Comte de Rochambeau, eventually forced British General Lord Cornwallis to surrender in the end. This was said to be the last major action of the Revolutionary War. Many people view Cornwallis's surrender as the unofficial end of the war.
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Two very important points in the document were setting boundaries that allowed American western expansion and the British understanding the U.S. having independence. It was signed by three American negotiators - John Jay, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin - along with David Hartley who represented Britain. The representatives who signed the document signed at least three papers that were considered originals. -
When the Constitution was first approved some people felt like it didn't protect their basic rights, so they changed it. The first ten changes to the Constitution are specific about rights. Together, the ten amendments are called The Bill of Rights.