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The enlightenment was a movement during the 1600s-1700s that wanted encouraged reason science and individual rights. People like John Locke had inspired the colonists to question monarchy and demand liberty. Thoughts about natural rights had influenced a lot of leaders in America. The logical shift laid the groundwork for independence,
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The French Indian War was between Britain and France in North America. Britain won, but along with that win were war debts. To pay for it, they taxed colonies heavily. These taxes angered the colonists and set the stage for revolution.
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The stamp act of 1765 required colonist to by stamps for materials that are printed. They saw this as an unfair taxation. Protest broke out across colonies. The act was eventually repealed. But the dissatisfaction remained. -
A organized protest against the British taxes was created by a secret group. "Sons of Liberty". They also played a key role in events like the Boston Tea Party. The resistance they showed inspired many colonists which ended up as them being seen as both rebels and patriots -
British soldier fired on colonists during a intense protest in Boston. Some colonist died which made things even more tense. Patriots used the event as propaganda to rally more people to the cause. -
In protest of the Tea act, some colonists dressed as false Native Americans had dumped British tea into Boston Harbor. Britan responded with laws called "Intolerable acts"
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The "Intolerable Acts" were very strict laws to punish Massachusetts for the Boston tea party. The shut down Boston Harbor and took away self government rights. The act pushed more people towards supporting dependence. -
Delegates from 12 colonies discuss resistance against British polices. They agreed to boycott British goods and prepare militias. One of the first steps unified colonial action. This meeting has marked the beginning of organized American resistance.
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This was the first battles starting the Revolutionary War. Some British troops came to seize colonial weapons, but the militias fought hard to defend. This is known as the "Shot heard 'round the world" which began open conflict and marked the start of war for independence -
This meeting organized the colonies for battle after Lexington and Concord. The Continental Army was formed by them and they chose George Washington as the commander. Diplomatic efforts was also worked on. -
Made by Thomas Paine, this argued that America should break away from Britain. Simple language was used so that it was understandable for everyone. it convinced many undecided colonists to support independence. This became a very influent work of the revolution -
The Declaration was approved on July 4 by the Continental Congress. Written mainly by Thomas Jefferson. This stated that the colonies were free from Britain and explains the reasons for separation. The document became a symbol of liberty all around the world -
A America's first system of government were the Articles of Confederation. Most power was given to the states and little to the national government. Even though it united the states, it was too weak to solve national problems which led to the creation of the constitution.
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French and American forces trapped the British army in Yorktown, Virginia. Cornwallis, the British General, surrendered. This marked the last major battle of the war. It was effective, ending fighting in the revolution.
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This treaty has ended the Revolutionary War officially. Britain noticed American independence. It set the boundaries for the new nation. The agreement had marked the start if the US being a free country.