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Intellectual time period emphasizing individuality and reason. Fostered the ideas of limited government, popular sovereignty, and natural rights. Heavily influenced the revolution and founding documents.
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The North American, French and Indian war was a part of the British and French Seven Year's War which was formally declared in 1756. Both sides had help from various native tribes. The British eventually won the war gaining vast territory.
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A British law that forced colonists to pay a tax on all printed items like newspaper, playing cards, and legal documents. Law was set in motion to support British soldiers in the colonies after the French and Indian war victory. Colonists protested this arguing that they should not be taxed in a parliament with no representation leading to it's repeal in 1766. -
A deadly clash between American colonists and British soldiers that took place in Boston. The colonists taunted the British soldiers protecting the Customs House, by throwing snowballs at them. The situation escalated when the British fired into the crowd killing several people, since then the situation has been heavily debated and propagandized. -
A very significant Colonial American protest against the British taking place soon after the British Tea act that taxed their tea without representation. Members of the Sons of Liberty disguised as Mohawk Indians, boarded three ships in Boston harbor and dumped 340 chests of East India Company tea into the water. At this time it was a very powerful message that intensified tensions between American and Britain as well as becoming a crucial turning point in their relationship. -
A set of four acts passed by the British Parliament as a direct response to the Boston Tea Party. Intended to punish Massachusetts and assert British authority over the colonies. The colonists however believed them to be intolerable and a direct violation of their rights, hence the name. -
It brought together representatives from 12 of the 13 Colonies, Georgia did not attend. Discussed what was believed to be oppression from the British government, particularly the Intolerable Acts. Sparked the creation of the Continental Congress, which boycotted British goods and wrote a petition of their grievances to King George III.
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The very first engagements of the revolutionary war. The British planned to seize military supplies from the colonists but were met with armed conflict. Paul Revere and other riders along with him rushed to warn the colonist soldiers and minute men of British arrival. -
Convened shortly after the start of the revolutionary war to direct and organize war efforts. All 13 of the colonies had a representative. Formed the Continental Army with Washington at the head as Commander-in-Chief. Although it originally focused on resolving conflict with the King it eventually became a means of moving towards independence. -
The battle actually took place on Breed's Hill. Though technically a British victory it was a very important victory for the colonists in the war. Colonial militiamen dealt heavy casualties to the British forces before being forced to retreat due to lack of resources, though this boosted their morale proving they could fight back. -
The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4th. It was written mostly by Thomas Jefferson, it wrote of the separation of the 13 colonies from Great Britain's rule. Although it was adopted on July 4th it was voted on 2 days prior to that, and not signed by delegates until August 2nd. -
Before the attack the Colonists were losing battle after battle and morale was exceptionally low. Washington took 2,400+ men over the Delaware River in a surprise attack on the German mercenaries hired by the British on Christmas night. The surprise ended in Washingtons victory and a hefty boost in morale across Colonial America. -
Established a "league of friendship" between the 13 Colonies. Centered around weak national government, prioritizing state sovereignty. Ultimately proved inadequate and was thrown out in favor of the Constitution. -
The official end of the American Revolutionary war Between the British and America. Recognized America as a sovereign, and independent nation, established borders and territory. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John James were Americas negotiators. -
The process was very significant in American history, it followed the drafting of the Constitution and the Constitutional Convention in 1787. The purpose of which was to amend the existing articles of the Confederation but was later changed into creating the Constitution a new document. Many of the states were initially very hesitant in adopting the proposed new form of government but all eventually an agreement was made between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists.
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The House had first created 17 amendments based on Madison's proposals, however the Senate wired this down to 12 amendments. A joint House and Senate meeting was held in September to further settle disagreements. On October 2nd, 1789 Washington sent out copies of the 12 amendments to each state, by December 15th, 1791 3/4 of the states had adopted 10 of the 12 amendments.