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Treaty of Paris (French and Indian War)
When Britain claimed victory in the Seven Years' War, the Treaty of Paris was made. By this treaty, Britain obtained all of North America east of the Mississippi River. Lands were exchanged between France, Spain and Britain, ending French power in North America. -
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American Revolution
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Proclamation of 1763
The Proclamation of 1763 forbid colonists from settling west of a line drawn on the Appalachian Mountains. This royal proclamation was issued by King George III on October 7, 1763. After Britain's gain of French Territory following the French and Indian War, this proclamation was issued. -
Sugar Act
When parliament passed this law in 1764, it placed taxes on all products shipped to the colonies such as sugar and molasses. Also, smugglers now faced strict rules. This act angered many, for example, colonial leader James Otis. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
The first battles of the Revolutionary War were Lexington and Concord. Patriots, those who supported the rebels, were now facing Loyalists, those who sided with the British. In this battle, about 700 British troops marched to Lexington and ordered the Patriots to drop their muskets, only to be refused. Without being ordered to do so, someone fired, and within a few minutes eight militiamen lay dead. -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was something that put an effect on all colonists. Protests started, angry that they were being taxed without representation. Leaders such as Samuel Adams and Patrick Henry voiced their anger for this act. -
Quartering Act
The Quartering Act was a way for Britain to take a hold on the colonies. Britain did so by attempting to house troops in the colonies. Troops who had fought in the French and Indian War would be housed in public American homes. Though this act was passed, colonial assemblies refused to comply. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre, its name given by the Sons of Liberty, was a fight that broke out in Boston. This incident resulted in the death of five men, including Crispus Attucks, a runaway slave. Though this outbreak wasn't extremely deadly, it was still referred to as a massacre for the use of anti-British newspapers. -
Tea Act
This act gave the British control over tea trade in America. All tea was to be regulated by Britain, using it's trading company's ships to arrive and to be sold by their merchants. This act sparked many protests and later led to the Boston Tea Party. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was a result of the Tea Act. Colonists were disguised as Native Americans as they boarded three ships and destroyed 342 chests of tea. Britain was furious, rejecting any offers from colonial officials and requiring repayment and trials for the men responsible. -
Intolerable Acts
More widely known as the Intolerable Acts, the Coercive Acts were so harsh colonists renamed them. Until colonists paid for the tea, the port of Boston was to be closed. The Intolerable Acts also banned committees of correspondence, allowed Britain to house troops, and let British officials accused of crime in the colonies have their trial held in Britain. -
First Continental Congress
Delegates from all colonies with the exception of Georgia met in Philadelphia on this day. These colonies voted to ban trade with Britain until the Intolerable Acts were repealed. Including Georgia, colonies agreed to start training troops. -
Second Continental Congress
A few months after the First Continental Congress came the Second Contintental Congress. Representatives from the 13 colonies met on this day in Philadelphia to debate independence. After warfare had begun, delegates were now more open towards separation with Britain. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill was a way for Americans showing that they could stand up and fight. When colonists in Boston learned that the British would be stationing troops on hills surrounding Boston, they began preparing by occupying Bunker Hill. The British became aware of this and attacked, leading to their victory. -
Common Sense
The publishment of Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" changed many Americans' minds on the topic of splitting from Britain. In this pamphlet, Thomas Paine wrote why he thought a split with Britain was necessary, and bashed on the king and monarchies. A recent immigrant from England, Thomas Paine strongly believed in American independence. -
Declaration of Independence
Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, and Thomas Jefferson were chosen to draft a Declaration of Independence. Jefferson, being a well-respected political leader and praised for his penmanship, was chosen to compose the document. He composed the document in two weeks, and it was soon to be adopted. -
Battle of Brooklyn
The Battle of Brooklyn, also known as the Battle of Long Island, was the first major battle to occur after Americans declared independence. It was one of the largest battles in the Revolutionary War, and ended in a victory to the British. Because of British victory, it now gave them control over a key city, New York. -
The American Crisis
The American Crisis is a series of several pamphlets written by Thomas Paine during the American Revolution. These pamphlets were a huge guide for colonists, changing many peoples' perspective on the war. It was read aloud to the Continental Army on this day to convince Loyalists and boost American pride. -
Battle of Trenton
After George Washington and his soldiers crossed the Delaware River, the Battle of Trenton took place. They fought against Hessian soldiers and were successful with the exception of a few losses. This battle boosted the Continental Army's status and eventually gained it more power. -
Battles of Saratoga
The Battles of Saratoga were two battles that occurred in the fall of 1777. After retreating and being surrounded by American forces, Burgoyne and his army surrended. Though the France had already participated in the Revolutionary War, it was now considered an official ally of the Americans. -
Winter at Valley Forge
Over the winter of 1777-1778, Valley Forge was the military base for the Continental Army. Many soldiers died in this camp because of starvation and cold. Efficient clothing was rare - one in three soldiers had shoes to march in on the way to Valley Forge. Disease was another major factor of death. -
Battle of Yorktown
This battle was the last major battle of the Revolutionary War. With the help of the French, this led the American's to a victory in the Battle of Yorktown. Britain suffered many losses, leading to realization and cooperation. -
Treaty of Paris (Revolutionary War)
The Treaty of Paris was the end to the Revolutionary War. Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, Henry Laurens, and John Adams met in Paris, France to sign this treaty. Conflicts between nations other than Britain and the United States were settled separately.
