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Zenger's Trial
John Peter Zenger, the printer for the New York Weekly journal, was arrested for libel against the cruel Governor Cosby because of printed criticisms about him. At the end of the case, colonial press became more free for the jury was on Zenger's side. -
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7 Years War
War between major powers between the English, French, and Spanish over the Ohio River Valley. Britian also triumphed at achieving India. Britian had one of the greatest colonial powers at the end of the war and France lost all its land in the Ohio River Valley. -
Albany Congress
Benjamin Franklin creates a plan that creates a centralized government with a chief executive and a council of delegates. It was rejected by the colonies because each colony wanted their own individual rights. -
Treaty of Paris
Treaty signed by Britian, France, and Spain that ended the French and Indian War. England gained Canada and the lands in the Ohio River Valley. -
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Pontiac's Rebellion
Ottawa cheiftain Pontiac, with the help of other tribes plotted to fight against the British and take over Fort Detroit. Many batlles insued until treaties were made such as the Proclamation of 1763. -
Sugar Act
Parliament passed a duty that puts a fee on the sugar brought in the colonies. This alson lowered the price for molasses whisch hurt the British West Indies market for Rum. -
Stamp Act
A Parliamentary tax that required colonists to pay a fee on all printed paper they used. Caused large dispute over taxation without representation. -
Repeal Of Stamp Act
Parliament repealed the Stamp Act but enforced the Declationary Act on this day. -
Declationary Act
Parliament has the right to impose taxes and duties on its home country and all its colonies. Laws and regulations made by Parliament will also have to be followed by the subordinate colonies. This act was concominant with the repeal of the Stamp act. -
Boston Massacre
The British soldiers in Boston often angered the cololonists and a group of patriots decided to one day hailed snowballs with rocks inside at them. British soldiers retaliated by oppening fire on to the crowd of colonists. News of the event spread quickly among the colonies and it was the signal event for the Revolutionary War. -
Intolerable Acts
Punishment on the Colonists Consisting of:
-Boston Port Bill: Only British ships may enter Boston Harbor
-Quartering Acts: Soldiers can live on property at public expense
-Administration of Justice Act: British soldiers and officials could not be tried in the colonies.
-Mass. Government Act: The British Governor of Mass. can only allow public meetings.
- Qubec Act: Created a centralized government for Canada -
Tea Act
Allowed tea to be transferred to Boston Harbor with the hopes of propping up the East India Company. -
Boston Tea Party
A group of Sons of Liberty members dressed up as Indians and dumped 5,000 pounds of tea into Boston Harbor. This event spurred other acts around the colonies in revolt to the British. -
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First Continental Congress
Delegates of the colonies decided to create treaties and prevent conflicts with Great Britian. -
Lexington and Concord
The colonial Mitialia "minutemen" fought against the British resulting in the first colonial battle in the Revolutionary War. -
Second Continental Congress
Delegates met again to discuss Revolution. They elected George Washington as Commander In Chief of the Military and Declaration of Independance was written. -
Fort Ticonderoga
Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen plus the Green Mountain Boys of Vermont joined together to lead an attack on the British fort. This was the first Revolutionary battle won and concluded tons of ammunition for the resistance. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
British troops were sent to recapture Breed's Hill from the patriots. First colonial loss for the Americans but the British suffered heavy casualties. -
Olive Branch Petition
Attempt to preserve colonists rights while still being loyal to the king. However, this was a failed attempt due to the King rejecting the petition. -
Virginia Declaration of Rights
A series of rights adobted by the Constitution of Virginia. This bill later influenced the Bill of Rights. It was written my George Mason. -
Declaration of Independence
Written by THomas Jefferson, the Declaration declared the British will no longer be part of the colonies. -
Battle of Long Island
The British closed in on the Continental Army to kill and capture New York. However with the leading of General George Washington, he was able to secretly evacuate the army and prevent major casualties. -
Common Sense
Thomas Paine's work which criticized British authoritative control. First paper to openly express independence. -
Valley Forge
During the winter of the Revolutionary War, soldiers suffered brutal weather conditions and constant suffering. After many months of torture, the rebels grew into a mature army that will defeat the British. -
Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom
Draft written by Thomas Jefferson granting religious freedom in Virginia. Later adopted by the bill of rights. -
Battle of Saratoga
The major turning point of the war where the Continental Army took down 86% of General Burgoyne's troops causing the recapture of New York. -
Battle of Yorktown
One of the most crucial battles in the war against George Washington and Commander Charles Cornwallis. Washington's troops surrounded Cornwallis in Yorktown, Viginia and heavily bombarded them. This was the final battle of the Revolutionary War. -
Treaty of Paris (1783)
The Treaty of Paris of 1783 negotiated between the United States and Great Britain, ended the revolutionary war and recognized America an independent nation. -
Land Ordinance of 1785
Main goal was to raise money by selling the unmapped terrritory west of the original states. -
Northwest Ordinance of 1787
Created the Northwest Territory which formed into newer states. -
George Washington Inauguration
Following the ratification of the Constitution, George Washington was declared the first president of the United States. The inauguration took place in New York City where the first federal congress met.
