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End of French and Indian War
This involved the English and the French (along with France’s allies Austria and Sweden and other countries on England’s side) who battled for colonial dominance in North America, the Caribbean, and India. The English won but their victory left them with immense debt that almost destroyed their government. This was the end of salutary neglect of the beginning of taxation on American colonies. (US History.com) Picture: http://o.quizlet.com/gUkA1nAhdQPerQAfe-Bm.w_m.jpg -
Sugar Act
Britain imposes first tax for revenue (merchantilism). It was a tax on molasses from Britain which enraged the colonists, causing them to demand "no taxation without representation" and to boycott the goods sold, also setting the stage for future revolt.
Picture source:http://s3.amazonaws.com/rapgenius/no_taxation_without_representation_sticker-p217453637107067095b2o35_400.jpg -
Stamp Act
Britain imposed its first direct tax on American colonists. It taxed all paper documents in North American by taxing the stamps used on them and was viewed as the first tax to raise revenue by colonists, making them want "no taxation without representation" leading to virtual representation by Britain. Also it was merchantilism, in that they were making more money (exports) than they were importing. (History.com)
Picture: http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/24800/24821/stamp_act_24821_lg.gif -
Boycott of British Goods
American colonists became frustrated at the new taxes applied with the Townshed act without the representation of parliament (Virtual Representation). Many agreed to boycott items imported from Britain in protest. Within a year, Britain's importation decreased by half. This is an example of salutary neglect with the colonies because they made their own decisions without parliament there. Source for information and image: http://www.historycentral.com/Revolt/boycott.html -
The Boston Massacre
On this day a mob of American colonists formed outside the Custons House in Boston and began taunting British guards. They began throwing snowballs at the guards, but one hit Private Hugh Montgomery. He then fired his rifle at the crowd and other British soldiers followed. After the firing ended, five colonists were dead/dying and three were injured. This event is considered by many historians to be the first casualities of the Revolutionary War. (History.com) Picture: History.com -
Tea Act
British government created a new law requiring colonists to purchase their tea from the East India Company, owned by Britain. Purchasing the tea meant colonists were paying the tax they rejected before. This exhibits merchantilism because Britain was exporting more than they were importing and earning profits. It is also salutary neglect and virtual represntation because the British was taxing colonies wthout being there. Pic http://moranmustangs.org/lizzie13/files/2012/10/teaaaaaaa-1pw0uo3.jpg -
Boston Tea Party
In the middle of the night, a group of Massachusetts patriots (dressed as Native Americans) seized 342 chests of tea and threw them into the harbour as protest to the monopolized East India Co. and tea tax from British parliament. (History.com)
Picture Source: http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/united-states/Boston-Tea-Party-boxes.jpg -
Enforcement Acts
Britain responded to the Boston Tea Party and other resistance by punishing colonists and reducing their rights in the Enforcement Acts (aka Coercive Acts or Intolerance Acts), inluding their right to trial by jury. Also, Britain closed the port of Boston.
Image: http://www.revolutionary-war-and-beyond.com/image-files/british-union-jack.jpg?_sm_au_=iVVv1PSN1NvSQLFj -
First Meeting of Continental Congress
Representatives of nearly all colonies were sent to Carpenter's Hall in Philadelphia with the goal to show combined authority to Great Britain. Individual ideas of each colony were scattered, some who were determined to seperate from England, others looking to resolve with England, and others wanted to defend colonist's rights. By October 14, they established the course of congress and demanded a repeal of the Coercive Acts. (US History.org) Image: http://www.bostonteapartyship.com/wp -
Lexington and Concord Battles
These were the first battles fought in the Revolutionary War. The battle was between American militiamen and British troops. Conflicts had been building between the two forces. After the battle started, British quickly retreated sue to heavy fire. (http://www.history.com/topics/battles-of-lexington-and-concord) Picture: http://www.britishbattles.com/images/concord-lexington/british-troops-l.jpg -
Thomas Paine Publishes Common Sense
Thomas Paine publishes 'Common Sense' which encouraged colonists to want independence from Britain. Picture: http://research.history.org/pf/images/lg_commonSense.jpg -
Declaration of Independence
Declaration of Independence approved on this day. It was written by Thomas Jefferson based on ideas of political philosopher John Locke. It stated each citizen had natural rights of life, liberty, and property (pursuit of happiness according to John Locke) Its social contract stated that the power of government came from the people and the people could replace an abusive government. Picture source: http://catholiclane.com/wp-content/uploads/declaration-of-independence.png
