Causes of American Revolution

French - Indian War

May 28, 1754

A war between and the French and Indian armies against the British and colonist armies. Ended with French and Indian defeat. Ogden, Henry Alexander. "The Victory of Montcalm's Troops at Carillon". 1854. Oil on canvas. Fort Ticonderoga Museum, NY.

Stamp Act

Mar 1, 1765

This act put a tax on documents and printed items like playing cards, wills, and newspapers. Once a stamp was put on the object, it signified that the tax had already been payed. Pennsylvania Journal. "O! the fatal Stamp". 1764. The New York Public Library, New York.

Townshend Act

Jun 15, 1767

This act taxed goods that were imported into the colony from England. Some of these goods included lead, glass, paint, and paper. This act also imposed a tax on tea, which was a popular drink at the time. "Townshend Acts." History.com. 2009. Web. 13 Sept. 2015.

Boston Massacre

Mar 5, 1770

British redcoats open fire on a colonial mob in front of the Boston Customs House. This event was used to stir up colonists against the British. Revere, Paul. "The Bloody Massacre". 1770. Newpaper.

Tea Acts

May 10, 1773

This act granted the British East India Company the right to sell tea to the colonists free of the taxes that the colonists had to pay. Lord North had hoped it would lead American colonists to buy the cheaper tea, but they protested instead.

Boston Tea Party

Dec 16, 1773

Boston rebels sneak onto three British tea ships disguised as Native Americans. They then proceeded to dump 18,000 pounds of tea into the Boston harbor. Cooper, W. D. "Boston Tea Party". 1789. Engraving. Library of Congress.

Intolerable Acts

Mar 24, 1774

A series of laws that shut down the Boston harbor, authorized British commanders to house soldiers in abandoned homes or lots, and placed Boston under martial law.

1st Continental Congress

Sep 13, 1774

Called together to draw up a declaration of colonist rights. It defended the rights of colonists and claimed the colonies would fight back if Britain used force.

Lexington and Concord

Apr 18, 1775

First battle of the Revolutionary War. "The shot heard round the world" started in Lexington, but ended in colonist defeat. Doolittle, Amos. "The Battle of Lexington". 1775. Engraving. New York Public Library Collection Guide: Picturing America, New York.

2nd Continental Congress

May 5, 1775

Called together a Continental Army led by George Washington. There were many debates in this meeting, but they still agreed upon the army.

Publishing of "Common Sense"

Jan 10, 1776

This pamphlet attacked King George and the monarchy. It also supported American independence and was read widely throughout the colonies. Paine, Thomas. "Common Sense". 2005. Scan.