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French and Indian War
The French and British expansion in America conflicted with each other, and they both wanted the land for their own purposes. They both wanted the other gone, and went to war for 7 years. After many battles, the war was officially ended in 1763, with Britain victorious. They got most of the new lands, including Canada and almost all of North America, while the French were left with a few islands. -
Treaty of Paris
End of the French and Indian War where Great Britain claimed more land and France owned only a few islands and colonies. “Treaty of Paris.” 8 Sep. 2018, https://cdn.history.com/sites/2/2014/02/treaty-of-paris-AB.jpeg. -
The Sugar Act
British law that charged duties on imported sugar from other countries. It also halved the duty on foreign-made molasses. “Stamp and Sugar Act.” 8 Sep. 2018, http://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/wp-content/uploads/satevepost/2017-03-08-sugar-rationing-notice.jpg. -
The Stamp Act
Parliament passed the Stamp Act, much to the disapproval of the colonists. The act was for imposing taxes upon items like newspapers, playing cards, and wills. It was the first taxes to directly affect colonists, and they were very angry with it. After it faced so much hate and rebellion, Parliament repealed the act in 1766. “Stamp Act.” Land of the Brave, https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/O%21_the_fatal_Stamp.jpg/220px-O%21_the_fatal_Stamp.jpg. -
Townshend Act
Britain decides to tax certain colonial imports, shortly after the Stamp Act. They also stationed troops at major ports to protect customs officers. Some of the items taxed were glass, paint, oil, lead, paper, and tea. The colonists were angry at this new act, and protested "taxation without representation". Colonists all over organized boycotting the taxed goods. "Townshend Acts." History, A&E Television Networks, 2018, https://goo.gl/images/KJeFV7. -
Boston Massacre
A mob of colonists gathered in front of the Boston Customs House, and started to taunt British Soldiers standing guard there. The soldiers opened fire, killing 5 people. The colonists were outraged, labeling it the Boston Massacre. “Boston Massacre.” History, A&E Television Networks, 2018, https://goo.gl/images/Zb8dhQ. -
Tea Act
Britain granted the East India Company the right to sell tea to the colonies free of the taxes that colonial tea sellers had to pay. This shut out colonial tea merchants and gave British tea merchants special rights and concessions. "Boston Tea Party." Historic Tours of America, 2018, https://goo.gl/images/b6UnAr. -
Boston Tea Party
In the evening, a large group of Boston rebels took action on 3 British tea ships. They dumped 18,000 pounds of tea into the harbor. "Boston Tea Party." History, A&E Television Networks, 2018, https://goo.gl/images/EDmWkc. -
Intolerable Acts
King George pressed Parliament to pass a series of acts in response to the Boston Tea Party. They shut down the Boston harbor, and said that British troops could use force against colonists, is they fought back. "The Intolerable Acts." U.S. History, The Independence Hall Association, 2018, https://goo.gl/images/TEFrf8. -
First Continental Congress
56 delegates met in Philadelphia and worked together to write a declaration of colonial rights. "Continental Congress." History, A&E Television Networks, 2018, https://goo.gl/images/bCmexZ. -
Second Continental Congress
Colonial leaders in Philadelphia got together and debated about the loyalties that divided colonists. They agreed to recognize the colonial militia as the Continental Army and appointed George Washington as its leader. "Second Continental Congress." Revolutionary-War, 2017, https://goo.gl/images/GhxXZs. -
The Fighting at Lexington and Concord
The British troops, also known as "redcoats", came to Lexington, where they were met with a hostile militia. The British killed many of them after someone fired, marking the first battle of the Revolutionary war. They then marched on Concord, and back to Boston. They were met with around 4,000 minutemen, who quickly slaughtered the British. “Battle of Lexington and Concord.” American Military History Podcast, 2018, https://goo.gl/images/JYEjSU. -
Publishing of Common Sense
The pamphlet was written by Thomas Paine, and was widely read by the colonists. It was 50 pages long, and it attacked King George and the monarchy. He spoke harshly against British tyranny, and promoted independence as a way for America to create a better society. It was a very powerful document, and changed the minds of many people, inspiring rebellion and change. "'Common Sense'" Dairy Herd Management, Farm Journal, 2018, https://goo.gl/images/8hYwzY.
