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Grenville Acts
Grenville Acts pass parliament. These include multiple acts that raised the revenue to pay for the French and Indian War debts along with the cost of administering the new territories granted at the end of the war. They also increased the efficiency of the American custom system. The most rejected part was the Sugar Act. It increased duties on items ranging from sugar to coffee to textiles. -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act passes parliament. It is the first direct tax on the colonies. The purpose of the tax is to help pay for the British military stationed in America. This act is met with greater resistance and the outrage against taxation without representation increases. -
The Quartering Act
The Quartering Act goes into effect in the colonies which requires residents to provide housing for British troops stationed in America. Many do noot agree with this act. The Quartering Act furthers ant-British senitment in America. Many are angry by the passing of this act -
Stamp Act is Repealed
The Stamp Act is repealed. However, the Declaratory Act is passed which gives the British government the power to legislate any laws of the colonies without restriction. Many people were not happy with this.The British continued to attempt to gain control. -
Townshed Acts
The Townshend Acts pass parliament introducing a number of taxes on items such as paper, glass and tea. Additional infrastructure is set up to ensure enforcement of British policies in America. The people of America are becoming increasingly agitated by the growing texation and presence of British forces in America. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre occurs killing five colonists and injuring six. a crowd of jeering Bostonians slinging snowballs gathered around a small group of British soldiers guarding the Boston Customs House. The soldiers became enraged after one of them had been hit, and they fired into the crowd, even though they were under orders not to fire.This is used as a propaganda piece against the British military. -
Gaspee is attacked
The British customs vessel Gaspee is attacked off the coast of Rhode Island by hostile Americans. Many were fed up with British rule and decided to lash out. The Revolution is becoming inevitable. The men are set ashore and the boat is burned. -
The Tea Act Goes into Effect
The Tea Act goes into effect, retaining the import tax on tea and giving the East India Company the ability to undersell colonial merchants. This further provokes the already enraged Americans. Many Americans begin plotting against the British. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party occurs. After months of growing anger with the Tea Act, a group of Boston activists dressed as Mohawk Indians. They then boarded tea ships anchored in Boston Harbor in order to dump 342 casks of tea into the water. This was a major rebellion against British rule. This act encouraged further rebellion. -
"Give me Liberty or Give Me Death"
Patrick Henry gives his famous "Give me liberty or give me death," speech at the Virginia convention. This passionate speech inspiress the people of America to stand up against their oppressor. -
Sparking of the Revolution
Governor Gage in Massachusetts is ordered to use any force necessary to apply all British acts and to stop any buildup of a colonial militia. -
Beginning of Revolution
The Battles of Lexington and Concord begin with the British heading to destroy a colonial arms depot in Concord, Massachusetts. These battles are considered the beginning of the American Revolution.
