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Puritans Pass the Massachusetts Public Education Law
The Puritans passed this law so that everyone would be able to read and study the Bible. It led to high levels of literacy in the New England colonies. -
Navigation Acts Passed
Britain passed the Navigation Acts in an attempt to control trade in the colonies. The Act allowed colonists to only be able to import goods from and export goods to England. This led to smuggling in the colonies. -
The English Bill of Rights is Drafted
Parliament drafted and passed the English Bill of Rights. This document gave us the foundation for modern-day government, because it included many principles such as trial by jury and representative government. -
Enlightenment Begins
The Enlightenment began in the mid 1700's. This movement increased and interest in science and was inspiration for many great thinkers of that time, such as Benjamin Franklin. -
The Great Awakening Begins
The Great Awakening was a religious movement led by Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield. It focused on a more personal faith and having a relationship with God. -
Treaty of Paris Signed
The signing of the Treaty of Paris ended the French and Indian War. It was the end of French territory in America and was a precursor for the Proclamation of 1763. -
Stamp Act Passed
The Stamp Act was passed by Parliament placing a tax on all printed materials including but not limited to the following: playing cards, newspapers, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and more, -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was caused by anger towards British soldiers being stationed in the colonies. It started as a fight between a soldier and colonist and turned into a full riot. Five colonists were killed including Crispus Attackus, the first martyr of the Revolutionary War. The Sons of Liberty later used the massacre as propaganda. -
Boston Tea Party
The Sons of Liberty organized the Boston Tea Party to protest the Tea Act, which taxed tea. At nightfall, colonists dressed as Native Americans boarded the boat and proceeded to throw all of the tea overboard. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
The Battles of Lexington and Concord marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War and are commonly known as "the shots heard around the world." They were American victories. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill was a British victory. The Americans were led by the general William Prescott. Prescott was known for his famous words of, "Don't fire 'till you see the whites of their eyes." -
Declaration of Independence Signed
The declaration of Independence was the document sent to King George III that formally declared that America was an independent country. It was signed by delegates from 12 of the 13 colonies. It's first signer was John Hancock who supposedly wanted his signature to be so big that the king could read it without his glasses.
