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The First Newspaper is created
The first regular newspaper began published in Boston, the First Letter. It was begun by John Campbell, the postmaster. Later on, 40 newspapers were printed in the colonies and sent around by night riders. This allowed for colonists to spread information, like the Boston Massacre, quickly and accurately unbeknownst to the British. -
Conflict Begins Between French and English
Initial actions of the French and Indian War between the English and French began when French forces occupied Fort Duquesne in Pittsburgh. English and Americans are enraged together. -
Sugar Act
The Sugar Act places a duty on various commodities, including lumber, food, molasses, and rum in the British colonies. Colonists are very upset and begin to resent the
British. Several try to cut back to prevent the English from receiving their tax dollars. -
Stamp Act
After the British enforce the stamp act, which required revenue stamps, taxes, to pay for British troops, nine American colonies held a Stamp Act Congress in New York. There, they adopted a Declaration of Rights against taxation without representation. This is also the beginning of the colonies forming together as one against the British. -
Stamp Act Repealed
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Townshend Act
British created taxes on glass, tea, paint, and other goods shipped from Britain to help cover the colonies administrative expenses. The colonists reacted by refusing to buy British goods, arguing no taxation without representation. This angered the British. -
The Boston Massacre
Upset over taxes and loss of jobs, men and boys form a mob to protest. Tensions grew, and when a British soldier was clubbed in the head, someone gave the order to fire. 3 died in the square and 8 were wounded, two of which died later. It was coined the "Bloody Massacre" by Paul Revere in his famous image which traveled from colony to colony virtually overnight. -
The Boston Tea Party
The Sons of Liberty dressed up as Mohawks and boarded three English ships containing tea. They dumped $1,000,000 worth of tea into the harbor to protest high taxes. This led to the shutdown of the harbor and other punishments. -
First Continental Congress
Representatives from 12 colonies (Georgia couldn't attend) came together in Philidelphia to discuss the "Intolerable Acts". They were trying to figure out how to react to Britain and what rights they should enforce. They agreed to boycott British goods. -
Second continental Congress
Still reeling from the Battle of Lexington and Concord, they agree to turn the militias into one uniform army for the 13 states (all of which were present). They also elected George Washington as their Comander in Chief of the Continental Army. Most importantly, they also agreed to cut their ties with Britain and become their own country. -
Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin wrote the Declaration of Independence after a vote of the 13 colonies (all said yes except for New York). They wrote it to the King, adressing their concerns and reasons for becoming their own country.
