Events Leading to the American Revolution - AC

Sugar Act

Apr 5, 1764

A tax placed on sugar, molasses, etc. to help pay off Britain's war debt

Stamp Act

Mar 22, 1765

This was a tax placed on every piece of printed material. Since paper was used everywhere, this had a major impact on the colonists.

Townshend Acts

1767

They were British taxes put on basic goods such as lead, glass, paint, tea, and paper.

Tea Act

May 10, 1773

Britain enforces a rule that the colonists can only get tea from the British East India Company, and that they are forced to pay for it when Britain sends the tea cargo.

First Continental Congress

1774

A group of colonial representatives intending to express loyalty to the king while complaining about the Intolerable acts and to defend their rights.

Intolerable Acts

1774

Britain passed these to punish the colonists for the Boston Tea Party. They closed the Boston Harbor and forced colonists to let British soldiers stay with them.

Proclamation Line of 1773

Oct 7, 1774

It was a law declaring that colonists could not settle beyond the proclaimed line into Native territories.

Lexington and Concord

Apr 19, 1775

This was where the first shot fired in the American Revolution occurred, "The Shot Heard Round the World"

Second Continental Congress

May 10, 1775

This was when the delegates formed the Continental Army in preparation for war, putting George Washington in command.

Common Sense

Jan 10, 1776

A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine expressing that the colonial problems were the King's fault because Parliament can't pass a law or tax without the King's approval.

Declaration of Independence

Jul 4, 1776

The adoption of a document in which the colonists declare themselves free from British rule. It was to address the colonists' natural rights, with emphasis on "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."