Timeline: Events Leading to the American Revolution- MH

Apr 5, 1762

Sugar Act

Raised taxes on imports of sugar and molasses; merchants accused of smuggling did not receive trial by jury, which violated British law.

Oct 7, 1763

Proclamation Line of 1763

King George III enforced this along the Appalachian mountains and colonist were not allowed to settle west of this line.

Mar 22, 1765

Stamp Act

Taxed printed materials and was the first direct tax on the colonist. The colonist claimed they could not be taxed by Britain because they had no representation in parliament.

1767

Townshend Acts

Taxed glass, lead, paper, paint, and tea imported by the colonies and allowed officials to take private property without due process. Protest led to Britain sending in troops to Boston.

May 10, 1773

Tea Act

The British East India company was in debt, so British passed the Tea Act. This forced the colonist to buy tea only from the company.

Mar 31, 1774

Intolerable/Coercive Acts

These laws were intended to punish Massachusetts and end colonial changes to British Authority. These laws shut down Boston's port until everything was paid for, governor controlled everything in the colony and forced citizens to allow British soldiers to stay with them.

Sep 5, 1774

First Continental Congress

55 delegates met in Philadelphia. Congress introduced the declaration of Rights and Grievances that expressed loyalty to the king, but condemned the Coercive Acts and also decided to boycott British goods.

1775

Lexington and Concord

"Shot heard round the world." The start of the American Revolution.

1775

Second Continental Congress

A governing body of the thirteen colonies during the American Revolution.

1776

Declaration of Independence

Written by Thomas Jefferson to further the cause of colonist fight with the mother country. Addressed to those within the colonies who were loyal to the king or uncommitted to the cause. It also addressed principals of equality, natural rights of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.