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The French and Indian War
This was the first conflict between nations on North American soil in nearly one hundred years. The colonies appealed to the King for permission to bear arms and to create their own militias, but Great Britian declined because he was suspicious of the colonial governments. -
The Albany Congress
This was the first attempt to bring all of the colonies together to unite them by Benjamin Franklin's design. Another point of the congress was to convince the Iroquois tribe to fight for the British. -
The Stamp Act
This act heavily taxed stamps in the colonies and was the first main effort by the British parliament to show authority over the colonies. This was also the first instance of Mercantilism. -
"If this be treason, make the most of it!"
Patrick Henry's "If this be treason, make the most of it!" speach was one of his first and most influencial speaches. This speach was described by his peers as "radical", but radical was obviously the way to go because his point was made. Henry roused patriotism in the colonies and spurred the idea of independence. -
Boston Non-Importation Agreement
In the agreement, the town of Boston decided not to send for any imports from Great Britain. Also, no goods shall be bought that have been imported from England. -
The Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was the first open conflict between British soldiers and "patriotic" citizens of Boston. The mob of citizens began by taunting the soldiers which then escalated to them throwing snowballs, sticks, and stones, the soldiers then retaliated by firing on the mob. 5 men were killed and 8 were injured. -
The Boston Tea Party
In retaliation for the tea taxes that the British had been imposing on the colonies, after 3 British ships carrying tea were allowed to enter the harbor, that night, a group of Boston citizens, dressed as Native Americans, climbed aboard and tossed 342 chests of tea into the harbor. -
First Continental Congress
During the First Continental Congress, representitives from the colonies, except from Georgia, gathered to discuss possible solutions to the growing tension with England. Independence was one of the solutions that was brought up. The representatives from the states elected Peyton Randolph president of the Congress. -
Articles of Association
The Articles of Association prohibited any trade with Great Britain, which essential cut almost all ties with England. -
"Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death"
Probably Patrick Henry's most famous speach, he boldly announced to a committee "Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death!", which became the battle cry of indepence for the colonists.
