Events Leading up to the Declaration of Independence

Americans are bound to England

Jan 1, 1763

Many Americans were in ties with England. Many included the culture, goods, evangilists, and military victories. The British believed that they were American rather than English.

Peace of Paris

Aug 30, 1763

France lost to England and the British got all the land east of Mississippi. This lead to a century of conflict that contributed on disrupting the peace between Americans.

Proclamation of 1763

Oct 18, 1763

British issued this proclamation, which prohibited all governors from granting land beyond the waters of the Atlantic

Sugar Act

Apr 5, 1764

AKA Revenue Act
Purpose: to discourage smuggling, bribery, and other factors that might interfer with making profit.
With such low tax rates, it was not neccessary for merchants to bribe the collectors.
Money ended up in corrupt officials and all the money went to the maintance of the military.
Grenville, who was in charged and created the act, was seen as pulling a scheme rather than helping the nation get out of debt.

"No taxation without Representation"

Dec 31, 1764

Connecticut assembly delcared that taxes could not be issued or made without a representative.

Stamp Act

Mar 22, 1765

Printed documents that could only be issued with special stamped paper and this stamp could be purchased by the stamp distributors.
Many truly revolted against this act and many collectors were forced to resign.
March 16, 1766: Stamp Act was appealed

Boston Tea Party/ Tea Act

May 10, 1773

Parliament allowed for East India Company to sell tea to America, but duties on tea were reduced.
A huge riot occured because of this act. On December 6, 1773, tea that was being imported to Boston was destroyed and thrown over the ships. This is how the colonists reacted to the law of tea.

Intolerable Acts (Coercive Acts)

Jun 1, 1774

Ports of Boston are closed. Mass. Government goes under reconstructing, town meeting are being restricted, and Britsih officials are accused of crimes. These crimes are sent for trial in England or Canada.
This leads to many boycotting British goods.

Prohibitory Act

Dec 22, 1775

British tried to force Americans into stopping shipping of American goods. Then American ships are seized.
This event truly contributes to the Continental Congress into creatring the Declaration of Independence.

Declaration of Independence

Jul 4, 1776