-
Stamp Act
An act set by King George the 3rd that doubles the tax on "stamped" items. The parliament passed the act on March 22, 1765 and it was revoked in 1766. This event is asymmetrical as the Colonists didn't think that this is something the King and Queen would do to them.
(https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/stamp-act) -
Boston Massacre
A fight between the Loyalists and the Colonists in King Street located in Boston. The fight left 5 colonists wounded or dead including a colonist of mixed race. (https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/boston-massacre) -
Boston Tea Party
A protest against "taxation without representation" by the American Colonists. Lead by the Sons of Liberty the colonist dressed as Indians, dumped 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor. This event is asymmetrical since it changed from colonists openly protesting to doing an act sneakily.
(https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/boston-tea-party) -
Lexington / Concord
The first "battle" that kicked off the Revolutionary War. The British troops marched towards Concord to seize arms. Paul Revere and other riders saw this and went to warn the colonial militiamen. The militiamen geared up for retaliation. Arms were fired at the Lexington green and more broke out. (https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battles-of-lexington-and-concord) -
Bunker (Breed’s) Hill
Though called the Battle of Bunker Hill most of the fighting happened at the nearby Breeds Hill. Following Lexington and Concord with the British winning. The Americans used guerrilla warfare but lost due to the lack of ammunition. (https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battle-of-bunker-hill) (List 1 of American casualties) -
Common Sense
A book/pamphlet written by Thomas Paine on his arguments supporting American independence. This made many colonists change their minds or settle on a side. This is symmetrical since pamphlets were widely used to spread information so this was something happening already. (https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/thomas-paine-publishes-common-sense) -
Declaration of Independence
The first formal statement by the nations people giving them the right to choose their own government. Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and two others were tasked with drafting a formal statement of the colonies objective. The Declaration of Independence written mostly by Jefferson was accepted on July 4th at Philadelphia. This event was symmetrical since Independence was the reason this all started.
(https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/declaration-of-independence) -
Battle at Trenton/Princeton
General George Washington crossed the icy Delaware and took down a strong garrison of Hessian mercenaries before withdrawing. Washington baited the British to Trenton, then took his men and launched a night attack. This raised the moral and unity of the colonial army and militias. This strategy would be asymmetrical since the British weren't expecting it at all. (https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battles-of-trenton-and-princeton) -
Battle of Saratoga
Two battles fought eighteen days apart. Lead by British General John Burgoyne, the first battle with the British winning but with a very costly victory. The Americans lead by Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold. General Burgoyne with his weakened troops attacked the Americans at Bemis Heights and lost. Burgoyne surrenders ten days later. These battles finalized the Colonists alliance with the French. (https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battle-of-saratoga) -
Continental Army Wintering at Valley Forge
After the disastrous Philadelphia Campaign the Continental Army lead by General George Washington settled in Valley Forge. The cold winter left the battle worn soldiers and paired with not having enough provisions even more battered. Later on Baron Friedrich von Steuben arrived at Valley Forge and taught the soldiers combat maneuvers that improved their combat abilities. (https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/winter-valley-forge) -
War in the south/Charleston
The worst defeat for the Americans during the Revolutionary war. The British captured more than 3,000 patriots, lots of equipment, and military weapons. This event is asymmetrical since the Americans didn't think the British would take over. (https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/americans-suffer-worst-defeat-of-revolution-at-charleston) -
Battle of Yorktown
The Americans lead by General George Washington and the French lead by General Comte de Rochambeau attack the British Army at Yorktown in Virginia. The last battle of the Revolutionary war with the British beginning peace negotiations after American victory. (https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/siege-of-yorktown)
