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Proclamation
The Proclamation of 1763 was an attempt to prevent the colonists from going west and past the Appalachion mountains. The British made this proclamation to prevent further issues between the Native Americans and colonists. -
Sugar Act
This was a law passed by the British Parliament that raised duties on foreign sugar, molasses and other items imported by the colonies. In the long run, it actually lowered existing duty on molasses but it was effective because it was the first time the Parliament seriously enforced a law. -
Quarting Act
This law was passed because there were concerns that the British soldiers were not being properly cared for in the colonies. It directed governors and other authorities to make sure soldiers were provided with food and housing. -
Stamp Act Congress
Delegates from nine colonies met in the Federal Hall and claimed that the Parliament did not have the right to impose the tax on printed matter because it did not have any representation from the colonies. Six of the members signed petitions to the Parliament and King George III. -
Stamp Act
This act placed a tax on printed matter such as advertisements, diplomas etc. The Colonists greatly protested this law. The Stamp Act was officially repealed on March 18, 1766. -
Declaratory Act
This law was passed by the Parliament shortly after the repeal of the Stamp Act. It declared British authority to make and pass any laws for the colonies. -
Townshend Acts
These acts were named after Charles Townshend. They placed new taxes on glass, lead, paints, paper and tea. They eventually repealed all these taxes except the one on tea because of the colonists reactions. -
Boston Massacre
This was a clash between British troops, that were sent to help the government maintain order, and the townspeople of Boston. The British fired into a raging crowd killing five and enraging many colonists, -
Tea Act
This law forbid colonists to buy tea unless it came from the East India Company. This was because the company was not doing well, and the British wanted to give it more money. It led to the Boston Tea Party since colonists refused to unload tea from the ships. -
Boston Tea Party
Angry American colonists, that called themselves the Sons of Liberty, disguised themselves as Mohawk Indians and boarded three British ships called the "Dartmouth", the "Eleanor" and the "Beaver". They dumped 342 crates of British tea into the Boston Harbor. -
Coercive Acts
These were four laws designed to punish Boston and the rest of Massachusetts for the Boston Tea Party, and to strengthen Britain's control over the colonies. They were known as the Intolerable Acts by the colonists. These acts contained the Boston Port Act, the Massachusetts Government Act, the Administration of Justice Act and the Quartering Act. -
Quebec Act
This was a rule imposed by the British Parliament to establish the new authority of Quebec. It was formed in order to keep the people in check and to make sure they were being loyal to the Parliament. -
First Continental Congress
This was a group of 56 delegates from twelve colonies (all exept Georgia) who met in Philadelphia. They came together, in secret, to act in response to the Intolerable Acts. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
The British first marched to Concord because it was an arm depot. They already occupied Boston and were marching on Concord as they passed through Lexington. The first shot fired is known as the " Shot heard 'round the world". The Americans were forced to withdraw, but by the time the Redcoats got to Concord, the Americans were waiting for them, The weapons depot was saved and the British had to retreat. The famous quote by Paul Revere, "The British are coming" was told to warn the countryside. -
Second Continental Congress
The Congress met when the Revolutionary War started and things were going badly. They created the Continental Army and named George Washington commander-in-chief. Out of discussions came the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation and the Marines Corps. -
Olive Branch Petition
This was an attempt to assert the rights of the colonists, while maintaining their loyalty to the British King. King George refused to read the petition and ordered the Royal Navy to blockade all shipping to the colonies. -
Declaration of Independence
A document declaring the thirteen colonies' independence from Great Britain. It was written by Thomas Jefferson and declared in effect by the Continental Congress. Many important Americans signed it, but Britain's response was to continue the war.
