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Proclamation of 1763
At the end of the French and Indian War, King George III made this proclamation to forbid settlement past the Appalachian Mountains. To avoid any conflicts with the Native Americans. But this angered the colonist, they believed that they deserve to use the land. It should be granted to them because of the War they just fought and disregarded the act. This angered the British and were forced to have Red Coats on watch. -
The Sugar Act
Also, known as the American Revenue Act, the British Parliament used this act to get money off of taxes. The money was needed due to the expenses of the war. But the colonist had a negative response. -
Quartering Act
As a result of the Parliament of 1763, British soldiers were housed by the colonist. This act was called the Quartering Act. The colonist provided shelter and employment to these soldiers. They were placed there to "watch" the colonist, so they don't rebel. Many colonist felt that they should have been asked first and were not in favor of it. In 1776, Washington drove them out. Then the British passed the Restraining Act in 1767 as a response. in 1770, as a result, "The Boston Massacre" happened -
Stamp Act
The British placed this act, due to the need of money. It raised taxes on anything the colonist purchased or sent out. As a response, the colonists, John Adams, created the "Sons of Liberty". They organized boycotts by refusing to import goods made in Britain. Then parliament repelled the Stamp Act in 1766, but created the Declaratory Act. -
Declaratory Act
Parliament created this to prevent any rebellions of other rules, it gave them full right to make laws. This frustrated the colonist even more, and as another act of rebellion they ignored the act. As a result the British created more laws and reinforced them with Red Coats. -
Townshend Act
Still in need of money, the British made this act as a way to indirectly tax the colonist. These taxes were on everyday uses like, glass, lead, paint, and paper. Parliament didn't expect the extreme boycotting of their colonists. Woman came together and boycott as well. There were also riots and smuggling of items. They seized Liberty ship and placed about 2,000 Red Coats in Boston. -
The Boston Massacre
This conflict was a confrontation of Red Coats and the colonists. The colonist felt that the British attacked on defenseless citizens. But the British felt that they were attacked on by the colonists. The colonists did fight back, because they were angry and fed up with what has been happening. They urned down ships leading to deaths. And the Committees of Correspondence to have a communication between the colonies. There were trials made for both the soldiers and colonists. -
The Tea Act
This act of 1773, granted the company the right to sell the tea with taxes to the colonist. This angered the colonist and they planned a revolt of this act. The colonist wanted to the "crown" that they need their right to speech, and to have an account with the law making. But this act of rebellion, then led to the Intolerable Act. -
Boston Tea Party
This was an act in 1773, of revolt planned to show a sense of power. The colonists dressed up as Indians and mounted on the ships packed with tea. They raided the ships and threw the great amounts of tea off of the ships. This was an act of rebellion that British disliked highly. As a result they created the Intolerable Acts, with rules to follow in 1774. -
Intolerable Acts
This was an act, a response to the Boston Tea Party. The Parliament passed a series of measures. The Boston Harbor was shut down, soldiers were placed in houses and buildings to keep watch and Gage put Boston under martial law. Which is a military government in which ordinary laws are suspended. The committee of correspondence came together to form the first Continental Congress. Then, created a declaration for the colonies and the British were preparing to strike back. -
1st Continental Congress
In Philadelphia, 56 delegates created a declaration for the colonial rights. The delegates created ideas of what they wanted. But as a caution from the reaction of the British, minutemen were sent to quietly collect firearms and strike back if anything. The British were going to use their forces to strike back but so will the colonists. General Gage from Britain, prepared his men, creating "Lexington and Concord". -
"Give me death or give me freedom" - Patrick Henry
This colonist who was brought into the Continental Congress because of his courage and ideas. He wrote to the "crown" and expressed how he felt about the revolution. He believed that they were being treated unfairly. He would fight for his freedom and independence from Britain. Henry also believed that the peace could not be restored. That the idea of independence has already spread and the war has already begun. -
Lexington and Concord
A battle because there were rumors of fighting from an assembled colonial army. There goal would be to free themselves from Great Britain. They prepared themselves with weapons and supplies. Warren sent Paul Revere to go and warn Adams and Hancock that "The British are coming". Britain found out where they kept the supplies and weapons. As both groups met up, fighting began when the shots were fired. -
2nd Continental Congress
This congress in Philadelphia was where John Adams suggested that each colony set up their own government and that they should declare themselves independent. They agreed on minutemen to become the Continental Army and that George Washington become their commander. Congress also authorized the printing paper money, so that paper money could be used to pay troops and deal with France and Spain. -
Battle of Bunker HIll
The British, Gage sent about 2,400 troops and the militia men attacked them. It was back and forth until the Redcoats succeeded. The third assault was a success because the militiamen ran low on ammunition. But overall the real the winners were the colonists. They lost 450 men and Britain lost about 1,000 men. Great Britain was weakened by the militiamen. -
Olive Branch Petition
As a act of peace and harmony between Britain and the colonies, Congress sent the "Olive Branch Petition", to the King. But the King responded with a proclamation stating that the colonies were in rebellion. He rejected the petition and ordered a naval blockade of the American coast. -
Battle of Quebec
In this battle, British commander General Arnold and General Montgomery were against of the Continental Army. America tried to get the Canadians on their side, and they were forced to retreat Canada. British won the territory. -
Common Sense
A 50 page pamphlet, written by Thomas Paine, inspired many to become a Patriot. It attacked the king, George III. He expressed himself from the topic of independence, how it would be a chance for Americans to create a better society for themselves. This pamphlet was copied 500,000 times and even the great leader, George Washington agreed with Paine. -
Declaration of Independence
The deceleration was written by Thomas Jefferson, chosen to express their ideas in a formal format. It was based off of John Locke's idea of "Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness". The declaration also allowed people to abolish the government that threatened their rights and the idea that all men were equal. But the idea of abolishing slave trade had to be dismissed. Georgia and South Carolina would have not agreed until the idea was terminated. On july 2, their was a vote to be free. -
Battle of Trenton
In the winter of 1776, Washington led 2,400 men in a small rowboats across Delaware River. Held by Garrison of Hessians, Trenton, NJ was Washington's next target. They marched through the snow and used a surprise attack. They killed 30 and took 918 captives and 6 Hessian cannons. From this victory, they went onto the next at Princeton, they marched to Morristown, NJ. -
Battle of Saratoga
British General John had a plan to lead an army down the lakes of Canada to Albany. Then, they can meet Howe's troops at NYC and they would both join together to isolate New England from the rest of the colonies. They hauled their belongings until the food supplies ran low. Gates, commander of Continental Army, got militiamen and soldiers from New York and New England. Burgoyne had lost many men when the American troops surrounded them at Saratoga. Then, the British surrendered to Gates. -
Battle of Valley Forge
One of the hardest battles was at Valley Forge. British controlled New York and parts of New England. George Washington was forced to leave and his troops suffered in the winter. The troops in Philadelphia struggled because of the cold winter and exposure and frostbite got the troops. There were 10,000 soldiers at Valley Forge and 2,000 died. -
French Alliance signed
The alliance between the French and colonists was signed in Paris. It was for aid if France were to be attacked by Great Britain and that no alliance with Britain until the United States would get their independence. -
Battle of Monmouth
In the New Jersey, Sir Henry Clinton of British retreated Philadelphia and decided to go to New York. As they crossed New Jersey, Washington decided to attack. This battle persuaded the French to support the Continental Army. -
Battle of Savannah
In Georgia, Henry Clinton and Charles Cornwallis took control of Georgia. They used their military tactics to take control of it. In the Spring of 1779, there was a royal governor of Georgia. -
Battle of Charleston
In South Carolina, British captured Charleston. They took 5,500 American soldiers as prisoners of war. Also the British general, Cornwallis commanded British forces in the South. To conquer South and North Carolina. -
Battle of Camden, SC
With the help of thousands of African Americans, who escaped the hold of their Patriot slave owners went to the British side. Together, they took over Camden, and build forts across the state. Also, owned the coast with their Navy. But then Patriots attacked them and cut the British communication lines. Then, the Red Coats were forced to leave South Carolina. -
Guilford Court House
Nathaniel Greene was sent by Washington to take 6,000 soldiers to South Carolina and fight off the Red Coats. AT Cowpens, the Continental Army fought back and the Redcoats surrendered. Then 2 months later at the Guilford Court House Cornwallis attacked Greene. Greene lost the battle but weakened Cornwallis. 93 were killed, 400 wounded, and 26 were missing from his troops. -
Battle of Yorktown
Marquis de Lafayette, a French aristocrat, suggested to join forces with France and attack Britain at Yorktown. The British were the surrounded by the 17,000 French and American by land. Also blocked by the sea. After 3 weeks of battle, Cornwallis surrendered to the powers of Continental Army. -
Treaty of Paris
The four nations, United States, Great Britain, France and Spain came together to discuss their own interest. The Continental Congress chose John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay to negotiate their independence. They signed the treaty but it wouldn't help the Natives and they failed to honor the agreements.
