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The Stamp Act
This was the first direct British tax on American colonists. Every newspaper or document had to have a stamp, which cost money. The colonists were upset that they had to pay for something that had been free for many years so they responded in force. -
The Boston Massacre
Shooting of five American colonists by British troops. Each side of the story was disputed by both sides. British had weapons and they did open fire. This deepened American distrust of the British military presence in the colonies. -
Boston Tea Party
American colonists were upset about a new tax on tea. They decided to disguise themselves and boarded three British ships. They dumped 342 whole crates of British tea into the Boston harbor. Similar events continued to happen in other areas so tea was eventually boycotted throughout the colonies. -
Battle of Lexington and Concord
The first shots between American and British troops. British troops occupied Boston and were marching through Concord on their way to Lexington. Both sides opened fire and the Americans were forced to withdraw. By the time the British got to Concord, the Americans were waiting for them. This is when Paul Revere's famous ride, warning the countryside: "The British are Coming!" became famous. -
Adoption of the Declaration of Independence
This document declared the 13 American Colonies independent from Great Britain. The Continental Congress declared this document into effect and it was written by Thomas Jefferson. Many important political figures signed it and Great Britain's response was to continue the war. -
Treaty of Paris
This is the ending of the Revolutionary War. Britain agreed that this treaty gave independence to the United States of America. They removed all troops from the new nation and set borders for the United States. It also agreed to pay all existing debts owed to Great Britain. This document was signed in Paris by Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and John Jay. -
Ratification of the U.S. Constitution
This document details our form of government. It was ratified by a majority of states and declared into effect. This document resembles the Virginia Plan. Madison insisted on a Bill of Rights, which became the First Ten Amendments.