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French and Indian War
Both the French and the British claimed the Ohio River Valley as their own, and neither of them would give it up. The French and Indian allies fought against the British to secure control over the area. James Wolfe led the British to victory when he captured Quebec. Unable to protect their remaining North American territories, the French were forced to negotiate their lands with Britain. -
Attack on Quebec
Led by British colonel James Wolfe, the British climbed up a path that the French had left undefended. Not expecting the attack, the French were defeated. The only move the French could make was to surrender. They then signed the Treaty of Paris. -
Treaty of Paris
After surrendering at Quebec, the French were unable to protect their remaining territories in North America. They agreed to sign the Treaty of Paris. They gave all of their land east and west of the Mississippi River to Britain, and New Orleans went to Spain. Since Spain sided with France, Florida became Britain’s territory. This treaty signified the end of sizable French power in North America. -
Townshend Acts
The Townshend Acts were four acts that the British put in place on the colonists. The first forced the New York Assembly to accept the Quartering Act. The second act put duties on items, not just to regulate trade but also to earn money for Britain. The third allowed British soldiers to search the houses of colonists without saying why. The last act allowed tea to be shipped to the colonies without British taxes. The colonists started boycotting British goods after they were imposed. -
Boston Tea Party
A colonist group called the Sons of Liberty boarded three British trading ships in the Boston harbor, dressed as Indians. They dumped 341 crates of tea into the harbor. They did this to make a point about the unfair taxes that were in place at the time. They thought it wasn't fair that Britain was forcing them to buy tea from the BEIC, and having to pay high taxes without a say in the government voice. This was one of the major rebellions that led to the Revolution. -
Intolerable Acts
The Boston Tea Party made the King of England extremely mad, so he decided to punish the colonists. The Intolerable Acts were passed by Parliament in 1774. They did horrible things that made life for the colonists more difficult. The colonists were mad and reacted by setting up the first Continental Congress to try and put an end to the Intolerable Acts. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
Trying to gain the upper hand on Boston, the British and Americans were fighting for control of the hills around it. After two previous failed attempts, the British got control, but only after losing 1,000 soldiers. Washington then brought the cannons in from Fort Ticonderoga and placed them on hills surrounding Boston. The British realize they can't defend Boston anymore, so they sail away to block other American ports. -
Olive Branch Petition
Trying to end their problems with Britain peacefully, the colonists sent the Olive Branch Petition to England. In it, they stated that they were still loyal to the King, and they asked for a ceasefire. The King ignored the petition and declared the colonies in open rebellion. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is a document that Congress created that states independence from Britain. It includes an introduction, Natural Rights, List of Grievances, and a closing paragraph. It officially starts the Revolutionary War. This document later becomes an example for other countries’ Revolutions. -
Battle of Trenton
After losing many battles, Washington needed a major win to convince his troops to reenlist. On Christmas Night, Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware River and attacked the Hessian forces. They either killed or captured all of them. His troops are now encouraged to stay because they've had a victory. Also, new men are inspired to fight, now that the army's doing well. -
European Help
Convinced by some of the American wins, some European countries begin to send help. France signs an alliance with America saying that they'll send money, weapons and uniforms. The Netherlands and Spain send loans as well. Some individual officers come in and train the Continental army, raising their overall fighting abilities. -
Winter in Valley Forge
Washington's army was forced to spend the winter outside of Philadelphia in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The winter was very harsh and there weren't any houses there, so the men had to build their own cabins. There wasn't enough food or clothing, some troops had to eat their shoes to keep from dying. With many men getting ick, there wasn't enough medicine to go around. Although the winter was horrible, it brought the coloninists closer together. Once people heard how bad it was, they sent help. -
The American Navy
Progress was slow building the US Navy, and by 1779 they had few ships compared to the much more powerful British Navy. American General John Paul Jones led his troops to victory against the much stronger British war ship Serapis. Both ships were completely destroyed, but the Americans kept fighting. Eventually the British general surrendered. This shows that the Americans had more of a reason to fight, because if they lost the war then life wouldn't be worth living. -
Battle and Siege of Yorktown
British General Cornwallis needed more supplies for his force, so he went to the coast to get them. This put him in the perfect position to be surrounded. French ships blocked them from leaving by boat, and Americans closed in around them. Eventually, Cornwallis had to surrender because he was running out of food and ammunition. This proved to be the last significant battle of the Revolutionary War. -
Treaty of Paris
Parliament sent for a group of Americans to meet in Paris with them, where they would negotiate land and rights after the war. They all agreed to sign the Treaty of Paris. The borders for the US are set from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River. Florida is returned to Spain in thanks of their help. The United States also agreed to return all property and rights to any remaining Loyalists. This Treaty marks the end of the Revolutionary War.
