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The Sugar Act
In this act, the British put tax on sugar, wine, and other important items. -
The Stamp Act
This new tax was forced on all American colonists and required them to pay a tax on every piece of printed paper they used. -
The Boston Massacre
Drunk colonists were harassing a british guards and throwing things at them. One of the soldiers was knocked to the ground and accidentally fired, which triggered a panic throughout the other soldiers. The soldiers fired in the crowd out of this panic and killed 5 people. -
The Boston Tea Party
Late at night, the colonists disguised as Indians sneaked onto the three ships filled with tea and dumped over 340 tea chests into Boston Harbor. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The Patriots dug into Breed's Hill. They were low on ammunition when the British crossed Boston Harbor. Eventually the Patriots had to retreat, having run out of ammunition. Though the Patriots lost this battle, they proved they could take on the British. -
Common Sense is published
Common Sense was a very successful pamphlet written by Thomas Paine, who wrote with an argument for freedom from the British. He wrote and reasoned in a unique style that people common people could relate to. -
The Declaration of Independence is signed
The documument stating our freedom from Britain is signed. John Hancock signed the Declaration first with his iconic signiture. -
Battle of Long Island
George Washington had moved his troops to New York expecting the British. Then in June the British arrived in ships. General William Howe led both troops to Long Island. We, the colonists, lost the battle that day. -
Battle of Trenton
When the Hessians and British were asleep and partying on Christmas, the Patriots crossed the Delaware and attacked them by surprise. We won the battle. -
Battle of Princeton
Washington crossed the Delaware River and arrived in Princeton, New Jersey late at night. There, Cornwallis had left 1,400 troops, which the Patriots were able to take out before Cornwallis arrived with reinforcements. The Patriots won this battle. -
Battle of Saratoga
General Horatio Gates led this battle in Saratoga, New York. The British failed to execute the timing of their strategy, and the British found themselves surrounded by the Patriots. The British surrendered, and the Patriots won the battle. This battle was a turning point because it proved that the Patriots could take on the British, and caused the French and Spanish to take their side. -
Battle of Yorktown
Taking place in Virginia, this battle was the last major battle of the American Revolution. The Patriots used the hit and run strategy. The battle ended with a siege that wore down the British defenses, and caused them to surrender. The Patriots took the victory along with 8,000 British prisoners.
