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Britain PassesThe Stamp Act
In an effort to fund the increased costs of protecting the colonies, the King taxes the colonists. It was the first of many taxes that quickly angered the colonists and led to the Revolutionary War -
Coercive Acts Passed
The Coercive Acts were a series of laws passed to limit the colonists' power. It prevented them from gathering in large groups without permission, gave them no say in their government, and threatened any person who disobeyed the King with death. It continued the colonists' anger and led to the fights in Boston that began the Revolutionary War -
Revolutionary War Begins
The Revolutionary War began in Massachusetts. It led to a years-long fight for American Independence from Britain using any possible means necessary. -
Declaration of Independence Signed
The Americans signed the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a formal document listing colonists' grievances against the King. It further angered the King and led to more British troops entering the Revolutionary War -
George Washington defeats the Hessians at Trenton, NJ on Christmas Night
Washington silently attacked the sleeping German troops on Christmas Morning. It caused steep troop losses for the Germans and the colonists gained an important fort. It also boosted the feelings of Washington's troops and helped many people decide to rejoin the military for another year. -
British Citizens Begin Leaving the Colonies in Large Numbers
Many British Citizens unhappy with the increasing control of the colonists chose to leave the colonies before the British formally lost the war. With fewer allies, British troops continued to struggle against a tough American force, giving even more momentum to the Americans -
Treaty of Paris- The End of the American Revolution
Faced with dramatic troop losses, a strong American army, and increasing costs, the Treaty of Paris is signed between America and Britain. It ended the Revolutionary War