-
The Stamp Act of 1765, a direct levy imposed by the British Parliament on American colonies in order to generate income from printed goods, sparked great opposition owing to its alleged violation of colonial rights. The colonists' intense opposition to taxes without representation was highlighted by boycotts and the convocation of the Stamp Act Congress. The act's final repeal in 1766 was a watershed episode in pre-Revolutionary America, escalating colonial anger and predicting larger battles.
-
The Boston Massacre, which occurred in 1770, was a violent confrontation between British soldiers and a throng of Boston people. Feeling intimidated, the troops opened fire on the gathering, killing many colonists. This act sparked colonial resentment and increased anti-British sentiment, leading to the building tensions that would ultimately result in the American Revolution.
-
The Boston Tea Party, taking place in 1773, was a protest organized by American colonists against the British-imposed Tea Act. Disguised as Native Americans, colonists boarded British ships and dumped an entire shipment of tea into Boston Harbor as a demonstration against taxation without representation. This act of defiance further escalated tensions between the colonies and Britain, ultimately contributing to the catalyst of the American Revolutionary War.
-
The First Continental Congress, held in Philadelphia in 1774, was a gathering of colonial representatives in reaction to the British government's repressive actions, notably the Intolerable Acts. Delegates from twelve colonies met to discuss issues and seek a coordinated response, pushing for colonial rights and resolving problems peacefully. The Congress was a crucial step towards colonial unity and collaboration, laying the groundwork for future events in the independence fight.
-
The Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775 were the first military conflicts of the American Revolution between British forces and American colonial militia. British troops attempting to take colonial firearms clashed with militia in Lexington and Concord, resulting in clashes. These battles signalled the start of military warfare, which heightened tensions between colonies and Britain.
-
The Second Continental Congress, which met in 1775, was crucial in creating the American Revolution. Building on the First Continental Congress's foundation, it organised the Continental Army to resist British forces and named George Washington as the army's leader. The Congress was an important step in unifying the colonies and formalising resistance to British authority.
-
The adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 is regarded as a watershed point in American history. The manifesto, mostly written by Thomas Jefferson, emphasised the colonies' right to govern themselves, individual liberties, and the pursuit of pleasure. It was a rallying cry for liberty, reinforcing the colonies' determination to set themselves free from British authority and setting the groundwork for the establishment of the United States.
-
The Battle of Saratoga, fought in 1777, became a watershed moment in the American Revolution. General Horatio Gates led American forces to a decisive victory over British General John Burgoyne. This victory boosted colonial morale, convinced France to enter the war as an ally, and significantly turned the conflict's course in favour of the American cause.
-
The Siege of Yorktown in 1781 was the American Revolution's final decisive conflict. American and French forces, headed by General George Washington and Admiral de Grasse, lay siege to the army of British General Cornwallis. Cornwallis' surrender essentially ended significant war operations, cementing American independence and changing global power balances.
-
Concluded in 1783, the Treaty of Paris formally ended the American Revolution. Negotiated between American representatives and the British government, it recognized the United States as an independent nation. The treaty established new boundaries, securing American territorial claims and heralding the nation's emergence onto the world stage as a sovereign entity.