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"Two Treatises on Government" - John Locke
John Locke wrote and published "Two Treatises on Government". In it he argued that all human beings had natural rights such as life, liberty, and property. -
British in Ohio River Valley
British start moving into the Ohio River Valley. -
"The Spirit of the Laws" - Montesquieu
"The Spirit of Law" was written by the Baron de Montesquieu. He stated that the governments powers should be limited and defined and that there should be a seperation of powers. He also brought up the branches of government that we have today; Legislative, Judical, and Executive. -
Albany Plan of Union
Benjamin draws up the Albany Plan of Union which called for representatives elected the colonial assemblies which would have the authority over Native American relations, could organize armies, and collect taxes to pay its expenses. Albany Congress approved but colonial assemblies rejected it. -
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French and Indian War
Fight for Ohio River Valley between the British with Indian allies and the French also with Indian allies. The British won. -
General Braddock's defeat
British soldiers under General Edward Braddock were on their way to try to capture Fort Duquesne, They were ambushed though when they neared the fort by the French and their Native American allies. About half of the British force for this expedition were dead or wounded. General Braddock was among the dead. -
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Pontiac's War
Pontiac, leader on the Ottawa tribe, ally of some western Native Americans attack British forts and settlements. At least 2,000 settlers killed. Pontiac lost in fall of 1764. -
Proclamation of 1763
The British government issued the Proclamation 1763 to stop colonists to go farther then the Appalachian Mountains. This was done to avoid more war with the Native Americans. -
Sugar Act
Sugar Act put import taxes on things such as molasses. Also it called for harsher punishment of smugglers. -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was a British tax that made colonists pay tax for things such land titles, contracts, newspapers, and wills by having them buy tax stamps to be placed on the documents. -
Townshend Acts
Acts were made by Charles Townhends. The point was tax the colonists to pay the governor's and judge's salary. Also it established the use of "writ of assistance" for custom officers. The writ of assistance were court orders which allowed officials to make searches without telling the accused of what they are searching for. -
Boston Massecre
Colonists threw snowballs and rocks at British soldiers in the city of Boston. In defense they shot and killed five people and also wounded six others. All nine of British soldiers who took part in this were arrested and tried for murder but only two were convicted. There punishment was to have their thumbs branded. -
Tea Act
The Tea Act stated that the East India Company could import tea straight to the colonies instead of through first Britain. The colonists though were still angry though since the East India Company a monopoly over selling British tea in the colonies. -
Boston Tea Party
Colonists dressed as Indians throw tea into Boston Harbor in protest for taxes. -
The Intolerable Acts
The Intolerable Acts were believed to be punishment for the Boston Tea Party. The Acts closed the port in Boston, increased royal governor's power, got rid of the upper house of Massachusetts legislature, cut the powers of town meetings, brought those accused to the murder of British official to Britain for trial, and strengthened the 1765 Quartering Act which stated that the colonists must house and feed British soldiers. -
Battle at Lexington
General Thomas Gage sent 700 troops to Concord to seize the colonists store of weapons. In Lexington though 77 minutemen were waiting. The first shot fired there was called the "shot heard round the world". No one know who fired it. British won this battle at Lexington but the colonists won in Concord. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress was meeting in Philadelphia with delegates such as Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, and Benjamin Franklin. They agreed to form an army for the colonists to be lead George Washinton. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
Americans under the leadership of Isreal Purnam lost control of Bunker Hill to the British because they ran out of ammunition. In March 17, 1776 George Washington forced them out. This was considered an American victory because of heavy British loses. -
Olive Branch Petition
Colonists send a petition to King George asking for peace and saying that they would be loyal to the king. King George ignored it and declared the colonists in open rebellion. The reason for this is probably the "Declaration of the Rights and Necessities of Taking Up Arms" which was a document that was spread throughout the colonies that stated that the colonists should fight for their rights and seperate from Britain. -
Attack on Quebec
The colonists attack Quebec. Benedict Arnold, a leader of one the forces, was wounded and another Richard Montgomery died. In May 1776, the colonists left Canada to its ruler the British. It was the first major loss for the Americans. -
Declaration of Independence
Document saying why the colonists should be breaking away from Britain. Its first draft was written by Thomas Jefferson. It was signed on this date but was approved by Congress on July 4 of the same year (hence Independence Day). Signed by famous names such as Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and John Hancock.
