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The French and Indian War
A war fought between Great Britain, the French and the Indians of North America. The British won the war, therefore winning them the right to Canada and other luxuries found in the U.S. This lead the to the revolution because it gave the British power in the New World, and some colonists did not like that. -
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Road to Revolution
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The Sugar Act
This act put a three cent tax on foreign refined sugar, and also increased the taxes on items like coffee, indigo and wine. These taxes affected merchants, who were all outraged by the act. This lead to the revolution because the taxes were raised without consent from the colonists, making many lose loyalty to the British King. -
The Stamp Act
An act stating every newspaper, pamphlet, or legal document of any kind must have a stamp on it that cost money. The colonists were again outraged by this act, since they had been printing these papers for free, for years. This lead to the revolution because the colonists responded forcefully with demonstrations. -
The Stamp Act Congress
A diplomatic body created by the colonists who were angered by The Stamp Act. This congress gave the colonists an idea on how to model the Continental Congress. This lead to the revolution because while the British repealed the Stamp Act, they passed the Declaratory Act, angering the colonists even more.
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Townshend Acts
A series of laws imposing taxes on glass, lead, paints, paper and tea. Colonists did not react nicely to these laws, causing the British to again repeal the laws, except the tax on tea, creating some violent protests. This lead to the revolution because Britain sent over more troops to control the colonists. -
The Boston Massacre
A shooting in the streets of Boston between the colonists and the British. Five Americans were killed. This lead to the revolution because it made Americans trust the British military in the colonies even less. -
The Boston Tea Party
Since the British would not repeal the tax on tea American colonists disguised themselves as native americans and boarded three British ships. They then proceeded to dump 342 crates of British tea into the Boston Harbor. This lead to the revolution because it inspired many others in the colonies to rebel. -
The First Continental Congress
A group of 56 delegates from 12 colonies meeting in Philadelphia to discuss liberty. They came together to find a solution to how to respond to the intolerable acts. This lead to the revolution because it was the first true act of treason, since the group had to meet in secret from the British. -
The Battles of Lexington and Concord
The first time shots were fired between American and British troops. Americans were able to slow down the British advance enough to get a force of troops gathered in Concord and save the weapons depot. These battles lead to the revolution because they gave Americans hope in being able to win freedom from the British. -
The Second Continental Congress
The revolutionary war was going badly so the Second Continental Congress came together to make war decisions. The outcome was the creation of the continental army and naming George Washington commander-in-chief. This lead to the revolution because as the meetings continued the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Marines Corps were developed. -
George Washington Named Commander in Chief
The first president of the U.S. While he served two terms he created the cabinet, advisers and tried to calm the fighting between the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans. Washington was a key factor in the revolution because he gave hope to Americans that they could win the war. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
A battle fought actually on Breed’s hill, between the British and the Americans. The British were actually able to take the hill but suffered many casualties. The battle once again gave Americans hope, under the directions of Colonel William Prescott the Americans were able to become skilled fighters. -
Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" Published
Thomas Paine was a patriot and American soldier, whose biggest contribution to the war effort was in his writing, most famously “Common Sense” which challenged the British Gov. and the Royal Monarchy. The pamphlet caused more of the U.S. population to hate the British. -
The British Evacuate Boston
General John Thomas secretly led a force of soldiers to Dorchester Heights setting up cannons, to fight the British. The British then sailed to safety in Nova Scotia. This event brought an end to the British occupying Boston. -
Richard Henry Lee Proposes Independence
A resolution presented in front of the Second Continental Congress containing three parts. These parts were: A declaration of independence, a call to form foreign alliances, and a plan for confederation. This lead to The Declaration of Independence, a plan to make treaties, and a plan for confederation. -
Declaration of Independence Adopted
The Document officially declaring Americas freedom from the British. The declaration was written by Thomas Jefferson and put in effect by the Continental Congress. This lead to the revolution because it started the war for independence between the U.S. and Great Britain. -
Declaration of Independence Signed
A total of fifty six delegates signed the document. Most were excited for the revolution while others still refused to sign, like some delegates from Pennsylvania and New York. Even without their support though, American’s attitudes were changing and the people were now ready for freedom.
