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Treaty of Paris: 1763
This treaty ended the the French and Indian War and allowed Britain to gain control of the Ohio River Valley. -
Sugar Act: 1764
The Sugar Act was the first law passed by Parliament with the purpose of raising revenue for royalty in Great Britain. This taxing was for the colonies of the New World. Sugar duty increased in the West Indies. Eventually duties were lowered due to protests. -
Stamp Tax: 1765
Stamp Tax had the purpose of supporting the payment of a new military force. It required tax payment on stamped paper or stamps. -
Quartering Act: 1765
The Quartering Act required colonists to shelter and provide supplies to British Troops. This infuriated the colonists. -
Declaratory Act: 1766
This act reaffirmed Parliament’s right to bind colonies. The colonies wanted a mesure of sovereignty. -
Townshend Acts: 1767
This implied import duty on glass, white lead, paper, paint, and tea at American ports. Colonists began protesting with the reoccurring phrase “no taxation without representation.” -
Boston Massacre: 1770
The Boston Massacre was a significant fight between the colonists and the British. This fight was a result of the death of a young boy that was protesting. Both sides were to blame, but only two of the many redcoats were found guilty. Crispus Attcucks was the first to die. -
Repeal of Townshend Acts: 1770
Parliament was able to repeal the majority of duties set in place by the Townshend Acts, but were unsuccessful on removing the tax on tea. Colonists were discontent with this, leading to more rebellious acts like the Boston Tea Party. -
First Committees of Correspondence: 1772
The first Committees of Correspondence was created in Boston, leading the way for 80 others to be created. The creation of this committee in Boston allowed the colonies to unite and evolve together. -
Boston Tea Party: 1773
During the Boston Tea Party, the colonists disguised themselves as Indians and destroyed 342 chests of tea. Their purpose was to show their defiance and hatred toward the British and their laws. Many colonists surrounded to watch with different opinions on the event, some good some bad. Many referred to the tea as “a badge of Slavery.” -
Intolerable Acts: 1774
Intolerable Acts was passed By Parliament to chastise colonists. Actions taken against the colonists included closing the the Boston Port, restricting town meetings, officials who killed colonists were sent to Britain for trial, and a new Quartering Act was passed. -
First Continental Congress: 1774
In response to the Intolerable Acts, the First Continental Congress was created. The congress was set to meet in Philadelphia to develop another way to address colonial grievances. Only twelve of the thirteen colonies attended, Georgia being the single colony that didn’t participate. This was a consultive body consisting of Samuel Adams, John Adams, George Washington, and Patrick Henry. -
The Association: 1774
The Association was created by Congress and demanded complete boycott of British goods. This agreement was very important because it symbolized the colonies’ rebellion against Britain. This was not a call for Independence, but a demand to repeal taxes. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord: 1775
These battles began with a British commander sending troops to Lexington and Concord to seize gunpowder. The British troops intended to arrest Samuel Adams and John Hancock, but failed. The refusal to disperse at Lexington caused the British to fire at the colonists. Continuing the fight to Concord brought war between the two. -
Declaration of Independence: 1776
The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson to declare the split of the colonies and Britain. He included the idea of “natural rights” and argued that the colonies shall be free and independent. -
Battle of Saratoga: 1777
As Burgoyne marched near Albany, American militiamen attacked him and the British Army, resulting in their surrender. Winning this battle drove France to ally with the Americans, guaranteeing American Independence. -
Valley Forge: 1777
Military supplies in the colonies was scarce, especially in Valley Forge. The soldiers in Valley Forge, PA went three consecutive days without bread in a harsh winter. The lack of food and clothing cause soldiers to faint and freeze. Twenty-eight hundred men, wearing next to nothing, stayed in the harsh conditions because of their great patriotism and dedication. This all ended in 1778. -
Articles of Confederation: 1781
Although the Articles of Confederation was written earlier, it was not ratified until 1781. The signing of this constitution by all colonies finally allowed for it to be set in place. This was the first constitution of America, giving its citizens rights and laws. -
Siege of Yorktown
The Siege of Yorktown in Virginia marked the last important battle of the American Revolution. It paved the way for the nations Independence. During the Siege of Yorktown, George Washington’s great leader skills were displayed. -
Treaty of Paris: 1783
The second Treaty of Paris allowed the United States to be free of Britain. They were generously granted land boundaries reaching from the Mississippi River to Great Lakes.
