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The French and Indian War Begins
Also known as the seven years war, it was part of a larger battle between France and Great Britain for control over colonies. This war created many territorial gains for Britain. It did bring GB a large amount of debt that almost collapsed the government and forced them to tax the American Colonies more severely. -
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Road to Revolution
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The French and Indian War Ends
Also known as the seven years war, it was part of a larger battle between France and Great Britain for control over colonies. This war created many territorial gains for Britain. It did bring GB a large amount of debt that almost collapsed the government and forced them to tax the American Colonies more severely. -
The Sugar Act
Reduced the rate of tax on molasses and enforced taxes on goods such as sugar, wine, and coffee.This reduced the trade markets in the colonies and greatly affected the economy. The Sugar Act helped prompt the revolution. -
The Stamp Act
Forced every person in the American colonies to pay a tax on every piece of paper used. It seemed like a way for England to raise money at the colonies’ cost. If this tax passed, the colonists viewed it as a gateway for other taxes to be imposed on them. -
The Sugar Act Congress
A congress was called to meet in order to discuss the England’s taxes on the colonies. England creating laws was fine, but the colonies would not allow “taxation without representation”. This created unrest within the colonies and tension with them and the British parliament. -
Townshend Acts
A series of four acts passed by the British Parliament in an attempt to assert its authority over the colonies. They put taxes on all imports into the American colonies in order to pay the British troops since the Stamp Act had been repealed. These acts were not taken well by colonists. -
The Boston Masscre
The killing of five colonists by British regulars. It was the breaking point of tensions rising in the American Colonies since British troops had arrived to enforce heavy taxes. -
The Boston Tea Party
The East India Company was set to deliver tea to the colonies, and it was to be taxed as soon as it landed in a port. A crowd decided to dress as Native Americans and dump the tea into the harbor.To punish the city of Boston, the port is closed unitl the Company is reimbursed. -
The First Continental Congress
The purpose of the congress was to show the colonies were united in an authority over Great Britain. The colonies did not agree on all points, but there were core ideals made. The congress resulted in a pact of nonimportation of English goods. -
The Battles of Lexington and Concord
A secret attack set by Great Britain that was leaked. The British were met at Lexington and Concord and were thoroughly surprised by the colonist’s skills. This enforced America’s power and tenacity in the revolution. -
The Second Continental Congress
A meeting to determine that there was a need for a continental army to face the Redcoat’s military power. Most delegates were not looking for independence from Great Britain at this time, but slowly gained more support. -
George Washington Named Commander in Chief
A year after joining the continental congress, Washington was offered the position to head the continental army. Over the course of six years of struggle, Washington was able to lead the army in key victories that would result in Great Britain’s surrender in 1781. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
A battle won by the British early in the war. The war did instill much confidence into the continental army though, as the battle resulted in many casualties of the Redcoats. -
Thomas Paine Publishes "Common Sense"
A pamphlet written expressing Paine’s argument for American independence. This work heavily influenced many colonists and united the average people of the colonies and the political leaders with independence. -
The British Evacuate Boston
A plan set by George Washington to set up cannons and other fortifications on Dorchester Heights that forced the British to sail to safety and leave Boston. This was a bloodless liberation of the city that had been hatefully occupied by the British for more than 8 years. -
Richard Henry Lee Proposes Independence
Lee proposes the idea of independence with John Adams to second the motion. Many debates were held over the issue, and a declaration was deemed to be made. With a unanimous vote and the declaration adopted two days later, the fight for independence officially began. -
Declaration of Independence Adopted
With a unanimous vote and New York abstaining, it was decided for the colonies to fight for independence from the British. Thomas Jefferson set to write a declaration as to say the intentions of the colonies to the world. Two days after the vote, the declaration was adopted and gave a purpose to the fighting between Britain and America. -
Declaration of Independence Signed
One month after it had been resolved for America to become an independent country from England, 56 delegates signed the Declaration of Independence. Eight days later, news reached London and copies of the declaration were being read all over the colonies. This event showed the unity of the colonies in the war for independence.
