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The Enlightenment
Also known as the "Age of Reason", this was an intellectual movement that promoted reason and logic. Many philosophers such as John Locke, Jean Jaqeus Rousseau, and Voltaire introduced ideas which would later either influence or help the revolution. On a scale of 1-10 on how much this influences the Revolution, this is an 8. John Locke's ideas of "Natural Rights" were used as arguments for American independence. -
French and Indian War
A war of seven years lasting from 1756-1763. The war was between the English and the French, and the goal of the war was to drive France out of the Americas. It led to the Proclamation of 1763. France was driven out. On a scale of 1-10 on how this influenced the Revolution, this is a 4. As aside from being taxed after the war, colonists had little involvement. -
Proclamation line of 1763
After the French and Indian War, Britain proclaimed that no colonists were to settle west of the Appalachian mountains. On a scale of 1 to 10 on how much this contrubited to the Revolution, this is a 2 because it was ignored by the colonists. -
Stamp Act
An act raised by the British that would tax colonists on all printed documents, such as newspapers, fliers, mail, cards, etc. In response to this, colonists boycotted British goods, and the act was repealed. On a scale of 1-10 on how much this influences the Revolution, this is a 6. While the act infuriated colonists, it was repealed, making it have no lasting impact. -
Boston Massacre
British troops fire upon colonial protestors in Boston. Five were killed. On a scale of 1-10 on how much this influences the Revolution, this is a 6 because it demonstrates British cruelty towards the colonists. -
Tea Act
A British tax on tea. Infuriated colonists and led to the Boston Tea Party. On a scale of 1-10 on how much this influences the Revolution, this is an 8 because colonists saw this as an example of British tyranny. -
Boston Tea Party
To protest the Tea Act, Sons of Liberty dressed up as natives, and overhauled much British tea into the Boston Harbor. On a scale of 1 to 10 on how this contibuted to the Revolution, this is a 7, since this was a very important act of rebellion against England. -
Intolerable Acts
Issued in response to the Boston Tea Party, British ended to punish the colonists with this. Three acts were issued with the goal of preventing trial by jury in the colonies, having colonists house British soldiers, and blockading Boston harbor. On a scale of 1-10 on how much this influences the Revolution, this is a 9. Colonists were highly displeased. -
First Continental Congress
Delegates from 12 colonies met in Philadelphia to address the Intolerable Acts. They sent a letter to King George III to repeal the acts, which he did not do. On a scale of 1 to 10 on how this contibuted to the Revolution, this is a 5, since it was just an attempt to get rid of the acts. Nothing else. -
Lexington and Concord
British troops believed that weapons were being stockpiled in Concord, on the way there they were confronted by farmers and militia in Lexington. Despite being defeated, colonists still volunteered to fight. On a scale of 1 to 10 on how much this contributed to the Revolution, this is an 8 because colonists started actively fighting the British. -
Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson writes the Declaration of Indepence in order to try and achieve independence for America. Jefferson used ideas from Lock and Rousseau to try and suppport his point, he also listed 27 tyrannies of the British. On a scale of 1-10 on how much this influences the Revolution, this is a 10. This is one of the most important documents in American History, and it essentially led to colonists revolting. -
Second Continental Congress
Delegates meet in Philadelphia about the battles in Massachusetts and discuss the issue of independence. On a scale of 1-10 on how much this influences the Revolution, this is a 10 because it led to the Declaration of Independence.
