-
-
The Peace of Paris is signed, ending the French and Indian War, or 7 Years War.
-
To prevent further conflict with the French and Indians, the British government forbade settlement beyond the Appalachian Mountains.
-
The Sugar Act reduced the rate of tax on molasses from six to three pence per gallon, while Grenville took measures that the duty be strictly enforced. The act also listed more foreign goods to be taxed including sugar, certain wines, coffee, pimiento, cambric and printed calico, and further, regulated the export of lumber and iron. The enforced tax on molasses caused the almost immediate decline in the rum industry in the colonies.
-
Banned the use of paper money as legal tender in all colonies. It prohibited the issue of any new bills and the reissue of existing currency. Parliament favored a "hard currency" system based on the pound sterling, but was not inclined to regulate the colonial bills. Rather, they simply abolished them. The colonies protested vehemently. They suffered a trade deficit with Great Britain and argued that the
shortage of hard capital would further exacerbate the situation. -
The stamp act was the first direct tax on the American colonists. Every pamphlet, newspaper, public and legal documents, dice and playing cards had to get a British seal or a stamp. Colonists responded with a diplomatic body called the Stamp Act Congress. Delegates met in New York on Oct. 19, 1765 to draw up a declaration of rights and liberties. Delegates from 9 colonies.
-
Each colonial assembly was directed to provide for the basic needs of soldiers stationed within its borders. Specified items included bedding, cooking utensils, firewood, beer or cider and candles. This law was expanded in 1766 and required the assemblies to billet soldiers in taverns and unoccupied houses.
-
British government repeals the Stamp Act on March 17, 1766. But passes the Declaratory Act, which states Parliament's authority is the same in America as in Britain, and asserts Parliament's authority to make binding laws on the American colonies.
-
Places a tax on painter's lead, paper, glass, and tea; colonial official's salaries would be paid from the Crown. In 1770 all duties except on tea were repealed.
-
A gang of men began pelting some off-duty soldiers with snowballs and rocks. British troops were called to the scene. In the confusion, one soldier fell, and his musket misfired. The accidental shot gave way to a ragged volley -- the soldiers ended up killing 5 Americans and wounding 7 others.
-
British defeat an American militia in Alamance, NC.
-
Colonists objected to Parliament giving the East India Company a monopoly on the tea trade to the colonies, fearing that American importers would be put out of business. Bostonians (the Sons of Liberty), disguised as Mohawk Indians, boarded ships loaded with tea and dumped 23,000 pounds of it overboard.
-
Closed Boston's port until such time as the East India tea company received compensation for the tea dumped into the harbor. The Royal governor took control over the Massachusetts government and would appoint all officials. Sheriffs would become royal appointees, as would juries. In addition, the British took the right to quarter soldiers anywhere in the colonies. uniting the colonies to take action against the Crown. The Acts united the colonies, resulting in the Continental Congress.
-
First Continental Congress held in Philadelphia the Oct. 26. It called for civil disobedience against the British.
-
Paul Revere and William Dawes ride to alert patriots that the British were on their way to Concord to destroy arms.
-
The American Revolution begins at Lexington and Concord, Mass. Americans commanded by Parker and others; British commanded by Smith.
-
Col. Ethan Allen (joined by Col. Benedict Arnold) capture Fort Ticonderoga, NY.
-
Continental Congress names George Washington commander in chief.
-
The patriots were driven from their positions over-looking Boston. Americans commanded by Prescott; British by Howe.
-
Americans fail to seize the city of Quebec. Americans led by Arnold and Montgomery; British by Carleton.
-
Drafted by Thomas Jefferson between June 11 and 28, the Declaration of Independence is adopted by the 2nd Continental Congress. The committee to write the declaration included Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman.
-
Washington lost Battle of Long Island; evacuated New York.
-
Washington's Army crosses the Delaware River, capturing 1,000 Hessians in a surprise assault at Trenton, N.J. Americans commanded by Washington; the Hessians by Rall.
-
Washington defeats Lord Cornwallis at Princeton. The British withdrew from western New Jersey.
-
Maj.Gen. John Burgoyne's forces of 8,000 from Canada capture Fort Ticonderoga, N.Y.
-
In New York near Bennington, VT. British defeat encouraged the patriots in their campaign against Burgoyne. Americans commanded by Stark; British by Baum and Breymann.
-
An American retreat enabled the British to occupy Philadephia. Americans commanded by Washington; British by Howe.
-
The British advance from Canada was halted. Battle took place in New York. The British were left on the field but suffered significantly higher casualties than the Americans, which they could ill afford. This was a battle Burgoyne had to win. He did not, due to the inspired generalship of the Arnold.
-
An American attack turned into a loss and a retreat in Pennsylvania. Americans commanded by Washington; British by Howe. It is said that Germantown was a profound influence in convincing the French that the American cause was worth supporting. The French were impressed by the ability of the Americans to raise their army and deliver an attack on the British. Here, the British failed to exploit their success by pursuing and destroying the defeated American forces.
-
The patriots turned back a second attack in New York.
-
Major American victory at Saratoga, N.Y. Burgoyne surrenders 5,000 men.
-
The Articles of Confederation are adopted by the Continental Congress. They take effect March 1, 1781.
-
The French enter the war against the British.
-
Major battle at Monmouth, N.J., this patriot attack ends in a draw.
Commanded by Washington and Cornwallis. -
British forces take Savannah.
-
Lt. Col. George Rogers Clark recaptures Vincennes, IN with a much smaller force.
-
A genius three-pronged attack by American forces allowed a victory over the British at Stony Point, NY. The storming of Stony Point should be remembered as the beginning of the end of the American Revolution. It proved to be the last major action in the North.
-
John Paul Jones commanding the Bonhomme Richard defeats the British ship Serapis off the English coast.
-
British forces take Charleston, S.C., after a long siege.
-
The British crushed American forces at Camden, S.C. Americans commanded by Gates; British by Cornwallis.
-
Benedict Arnold is found to be a traitor. He escapes and is made a brigadier general in the British army.
-
The British advance into North Carolina was delayed. American commanded by Campbell; British by Ferguson.
-
American defeat British at the battle of Hannah's Cowpens, S.C. This patriot victory encouraged Southern militiamen to come out and fight. Americans commanded by Morgan; British by Tarleton.
-
The British decided to give up most of North Carolina. Americans commanded by Greene; British by Cornwallis.
-
Washington captures Cornwallis' British Army at Yorktown, VA. The British surrened in the war's last major battle, which began Oct. 6.
-
The new British cabinet agrees to recognize U.S. independence. This a preliminary agreement signed in Paris.
-
Europe's Treaty of Paris, negotiated by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay, formally ends the American Revolution
