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Treaty of Paris (ending the French & Indian War)
The Treaty of Paris of 1763 ended the Seven Years’ War, the American counterpart of which was the French and Indian War. It also gave formal recognition to the U.S. -
Sugar Act
This act set taxes on molasses and sugar imported by the colonies. The rum distilleries were impacted in New England as a result. -
Stamp Act
This act required colonists to pay for a stamp on any paper product. It was Parliament's first attempt to tax colonists directly. Finally, Parliament repealed the act in 1766. -
Townhend Acts
These were taxes on glass, lead, paints, paper, and tea. "Writs of assistance" were used to search colonial ships and buildings for untaxed, contrabond items. this is the reason the 4th Amendment would be added to the Bill of Rights. -
Boston Massacre
This event was more of an uprising in the streets of Boston. With very few casualties, extra soldiers were sent to Boston, bringing the event to an end before more damage was done. -
Tea Act
With this act in action, colonists could only buy tea from the British East Indian Company which actually made tea cheaper. However, it took freedom away from colonists. It also took away freedom to trade with other countries, making merchants fear losing their jobs. -
Boston Tea Party
Britain passed the Tea Act in 1773. The colonists were outraged and deisguised themselves as Indians, sneaking onto three tea-filled shiops and dumped over 340 chests of tea into the Boston Harbor. -
First Continental Congress
Delegates from all thirteen colonies met in 1774 in Philadelphia to discuss responses to increased British oppression. This convention, the First Continental Congress, formally declared that colonists should have the same rights as Englishmen; they also agreed to form the Continental Association, which called for the suspension of trade with Great Britain. -
Intolerable Acts
These were a series of acts passed in reaction to the Boston Tea Party. The acts included closing the Boston Harbor, removing MA's colonial charter, holding trials of royal officials accused of crimes in England, the Quartering Act, and enlarging Quebec. -
Battle of Lexington and Concord
On April 19, 1775, the British troops arrived at Lexington, near Concord, where they would be greeted by 70 armed minutemen. The men were ordered by Patriot captain John Parker, "Don't fire unless fired upon." The fighting began upon a single shot being fired. The battle's end came in just minutes with only a few volleys fired. Eight minutemen (who were badly outnumbered) were dead, and ten were wounded. The British then headed toward Concord. Concord's citizens were warned, and hid most of the -
Battle of Bunker Hill
On this day in Charlestown, MA, The British woke up and realized that the Partiots had snuck up on them and were ready to fight. They had an advantage, making the British fight uphill. Although the British one, they suffered more casualties and suffered great aspects for the victory. -
Olive Branch Petition
This was adopted by the Continental Congress in 1775. The petition affirmed American loyalty to Great Britain and entreated the king to prevent further conflict. However, petition was rejected, and in August 1775 the colonies declared rebellion by the Proclamation of Rebellion -
Thomas Paine's Common Sense
This was a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine to convince people to take the side of the colonies instead of Britain. It challenged Britain's authority, and brought a lot of loyalists to the Patriots' side. -
Declaration of Independence
This announced that the 13 colonies were no longer a part of the British Empire. It was finally passed on this date by the Continental Congress. -
Battle of Trenton
The Hessians had just celebrated their Christmas celebration the night before. They awoke, having the Patriots spring upon them. Washington and his soldiers had rowed across the icey Delaware River and marched through snow to the enemy camp. Through all the hardships, the Patriots won, and this battle was an important Patriot victory. -
Battle of Brandywine Creek
This battle was fought west of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. In the end, the British and Hessians were left occupying the Brandywine Creek. -
Battle of Saratoga
This was a turning point of the Revolutionary War. Burgoyne was surrounded as he approached Saratoga, New York. He was forced to surrender his entire army to General Horatio Gates. -
Valley Forge
On this day, Washington's troop stumbled into a camp here, only a third of them wearing shoes. The men had shelter here, although it wasn't the best. After a long winter, the men marched away from their camp on June 19, 1778. -
John Paul Jones Captures the Serapis
John Paul Jones, once considered an outlaw, volunteered his ship skills and services to the newly created navy for America. He was quickly established as an ingenious and bold sailor. On this day, the Brithsh knocked out the heaviest artillery on the Bonhomme Richard. After Captian Pearson of the Serapis asked Jones if his ship surrendered, Jones said that they haven't even started fighting yet. After two more hours, the Americans wore down the British, who surrendered at 10:30 p.m. -
Siege of Charleston
Lt. General Henry Clinton set sail for Charleston. After beginning some seige works, the British cut off Charleston by fanning out. Linconl finally surrendered on May 12, after several months, and the British won.
