-
1764
Although it reduced the tax on molasses, the Sugar Act was strictly enforced, so colonist ended up paying more taxes. -
1765
Those who opposed the British taxes called themselves “Patriots” and the Sons of Liberty was born with Sam Adams as its leader -
1765
The Stamp Act was the tax on printed items was the first direct tax on the colonists. It added a fee to printed materials such as legal documents and newspapers -
1765
Following the French and Indian War, Britain maintained a standing army in the colonies. The Quartering Act required colonial assemblies to house and provision soldiers -
1765
A Mob led by the Sons of Liberty tore down the office and damaged the house of the stamp collector -
1766
The Declatory Act repealed the Stamp Act but asserted Parliament’s right to rule the colonies as saw fit. -
1767
Import taxes on a variety of goods were collected to support royal officials in the colonies, removing the responsibility from the colonial assemblies. The Townsend Acts were so unpopular that all the taxes were repealed, except the one on tea -
1770
A group of colonist hurled snowballs and rocks at British soldiers guarding the Customs House. The soldiers fired into the crowd, killing five colonists. -
1773
The Tea Act was created to save the East India Tea Company. Although it lowered the price of tea, it gave the company a monopoly and threatened the business of colonial importers. -
1773
Boston Patriots dressed as Indians, boarded three British ships laden with tea and Dumped the tea into the harbor. The event became known as the Boston Tea Party. -
1774
The Intolerable Act officially called the Coercive Acts, these laws were meant to force Massachusetts to pay for the tea destroyed in the Boston Tea Party. The laws closed Boston Harbor and forced colonists to house British soldiers in their homes. -
1774
The First Continental Congress meets. Agree to boycott British goods -
1775
Patrick Henry, gives his most famous speech, in the House of Burgesses. “Give me Liberty or give me Death” -
1775
Battle of Bunker Hill -
1775
Congress sends an “Olive Branch” to King George III. He rejected the petition and sent more troops to Boston -
1775
Battles of Lexington and Concord -
1775
Second Continental Congress meets. Congress names George Washington commander of Continental Army -
1776
Thomas Paine publishes Common Sense -
1776
Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence was approved -
1777
Patriots win in Saratoga -
Winter 1777-1778
Baron Von Steuben trains the Continental Army at Valley Forge, Penn -
1778
France signs an alliance with the United States -
1780
General Clinton captures 3000 Patriot soldiers as he takes Charlestown, South Carolina. -
1781
General Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown. -
1783
Treaty of Paris signed