-
The Sugar Act
The first British tax imposed on the American colonies to support Britain’s mercantilist policy. It placed a tax on sugar and other imports from non-British colonies. -
The Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was passed by the British Parliament on March 22, 1765. The new act imposed a tax on the American colonies. It made them pay a tax for every piece of paper they used. -
Intolerable Acts
The Intolerable Acts of 1774 punished the colonies for the Boston Tea Party. It shut down Boston ports until the tea was paid for. Britain created this act. 5 laws were passed against the Americans. This act unified all the colonies together against England. -
The Declaration of Independence
On July 4, 1776 the second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. This document established the United States as a independent nation. The authors of the Declaration of Independence are Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin. And John Locke influenced the authors. -
The Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga was a turning point in the war. It convinced the French to give the U.S. military support. The U.S. took control of the Hudson River and showed Great Britain that American had potential to beat them. -
The Battle of Yorktown
The Battle of Yorktown happened in Yorktown, Virginia. It took place on September 28, 1781. General George Washington led the American troops. General Lord Charles Cornwallis led the British troops. It was the last battle of the revolutionary war and where the British surrendered. -
The Treaty of Pairs
The Treaty of Paris was a peace treaty between the United States and Great Britain that officially ended the revolutionary war. It was signed on September 3, 1783. And Britain recognized the United States as a independent nation. Also land was acquired. -
U.S. Constitutional Convention
This took place on May 25, 1787. It was in Philadelphia at Independence Hall. The purpose was to dissuasion changes in the Article of Confederation and overall improve the government. All states sent delegates expect Rhode Island. George Washington supervised.
