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End of the French and Indian War
The Treaty of Paris ended the French and Indian War, marking British success over France. The colonists were relieved by the victory but soon started resenting the extra taxes they were forced to pay for the war debt. -
Sugar Act
The Sugar Act placed a tax on wool and molasses imported into the colonies. Colonists refused taxes without representation and increased smuggling to avoid paying the tax. -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act demanded that colonists get a stamp for each piece of paper they used, and it wasn't free. Colonists responded with extensive protests, creating the Stamp Act Congress and boycotting British products. -
Declaratory Act
The Declaratory Act highlighted Parliament's ability to create laws that applied to all colonies. The end of the Stamp Act initially reassured colonists but they were cautious of the British government's spreading takeover of power. -
Townshend Act
The Townshend Acts placed fees on common products imported into the colonies such as tea and paper. Colonists organized boycotts and increased their protests, raising tensions with British authorities. -
Tea Act
The Tea Act secured the British East India Company's lower tea sales in the American colonies. Colonists responded with the Boston Tea Party, throwing British tea into Boston Harbor in anger. -
Start of the Revolutionary War
The Battles of Lexington and Concord marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War. Colonists got their weapons ready to fight against British forces, beginning their struggle for freedom.