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Stamp Act
The Stamp ActIn response to the passage of the Stamp Act by the British Parliament, colonists organized demonstrations to protest the act's enactment. The first series of Stamp Act riots (and the most shocking) occurred in Boston in August. There, local gangs, who had probably been organized by radical leader Samuel Adams, attacked the home and office of Stamp Commissioner Andrew Oliver on the night of August 14. Objects taxed were letters, newspapers, legal documents, diplomas, cards and stamps. -
The Boston Massacre
The Boston MassacreAfter a boy who was hurling insults was hit on the ear by a British sentry with the butt of his rifle, the boy screamed, and a crowd assembled. The crowd harassed British soldiers by insulting them, throwing chunks of ice and daring them to fire—the colonists falsely believed that the soldiers had no such authority. One of the nine soldiers was knocked to the ground, and then the eight others fired into the crowd. This was considered one of the most dramatic events in the American Revolution. -
Declaration of Independence Signed
The Declaration of IndependenceThe Declaration of Independence was adopted by The Second Continental Congress. It shows the separation of the United States from British rule. It includes demands to end taxation without representation and is a major factor of the United States freedom today. -
George Washington Becomes First President of The United States of America
George WashingtonGeorge Washington played a huge role in the founding of The United States. Without his leadership, the American Revolution may not have happened at all. Washington was the 1st president of The United States from 1789-1797. -
Storming of the Bastille
The Storming of the BastilleThe storming of the Bastille led to the beginning of the French Revolution. The Bastile was a medieval fortress in Paris, France. As an act signifying the rebellion of the people against the injustices of the ancien régime, a crowd stormed the Bastille, freed the prisoners, and destroyed the fortress. -
The Cotton Gin was Invented
Eli Whitney's Cotton GinThe cotton gin was invented by Eli Whitney. This invention caused a major increase in mass production. The South became a booming cotton-producing region and the North one of the leading manufacturers in the world in the 19th century. -
The Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of GettysburgThe Battle of Gettysburg is considered the turning point in the American Revolution. Lee planned a raid into Pennsylvania to relieve the strained Virginia countryside, disrupt Union economic security east of the Susquehanna River, and bring foreign recognition to the Confederacy. Union general Winfield S. Hancock arrived shortly thereafter and sent a favorable report on the terrain to Maj. Gen. George G. Meade, who ordered the entire army to concentrate at Gettysburg. -
The Sino-Japanese War
The Sino-Japanese WarThe stunningly easy victory in the Sino-Japanese War marked the debut of Japan as a major and modern military power. The Chinese expected an easy victory in the conflict, as they still regarded Japan as a backward country. However, the Japanese Army turned out to be better organized and equipped than the Chinese forces. -
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory FireThe Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire occured during the Industrial Revolution when the majority of workers were low-paid women and children. The fire broke out on the 9th floor of the building. That day, 146 workers were killed and lying in the streets. -
Archduke Ferdinand's Assassination
Archduke Ferdinand's AssassinationThe assassination of Archduke Ferdinand was a major cause of World War One. Three Bosnian Serbs were trained in bomb throwing and marksmanship. The Executive Committee of The Black Hand decided against the idea of the assassination, knowing it would invite war. Although, the Bosnian Serbs carried out the plan without permission. This caused Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia.
