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Virginia Slave Codes of 1705
The House of Burgesses passed the Virginia Slave Codes of 1705, which was a series of laws concerning the activities of slaves. It stated the need for written permission if a slave left their plantation, outlined punishments for different crimes committed by slaves, and branded slaves as equivalent to real estate. These codes essentially created the unquestionable power of master over slave. -
The Great Awakening
A revival of Protestant spirituality and religion throughout the country, mainly led by Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield. The Great Awakening also began the push towards independence and unified many in their beliefs, bringing their attention to the need for democracy in their country. -
New York Slave Revolt
The New York Slave Revolt was a supposed plot by the blacks to burn down and conquer New York based on an outburst of fires being set throughout the city. This resulted in the conviction and execution of 100 people, with little regard to whether they were guilty or not. -
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French and Indian War
The French and Indian War was essentially fought in order to find out whether Britain or France would have more control in North America, specifically the land east of the Mississippi and the West Indian Islands. It was a seven year war that resulted in a British victory when both sides signed the Treaty of Paris. -
The Stamp Act
In 1765, the British Parliament passed the Stamp Act, which imposed a tax on newspapers, legal documents, and commercial documents as an excuse to demand revenue from colonists. This tax encouraged riots and rebellion from the colonists, resulting in the repealing of this Act in 1766. -
Patent of the Steam Engine
James Watt patented and presented his idea for the modified steam engine, reducing waste and fuel costs. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was the result of angry colonists provoked by the Stamp Act and the overpopulation of British soldiers imposing on their cities threatening a soldier, at which point other soldiers came out and fired on the colonists, killing five of them and wounding six others. This incident enraged the already rebellious colonists, and the British retreated from Boston in order to avoid more trouble. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston tea party occurred at Griffin's Wharf and was a political protest of the tax placed on tea and other items such as glass. The Americans wished to show their frustration at taxation without representation, resulting in the dumping of 342 chests of tea into the harbor. This was one of their largest acts of rebellion before the start of the American Revolution. -
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American Revolution
The American Revolution was triggered by events such as the Stamp Act, the Townsend Acts, and the Boston Massacre, but officially began at Lexington and Concord, a skirmish between the British soldiers and the colonists. The revolution resulted in America gaining their independence from England and successfully removing the Britain's power over them. -
Treaty of Paris
The signing of the Treaty of Paris officially ended the Revolutionary War, granting the U.S. their independence as well as a significant amount of western territory.
