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The Great Awakening
This period of time was mainly focused around religion. One big event that sparked this famous religious revival in American Christianity was the Salem Witch Trial craze. Many people wanted to cleanse themselves and their community through the church. The Great Awakening brought redemption and large crowds of people in church services. -
Stono Rebellion
A large slave uprising in South Carolina frightened White planters into passing the Negro Act. This rebellion killed around 50 slaves and 25 colonists. This rebellion got its name from where it was located, on the bank of the Stono River. After the rebellion, colonies moved to stop overworking the slaves and giving them reasons to revolt. -
Naturalization Act
This act announced that immigrants that lived in America for seven years had to become British citizens. To do this they had to swear a loyalty oath and give proof of Protestantism. There was one exception to the religion rule for Jews. This act was to sustain the high levels of immigration. -
Albany Plan of Union
This plan came from Pennsylvania's Benjamin Franklin. This plan called for eleven colonies to come together and be delegated by a president. This president would be chosen by the king at the time. This Union would have control over the jurisdiction of Indians and their territory. Each colony would send delegates to head legislative decisions. -
French and Indian War
This war was between the French and the British. The main reason for this war was disputes over Indian lands such as the Ohio River Valley. This specific piece of land was so important because whoever controlled this territory controlled the country, due to its strategic positioning and crops. In the end, the British came out on top. -
Treaty of Paris (1763)
This Treaty of Paris gave the British control of all French territories to the east of the Mississippi River. Spanish received the Louisiana Territory, leaving the French with nothing. The Spanish were awarded this territory because of their support towards the British. -
Pontiac's Rebellion
Following the Treaty of Paris, colonists became obsessed with the idea of exploring Indian lands west of the Appalachian Mountains. Once the war was over, the British stopped treating the Indians with respect, therefore there was widespread Indian attacks. These attacks are known today as Pontiac's Rebellion because of its Ottawa chieftain in charge. -
Proclamation Act of 1763
This act was an attempt to try to keep the peace between colonists and Indians. It said that Americans were not allowed to go west of the Appalachian Mountains. The king said this was to ensure there was no disturbance of the Indians. And colonists that already lived west of this line, were told to leave. -
Taxes from Britain
In 1764 and 1765 Britain created the Sugar Act, Currency Act, Quartering Act, and Stamp Act. The Sugar Act cut the tax on molasses in half and upped taxes on other sweets. The Currency act only allowed colonists to send coins and not paper money. The Quartering act forced colonists to house British soldiers. And the Stamp Act required government stamps to be on all letters and papers. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence tells the colonists that they have freedom and are no longer controlled by Great Britain. The Second Continental Congress approved this document on July 2nd 1776. Now we celebrate Independence day on the 4th, this is because John Adams mixed up the date. Nevertheless, in July of 1776 America was finally free. This day was quickly turned into the most public celebration all year,