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Events Leading to American Independence
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Stamp Act Congress
Delegates from 9 of the 13 colonies met in New York to discuss and act upon the recently passed Stamp Act. The delegates adopted a Declaration of Rights and Grievances on Oct. 19, it asserted that only colonial assemblies have the right to tax the colonists. -
Townshend Acts
A series of acts passed beginning in 1767 that were named for Charles Townshend (see picture), who proposed the program. Five of these acts were the Revenue Act, the Indemnity Act, the Commissioners of Customs Act, the Vice Admiratly Court Act, and the New York Restraining Act. Their purpose was to raise revenue in the colonies to pay the salaries of govenors and judges. -
Boston Massacre
In 1770, there was a heavy presence of the British military this lead to tension in Boston and when Bostonians were protesting in a square the British troops open fired on them, killing 5. -
Boston Tea Party
After officials in Boston refused to return three ships of taxed tea back to Great Britain colonists subsequently boarded the ships and dumped the tea into the harbor. This was a direct movement against the British Government and the Tea Act which was passed in 1773. -
1st Continental Congress
This congress had 56 delegates form 12 of the 13 colonies and met to discuss the Coercive Acts that had just recently been enforced by Great Britain. The delegates considered several courses of action including boycotting trade and sending King George a list of grievances. When they couldn't decide they ended the congress with the decision to call a second congress at a later date. The congress took place at Carpenter Hall, see picture. -
2nd Continental Congress
The Congress met in Philidelphia, Pennsylvania and acted in place of a government during the American Revolution. They raised armies, directed strategy, appointed diplomats, and made formal treaties. They were the driving force of independence, adopting the Declaration of Independence in 1776. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was the formal explanation of the colonists's decision to declare independence against King George. It was written by Thomas Jefferson and was ratified by the 13 colonies. -
Articles of Confederation
The first constiution of the United States, it legally established the United States of America. After the intrusions from Great Britain, the colonists opted for a government that didn't interfere in the personal lives of the citizens. As a result the government had little to no power and the articles were soon repealed. -
Treaty of Paris
The formal ending of the American Revolution, it was ratified by both the king of Great Britain and the Congress of the Confederation. It acknowledged the 13 colonies as their own separate country as well as established that Great Britain no longer retained any control over the colonies.
