Key Events Leading to American Independence

Stamp Act Congress

Oct 19, 1765

Congress agreed up the Declaration of Rights

The Townshend Acts

Jun 29, 1767

Acts passed by British parliament designed to collect revenue from the colonist in America by putting customs duties on imports of glass, lead, paper, paints, and tea.

Boston Massacre

Mar 5, 1770

5 Colonist were killed by British Regulars due to the tension between them that had been going on since the Royal Troops appeared in Massachuesetts

Boston Tea Party

Dec 16, 1773

Sons of Liberty boarded british ships and dumped 45 tons of tea into the Boston harbor in response to the tax on tea imposed by the british.

First Continental Congress

Sep 5, 1774

12 of the 13 colonies sent delegates that met in Philidelphia to discuss ideas to fix the wrongs inflicted on the colonies by England.

Second Continental Congress Called

May 10, 1775

Delegates from the 13 colonies met in Philidelphia to discuss the next steps to the American Revolution

Declaration of Independence

Jul 4, 1776

A document written by Thomas Jefferson that listed the colonies grievances against the King of England. It declared the colonies independence from England.

The Articles of Confederation Passed

Mar 1, 1781

First constitution of the United States which established a strong central government. It established representatives for each state.

The Treaty of Paris

Sep 3, 1783

Treaty signed by the U.S. and England ending the war of the American Revolution