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The Beginning of the Seven Years' War
Fighting arose between several European countries, and the British colonies in America became involved. As a result of the war, Britain controlled French Canada and east of the Mississippi River. However, the war became a source of many American grievances, as Britain attempted to consolidate their controlled areas. Furthermore, the war placed Britain in a huge amount of debt; a debt which Parliament intended the colonies to help pay. -
King George III
After several decades of Whig rule, King George III brought Tories to feature prominently. This was a stark political change for the American colonies, as Tories believed in colonies being subordinate to their mother country. Previously, the colonies had largely been left to govern themselves as they pleased. During his reign, several proclamations were passed which led the colonists to desire independence. -
Stamp Act
Unlike previously passed acts, the Stamp Act was the first attempt at Parliament directly taxing the American colonies. The Stamp Act required a new duty on printed items, such as newspapers, pamphlets, and playing cards. The colonies had previously paid Parliament through a series of indirect and internal taxes. The Stamp Act caused much more popular resistance, as it directly effected most individuals' everyday lives. -
Repeal of the Stamp Act and the Declaratory Act
After facing serious consequences from resisting colonists, Parliament chose to repeal the Stamp Act. This caused great rejoicing in the colonies, as they felt they had achieved victory and protected their rights. However, Parliament used the opportunity to pass the Declaratory Act, which stated Parliament had the right to directly tax the American colonies for any reason. -
The Regulating Act and the Tea Act
As Britain still needed funding, they chose to aid the failing East India Company through two new acts. The Regulating Act placed the company under government control. The Tea Act allowed the company to sell tea directly to the colonists without paying the usual import duties. While the Tea Act actually lowered prices, colonists resisted the concept of Parliament providing a monopoly and stealthily adding taxes. Resistance led to the famous Boston Tea Party later in the year. -
First Continental Congress
Due to continued grievances with Britain, nearly every colony sent a delegate to attend the First Continental Congress. The goal of the meeting was to coordinate a unified response to Britain's recent behavior. Several documents were issued by the Congress, including a "Declaration of Rights and Grievances." In short, the document restates the colonists' will to be treated with the same respect as other British citizens. -
The Beginning of the Revolutionary War
When British regiments encountered a town militia in Massachusetts, the first fighting of the Revolutionary War began. The British regiments had been hoping to seize supplies stored in Lexington and Concord, but were instead chased back to Boston. What resulted was a long siege of Boston and the Battle of Bunker Hill. Ironically, the Continental Congress had not yet declared war at the time fighting commenced. -
The Declaration of Independence is Approved
After continued fighting and a rejection of British-American compromise, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. The document, first and foremost, stated the American colonies' freedom from Britain. The document also included reasons for the colonists' continued rebellion. After the completion of the Declaration, the Revolutionary War was escalated to full-scale fighting.
