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Sugar Act
The British taxed all sugar bought from the French or Spanish -
Stamp Act
The British created the Stamp Act which required all newspapers and legal documents to carry a stamp purchased from the British. This angered the colonists who were able to put a stop to force the British to eliminate the Stamp Act and reduce the taxes on sugar. -
The Townsend Act
British passed new taxes on glass, paper, teas, paints and other goods shipped to the colonies from Britain. The colonists reacted by boycotting British goods. Colonists argued that they shouldn't be taxed due to no representation in the British government. Colonists used the phrase, "No Taxation without Representation." Britain was forced to remove the taxes, all except for the tax on tea. -
Tea Act
The British East India Company controlled all tea trading between India and the British colonies. -
Boston Tea Party
A group of colonists calling themselves the "Sons of Liberty" went to the Boston Harbor dressed as Mohawk Indians. They boarded the British ships and dumped forty-five tons of tea into the Boston Harbor.
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First Continental Congress
A group of 56 delegates from 12 colonies met in Philadelphia to act together in response to the Intolerable Acts. They met in secret because they didn't want Great Britain to know that they were united. -
Paul Revere's Midnight Ride
Paul Revere rode on horse to warn the colonists the British were coming so the colonists would be prepared when they arrived. Paul Revere is known for his warning "The British are coming, the British are coming!" Link Text -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
The British marched to Concord because it was an arms depot. The Americans had stockpiled weapons there. No one is still sure who fired first, but it was the "Shot Heard 'Round the World." Both sides opened fire, and the Americans were forced to withdraw. But they had slowed the British advance. By the time the Redcoats got to Concord, the Americans were waiting for them in force. The weapons depot was saved, and the British were forced to retreat. -
George Washington appointed Commander-in-Cheif of Continental Army
Second Continental Congress appointed George Washington as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army in hopes of greater success. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The first major battle of the War of Independence. -
Declaration of Independence Adopted
The Declaration of Independence was a document declaring the 13 American Colonies independent from Great Britain. The document written by Thomas Jefferson, but signed by many and declared in effect by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Great Britain's response was to continue the war. -
George Washington Crosses the Delaware River
George Washington and his troops cross the Delaware River on Christmas night and surprise the enemy. -
Valley Forge
American troops under the command of George Washington spent a brutal winter in Valley Forge. It was freezing, and there was little food, but the army made it through. This is considered the birth of the American Army. -
America Chooses a Flag
The Continental Congress adopts the "Stars and Stripes" Flag sewn by Betsy Ross. -
Battles of Saratoga
The Battles of Saratoga were a series of battles that culminated in the Battle of Saratoga. British General John Burgoyne surrenders. This victory by the Americans was a turning point of the Revolutionary War. -
Battle of Yorktown
The last great battle of the American Revolutionary War. The British army surrendered here and the British Government began to consider a peace treaty. -
Treaty of Paris
Official peace treaty between the United States and Britain that ended the American Revolutionary War.
