-
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was the first internal tax imposed on the colonists by the British government. The British Empire looked to the North American colonies as a resource because they were deep in debt after the Seven Year War. They imposed taxes on all paper documents. https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/stamp-act -
Boston Massacre
On King Street in Boston a deadly riot occurred, the Boston Massacre. It began as a street brawl but quickly escalated to a chaotic slaughter. The conflict paved the way for the American Revolution. https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/boston-massacre -
Boston Tea Party
This was a political protest at Griffins Wharf. The American colonists were angry and frustrated at Britain for enforcing "taxation without representation". The colonists decided to then dump 342 chests of British tea into the harbor. This was the first major defiance against Britain from the colonists. https://www.britannica.com/event/Boston-Tea-Party -
Lexington/Concord
The battles of Lexington and Concord kicked off the American Revolution. British troops marched from Boston to Concord in order to seize an arms cache. Colonial militiamen began mobilizing to intercept the Redcoat column after being warned by Paul Revere and other riders. http://theamericanrevolution.org/battledetail.aspx?battle=1 -
Bunker Hill
At the Battle of Bunker Hill the British defeated the Americans. The colonists were inexperienced but inflicted several significant casualties against the enemy which provided an important boost of confidence. https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Bunker-Hill -
Common Sense
Thomas Paine published a pamphlet setting forth his arguments in favor of America's independence. It was originally published anonymously, and is considered one of the most influential pamphlets in American history. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/thomas-paine-publishes-common-sense -
Declaration of Independence
American colonists had been fighting the British for their rights as subjects of the British crown. The following summer the movement for independence had grown, delegates of the continental congress voted on the issue. A five man committee was given the task to draft a formal statement of the colonies intentions. The document was formally adopted on July 4 in Philadelphia, now celebrated every year as the birth of American Independence. https://www.history.com/.../declaration-of-independence -
Battle at Trenton/Princeton
General Washington led his army across the icy Delaware on Christmas Day. The army would win two crucial battles over the next 10 days. These victories caused the army to regain control of most of New Jersey and improved the unity of the colonial army. https://www.history.com/.../battles-of-trenton-and-princeton -
Continental Army wintering at Valley Forge
The continental army was under the command of General George Washington when entering the winter camp at Valley Forge. Their camp was located 22 miles away from British occupied land, Washington chose this land because it could be easily defended in the event of British attack. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/continental-army-enters-winter-camp-at-valley-forge -
Battle of Saratoga
The two battles of Saratoga were the turning point in the American Revolution. The two battles began on the days of September 19th 1777 and October 7th 1777. This victory convinced the French government to enter the war as the Americans ally. https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battle-of-saratoga -
War in the south/Charleston
The War in Charleston was a major British victory. After approximately 6 weeks of siege, the Americans surrendered forces to British, resulting in one of the worst American defeats in the war. https://www.britannica.com/event/Siege-of-Charleston -
Battle of Yorktown
This is known as the most important battle of the war. 17,000 French and Continental troops began siege against British General Lord Charles Cornwallis and his group of 9,000 British troops. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/battle-of-yorktown-begins
