-
The French and Indian war was fought over whether the upper Ohio River valley was a part of the British Empire. This war gave Britain great territorial gains in North America but it put them in a lot of debt. There was a lot of colonial discontent because of this. This war ultimately led to the Revolutionary War because of all the things the British had to do to pay back their war debts. -
A law made by the British, prohibiting the colonists of moving west past the Appalachian Mountains. It was made because the England was still in debt from the French and Indian war and they did not want another war to start. This infuriated colonists, and helped spark the American Revolution. -
The Declaratory Act was made by British Parliament to show that they have the authority to make laws in America, including taxation. This meant that they could pass any law they wanted to in America. Like the Proclamation of 1763, this infuriated the colonists, sparking the desire for independence. -
The Townshend Acts were made by the British so goods imported to America were taxed. The American colonies had had no say in this. This act furthered the colonists towards revolution. This act also showed that "taxation without representation" was a super big deal to the colonists. -
The British were guarding the Boston Customs House, and they ended up shooting into a crowd of people. 3 people died, and 8 were injured. The Boston Massacre helped unite all of the colonies against Britain and spark their desire for independence. -
A political protest in Boston, Massachusetts by colonists who were angry at Britain's taxation dumped tea into the harbor. This was important because it made even more tension between Britain and America, and it helped start the Revolutionary War. -
Minutemen were formed in September of 1774. They were a group of young, highly trained, and mobile group of soldiers who could be rapidly deployed in case of a war threat. They were some of the first to fight in the American Revolution. An example of their help was during the battle at the city of Concord where they defeated the British soldiers. -
The Administration of Justice Act took away the right of self-government in Massachusetts, by allowing the Military Governor to send colonists to other colonies or to Britain for their trials. This act outraged the colonists taking away their legal rights. This was another instance where the colonists were infuriated by the British, fueling their desire for revolution. -
The First Continental Congress was came together in Carpenters' Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 12 representatives of the 13 colonies came to discuss America's future under British rule. The First Continental Congress also served as the government of the 13 colonies from 1774-1789. In 1776, it declared America's independence from Britain. -
The Second Continental Congress met in Independence Hall starting in May 1775. It worked as a national government at the start of the Revolutionary War. They formed armies, directed strategy, appointed diplomats, and wrote petitions. -
A speech given by Patrick Henry, who wanted to convince the leaders to have Virginian troops to fight the British in the Revolutionary war. This speech is important because it helped those who attended prepare Virginian troops to fight in the war. -
The Lexington Battle was the first battle fought in the Revolutionary War. During the battle many colonists fled and that caused the British to go the city of Concord. The minutemen met them there and they helped defeat them. This gave the colonists more confidence. It also helped more Americans want to fight for independence. -
Bunker Hill Battle was a battle fought at Bunker Hill in Charlestown, Massachusetts. The Americans were defeated by the British at this battle but it is still important because it showed they can persevere even against an army that was stronger than them. -
All 13 colonies declared independence from British rule. It showed the peoples motivations to become and independent country. The declaration fueled the American Revolution. -
The Hessians were a group of troops from the Germans who were hired by the British to help them fight in the American Revolution. The Hessians were often feared by the Americans, and Americans frequently tried to get the Hessians to abandon the British. The Hessians fought all throughout the war, and in many of the battles. -
The articles of confederation was an agreement on the functions of the national government of the United States between all 13 colonies. It was approved by the Second Continental Congress on November 15th, 1777. The Articles of Confederation provided a good structure for America.
-
The France allied with America from 1778-1783. The French helped the 13 colonies by aiding them with supplies for the military and loans. The French helped the colonies fight for their independence. -
A campaign that trapped a major British army at Yorktown, Virginia. This forced the British to surrender. This battle is important because it was the end of the last major battle in the Revolutionary War, making the start to America's independance. -
After the war ended the British and Americans needed to confirm the America was an independent country. Both countries sent government officials to Paris, France to discuss. It took about 2 months to reach an agreement but when they did the Revolutionary war officially ended, and America was officially an independent country. -
The Constitution of the United States is the foundation of the American Government. It guaranteed basic rights for citizens, and fundamental laws.
