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Albany Plan
The Albany Plan aimed to make the British North American colonies all under a more centralized government. -
The French and Indian War
The war gave Britain large territorial gains in Northern America, but trying to recover financially from the war lead to disputes over paying for the war. The war ended with the Treaty of Paris. -
Proclamation of 1763
The Proclamation of 1763 said that American colonists could not settle on Native land that was owned by the French. -
Sugar Act
The Sugar Act put a strong tax on sugar, molasses, and imported goods from non-British countries. This was because Britain wanted to force people to buy from them to gain wealth. -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was passed in order to help pay for The Seven Years War. This Act required colonists to pay a tax on all paper documents that was represented by a stamp. -
Townshend Act
The Townshend Act was passed in June 1767 and it was put in place to pay for governing the American colonies. This Act put a tax on things like glass, lead, paint, paper, and tea. -
The Boston Massacre
In 1770 the British fired into a violent crowd of people killing 5. This lead to an entire colonies getting angry and rioting. -
Boston Tea PArty
On the night of December 16, 1773, 340 chests of tea were dumped into Boston Harbor during the Boston Tea Party. This protest was a major event leading to the American Revolution and eventually, American independence. -
Coercive Act
The Coercive Acts aimed to stop town meetings in Massachusetts, tighten British control, and punish colonists for earlier rebellions. These laws hurt Massachusetts politically and economically, and angered the colonists. -
First continental congress
"This convention, the First Continental Congress, formally declared that colonists should have the same rights as Englishmen; they also agreed to form the Continental Association, which called for the suspension of trade with Great Britain." -
Battle of Lexington and Concord
The Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, known for the “shot heard ’round the world,” started the American War of Independence. It was a major political setback for the British and convinced many Americans to join the fight for independence. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress met on May 10, 1775, to discuss what to do if the British government didn’t change or cancel its laws. By that time, though, the American Revolutionary War had already begun with the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Because of this, the Congress had to take control of the war effort. -
Olive Branch Petition
The Olive Branch Petition was adopted by Congress on July 5, 1775, as a final effort to avoid a formal declaration of war. The petition expressed their loyalty to the King and highlighted their rights as British citizens. The Congress met as scheduled to discuss this important step. -
"Common Sense"
"Common Sense" was a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that advocated for Independence from Britain and criticized monarchy. This urged the colonists to break away from the British rule. This sold over 100,000 copies and inspired many colonists to support the revolutionary cause. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence announced the American colonies separation from British rule. It articulated the principles of individual rights. Outlining grievances against Britain and the monarchy. This was the foundational document of the United States, establishing the ideas of liberty, equality, and democracy. -
Battle of Saratoga
The battle of Saratoga consisted of two engagement and marked a turning point. This achieved surrendering of the British. This battle is often considered a turning point in a war because it secured French support. -
Valley Forge
Valley Forge served as a winter encampment for the Army under George Washington during the harsh winter. Troops faced shortages of food, clothes, shelter. Valley Forge became a symbol of perseverance and resilience. The experiences transformed the army into a more effective fighting force. -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation established a weak central government. Congress had limited powers, such as conducting foreign policy and managing war, but lacked the ability to levy taxes or regulate commerce. The Articles reflected the colonies fear of a centralized authority and provided learning experiences. This would lead to a stronger U.S Constitution. -
Battle of Yorktown
The Battle of Yorktown was the final major battle of the war. This was a surrender of the British army. This victory secured American independence and prompted Britain to negotiate peace. -
Treaty Of Paris
The Treaty of Paris ended the war and recognizing the independence of the United States and establishing the boundaries. This treaty granted the U.S much territory. The Treaty of Paris laid the groundwork of westward expansion. Set the stage for future relations with European powers.