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Navigation Acts
The Navigation Acts taxed the goods exported from British colonies. Colonists then began smuggling and disregarding these acts. One of the main economic causes of the American Revolution. -
French and Indian War ends
The main cause of the French and Indian War was Britain and France both desiring claim of the Ohio River Valley. The French and their Native Allies were defeated by England. The war was eventually ended by the signing of the Treat of Paris and created war debt between Britain and the American colonies. -
Stamp Act
British Parliament passed the Stamp Act to help pay for war expenses after the Seven Years' War. The act required the colonists to pay a tax on various forms of papers, documents, and playing cards. This caused colonists to rebel against England and boycott their goods. -
Boston Massacre
The colonists were angry that British troops were being stationed in their homes and various acts were being passed by parliament largely effecting their lives. A mob formed and arguments started between the crowd and a group of British soldiers. 5 were killed and 3 more injured. This event helped unite the colonies and fight against England. -
Tea Act
The Tea Act granted the British East India Company a monopoly on tea sales in the American colonies and made it illegal for them to buy non British teas. This act eventually led to the Boston Tea Party -
Boston Tea Party
During this political protest American colonists were angry that Great Britain had begun “taxation without representation” and dumped over 300 chests of tea into the harbor. Tensions between the colonists and Britain were fueled after this event occurred. -
Coercive/Intolerable Acts
This act allowed British troops to be quartered in private homes and closed important ports within Boston.This caused a rebellion among the colonists. -
First Continental Congress
55 delegates from 12 colonies decided how to respond to the Intolerable Acts. There was 1 vote per colony that was represented. An agreement was created to avoid buying British goods. -
Lexington and Concord
This battle was the first military attack of the American Revolution and became known as the “shot heard around the world”. This persuaded many colonists to begin fighting for their independence. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress was formed to discuss their plan for the incoming war. They chose George Washington as General of the newly formed Continental army. -
Declaration of Independence adopted
The Declaration of Independence was adopted to announce the separation of the 13 colonies from British rule. It forced colonists to choose a side in the war for independence. -
Winter at Valley Forge
After a lack of food, shelter, and funds hundreds of soldiers died. Washington chose this area so he could keep watch over the British soldiers stationed in Philadelphia. Although their spirits were low throughout the winter, the Continental army was able to defeat Britain in this battle. -
Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga was a major turning point in the American Revolution. It was an important win for the colonists and furthered their hope for gaining independence. This victory also persuaded France to become Allies with the American colonies. -
U.S. Constitution adopted
The Constitution became the official document of the newly formed government when New Hampshire became the ninth of 13 states to ratify it. It specifies on how the Government would be elected and who will have the power and the responsibility to take important decisions. More than 11,000 amendments to the Constitution of the United States have been proposed, but only 27 have been ratified. -
Battle of Yorktown
George Washington was able to prevent Britain’s advance toward Yorktown and without sufficient funding they were unable to rebuild their army. British troops surrendered to the Continental army marking the beginning of Americas independence from England. -
U.S. Constitution written
The main reasoning behind the constitution was to create a strong government after America broke away from England. It separated the government into three branches and divided power between the federal and state governments. It also serves to protect the individual rights of citizens.