-
French and Indian War
The French and Indian War was an expensive war fought between Great Britain and the alliance of France and the Indians over land. The war started in 1754 and ended in 1763 when the French were defeated. This war lead to colonists paying more taxes, an alliance between the French and the colonists, and the gain of military knowledge in the colonies. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris of 1763 ended the French and Indian War. Also known as the Seven Years’ War. This treaty, written by Great Britain, made the French give up their territory in the mainland of North America. This helped eliminate the military threat towards the British colonies. -
Proclamation of 1763
In response to the Pontiac's Rebellion, King George III created a territory line that made all land west of the Appalachian Divide off limits to colonist. This proclamation was made to keep some peace with the Native Americans near by. It also would cause the expansion of the colonies to end, which angered the colonists. They believed that England was doing this to keep them under their control. -
Sugar Act
The Sugar Act was one of the first taxes passed by the British because of the expenses of the French and Indian War. This new act meant that the tax on foreign goods such as sugar, wines, coffee, and some fabrics would increase. This angered the colonists more. -
Stamp Act
The British passed the new law that every legal document and printed paper in the colonies needed to have an official stamp in October of 1765. This was referred to as the Stamp Act. This meant that every paper in the colonies was being taxed by the British. The colonists believed that they shouldn’t be taxed by the British Parliament. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was a deadly riot that occurred because of the acts deemed “unfair” by the colonists. The riot started with a mob of colonists throwing things like rocks to snowballs as soldiers, and ended with a young colonist boy being shot and killed. This riot helped unite colonies against Great Britain. -
Tea Act
The Tea Act, a law passed by the British Parliament, made colonists order teas, trade, and use ships for delivery from one company because of the colonists who were boycotting at the time. This happened after they had already placed a tax on tea. The colonists felt forced to pay taxes they believed were unfair. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston tea party was a protest led by the American colonists. This protest was a way of boycotting the new tea act. During this protest the colonists dressed up as Indians and through boxes of tea overboard three trade ships in the Boston Harbor. This was the first major defiance lead by the colonists, and is one of the main events in sparking the American Revolution. -
Intolerable Acts
The intolerable acts were laws passed by the British Parliament after the Boston tea party as punishment. The four acts included in this law were the Boston Port act, the Massachusetts government act, the administration of justice act, and the quartering act. These acts were unjust towards the colonist. This was a major event in leading to the America Revolution. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
The Battles of Lexington and Concord were the start of the American Revolutionary war. The British Army went to Boston to contain the rebel leaders. They also went to destroy the Americans store of weapons and ammunition in Concord. This battle showed Great Britain that the unfair behavior displayed to the colonists would not be tolerated. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The American Patriots were defeated in the Battle of Bunker hill. This experience was an eye opening for the colonists. This battle was fought because of the British trying to gain control back of its important seaport. This battle might have ended in defeat for the colonists, but it gave a confidence boost. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was a formal statement of the colonies independence. The Declaration of Independence led to the colonist knowing and showing what they wanted in the terms of independence. It also helped them find their alliance with the Government of France.