-
The Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was the first tax created specifically for the colonists, created by the British parliament. The document imposed a tax on all paper documents in the colonies. This was because the British were in severe debt from the seven year war, and looked to the Americans as a source of revenue. This event is asymmetrical because it was the first tax imposed on the colonists by the British.https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/stamp-act -
The Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was a street fight between a mob of angry colonists and a group of British soldiers. The fight began when about 50 colonists attacked a British sentinel with sticks, snowballs, and stones. After the British called for reinforcements and they too were attacked, British soldiers began to fire into the crowd. Three citizens were killed on the spot. https://www.history.org/history/teaching/enewsletter/volume8/sept09/primsource.cfm -
The Boston Tea Party
The British imposed several taxes on the colonists, which caused them to become very angry. They were given taxation without representation in parliament. On December 16, 1773, a group of colonists committed a political protest at Griffins Wharf in Boston. They dumped 342 chests of taxed tea into the harbor. This event is asymmetrical because it was the first major act of defiance to British rule over the colonists. https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/boston-tea-party -
Bunker Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill was one of the earliest battles in The American Revolution. Although the battle was a British victory, the colonists inflicted sever damage against their foe resulting in many casualties. This gave the American's a major confidence boost. Although commonly referred to as the Battle of Bunker Hill, most of the fighting occurred on nearby Breed’s Hill. https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battle-of-bunker-hill -
The Battle of Trenton/Princeton
On Christmas day in 1776, George Washington led his troops in crossing the Delaware. Over the next ten days, he won the Battle of Trenton and The battle of Princeton, two crucial battles in the revolution. This event was asymmetrical because during the battles George Washington used quick thinking and daring strategies never seen before. https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battles-of-trenton-and-princeton -
Common Sense
In the 18th and 19th centuries, pamphlets were a common way of spreading knowledge and ideas. In 1776, Thomas Paine published his Common Sense pamphlet, which set forth his arguments in favor of American independence. It was impactful because it united citizens behind the idea of independence. This event is asymmetrical because it was the first pamphlet that professionalized the idea of a revolution. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/thomas-paine-publishes-common-sense -
The Declaration of Independence
The declaration of independence was written in 1776 by Thomas Jefferson. It was a document signed by many American leaders that stated the colonists wanted to start their own country and choose their own government. This event is asymmetrical because it was the first formal statement by a nation stating their right to choose their own government. https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/declaration-of-independence -
Continental army wintering at Valley Forge
In December of 1777 George Washington marched his troops into Valley Forge to camp for the winter. While they were there, hundreds of soldiers died from disease, but when Washington’s army marched out of Valley Forge in June, the men were better disciplined and stronger in spirit than when they had entered. https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/winter-valley-forge -
The Battle of Saratoga
On September 19th, British General John Burgoyne achieved a small, but costly victory after fighting the colonists at the battle of Freeman's Farm. Although his troops had been weakened, Burgoyne attacked the Americans again at Bemis Heights on October 7th, this time he was defeated and forced to retreat. The American victory convinced the French to recognize the colonist’s cause and enter the war as their ally. https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battle-of-saratoga -
Battle of Charleston
During the siege of Charleston the British cut off and forced the surrender of Charleston, S.C., the principal port city of the southern American colonies. This event is symmetrical because the battle tactics used by both sides were not new to history. -
Battle of Yorktown
During the Battle of Yorktown, American and French troops led by General George Washington and French General Comte de Rochambeau began their final attack on The British. They captured the British defenses, which led to the surrender of The British General Cornwallis and his 9,000 troops. Yorktown was the final battle in the American Revolution. https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/siege-of-yorktown
