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Stamp Act
The Stamp Act occurred from October 7, 1765, to October 25, 1765. It made the colonists pay taxes for all paper documents in the colonies. Britain needed money because they needed money after having a war with France. So they taxed the colonists for money. This enraged the colonists because they were being taxed when they had no say in the taxes. -
Townshend Act
The British Parliament passed the Townshend act in 1767. The Townshend Act was 4 acts that taxed much merchandise that was shipped into the colonies. The British needed money after the war with France and they taxed the colonists to get the money they needed. The colonists thought of these acts as an abuse of power and were angry at Britain. This was one of the main reasons why they wanted to become independent from Britain. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre occurred on March 5, 1770. It started when the colonists started insulting and threatening a soldier that was guarding the King’s money which was being stored in a house on King’s Street. As the assault on the soldier continued the soldier called for reinforcements. The colonists kept on assaulting the soldiers and as a result, the soldiers open fire. They killed 5 colonists and fueled the flames of the anti-British idea. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party occurred on December 16, 1773. Colonists were frustrated that Britain was taxing them without letting them have a say in it. In protest, some colonists disguised as Mohawk Indians boarded three ships that were carrying cargos of tea. They then proceeded to throw off 340 chests of tea into the harbor. -
First Continental Congress
The Continental Congress First met on September 5, 1774. 12 out of 13 of the colonies sent delegates to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They created the Continental Congress due to the British passing acts such as the Coercive Acts. They created resolves where colonists did not have to obey the acts that Britain put on the colonies. This resolve was called the Suffolk Resolves. The purpose of the meeting was to show support for Boston and so they can prove that they are all against the British. -
Lexington And Concord
The Battles of Lexington and Concord were fought on April 19, 1775. It started when a British general wanted to seize some weapons from the rebels that were being stored in Concord. Paul Revere and some fellow riders spread the word of the march. The rebels moved the weapons and sent men to protect Concord. When the British arrived at Concord they were forced to retreat due to hundreds of colonists waiting for them. They attacked the British during their retreat and caused many casualties. -
Capture Of Fort Ticonderoga
Fort Ticonderoga was captured by American forces on May 10, 1775. Ethan Allen, Benedict Arnold, and the Green Mountain Boys launched a surprise attack on Fort Ticonderoga. They captured the fort and the small number of British soldiers stationed there. This was the first victory for the Americans and it provided confidence and artillery for the Continental Army. -
Bunker Hill
The Battle Of Bunker Hill occurred on June 17, 1775. The Americans lost the battle to the British. Even with the loss, the Americans wounded and killed many soldiers in the British Army. Even though it is called the Battle Of Bunker Hill, the fight was mostly fought on Breed’s Hill. This battle provided a confidential boost to the American Army. -
Battle Of Quebec
The Battle Of Quebec happened on December 31, 1775. Colonel Benedict Arnold and General Richard Montgomery tried to take over Quebec which was occupied by the British. They failed to seize the city and General Richard Montgomery lost his life during the battle. The battle later eventually caused the Battles Of Saratoga to happen. -
Thomas Paine Publishes "Common Sense"
Thomas Paine published “Common Sense” on January 9, 1776. He wrote this pamphlet so that he can unite all the colonists so they all believe in independence from Britain. Many people were influenced by this and took his words to heart. “Common Sense” was like pouring gasoline into a small fire. He fueled the idea of the American Revolution -
Declaration Of Independence
The Declaration Of Independence was officially adopted by the Congress on July 4, 1776. On June 11, 1776, the Continental Congress voted 5 men to write the first draft of the Declaration Of Independence. The 5 man committee decided to let Thomas Jefferson write the first draft. Thomas Jefferson’s draft was complete within a few weeks and was edited a bit by the other 4 men. The Declaration encouraged the colonists to fight for their rights and fight against the king. -
Saratoga
The Battles Of Saratoga occurred on September 19, 1777. Britain sent 3 armies to take Upstate New York and the Hudson River to crush the American Forces and discourage the potential allies of America. Only 1 of the 3 armies made it to their destination. The British forces were forced to a stalemate. When the German forces pushed together, the American forces were pushed back. While the British and German forces pursued them, they suffered many casualties and surrendered. -
Articles Of Confederation
The Articles of Constitution was written on November 16, 1777, but was not ratified until March 1, 1781. Congress members were brainstorming about making a strong government so that they can be made independent from Britain. The Articles of Constitution was made so that they can keep order in the country and that the country would have a strong and safe government system. -
Treaty Of Alliance
France and America signed the Treaty Of Alliance on February 6, 1778. France was hesitant about making an alliance with America until America proved itself worthy by winning the Battle of Saratoga. As the war went on, France’s naval fleets were crucial during many of the battles. -
Monmouth
The Battle Of Monmouth was fought on June 28, 1778. The British Army was retreating to New York to try to solidify their army. The American forces took this as an opportunity to inflict some casualties on the British Army. The force's lead by General Lee was surprised and forced to retreat. General Washington was enraged and keep on attacking. The battle lasted a long time and both sides suffered many casualties. Both sides claim the victory but the British are considered the winner. -
Baylor's Massacre
The Baylor Massacre happened on September 27, 1778. British forces launched a surprise attack on the 3rd Regiment of Continental Light Dragoons. During the surprise attack, 15 Americans were killed and 54 people were wounded and or taken prisoner by the British. The British succeeded in raiding the small American force at present-day River Vale, New Jersey. -
DeWint House
The DeWint house served as a temporary headquarters for George Washington throughout some days in August, September, and October. George Washington was inspecting a redoubt and was invited by Major Frederickus Blauvelt to stay at the house. He also came back on September 28 and stayed until October 7, 1780, to stay at the house for the trial and execution of Major John Andre. George Washington also came on May 1783 and November 1783. -
Execution Of Major John Andre
Major John Andre was executed on October 2, 1780, in Tappan, New York. He was hanged for helping Benedict Arnold surrender at the Hudson River Fort. They found letters in his boots that proved that they were bribed to surrender the fort. John Andre wanted to be executed by a firing squad instead of being hanged. For he thought it was a more “gentlemanly death. Unfortunately for him, his wish did not get granted and he was hung. -
Yorktown
The Battle Of Yorktown was fought on October 19, 1781. The British forces were led by General Cornwallis and the American forces were lead by General Washington. There were also French forces that helped the American forces take Yorktown. The American and French forces took out Britain's heavy guns with their cannons and then proceeded to trap General Cornwallis’ men with minimum casualties. The Battle Of Yorktown was one of the big pushes to the Treaty Of Paris. -
Treaty Of Paris
The Treaty Of Paris was signed by representatives from America and King George III on September 3, 1783, in Paris, France. This was the official end of the Revolutionary War. After the British surrendered in Yorktown and the British Army needed more men for the war. King George III agreed to begin negotiating peace with America. The Treaty was slow due to England not agreeing to the independence of the States. Eventually, England agreed, and the Treaty Of Paris was official.
