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Stamp act
On March 22,1765 the British parliament passed the stamp act to raise money for their troops stationed in the colonies during the Seven Years’ War.Settlers demanded paying taxes represented by stamps on uniquely shaped paper, documents, and playing cards.Those who were accused of violating the Stamp Act could have been prosecuted in Vice-Admiralty Courts. -
Tea act
On may 10, 1773 the tea act: The Townshend Act granted the company the right to ship tea directly to North America and export duty-free tea from the UK, despite ongoing colonial taxes, while also obtaining the royal family's consent. This legal framework coincided with tea becoming a deeply ingrained cultural practice across all social classes. -
Boston tea party
To oppose the Tea Act, a bunch of American settlers boarded three British ships in Boston Harbor and basically dumped tea boxes into the sea. This act of defiance destroyed a costly shipment and escalated tensions with Britain, emphasizing their stance against taxation without representation. -
First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress was a meeting of delegations from 12 of the Thirteen Colonies at Carpenter's Hall in Philadelphia from September 5 to October 26, 1774. This delegation met to discuss the future of the United States under the growing British invasion. The delegate list included notable colonial figures such as Samuel Adams from Massachusetts, along with future U.S. presidents George Washington and John Adams. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
The first major military operation of the American War of Independence occurred when British troops attempted to seize colonial weapons. The colonial militia responded with force, leading to battles that marked the outbreak of hostilities and ultimately sparked the American Revolution, contributing to the United States' eventual victory and the reversal of the war's fortunes. -
Second Continental Congress
A month after the Battles of Lexington and Concord, colonial representatives met to establish the Continental Army and appointed George Washington as Commander-in-Chief. Despite this move towards military organization, they also drafted the Olive Branch Petition and sent it to King George III in hopes of reaching a peaceful resolution. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence, officially titled the unanimous declaration of the thirteen United States, is the founding document that declares the separation of the colonies from Britain and establishes a new nation. Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, this document not only proclaimed the colonies' independence but also laid the groundwork for the creation of the United States of America, firmly based on Enlightenment ideas. -
Battle of Saratoga
The American victory at this pivotal battle was a major turning point in the War of Independence, convincing France to support the American cause with essential military aid. This success boosted patriot morale and increased hope for independence, proving crucial for securing the foreign support necessary for ultimate victory. -
Battle of Yorktown
America's victory at Yorktown, Virginia, came after a three-week siege, during which the British suffered significant losses. With the help of the French, they ultimately surrendered to the Continental Army, securing independence and effectively ending the war. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris, primarily written by Benjamin Franklin and signed on September 3, 1783, formally ended the American Revolutionary War. This agreement recognized American independence and established its boundaries, extending from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River, while also granting the United States important Western Territory based on the Preliminary Treaty of 1782. -
United States Constitution
The U.S. Constitution, the longest surviving written government charter, serves as the foundation of the U.S. government. Its opening phrase, "We the People," emphasizes that government exists to serve its citizens and reflects Enlightenment ideas, including Montesquieu's three branches of government, Locke's natural rights, and Rousseau's social contract. -
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, clarify the rights of Americans in relation to their government. These amendments guarantee fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, press, and religion, reflecting the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Locke.