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French and Indian War
1754 - 1763. A conflict between Great Britain and France over control of North America. The war's conclusion saw France largely ousted from North America, solidifying Britain's dominance in the region and setting the stage for future colonial expansion. The substantial financial burden of the war compelled the British crown to implement policies toward its colonies that would ultimately sow discord and ignite the American Revolution. -
Proclamation of 1763
A proclamation issued by King George II at the end of the French and Indian War. The proclamation forbade settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains, reserving those areas for Native Americans. The American colonists largely ignored the proclamation spurring increased conflict with Native Americans and further souring the Colonies' relations with the Crown. -
Boston Massacre
A clash between British soldiers and a group of colonists in Boston, Massachusetts. It helped spark widespread public anger against British rule. This incident, which was widely reported, helped to fuel anti-British sentiment throughout colonial North America in the years leading up to the American Revolution. -
Boston Tea Party
An act of defiance against British rule, sparked by the imposition of unfair taxes on American colonists. In a dramatic display of resistance, colonists dumped British tea into Boston Harbor, igniting a firestorm of patriotism and setting the stage for the American Revolution. -
Boston Port Act
One of the Intolerable acts imposed by the British on the American Colonies. The Boston Port Act was imposed in response to the Boston Tea Party and closed the Port of Boston until Britain was repaid for the destruction of its tea. The act did not have the intended effect and further strengthened the colonists resolve against Britain. -
Massachusetts Government Act
One of the Intolerable Acts imposed by Britain as a result of Colonial unrest. It cancelled the Massachusetts Bay colony’s charter of 1691, making it a crown colony, replaced its elected local government with an appointed one, enhanced the power of its governor, Gen. Thomas Gage, and forbid town meetings without approval. This act along with the other Coercive Acts enraged colonists and further fanned the flames of revolution. -
Administration of Justice Act
One of the Intolerable Acts imposed by the British on the American colonists. The act protected British officials from prosecution if engaged in upholding the law in the colonies or quelling riots. The colonists felt it gave British officials a license to kill and it became known as the Murder Act. This along with other Coercive acts angered the colonists and made the idea of Revolution more and more palatable. -
Quartering Act
One of the Intolerable acts imposed on the colonists by Britain. The act allowed Royal governors, rather than colonial legislatures, to house British soldiers in private businesses and buildings. The act applied not just to Massachusetts but all colonies. This upset the colonists as they now had no control over the foreign troops housed in their cities. -
Quebec Act
The Quebec Act established British rule in Quebec, granting a crown-appointed governor significant power without an elected legislature. It also expanded the province's territory, allowed Roman Catholics to participate in provincial government, and restored some French civil and property laws. Colonists were alarmed by the act, as it seemed to indicate the Crown's intent to further tighten its grip on colonial affairs. -
First Continental Congress
In response to the Intolerable Acts, delegates from the colonies convened the First Continental Congress. They issued a Declaration of Rights, affirming their loyalty to the Crown while rejecting its asserted right to tax them without representation. Additionally, the Congress formed a united front among the colonies, pledging to boycott British trade if their demands were not met. -
Battle of Concord
One of the first battles of the American Revolution. British troops marched to Concord from Lexington in search of Colonial arms. They were soon met by Colonial minutemen who fought off the British causing them to retreat. The low casualties at both Lexington and Concord gave the colonists confidence that they could win a war with Britain. -
Battle of Lexington
Marks the beginning of the American Revolution. 700 British troops descend on 77 outnumbered colonial militiamen. Before the militiamen could follow their commander's orders to disperse, a shot rang out. This would become known as the "shot heard 'round the world". -
Second Continental Congress
Succeeded the First Continental Congress, which had met from September 5 to October 26, 1774. The Second Congress functioned as a provisional government at the outset of the Revolutionary War by raising militias, appointing officers and diplomats, and writing petitions. It issued the Declaration of Independence and drafted the Articles of Confederation. The Continental Congress was an important institution as it gave the colonies the ability to work together in their conflict against Britain. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
Much like Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill boosted the morale of the colonists emboldening them to continue their efforts. Additionally, the high cost of victory for the British caused them to realize that war against the colonies would be lengthy, arduous, and costly. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence justified the United States' break from British rule by outlining 27 grievances against King George III. It also asserted fundamental rights, including the right to revolution, as a basis for this separation. The Declaration of Independence has become a cornerstone of human rights discourse worldwide, inspiring and influencing nations far and wide. -
Battle of Saratoga
The British surrender at Saratoga marks a turning point in the war. The defeat of the British army by American forces boosted patriots' spirits, fueled the pursuit of independence, and secured the foreign support necessary for victory. -
Articles of Confederation
1777 - 1781. Fully ratified March 1, 1781. Agreement among the 13 states forming the first national government of the United States. Since the colonists were fearful a skeptical of a powerful central government the Articles of Confederation provided for a loose association of sovereign states with a weak central government. -
Battle of Yorktown
The last major battle of the American Revolution. General Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington. The American victory at Yorktown led to negotiations for peace with Britain and the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783. -
Treaty of Paris
Signed between Britain and the United States ending the American Revolution. It is significant as it affirmed the Independence of the United States, granted territory to the new nation and ensured access to the Mississippi river, all of which would be vital to future expansion westward. -
U.S. Constitution Signed
Established the government of the United States and replaced the ineffective government comprised by the Articles of Confederation. The signing of the US Constitution is significant because it created a government whose goal is to protect the individual rights and sovereignty of its people.