American Revolution

Navigation Acts

1651

When the English Civil War happened, the colonies supply chain to Britain were ruined. The colonies in response traded with other countries. This caused Britain to make the Navigation Acts. Only English ships could bring goods to the colonies and trade with only with England.

French and Indian War Ends

1763

England defeated France and Native American allies. British treasury drained. Britain thought the colonists should pay their share .

Stamp Act

1765

Taxed paper documents in the colonies. Britain was in debt and used the money from the colonies. The colonists were angry and mobbed in the streets.

Boston Massacre

Mar 5, 1770

Soldiers tried to make Britain’s tax laws be followed by colonists. Conflicts and rising tensions led to colonist’s confronting British soldiers and the people insulted the soldiers. Soldiers fired their guns and killed 5 colonists. The Boston Massacre helped fuel the American Revolution

Tea Act

1773

The Tea Act gave control of money and distribution to the East India Tea Company. Tea was taxed for money for the government. Caused the Boston Tea Party.

Boston Tea Party

Dec 16, 1773

The Tea Act caused anger and from the colonies, and most cities closed they’re harbors but the Massachusetts Bay Colony allowed tea to arrive in Boston. In response, colonists took over the ships and tossed the tea into the water. Britain closed the port of Boston afterwards.

Coercive/Intolerable Acts

1774

Boston Harbor was closed to trade because of the Boston Tea Party. British authority was increased

First Continental Congress

1774

People from each colony meet and spoke about America’s future and Britain’s tyranny after the Intolerable Acts were made. The Declaration of Colonial Rights and Grievances were issued after.

Second Continental Congress

1775

The Second Continental Congress was created because of Britain refusing to get rid of the Intolerable Acts. The Declaration of Independence was adopted and the United States of America was created. New government was developed.

Lexington and Concord

Apr 19, 1775

King George commanded General Thomas Gage to stop the Americans who were defiant to the rules and laws. British soldiers took over the Americans stores in Concord. All of this caused the first battle of the Revolutionary War.

Declaration of Independence is Adopted

Jul 4, 1776

The Declaration made America independent allowed them to ally with France.

Winter at Valley Forge

1777

When the British occupied Philadelphia, Washington had his troops stay at Valley Forge, not too far from Philadelphia. The lack of materials and bad conditions lead to lots death. The experience brought together the army and a new respect for Washington, who stayed with them.

Battle of Saratoga

1777

General John Burgoyne wanted to isolate New England from the rest of the U.S. The colonists army fought and beat the British army. That caused France to sign a treaty with the Americans.

Battle of Yorktown

Oct 19, 1781

British troops led by Lord Cornwallis meet at Yorktown, Virginia. Cornwallis hoped to keep his soldiers in Chesapeake town until new items and soldiers could come from Britain. General Charles Cornwallis surrendered and Yorktown became the last battle.

U.S Constitution is Wrote

Sep 17, 1787

Alexander Hamilton told Congress to change the Articles of Confederation. It was written after the American Revolutionary War to create a government that could be kept in check and be fair.

U.S Constitution Is Adopted

Jun 21, 1788

The Constitution was adopted when New Hampshire became the last state to ratify the Constitution. The Constitution included new systems and ideas.