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Treaty of Paris, 1763
The treaty that ended the French and Indian War. It kicked the French out of North America. The British now controlled from the Atlantic to the Mississippi River. -
Proclamation of 1763
Restricted colonization past the Appalachian Mountain range because England was wary of further disturbing the Native Americans. -
Sugar Act
The first law passed by parliament to raise tax in the colonies. Increased the tax on molasses and sugar from the West Indies for the colonist. -
Stamp Act
Placed a tax on all paper products (legal documents, playing cards, newspapers, etc.). -
Quartering Act
Required colonist to provide shelter and food for British soldiers. This angered the colonist because they felt they didn't need the soldiers in the colonies. They felt the soldiers were there to watch them. -
Sons and Daughters of liberty
These groups were formed after the stamp act took place. They wanted to take law into their own hands, caused agitation, and boycotted British goods. -
Stamp Act Repealed
The British Parliament repealed the Stamp Act after months of protest in the colonies and an appeal by Benjamin Franklin. -
Declaratory Act
Law passed by parliament that told that the British government and crown could have control over the colonies in all cases. Angered the colonies due to them wanting their own freedom. -
Townshend Acts
Imposed light taxes on glass, white lead, paper, paint, and tea. While the lighter taxes did not disturb the colonists as much, the tax on tea agitated them. -
Boston Massacre
Due to the Townshend Acts, British sent over soldiers to colonies to enforce the law. The colonies taunted the soldiers leading them to open fire. This battle killed 11 men and both sides were found guilty. -
Boston Tea Party
Boston radicals became mad when ships with tea were ordered not to leave the port till they unloaded. Bostonians dressed as indians, boarded the ships, and dumped 342 chests of tea into the harbor. -
Intolerable Acts
British put MA under military control and closed the Boston Harbor till the tea dumped was paid for. The colonist couldn't have town meetings, were put on trial in Britain, and the new Quartering Act allowed soldiers to lodge in private homes. -
First Continental Congress
Congress put together in Philadelphia with 12 out the 13 colonies represented. It wrote a declaration of Independence and a solemn appeal. -
Battle of Lexington
Minutemen intercepted British troops on their way to Concord. Shots broke out - this marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War. No turning back now. -
Second Continental Congress
This congress had delegates from all 13 colonies. Selected George Washington to lead the army in Boston and drafted the Declaration of Independence. They adopted the Olive Branch Petition asking the king for forgiveness to prevent further hostilities but the king denied them. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The battle of bunker hill happened on Bunker hill (breed's hill) on the outskirts of Boston. The Americans had put great damage to Britain and were victorious for a time. When they ran out of ammo they ended up retreating. -
Declaration Of Independence
The Declaration Of Independence was formally signed by the congress. Thomas Jefferson wrote in it the natural human rights and the misdeeds of George III. -
Battle of Trenton
Washington crossed the Delaware River with his army and surprised and captured 1,000 Hessians. -
Battle of Saratoga
Washington and his men surrounded Burgoyne in Saratoga, New York. The British surrendered causing a colonist victory. This battle helped secure French help for the colonist, turning the tide of war. -
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
Washington and his men spent the harsh winter here. Hundreds died and many more deserted. (winter 1777-1778) -
Battle of Yorktown
Before this battle, Washington and his men marched to Yorktown from New York. British general, Lord Cornwallis, awaited supplies and reinforcements that never arrived. Washington's men with help of French naval fleets sieged Cornwallis's camp and causing them to surrender. Colonies victory. -
Treaty of Paris, 1783
The British formally recognized America as an independent country and ended the war. The British gave America terms, asking them to return land and money to loyalists. (Of course, the Americans did not do this.)
