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Navigation Acts
(1651, 1660) By limiting colonial trade to England and reducing reliance on foreign imports, these acts of Parliament aimed to advance the self-sufficiency of the British Empire. -
French and Indian War ends
Colonist frustration eventually led to the American Revolution due to disagreements about the following frontier strategy and how to pay for the war's costs. -
Stamp Act
Relationships with the colonies were strained by the Stamp Act's taxation and representation concerns. -
Boston Massacre
As the dead rioters became victims for liberty, the Boston Massacre contributed to the colonists' desire for American independence. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party had significant implications and an impact that eventually ignited the American Revolution. -
Tea Act
The East India Company's tea in the colonies was significantly less expensive thanks to the Tea Act. -
Coercive/ Intolerable Acts
An unprecedented wave of public shock and disaffection spread over British America as a result of the Intolerable Acts. -
First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress organized the rebel colonists' opposition to British rule that became more severe and restrictive. -
Lexington and Concord
This marked the start of the American War of Independence. -
Second Continental Congress
The Congress designated George Washington as the Continental Army’s leader, and recruitment was permitted for the army’s expansion. -
Declaration of Independence adopted
The Declaration strengthened the colonies' unity, enabling them to fight alongside one another rather than attempting to reach separate peace treaties with Britain. -
Battle of Saratoga
This was the turning point of the war. The American army's victory over the greater British army raised national spirits, boosted the dream of independence, and helped to win the war's necessary foreign backing. -
Winter at Valley Forge
Together, the soldiers constructed huts for protection throughout the winter, but unhygienic circumstances and a lack of food and blankets contributed to the disease and tiredness that lingered in the camp. -
Battle of Yorktown
The British government changed as a result of the defeat at Yorktown. -
U.S. Constitution Written
Checks and balances, a clear division of powers among the three institutions of government, and other unique governing principles and practices were were adopted by the Constitution. -
U.S. Constitution Adopted
Congress established dates for the first federal elections and the Constitution's formal implementation following its approval.