-
French & Indian War
The French & Indian War, also known as the Seven Years' War, was a dispute fought over New World territory between Britain and France. The expansion of France into the Ohio River valley continually created friction with British colonies. The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. -
Navigation Acts
A series of laws restricting trade to English ships. As a result, foreign imported goods were less vulnerable. -
Stamp Act
An act that placed a tax on all paper goods. It forced colonists to pay a tax on papers, documents, and playing cards. It was represented by a stamp. -
Quartering Act
An act that required the American colonies to provide housing for British soldiers. This angered the colonists because they paid for barracks for the army by paying taxes. -
Townshend Acts
An act that placed a tax on goods imported to the American colonies. The purpose of these taxes was to raise revenue. -
Boston Massacre
A fatal riot that took place on King street in Boston. It began with colonists and British soldiers throwing snowballs, sticks, and stones. However, it quickly escalated and became brutal. -
Boston Tea Party
A political protest that happened as a result of colonists dumping tea into the harbor. Colonists were angry with Britain for imposing “taxation without representation.” -
Intolerable Acts (aka Coercive Acts)
A series of four laws as punishment for the Boston Tea Party. Colonists felt this violated their rights. -
Olive Branch Petition
The last attempt to prevent war from being declared. It emphasized their rights as British citizens. -
Battle of Lexington & Concord (aka "The Shot Heard Around the World")
This battle was the start of the American Revolutionary War. It was between British soldiers and American colonists. -
Second Continental Congress
A meeting of delegates in the thirteen colonies that met in Philadelphia. It created an army for defense while trying to make peace with Great Britain. -
Common Sense
A 47-page pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that advocated independence from Great Britain to the thirteen colonies. -
Declaration of Independence
The last series of steps declaring the separation of the thirteen colonies from Great Britain. -
Articles of Confederation
The first written constitution of the United States. It was established after independence was declared from Great Britain. -
Daniel Shays' Rebellion
A series of attacks on Massachusetts courthouses and government property. It led to a complete military clash. -
Constitutional Convention (aka Philadelphia Convention)
A meeting to discuss problems under the Articles of Confederation such as the weak central government.