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The French and Indian War
A war between the French and their Indian allies and the British. Also known as the Seven years war though it lasted nine years. Ended as a result of the Treaty of Paris. British won French land in North America. Began due to conflict over control of Ohio River. -
The Proclamation of 1763
This was issued by King George III. It forbade colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains. It was made to prevent further conflict between settlers and Native Americans. The colonists were upset because many lost their homes and felt they had lost the land they had fought for. Colonists felt it was an infringement upon their rights. -
Sugar Act
The first tax on the American colonies imposed by the British Parliament. Its purpose was to raise money from the colonies. It was repealed in 1766. Colonists were outraged because they felt it was a restriction of their trading rights. This led to an increase in enforcement of anti-smuggling laws. -
Stamp Act (Taxes)
A direct tax on the British Colonies made in 1765 by the British Parliament. Required many printed items to have a special stamp that was taxed. Led to colonists rebelling "Taxation without Representation". Colonists were outraged because they were taxed and had no say in parliament. It was repealed on March 18, 1766. -
The Boston Massacre
This event happened when British soldiers opened fire on American colonists. This resulted in five deaths of colonists. The event was highly publicized through political cartoons, as well as leading patriots Paul Revere and Samuel Adams. The event was big because no one had openly given orders to fire. This led to the event being largely publicized. -
The Boston Tea Party
This was a political protest by the Sons of Liberty. These people dressed as Native Americans and dumped 342 chests of tea into the sea. This was a protest against the British tax on tea. This was a million-dollar loss. This led to the infamous Intolerable Act. -
Continental Congress
Founded in Philidelphia by delegates from the colonies. It was composed of delegates from all the thirteen colonies. Eventually created the Articles of Confederation, and then the Constitution. First met in reaction to the Coercive Acts. The Congress also passed the Articles of Association. -
Intolerable Acts
Passed by King George III in 1774. Meant as a punishment for colonists after the Boston Tea Party. It shut down Boston Harbor and forced the quartering act into effect. Placed Boston under martial law. This was a major push for the start of the American Revolution. -
Boston Blockade
Also known as the Boston Port Act. Shut down Boston Harbor, and forced citizens to pay for the Boston Tea Party. One of the first Coercive acts to be passed. Meant to intimidate the colonists from King George III. This act made clear to colonists that martial law was going to be imposed. -
The Declaration of Independence
It was adopted at the second Continental Congress. The document was an official recognition of America's independence from Britain. Signed by 56 delegates at the second Continental Congress in Philidelphia. Largely written by Thomas Jefferson. Divided into five sections.
