American Revolution Timeline

Stamp Act

Mar 22, 1764

English Parliament sought to pay off the war dept. Caused by the French and Indian War, Things like imported sugar and coffee were increased on duty. It also forbids importing foreign rum and French wine.

Townshend Act

Jun 29, 1767

This act was named after Britain's chief financial officer, Charles Townshend. The purpose of this act was to support civil govement in the colonies.

Boston Massacre

Mar 5, 1770

A Drunken mob harasses British soldiers which leads them to firing into the crowd, killing three people instantly. They also wounded two others and injured 6 others. The Royal Governer then withdraws the soldiers out of Boston and charged the captain with murder.

Boston Tea Party

Dec 16, 1773

At night colonists disguised as as Mohawk Indians, went aboard three tea ship, broke open the crates, and dumped out 45 tons of the tea into the ocean.

Intolerable Acts

Jan 1, 1774

Was a series of laws passed by Parliament after the Boston Tea Party.

Second Continental Congress

May 10, 1775

Was a convention of delegates. First gathered in May of 1775. New additions included Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and Thomas Jefferson.

Battle of Bunker Hill

Jun 17, 1775

American soldiers occupied two hills North of Boston. June 17, 1775 the British army attacked and launched three assaults. On the third assault, the British succeeded and captured Breed's Hill.

Olive Branch Petition

Jul 5, 1775

This petition affirmed American Loyality to Great Britain. This was made to avoid conflict and end the fighting.

Common Sense is published

Jan 10, 1776

Common Sense was an important documents that expressed both sides of the Revolution. This was written by Thomas Paine.

Declaration of Independence

Jul 4, 1776

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=declaration+of+independence+videos&FORM=VIRE8&adlt=strict#view=detail&mid=6E25FC638FA8E837A1FB6E25FC638FA8E837A1FB' >My Video</a>
Written by Thomas Jefferson. States the reasons of independence of the colonies and why it is justified.

Battle at Saratoga

Oct 17, 1777

Another British army led by General Burgoyne wanted to cut New England off from the rest of the colonies. The Americans retreated. In mid September General Gates attacked Burgoyne's forces and eventually Burgoyne and his army surrendered.

Trenton

Dec 26, 1777

On Christmas night General George Washington crossed the Deleware River north of Trenton, New Jersey. After the battle the whole Hessian force was captured.

Battle of Yorktown

Oct 19, 1781

Washington's troops joined Lafayette's troops, making them twice the size of Britain's Cornwallis army. After suffering many casualties Cornwallis surrenders to Washington.

Treaty of Paris

Sep 3, 1783

Fomally ended the Revolutionary War between Great Britain on one side and the United States of America. France, Spain and the Dutch Republic had separate agreements.