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Navigation Acts
Multiple navigations acts took place in the 1600s as an attempt to strengthen Britain's economy. These acts exported more resources from the colonies than were imported. Because of this, smuggling became common in the colonies and were not considered as crimes to the colonists. -
French and Indian War ends
1754-1763
This war had left Britain with much less money than usual. Because he was low on money, King George III told the colonists to pay the cost of their own defenses. Parliament also passed acts that taxed imports from the colonists. -
Stamp Act
Tax on newspapers, pamphlets, and paper producted. Passed by Parliament in order to increase treasury, the Stamp Act (along with the Sugar Act of 1764) only angered the colonists. This act gave birth to the saying "No taxation without representation," a phrase that protesters would chant for they felt their rights were attacked. -
Boston Massacre
As a way to protest the absurd taxes, angered colonists were throwing stones and snowballs at British soldiers stationed in Boston, Massachusetts. The soldiers eventually opened fire on the crowd of protesters and killed five colonists, called the "Boston Massacre." This led to only more protesting, such as the Boston Tea Party of 1773. -
Tea Act
Another tax passed by Parliament in order to increase profits from the colonies. Caused more unrest and protests in the colonies. -
Boston Tea Party
Angered by recent unnecessary taxes passed by Britain as well as the Boston Massacre, colonists threw cargo of Britain tea overboard into the Boston harbor in order to protest the Tea Act. Parliament responded with harsh laws to punish Massachusetts called the Coercive/Intolerable Acts. -
Coercive/Intolerable Acts
These acts were passed in order to punish Massachusetts for the Boston Tea Party protest. The other colonies supported Massachusetts through this process, however, and gathered together at the First Continental Congress to discuss about Britain. -
First Continental Congress
September 5, 1774 – October 26, 1774
The twelve colonies sent representatives to Philidelphia and held the First Continental Congress. Here, they discussed how to respond to the Coercive/Intolerable Acts enforced by Parliament. Eventually, they settled on one solution: war with Britain. -
Lexington and Concord
The first battle of the American Revolution. British troops were ordered to seize weapons from the colonists so that rebellion was less likely to break out. With unrest at its highest, the colonists fought back against the soldiers, forcing the British to fall back. Shortly after, the Second Continental Congress was held in Philadelphia. -
Second Continental Congress
Once again held in Philadelphia, the Second Continental Congress resulted in the Declaration of Independence being written as a formal severance from Britain. -
Declaration of Independence adopted
The official signing of the Declaration of Independence, mostly written by Thomas Jefferson of Virginia. He was heavily influenced by thinkers of the enlightenment, including John Locke; Locke's influence was an especially prime role in the declaration. Of course, the British wouldn't give up so easily to a document. Thus, the true American Revolution war began. -
Battle of Saratoga
September 19, 1777 – October 7, 1777
One of the turning points in the revolution was the battle at Saratoga. Here, the Americans fought hard against the British and conquered the field. France, an old rival of Britain, was convinced to form an alliance with America, supplying resources, trained soldiers, and French warships. The Netherlands as well as Spain joined France by America's side. -
Winter at Valley Forge
Winter of 1777-1778
After multiple victories against the British, General Washington's troops at Valley Forge suffered due to the winter's cold, hunger, and disease. Hundreds of soldiers died, reducing America's numbers by many. Washington refused to let more his army die, although, and acted as a morality boost during their stay. -
Battle of Yorktown
September 28, 1781 – October 19, 1781
With France's support, America had the last laugh at the battle in Yorktown, Virginia. The British had surrendered, and the Americans had won. The Treaty of Paris ended the war, and Britain formally recognized the colonies now as the United States of America. -
U.S. Constitution written
The Articles of Confederation wasthe first constitution to be enforced, but it was too weak to rule effectively. Therefore, the "leaders" of America gathered once again to write the U.S. Constitution, which has prospered for over 2 centuries; James Madison played an important role in the writing of the constitution, often called the father of the U.S. Constitution. This constitution developed a "federal republic" where power is limited and controlled within a government. -
U.S. Constitution adopted
After the U.S. Constitution was signed and adopted, the word of freedom and hope spread across the world, specifically to Europe, and inspired those that yearned for their country's reform. Thanks to the American Revolution and those who defied Britain's iron fist, many other countries have reformed and gained independence.