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Stamp Act
The British Parliament imposes a tax on documents and newspapers, sparking protests in the colonies -
Boston Massacre
British troops fire on colonial protesters, killing five people -
Boston Tea Party
Colonists, disguised as Native Americans, throw crates of tea into the harbor to protest the tea tax -
Intolerable Acts
The British Parliament enacts punitive laws against Boston, further escalating tensions. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The colonists prove they can resist British troops. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
The first clash between colonists and British soldiers. -
Declaration of Independence
Written by Thomas Jefferson and signed by the Second Continental Congress, it proclaims the colonies’ separation from Britain. -
Battle of Saratoga
A decisive colonial victory that convinces France (with Lafayette) to join the war against Britain. -
Alliance with France
France provides military and naval support to the American rebels. -
Battle of Yorktown
George Washington’s troops, with French assistance, defeat British General Cornwallis. -
Treaty of Paris
Britain officially recognizes the independence of the United States.