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The Mayflower lands at Plymouth Rock
After over 2 months on the sea, the Mayflower landed at Plymouth Rock. Passengers on the boat were looking to start a new life. Many people on the boat were looking for religious freedom. Puritans, name given to people who came to America as they wanted to purify the Church of England. -
Pennsylvania becomes a colony
Charles II of England gave William Penn Pennsylvania to pay the debt of 16,000 pounds (equivalent to ~2.1 million pounds in 2008) that he owed to Penn’s father. Penn was from a wealthy family, and he was a personal friend with King Charles II. William Penn joined the Quaker, he wanted Pennsylvania to be land where people live together. -
The French and Indian War
Also known as the Seven year War, the British and French were having conflict as Britain didn’t want France to take over trade and land. The British were losing at first until William Pitt took over. The tables turned and the British won the war, but they had a huge amount of debt after beating the French. -
The Sugar Act
There was a molasses Act in 1733. It taxed molasses and sugar. Molasses was important because they can create rum out of molasses. After the act was passed, many people smuggled molasses and sugar. They bribed harbor masters. In 1764, the Sugar Act was passed, and it actually lowered the tax on molasses but taxed sugar. England wanted to stop smugglers but it didn’t seem to work very well. -
The Currency Act
Currency was only obtained through England but they didn’t provide enough currency for trades. Due to the lack of currency, people used bills of credit. Bills of credit represents indebtedness from the government to the holder. The act was rolled out on September 1st, aimed to control the colonial currency. Colonists aren’t allowed to make their own money and can only reinstate British currency. -
Stamp Act
England wanted to pay their troops in the colonies, so they passed the Stamp Act. It put a tax on papers, documents, and other stuff. If the colonists didn’t pay, they were punished unfairly without a jury. The colonists hated this act. For them, it was an example of “taxation without representation". -
The Quartering Act
After winning the Seven Years War, Britain withdrew soldiers but an amount was kept in North America. Even though England won the war, they got a massive amount of debt. England wanted colonies to provide their troops shelter and food. The people didn’t like it and considered it an attempt to tax them. -
The Townshend Act
The Parliament taxed goods coming to America. Due to that, colonies started to produce their own goods. Particular items like tea were chosen to be taxed because they were difficult to produce. It was originally planned to raise revenue, but then paid judges and colonial governors. Later on, 24 towns boycotted British goods after pamphlets of people. -
The Boston Massacre
On King Street, March 5, 1770, anti-British were having a brawl with British soldier, but it soon became a slaughter. Several people were shot and killed. This was one of the turning points as American got closer and contributed to the revolutionary war. -
The Boston Tea Party
On 16 December, 342 chests of tea were dumped into the ocean as the American colonists were mad. It was one of the first major acts in Britain. England was trying to tax everything when the war left them in debt. They found it fair since they have spent money in the war. -
The First Continental Congress
The Continental Congress served as government of the 13 colonies for a period of time. The first congress took place in Philadelphia with the meet up of 13 colonies. Many important people were in the meeting like George Washington, John Adam. -
The Second Continental Congress
The second Continental Congress happened during the Revolutionary War. It works like a normal government. They did things like directing strategy, diplomats, or writing petitions. It was where George Washington put in command of the army. -
Patrick Henry’s “Give me Liberty or give me Death” speech
The meaning of this sentence is American should be divided from Britain and they should fight for independence. Henry contributed to the Revolution War, “Give me Liberty or give me Death speech” was spoken in Virginia convention trying to persuade people to fight back. -
The Ride of Paul Revere
Paul Revere was a rider carrying news, messages. On the night, Paul was given the command to ride to Lexington, Massachusetts to warn Samuel Adams, and John Handcock as the British really wanted to arrest them. They brought 700 troops and on the way to their place. -
George Washington named Commander in Chief
He was also named commander of continental army. George Washington was selected due to his military experience. He also gained a lot of respect and trust after the Seven Year War. He was elected as the first American president in 1787.