-
Period: to
cause of revolution
-
French-Indian War
This war began when the French built a fort along the Ohio River, stretching into British territories. With tension already built between the two, the British declared war on France however, France had an advantage; having befriended Native Americans who aided them in the war. The war featured two respected generals, George Washingtonand William Pitt, who made tough decisions in winning the war. It lasted seven years until the Paris Peace Treaty was signed, ending the war in 1763. -
Stamp Act
An act passed by Parliament to tax wills, newspapers, playing cards, and other documents which directy influenced the colonists. Many disagreed with and act and formed rebellion groups, such as the Sons of Liberty, and eventually, people boycotted until the act was repealed. It worked and the act was repealed in 1766. -
Townshend Act
This act taxed goods, such as glass, lead, paper, ect, sent from Britain to the colonies. It taxed tea, the main drink of the colonists which enraged them, so Samuel Adams led a boycott against British goods. -
Boston Massacre
In front of the Boston Customs House, a mob of colonists had gathered by British troops, taunting and insulting the soldiers. The troops shot and killed or wounded five of the colonists. This event was later dubbed the Boston Massacre by colonial leaders. -
Tea Acts
Created by Lord North to save the British East India Co, the acts allowed Britian to sell tea to the colonies without tax. This let the East India Co sell their tea cheaper, which North thought the colonists would like. -
Boston Tea Party
After Lord North passed the Tea Act, believing the colonists would be happy to buy the cheaper tea, colonists rebelled furiously. A group of rebels dressed as Native Americans, and dumped over 18000 pounds of tea into the Boston Harbor. -
Intolerable Acts
Parliament responded to the Boston Tea Party with these acts, closing down the Boston Harbor, and housing soldiers in vacant homes and buildings. This only angered the colonists more than before, and they yearned for freedom. -
1st & 2nd Continental Congress
56 delegates gathred in Philadelphia in response to the Intolerable Acts, and created a declaration of colonial rights. They agreed the colonies should be allowed to run their own affairs, and if the British interferred, they could fight back. Later in 1775 a secong congress was held after Lexington and Concord where they organized a Continental Army and appointed George Washington as their commander. -
Lexington & Concord
As British soldiers marched into Lexington, some colonists stood with guns to defend their town. After some colonists left, a random shot went off so the British fired, killing 8 men and injuring 10. The British continued their march into Concord, where over 3000 minutemen slaughtered the troops. This marked the beginning of the hatred bewteen the British and colonists. -
Common Sense
Written by Thmoas Paine, Common Sense was a 50 page pamphlet, attacking the British monarchy, and explaining how breaking from Britian would give the colonists freedom. Hundreds of thousands of copies were sold, even being recognized by George Washington in his writings.
