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French/Indian War
The French and Indian War, also known as the Seven Years War took place between 1754 and 1763 in North America. The French and Native Americans fought against the British because both desired control over the Ohio River. The War ended with the signing of The Treaty of Paris, France losing it's American and Canadian territory, keeping only the Caribbean Islands, while Britain gained much land.
Cowley, Robert. "French and Indian War." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 2009. Web. 12 Sept. 2016. -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was passed by the British Parliament in 1765 to help the British pay off their debt from the French and Indian War. It imposed a tax for all American Colonists on printed items such as newspapers, playing cards, and printed documents, which a stamp would be played on to prove a tax was payed. However, the Sons of Liberty was a group created to defy this law.
Unknown. "Stamp Act." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 12 Sept. 2016. -
Townshend Act
The Townshend Acts, which were named for Charles Townshend, placed new taxes on tea, paper, paint, glass, and lead. This angered many Americans because of their view on it as an abuse of power. Because of this, in 1770, Parliament revoked all of the taxes except that on tea. Foner, Eric. "Townshend Acts." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 2009. Web. 12 Sept. 2016. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre sparked the Revolutionary War when a group of Colonists started a fight with British soldiers. Out of anger the soldiers began firing at them, although they were ordered not to. They shot five colonists, one of which was a well known African american sailor. Captain Preston, who was the British officer in charge of the British soldiers was arrested for manslaughter. Statement, Linda Alchin. "Boston Massacre Facts." Siteseen LTD, Apr. 2015. Web. 12 Sept. 2016. -
Tea Act
The Tea Act was imposed by the British government to help the almost bankrupt East India Company by allowing them to sell tea without paying the tax that merchants had to pay. However, this made the people angry and led to the Boston Tea Party. http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/tea-act -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was an act of rebellion in 1773 against the Tea Act. Samuel Adams and the Sons of Liberty who were against taxation without representation dressed up as Native Americans and snuck onto three ships that were in the Boston Harbor where they threw 342 chests of tea overboard. http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/boston-tea-party -
1st and 2nd Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress was formed by the committees of correspondence and created a declaration of colonial rights stating that if Britain fought against the colonies, they would fight back. At the second continental congress, the delegates debated what to do next, while recognizing the colonial militia as the Continental Army and making George Washington their commander. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Continental_Congress -
The Battles of Lexington and Concord
The Battle of Lexington began when Britain's General Gage sent his soldiers to Lexington and Concord where they planned to capture leaders, and seize gunpowder. Although, spies had heard of their plan, so when the British arrived there were militiamen waiting to fight. The Battle of Concord occurred when the Americans left Lexington, gathering more militiamen and watching the British in Concord, before finally attacking. http://www.ducksters.com/history/battle_of_lexington_and_concord.php -
The Publishing of Common Sense
Common Sense was a pamphlet published first in Philadelphia by Thomas Paine, which fought against the authority of the British government. He argued for the independence of England and the creation of a democratic republic, which was very popular among the people of Europe and the American Colonies. http://blog.constitutioncenter.org/2013/01/thomas-paine-the-original-publishing-viral-superstar/ -
Intolerable Acts
The Intolerable Acts were created because King George III was upset with the colonists about the events of the Boston Tea Party. He pressed Parliament to enact a law that shut down the Boston Harbor, as well as one that allowed soldiers to be housed in vacant buildings. However, this led to the Colonial leaders developing a declaration of colonial rights. https://www.haikudeck.com/events-leading-to-the-revolution--education-presentation-MzBKUV8JYQ
