Events leading to American Independence

Sugar Act of 1764

Apr 5, 1764

This Act put a three-cent tax on refined sugar, coffee, indigo, and certain types of wine.

Stamp Act of 1765

Mar 22, 1765

This Act required every newspaper, pamphlet, and all public and legal documents to have a stamp.

Patrick Henry's "If This Be Treason" Speech

May 29, 1765

Patrick Henry criicizes The Stamp Act.

Townshend Act of 1767

Jun 29, 1767

These laws placed new taxes on glass, lead, paints, paper and tea. This led to violent demonstrations against the taxes.

Boston Massacre

Mar 5, 1770

Five American colonist were killed by British soldiers. The soldiers were put on trial, but no one was ever charged with the crime. This deepened the American distrust of the British.

Tea Act of 1773

May 10, 1773

This Act allowed the British to sell directly to the colonist without using local merchants.

Boston Tea Party

Dec 16, 1773

American colonists calling themselves the Sons of Liberty and disguised as Mohawk Native Americans boarded three British ships and dumped 342 crates of British tea into the Boston harbor.

The First Continental Congress

Sep 5, 1774

The purpose of this meeting was to compose a statement of colonial rights, identify the rights of the colonists that had been violated by the British Parliament, and to try to convince Britain to restore those rights. They agreed to meet again if Britain did not change their policies.

Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" Speech

Mar 23, 1775

Patrick Henry delivered this speech before the Virginia legislature. He argued for colonial independence.

Second Continental Congress

May 10, 1775

This Congress voted to completely break away from Britain, organize a militia known as the Continental Army, and to print money.

George Washington named Commander in Chief

Jun 15, 1775

Declaration of Independence adopted

Jul 4, 1776

Declaration of Independence signed

Aug 2, 1776