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Proclamation of 1763
Proclamation from King George III that told the colonists they could NOT settle in any land west of the Appalachian Mountains, and any settlers already there needed to return home. This was done to avoid further conflict between the Indians and colonists. -
Sugar Act
This act raised revenue by increasing duties on sugar imported from the West Indies. -
Quartering Act
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Stamp Act
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Intolerable Acts
These were passed in response to the Boston Tea Party and placed restrictions on the colonists including outlawing town meetings and the closing of Boston Harbor -
Lexington and Concord
In April, British troops were ordered to Lexington and Concord to seize stores of colonial gunpowder and to capture Samuel Adams and John Hancock. At Lexington, open conflict occurred and eight Americans were killed. At Concord, the British troops were forced to retreat with the loss of 70 men. This was the first instance of open warfare. -
Second Continental Congress
All 13 colonies were represented at this meeting in Philadelphia beginning May. The colonists still hoped that their grievances would be met by King George III. George Washington was named head of the Continental Army. -
Bunker Hill
This major victory for the Colonists resulted in George III proclaiming the colonies in rebellion.
In the end, the American Revolution grew out of increasing restrictions placed upon the colonies by the British. One interesting side note: It is estimated that only one-third of the colonists were in favor of rebellion. One-third continued to side with the British. The last third were neutral concerning the rebellion and break from Great Britain.