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Beginning of French and Indian War
The French and Indian War began on May 28, 1754. This war was caused by confusion of whether the Ohio River Valley was a part of the British Empire, which meant that it would be open for trade or if it was a part of the French Empire. The colonists were very upset and angry with the decision of starting the war because they wanted to live on that land even though it belonged to the Native Americans. -
The French and Indian War Ends
The French and Indian War ended due to the Treaty of Paris. After the French and Indian War, the colonists felt that they did not need to proceed in protection from the British Government anymore and thought they were able to live on their own. -
Sugar Act
The Sugar Act was a Tax on Sugar Imports from the Caribbean. It also gave British courts the right to try Colonial Smugglers and took the right away from Colonial Courts who were more lenient. The Colonists felt this was taxation without representation. -
Stamp Act
All printed material had to carry a stamp. It hurt newspapers and lawyers. Committees of correspondence such as the Sons of Liberty were formed to help organize the Colonists boycott. This was the first time Colonists worked in a more organized way. -
Declaratory Act
The British said they could tax the Colonists if they wanted to. The Colonists were upset that this was the start of more acts. -
Townshend Act
A new Port of Custom was created to eliminate Colonists smuggling of goods. The Colonists boycotted British goods. The Daughters of Liberty encouraged homespun clothing to replace British ones. One boycott that turned deadly was the Boston Massacre of 1770. -
Tea Act
The Tea Act created a monopoly of tea sales for the British East India Company Tea in the Colonies. The Colonists were upset based on principle. They felt it would hurt the local tea industry. -
Revolutionary War
The first battle of the Revolutionary War was the Battle of Lexington and Concord. It was a victory for the Colonists. The second battle was the Battle of Bunker Hill. This was the first loss of the Colonists, but it did show that the Americans could stand up to The British Army.