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French and Indian War
The French and Indian War was fought between France and Great Britain. It got its name because the native americans fought in the war as allies to both parties. France expanded its territory into the Ohio River Valley, which caused conflict with the british colonies. The war ended with France signing over all of their land to Britain, but Britain had tremendous debt. They decided that the colonies would pay for the war expenses, which ultimately led to the American Revolution. -
Proclamation of 1763
This forbade settlers to go beyond the Appalachian mountains. It allowed England to control western expansion. The expansion was on British terms. Most of the Indians liked the line, but it ended up failing. There were minimal effects on limited colonial expansion and was policed by British troops. -
Treaty of 1763
This happened after France lost Canadian colonies and claims to land east of the Mississippi river. England had gotten all French territory within Canada, Florida, and right to the Caribbean slave trade. This treaty was signed to end the French and Indian war. -
Stamp Act
Stamps were required for legal documents, newspapers etc. The people were expected to pay for stamps as a form of tax to the British government to pay for war damages. This angered the colonists not because the stamps were expensive but rather the fact that they were having to pay them in the first place. -
Boston Massacre
This was a confrontation in the streets of Boston where British soldiers killed many bystanders. This started because the patriots (protesters) were protesting the troops that were sent to make sure everyone obeyed the new tax laws by the British. -
Committees of Correspondence
The Committees of Correspondence was the American colonies way to maintain lines of communication leading up to the Revolutionary war. Boston formed the earliest one, to encourage opposition Britain’s stiffening of customs enforcement and prohibition of American money. Then New York formed a similar committee to keep the other colonies notified of its actions in resisting the Stamp Act. -
Boston Tea Party
After the French and Indian war the British needed money in order to pay off damages from the war. This is when Britain started to tax the colonists excessively. It later caused the common phrase "no taxation without representation" because the colonists felt since they were considered a part of Britain enough to get taxed, they should also be allowed a say in parliament. Out of anger, American colonists dressed as indians and dumped the taxed tea overboard when they were imported. -
Intolerable Acts
These were the laws set in place after the Boston tea party meant to act as punishment on the Americans. The laws included Boston port bill which closed the Boston harbor. There was the government restriction which ultimately gave the military more power. Another involved the demand of troop housing called the Quartering act where soldiers were housed by the people without their say. -
Lexington and Concord
This was the battle that signaled the start of the revolution, also known as "the shot heard around the world". It was the first event involving military action within the war, representing the beginning. That night hundreds of British soldiers went from Boston to Concord in efforts to steal weapons. This event was where Paul Revere's famous phrase "The British are coming" initially came from. -
Bunker Hill
This was the bloodiest war of the revolution. Bunker hill was one of the hills that the British took over in attempts to gain an advantage. More than 1,000 British were wounded or killed alongside 400 American patriots. -
Publication of Common Sense
Common sense was a popular pamphlet that went around during the American revolution written by Thomas Paine. The pamphlet was very pro independence for the colonies. It was huge encouragement for the colonists to keep fighting for their freedom. -
Declaration of Independence
This document announced the final separation of the colonies from Britain and declared them their own colonies. This stated the needs of the people and their deserved rights. This is the reason we celebrate the fourth of july, American independence. -
Saratoga
The battle of Saratoga had two main battles only 18 days apart. Saratoga was seen as the turning point for the patriots, considering their victory. Their victory was also an influence on the continental army and France signing the treaty of alliance. -
Valley Forge
Since it was winter George Washington had his soldiers camp in Pennsylvania, causing many to die because of the harsh weather. Although there were many casualties, they took the time to learn new fighting skills and improve their tactics. This gave them a great advantage and was a main part of their winning outcome. -
Cowpens
This battle lasted about an hour, British forces had taken about 40 men in attempts to save two of their cannons. Instead they were captured and held hostage by the american forces. This then delayed the British invasion on North Carolina. -
Yorktown
The battle of yorktown was when the French Navy had came in support after signing the treaty of alliance. This was when lord Cornwallis surrendered to the continental army ending in the Americans winning the war. -
Treaty of Paris 1783
This treaty was signed by U.S and British representatives and marked the end of the American revolution. The purpose was for King George lll to recognize that the colonies split after the way. It symbolized the independence of the 13 colonies, meaning they were no longer apart of Britain.
