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End of the French and Indian War
The French and Indian War, also known as the Seven Years' War, came to an end on this day. Also, on this date the Treaty of Paris was signed ("Revolutionary War Timeline"). -
Proclamation of 1763
A decree by King George III prohibits any expansion of the colonists past the Appalacian Divide. This proclamation also limits interactions with Indians to licensed colonial traders ("This Day in History: October 7"). -
The Stamp Act of 1765
The Stamp Act applied a tax to all printed goods in the colonies. This was a tax imposed by the British to help reduce the debt incurred by the Seven Years War ("This Day in History: March 22"). -
Quartering Act of 1765
The Quartering Act of 1765 stated that the colonies were required to provide housing for the British soldiers. If there weren't suitable accomodations, then the colonists' homes could be used ("This Day in History: March 24").
Photo: Chris Juden copyright 2010. Used under Creative Commons license. -
Stamp Act Congress Begins
Also known as the First Congress of the American Colonies. The first meeting of representatives from the colonies to discuss greviences and plan a challenge to British taxation ("Revolutionary War Timeline"). -
Boston Massacre
Incident occuring between British soldiers and colonists that resulted in 5 dead civillians and 6 others being wounded. This would become one of the pivotal moments contributing to the Revolution ("Revolutionary War Timeline"). -
The Tea Act
Parliament lowered the tax paid to the government by the East India Company, in turn allowing them to control the trade of tea with the colonies ("Revolutionary War Timeline"). -
Boston Tea Party
In retalilation for the Tea Act, colonists in Boston were adamant that tea on ships from England be returned. When refused, the ships were boarded and the tea was dumped into Boston Harbor ("Revolutionary War Timeline"). -
First of the Intolerable Acts
Five acts consisting of the Boston Port Act, Massachusetts Government Act, Administration of Justice Act, Quartering Act, and the Quebec Act, passed by Britain in retaliation for the Boston Tea Party ("This Day in History: March 28"). -
First Continental Congress Begins
Meeting of 56 delagates from 12 of the 13 colonies to discuss plans for dealing with the Coercive Acts ("This Day in History: September 5"). -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
First battles of the American Revolution. Location of the "shot heard around the world" (Mays 179-181). -
Second Continental Congress
The reconvening of congress that planned the defense of the colonies, managed the war effort and adopted the Delcaration of Independence. ("This Day in History: May 10"). -
New York Campaign (Battle of Long Island)
The Continental Army suffers a defeat to the British at the Battle of Long Island. Further losses by the colonists enable the British Army to take control of the city of New York ("Revolutionary War Timeline"). -
Battle of Princeton
After crossing the Delaware and defeating Hessian soldiers stationed at Trenton, General George Washington successfully attacks and defeats Cornwallis' rear guard at the Battle of Princeton ("Revolutionary War Timeline"). -
Battle of Saratoga (Burgoyne Surrender)
British General John Burgoyne surrenders his army, numbering amost 6,000, to American General Horatio Gates. When France became aware of the American victory at Saratoga, America's independence was recognized and the French began providing assistance fighting the war (Mays 294). -
Beginning of the Southern Campaign
The Southern Campaign began with the capture of Savannah by British Lieutenant Colonel Archibald Campbell. This was followed by British victories at Charleston and Camden. After General Nathanial Greene took command of the Continental Army a switch to guerilla tactics weakened the British army and aided American victories at Cowpens and Kings Mountain. These victories paved the way for Yorktown (Mays 310-312). -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation, which functioned as the first constitution, were ratified on this day. Prior to their ratification, the articles provided a framework for the government to direct the war, conduct diplomacy with Europe and deal with various domestic issues ("This Day in History: March 1"). -
Battle of Yorktown (Cornwallis Surrenders)
With the American and French armies being united, they were able to surround Cornwallis' troops by land and sea. After several attacks, the British were weakened to the point of surrender. The official ceremony for the surrender took place on this date (Fleming 36-37). -
Constitutional Convention Begins
Under the leadership of George Washington, the delegates at the convention drafted the document that would become our constitution. History regards James Madison as the primamry architect of this most important document ("This Day in History: May 25") -
Ratification of the Constitution
The United States Constitution is adopted after New Hampshire, the ninth and last state needed, ratifies it. It was then decided that the new government covered under the Constitution would beging March 4,1789 ("Revolutionary War Timeline").
