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French and Indian War
French and Indian War: In a Nutshell
Started by George Washington, this conflict evolved into what is also known as the Seven Years War. France started out successfully in the war, however later on the British gained advantage through improved leadership and strategy and successfully won the war. It was the last time the French Flag flew in Canada. -
The Proclamation of 1763
The Proclamation of 1763 was installed by the British government to control the westward expanision of its colonists. The British did not want the colonists to move any farther out into the country, not out of oppression, but because they wanted to avoid further conflicts with the Natives of the land. However, this angered the colonists; they felt the King was doing this to keep them closer to the Alantic coast line so they could be more easily controled by the British. -
Sugar Act
Also known as the American Revenue Act of 1764. The act stated that colonists could export many items, including iron, lumber, and whalebone, only if they passed through British ports first. Colonists smuggled, even though the British used the navy to heavily enforce the act. Britain hoped that by stopping in British ports first, colonists would be influenced to trade there as well, and stimulate their economy. They lowered the tax from 3 pence to 1 penny to get colonists to pay it. -
Stamp Act
This act required paper for legal documents, almanacs, diplomas, playing cards, etc, be stamped to prove taxes had been paid on them. The money collected via this tax was used to pay the British soldiers who protected the colonists. This was the first time taxes affected the colonists directly. Shop keepers agreed not to sell British goods, which the Sons of Liberty made sure of. Repealed due to nonimportation agreements -
Stamp Act Congress
The Stamp Act Congress came together in New York City, with nine colonies being respresented. A Declaratioin of Rights and Grievances was formed. This was a document stating that the colonists wanted their own assemblies for taxation, and they critisized the use of vice admiralty courts. However, there was s till a pledge of loyalty as part of the Declaration. -
Declaratory Act
The Stamp Act is repealed, and the Declaratory Act gets passed! This act stated Parliaments right to rule the colonies and make decisions via virtual representation. Parliament stated that it would make decisions for all British colonies based on what it thought was best. The Declaratory Act rejected colonists desires that only colonial representatives could impose taxation. -
Townshend Acts
The Townshend Acts were primarily taxes placed on glass, paint, oil, lead, paper, and tea. The taxation on tea made the colonists the most angry, because they drank tea everyday, and felt it was ridiculous to be taxed. Colonists frequently made their way around the acts, however, by smuggling their goods. It also included the Quartering Act, and the installment of admiralty courts, made in Boston, Philidelphia, and Charlestown. -
British Troops Stationed in Boston
Two regiments of British troops were stationed in Boston to enforce the Townshend acts. However, the local residents of Boston resented the troops, especially because the troops could take up residency in vacant homes, inns, and other buildings (a requirement of the Townshend Acts). The troops were removed from Boston after the Boston Massacre. -
Boston Massacre
A Summary of the Boston Massacre.
In the picture shown to the left, Paul Revere engraved an inaccurate scene of the Boston Massacre.
Reasons it is inaccurate:
- The troops are lined up; Truth: it was a confusing skirmish.
- Colonists are without arms; Truth: colonists had knives, clubs, and rocks as weapons, as well as their own hands.
- Only white colonists attatcked; Truth: Crispus Attucks, a black sailor, was killed. -
Townshend Acts Repealed (Except Tea Tax!)
In 1770, Lord Fredrick North had the Townshend Acts repealed. All but the taxes on tea were repealed, because the British didn't want to seem weak. They wanted the colonist's to know that the British still had control and power over them, so they kept the taxes on the item that would affect the colonists the most. -
Boston Tea Party
Liberty's Kids! Start watching at 4:41
The Boston Tea party was a ludicrous act commited by Bostonians in 1773. Colonists dressed up as Mohawk Indians, went aboard British ships stocked with tea, and dumped the tea into the Boston Harbor, especially to show they were not going to allow Britain to tax them without representation. -
"Intolerable Acts"
As a result of the Boston Tea Party, Parliament reacted quickly and installed the Intolerable Acts
-Boston Port Act: 3/31/1774
-Administration of Justice Act: 5/20/1774
-Massachusettes Government Act: 5/20/1774
-Quartering Act: 6/2/1774
-Quebec Act: 6/22/1774 -
Quartering Act
Origianally passed in 1765, Parliament passed this version as part of the Intolerable Acts. Originally, the act stated that British soldiers could occupy any vacant residency they chose. The amended version of the Act (1774 version) stated that soldiers could also occupy homes that were being lived in. -
Quebec Act
The Quebec Act was created to give the French people in Canada better rights. It included:
- A new governor and council for control over the affairs in Quebec
- French Civil code was used in general, but the British law would be used for judicial instances.
- Members of the Roman Catholic Church were made elligible for public office if they swore an oath of loyalty to Britain.
- Quebec's borders were extended south (as shown in the map) to the Ohio R. and west of the Mississippi R. -
First Continental Congress
At this first Congress, with 12/13 colonies present, the colonists were not yet talking about independence from Britain, but rather the good and bad things Britain had done to them. They spoke of creating an American Parliament to work along with Britain, the Declaration of Rights and Grievances (American complaints to King George III). They also planned to meet the next spring, also known as the Second Continental Congress. -
Battle of Concord
In the Picture: The American militiamen met the British along the way from the American's hilltop retreat outside of Concord. On the bridge at first, the American's didn't think the British would fire. But they fired, broke ranks, and a quick skirmish took place. Then everyone went retreated to their respective sides, waiting for reinforcements. -
Battle of Lexington
The Shot Heard Around the World; Shot at Lexington!
The battles at Lexington and Concord were the battles to begin the American Revolutionary war!!!! -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress '
The Second Continental Congress appointed five men to draft a Declaration of Independence. They are pictured here: Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Robert R. Livingston and Roger Sherman. Congress passed the Olive Branch Petition to let Britain know they were loyal, but didn't like the way they were being treated. They wanted to resolve conflict with the King. -
Thomas Pain publishes "Common Sense"
Get your copy today, and BRING BACK THE PAINE!
This pamphlet, in plain English, rallied the American colonists to ban together for independence from the British. It was inspirational to the colonists and converted many to become Patriots. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
One of the most morally boosting and important battles for the colonists, the battle is falsely named, actually occurring at Breed's Hill, overlooking Boston. British Gen. Howe took his soldiers from the bottom of the hill and tried to fight their way up. However, the colonists had the advantage, and the British suffered heavy losses. This battle gave the colonists confidence that they could beat the British, and was a source of inspiration for the many battles of the Revolutionary War to come. -
