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The French and Indian War
The French and Indian War was a conflict between Great Britain and the French also known as the Sevens Years War. It began in 1754 and ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1763. The war began due to a dispute over who had control over the Ohio River Valley. The war provided Great Britain with new territory in North America, however, they had to pay the war's expenses. As a result, the British government began to heavily tax the colonies. -
Proclamation of 1763
After the Seven Years War, the British government issued the Proclamation of 1763. This document banned the American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains. It separated the the British colonies American Indian lands. This angered the colonists because they felt that they should be able to live wherever they please. As a result, colonists defied the proclamation due to their desire for good farmland. -
Pontiac's Rebellion
Pontiac's Rebellion, also known as Pontiac's War, took place in 1763 and lasted until 1766. It was led by Chief Pontiac who led a group of American Indian tribes in an attack against the British after they expanded their military presence in the Great Lakes area during and after the French and Indian War. This war further led to the deterioration of the relationships between the American Colonies and Great Britain -
The Sugar Act
The Sugar Act was imposed by the British government in 1764. It attempted to restrain the smuggling of sugar and molasses in the colonies by reducing the previous tax rate and enforcing the collection of duties. This was the first tax on the American colonies from Parliament. The Sugar Act was eventually repealed in 1766 -
The Stamp Act
To pay off debts from the French and Indian War, the British placed the Stamp Act on the American colonies. The act imposed a tax on all paper documents in the colonies. The colonists resented these taxes and began forming groups such as the Sons of Liberty and protested against it claiming it was against their rights and liberty. Eventually it was nullified, due to the British merchants' complaints, however, it led to the Townshend Acts. -
The Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was a political protest carried out by the Sons of Liberty. They did this to show their anger towards the British government for imposing the Tea Act. They disguised themselves as Mohawks and dumped over 92,000 pounds of tea from the East India Company into the Boston harbor. This event angered the British government. -
Battle of Lexington and Concord
The Battle of Lexington and Concord was known to have "kicked off" the start of the Revolutionary War in April 1775. Also, it is known as the "Shot Heard Round the World." During this battle, the British went to Concord in search of weapons; however, they were forced to retreat by American colonists. The colonists followed them and shot from everywhere. -
Declaration of Independence is Adopted
The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776. It was written as a way of allowing the colonies to establish their own governments and be free from British rule. In addition, it describes the principles and rights the Founding Fathers wanted for their new country, some of which are still followed today. -
Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga, which took place in 1777, was known as a turning point in the Revolutionary War as it was important victory for the American Patriots. During this battle, British general, John Burgoyne, led the British soldiers to fight two battles in upstate New York. However, they lost the battles forcing the British to surrender. This event is also significant because it shows the strength in the American side. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris formally ended the Revolutionary War in 1783. It gave independence to the thirteen colonies and allowed Westward expansion. This doubled the size of the new country. The treaty was negotiated through Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and John Adams. It was officially ratified in January 1784.
