Revolution timeline

  • French and Indian War

    French and Indian War
    The French and Indian war lasted for nine years between the French and British. The war was fought because French forts were built along the Ohio river, when the english colonies wanted to expand.The war ended with the signing of the treaty of Paris which was signed by the French king ultimately ending the revolutionary war.
  • Proclamation of 1763

    Proclamation of 1763
    This forbid 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

    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

    Stamp Act
    Stamps were required for legal documents, newspapers ect. 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

    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.
  • Boston Tea Party

    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 apart 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 over-board when they were imported.
  • Intolerable Acts

    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.
  • Declaration of Independence

    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.
  • Battle of Bunker Hill

    Battle of 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.
  • Battle of lexington and Concord

    Battle of lexington and Concord
    This was the battle that signaled the start of the revolution, also know 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.
  • Publication of Common Sense

    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.
  • Battle of Trenton

    Battle of Trenton
    Small battle after George Washington discretely crossed into Pennsylvania. They surprised the Hessian army and ultimately defeated them. This battle was the inspiration for the continental army.
  • Battle of Saratoga

    Battle of 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

    Valley Forge
    Since it was winter George Washington had his soldiers camp in Pennsylvania, causing many to die because of the harsh weathers. 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.
  • Battle of Cowpens

    Battle of 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.
  • Battle of Yorktown

    Battle of 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

    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.