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French and Indian War
The French and Indian War was the start of what is known as the Seven Years' War. This was a war between the French and Indian against the British. The war resulted in the victory of the British and gave them plenty of land along with debt. To pay off their debt, the British wanted the colonists to pay the expenses for the war. -
Townshend Act
The Townshend Act was an act passed by the British that began the tax on lead, paint, paper, glass, and tea from the British. This angered the colonists causing them to boycott British goods. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre took place on King Street in Boston. Colonists on the street threw snowballs and sticks at a group of British soldiers provoking them. They did this because they were upset with the previous acts that had just been placed. Someone in the crowd yelled "fire!" In the end, 5 colonists died. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The hilltops were believed to provide excellent strategic intelligence along with a good place for putting cannons. Colonists wanted to take over the hill and managed to take down the British twice. But, on the third advance the British managed to retake the hill. This battle resulted in the victory of the British although it caused them 1000 deaths. Although colonists didn't win, this battle gave them a boost of confidence. -
Battle of Lexington and Concord
The British came to Concord because they wanted colonists' weapons and supplies. The British also looked to arrest John Hancock and Samuel Adams as ordered from King George. The British and colonists ended up fighting in Lexington where the "shot heard around the world" was fired. This started the American War of Independence. -
Declaration of Independence
The events in 1775 caused colonists to want independence. The writing of the Declaration of Independence was influenced by John Locke's ideas of natural rights. It included equality, right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. -
Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga consisted of 2 battles, this was the turning point in the Revolutionary War. General Burogoyne surrendered over 6000 of his troops to the Americans. Later, returning back to England. The British lost the majority of the war but won due to German Hessian reinforcements. The British won the first battle but lost the second battle against Americans. -
Battle of Yorktown
French troops planned 17,000 soldiers against General Cornwallis at Yorktown. General Cornwallis started with 9,000 troops but surrendered some of his army to General Washington. The majority of General Cornwallis' men were unable to fight due to the disease Malaria. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris was signed on September 3, 1783. It ended the American Revolution. Therefore, making the United States officially become an independent nation.