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French and Indian War
A war between France and Great Britain over which country had control over North America. Provided Britain with very large territorial gains in North America. -
Stamp Act
A British act to help pay for soldiers stationed in American colonies. Was what started colonial protest. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was the murder of five Boston colonists. Angered the colony, and triggered the series of events leading up to the beginning of the Revolutionary War. -
Boston Tea Party
American protest done by throwing chests of tea into the ocean. Was considered an act of treason by the British government, who responded harshly, which was one of the main events leading up to the war. -
Paul Revere
Paul Revere was the Messenger of the American Revolution. He carried news of the Boston Tea Party to New York. -
First Continental Congress
A meeting that declared that colonists should have the same rights as Englishmen. Was the governing body during the first two years of the American Revolution. -
"Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" Speech
Speech by Patrick Henry supporting the Revolutionary War. Caused the US military to begin operation. -
Battle of Lexington
One of the battles that marked the start of the Revolutionary War. This was a separate battle from the Battle of Concord. Convinced many Americans to take up arms. -
Battle of Concord
One of the battles that marked the start of the Revolutionary War. This was a separate battle from the Battle of Lexington. Convinced many Americans to take up arms. -
Second Continental Congress
Was the meeting of Delegates uniting in support of the American Revolution. Established Independence from Great Britain. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
Battle that proved that American militia could hold their own against British soldiers. Confirmed that war between America and Great Britain was inevitable. -
Thomas Jefferson
Wrote the Declaration of Independence, and was one of the Founding Fathers. The Signing of the Declaration was one of the most important events in the Revolutionary War, and in the history of the US. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was the summary of the colonists want for freedom. Severed the connections between the colonies and Britain. -
Battle of Saratoga
The American defeat of Great Britain. Helped secure foreign support. -
Articles of Confederation
The document that established the functions of the US government. Began the US government, starting with one branch of Congress. -
French Alliance
A document that formalized France's military and financial support of the American Government. Recognized the US as an independent nation. -
Benedict Arnold
Had been a hero in the war, but on this date betrayed America and is more famous as a traitor than for his previous heroism. He plotted to hand over the West Point military encampment to the British which probably slowed American efforts towards Independence. -
Battle of Yorktown
A three-week siege of which America had great losses. American victory directly led to the peace negotiations that gave America its independence. -
Treaty of Paris
Ended the Revolutionary War. Recognized US Independence and granted the US Western territory. -
US Constitution Signed
Was written in secret by Delegates. Established the US Government and is still in use today.