-
French and Indian War
The French and Indian War was fought between France and Britain; this resulted in France’s possessions of North America being taken by Britain. -
Sugar Act
The British aimed to end smuggling and to increase revenues to fund British Empire responsibilities. The colonists proceeded to protest in order to not have to pay. -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was Britain’s first attempt of raising income from direct taxation from a wide variety of colonial transactions. This resulted in a protest by the colonists. -
Boston Massacre
A small British army detachment that was threatened by mob harassment opened fire and killed five people. The soldiers were later charged with murder and were given a trial; John Adams conducted a very good defense. -
Boston Tea Party
Colonists decided to protest against taxation of tea and the East India Company, so they snuck onto the ship and dumped around £10,000 worth of tea into the harbor. “No taxation without representation!” -
Intolerable Acts
In retaliation for the colonists’ resistance to British rules, Britain created four measures known as the Intolerable Acts. These four acts are the Boston Port Act, Massachusetts Government Act, Administration of Justice Act, and Quartering Act. These acts gave the colonists the justification for creating the First Continental Congress. -
First Continental Congress
In response to the Intolerable Acts, the First Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia. Fifty-six delegates represented every colony except for Georgia. -
Patrick Henry’s Speech
Since Patrick Henry was convinced that the war was inevitable, he defended resolutions for the militia fighting in a speech. “I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” -
Battle of Lexington and Concord
British force of 700 men met 77 local militiamen at Lexington Green. It is unclear who shot first, but eight Americans were left dead. At Concord, the British were met by hundreds of militiamen. They were forced to retire to Boston because they were outnumbered and running low of ammo. -
Thomas Paine’s Common Sense Was Published
In late 1775, it still looked like a civil war, but when Thomas Paine’s Common Sense was released, independence started spreading abruptly. This paved the way for the Declaration of Independence after selling more than any other publication. -
Declaration of Independence
After Congress recommended the colonies to start their own government, the Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson and revised in committee. It was adopted on July 4th.