Road to Revolution by Ethan Gagnon

French and Indian War

1754

The was was between British America and New France and was known as the "Seven Year" war. This war gave Great Britain large amounts of territory in North America. However, this led to disputes over frontier policy. It also led to a conflict over paying for the war's debt and ended in 1763 with the Treaty of Paris.

Sugar Act

Apr 5, 1764

This was a tax placed on sugar. This would wipe out colonial trade with the Spanish and French, with the hopes of reducing smuggling. The Sugar Act was repealed in 1765 and ended with the issue of the "Writs of Assistance:.

Townshend Acts

Jun 16, 1766

These acts were implemented to raise revenue. This placed taxes on imported goods like: tea, paper, glass, and paint. The Americans felt these were unacceptable and all were repealed except the tax on tea.

Boston Massacre

Mar 5, 1770

This was the first clash between Americans and the British. A crowd of 50-60 colonials(men and boys) gathered on Boston Common to taunt British soldiers. The Colonists threw sticks and snowballs, the British soldiers panicked and open fired on the crowd killing 5 men. This became a symbol of British force and tyranny.

Boston Tea Party

Dec 16, 1773

British East India Company granted a monopoly on tea. Closed Boston Harbor claiming no ships could leave unless tea was unloaded. Colonists boarded the ships dressed as Mohawk Indians and dumped 342 chests of tea into the harbor. This was seen as an act of violent injustice.

Intolerable Acts

1774

These acts were put in place as a result of the Boston Tea Party. British wanted swift punishment and adopted the following acts: Boston Port Act(March 31st), Justice Act(May 20th), Mass. Government Act(May 20th), 2nd Quartering Act(June 2nd), and the Quebec Act(June 22nd). All were punishment for the tea party except the Quebec Act.

2nd Continental Congress

May 10, 1775

This group assumed powers of a central government and took steps to reconcile and to become independent from Britain. They asked the colonies for supplies and troops for the war. George Washington was the Commander in Chief of the 2nd Continental Congress.