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The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment was a period of time spanning most of the 18th century. This time was a time of philisophical observation especially concerning government. [5] The Enlightenment started the questioning of government, but was not largely a factor of forming the constitution, but the philosophy of the time influenced the philosophy of the constitution. -
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Road to The Revolution
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French and Indian War
The French and Indian War was a war of the French, who allied with the Natives, against the Colonists and the British troops in America. [1] Although this event led up to the taxation, which in turn influenced independence, it was not direcly correlated to the decision to declare indepenence. -
Proclamation Line of 1763
The Proclamation Line of 1763 was established after the French and Indian War. The line was created to prevent the colonies from spreading further into Native lands. It was not very successful. [5] This event was one of the acts that the American colonists didn't like, but it was one they tended to ignore. -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was a tax set on every item mailed or exchanged in the Colonies. Any such item would require a stamp on it that would need to be purchased elsewhere. [7] This act was one of the many acts of Britain that set Americans off. This tax applied to everything and was rediculous. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was when boycotting colonists fought with British troops. Some colonists died. [8] This event was a clear representation of British atrocity, and the Sons of Liberty used it as thus. -
Tea Act
The Tea Act introduced a hefty tax on tea in the Colonies. [7] This was another of the many rediculous taxes on American colonists. These taxes where some of the crucial events that led to revolution. -
Boston Tea Party
The Sons of Liberty threw british tea imports into the Boston Harbor. [5] This is an example of how America was revolting against the British, but it was not a cause of the seperation. -
Intolerable Acts
The Intolerable Acts were a direct punishment for the colonists actions against British taxation. The Acts consisted of no right to jury, quartering of British soldiers, and a blockade of the Boston harbor. [9] This event was the most rediculous of the Acts declared by Britain. -
First Continental Congress
The first Continental Congress consisted of 12 colonial delegates who met in Philadelphia to discuss and take action against the Intolerable Acts. [6] This congress was important in finally declaring independence because the colonies talked about the Intolerable Acts and what they should do about it. -
Lexington And Concord
This event was the first battle of the revolution. When British troops tried to destroy American military supplies, American forces attacked them.The British troops managed to escape. [8] This battle marked the beginning of efforts to free American Colonists from British rule. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress was held to discuss the battles in Massachusetts and the issue of independence. They eventially decided to support independence and helped set up a committee to start writing a declaration. [5] This was a key process in revolution, but not a major influence in the decision to become independent. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration was written to portray the feelings of Colonial America concerning British rule. It states what a government should be; it also states the failures of the British government concerning the Colonies. The Declaration is also a notice to the British that the Colonies will no longer be governed by British rulers.
