The Road to Revolution

Proclamation of 1763

Oct 7, 1763

This was issued by George III and it prohibited the colonists from settling beyond the Appalachian Mountains. This angered the colonists because they were being restricted by Britain. Many colonists did broke this rule and crossed the line anyway. "The several Nations...of Indians.... should not be molested."
- King George III

Sugar Act

Apr 5, 1764

Started the policy of ¨No taxation without representation.¨ Colonists used this policy throughout the next acts that were past and were starting to rebel against Britain more. "The passage of the Sugar Act set people a thinking, in six months, more than they had done in their whole lives before."
- James Otis

Stamp Act

Mar 22, 1765

This act taxed all printed items such as newspaper, legal documents, etc. and the money collected from this act was used to pay back the debt from the French & Indian War. This angered the colonists because they believed that Britain did not have the right to tax them. "They threatened to pull down and burn the Stamp Office building, and that they will hold every man infamous that shall presume to carry out the Stamp Act into execution.¨ -Archibald Hinshelwood

Quartering Act

May 3, 1765

This act made the colonists provide housing and food to British soldiers. The colonists were angry about this act because they did not see why they should help provide for their protection, and did not see the need for soldiers in their colonies. ¨"An act for punishing mutiny and desertion, and for the better payment of the army and their quarters.¨

Declaratory Act

Mar 18, 1766

This act was enacted after the Stamp Act was withdrawn. It stated that Parliament had the same authority over the colonies as they had over Great Britain. Since the colonists had no say in their taxes or laws, this act angered them greatly. "An act for the better securing the dependency of his majesty's dominions in America upon the crown and parliament of Great Britain." -Unknown

Townshend Act

Jun 15, 1767

This act placed taxes on lead, paint, glass, and paper imported to the colonies. The colonists were once again angered about being taxed without representation. ¨What a man has honestly acquired is absolutely his own, which he may freely give, but cannot be taken from him without his consent.¨ -Samuel Adams

Townshend Acts Repealed

Jul 2, 1767

Made the colonists believe that they had power over Britain, and could continue rebelling. ´Taxes are imposed upon the people without their consent´ -John Hancock

Boston Masscre

Mar 5, 1770

A fight between British soldiers and unarmed citizens that led to the death of 5 colonists.This made many colonists not want the British soldiers, and can be considered the first battle of the Revolutionary War. " I was soon informed by a townsman their intention was to carry off the soldier from his post and probably murder him."
- Thomas Preston

Tea Act

May 10, 1773

The Tea Act placed a monopoly on the major product of tea, and led to many rebellions like the Boston Tea Party. Many colonists thought that this was not fair and made them believe that Parliament only cared about the citizens in Britain. "That it is the Duty of every American to oppose this Attempt."
- Unknown

Boston Tea Party

Dec 16, 1773

This was the start of violent acts of rebellion against Britain. On this day, the Son of Liberty, dressed as Indians, hijacked British ships and dumped tea into the harbor. As punishment, Parliament passed the Intolerable Acts. " Nothing but equal LIberty....can secure the attachments of the Colonies to Britain."
-John Adams

Intolerable/Corceive Acts

Mar 24, 1774

These acts were created in response of the Boston Tea Party. They included the closing of the Boston Port, and put taxes on tea. This angered the colonists because they thought it violated their liberties.
"Wherein it appears that we have been tried and condemned, and are to be punished, by the shutting up of the harbor and other marks of revenge, until we shall disgrace ourselves by servilely yielding up," - Samuel Adams

First Meeting of Continental Congress

Sep 5, 1774

This was the first form of unity between the 13 colonies against Britain. It was a form of colonial government that helped the colonists become more independent. "We have several times promised to treat our readers with a correct copy of this venerable manuscript."

The Association

Oct 20, 1774

This was created by the First Continental Congress. It called for the complete boycott of all British goods. "And we do further agree and resolve, that we will have no trade, commerce, dealings or intercourse whatsoever, with any colony or province, in North-America." -From the Continental Association

Common Sense

Jan 9, 1776

This was written by Thomas Paine who was a radical. He was known as the Father of the American Revolution. Common Sense spread revolutionary ideas throughout the colonists, which helped fuel the revolution. ¨Under our present denomination of British subjects, we can neither be received nor heard abroad; the custom of all Courts is against us, and will be so, until by an independence we take rank with other nations.¨ -Thomas Paine

Declaration of Independence

Jul 4, 1776

This document justified the rights of the colonists and made it clear that the thirteen colonies did not want to be a part of Great Britain anymore. ´¨The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands´ -From the Declaration of Independence