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Zenger Trial
The Zenger Trial was a dilemma about Peter Zenger's writing of the Journal. The Journal was written to expose govenor Cosby of the fraud that he is. Cosby made a fixed jury so that Zenger would be found guilty of "seditious libels" but with Alexander Hamilton's inspiration, the jurors declared Zenger "not guilty." -
Seven Year's War Begins
French and Indian WarThis war was between Great Britain and France over control of the American colonies. Great Britain originally had colonies in New England which France was encroaching onto and trying to take hold of the fur trade. George Washington also led ambushes against the French militia. -
Albany Congress
Albany Congress
Continuing until July 11, meetings were held at City Hall to discuss the strategies for indian control. Some native groups were represented (like the Mowhawks) and Benjamin Franklin also came which brought together some important creators of America. -
Pontiac's Rebellion
Pontiac was the famous indian tribe leader that led this rebellion due to unsatisfactory conditions that the British made after the Seven Years War. The natives sided with French powers and fought agains the British but it eventually ended in the Royal Proclamation which divided territories. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris in 1763 caused France to lose Canada in favor of Great Britain and all claims to territory east of the Mississippi. This was a result of the Seven Year's War and was helpful for England's growing Empire. -
Sugar Act
The Sugar Act was a tax on sugar imposed on the colonies designed to benefit the British economy. This was strictly enforced and the British navy continued their customs enforcement. -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was a tax on all printed papers within the colonies. The colonists saw this as an attempt by England to control commerce within the colonies. -
Declaratory Act
The Declaratory Act claimed that the King had authority over the colonies and could make any law of sufficient force in order to bind the colonies under British rule. -
Repeal of Stamp Act
Repeal of Stamp Act
Benjamin Franklin went before the British House of Commons to express colonists concern with the Stamp Act. After the colonists had boycotted British goods for so long and used violence to protest the act, Parliament repealled the stamp act. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was a disaster between the British Troops and 5 colonists. What started as a protest against taxes later escalated into an abrupt shooting by the troops into the crowd. This further increased tensions between the colonies and Britain. -
Tea Act
The Tea Act was a tax imposed on the colonies by the British to tax tea. This was a way of showing dominance over the colonies and tried to help the East India Company to keep from floundering. Colonists were becoming infuriated with the King. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was a revolt against the British imposed tax on tea in the colonies. Colonists participated by throwing over $1 million worth of tea overboard and into the harbor. -
Intolerable Acts
The Intolerable Acts:
The Boston Port Act: port was closed until the lost tea was paid for to the East India Company.
Massachusetts Gov Act: to punish Boston, ability to self-govern was taken away and activities were limited.
Administration of Justice Act: Accused British officials could be taken to England for trial.
Quartering Act: colonists were required to house British soldiers if needed.
Quebec Act: Quebec borders were extended. -
First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress
The colonies presented were united in a determination to show a combined authority to Great Britain, but their aims were not uniform at all. Pennsylvania and New York wanted to resolve the dispute with Englad while other colonies either wanted to leave the union or defend their colonial rights. -
Lexington and Concord
The Battle of Lexington and Concord
British General Gage planned on taking Lexington and then Concord for gunpowder but this plan leaked to the Patriots. A series of horseback riders spread the word that "the British [were] coming" by sea to attack but they were stopped. -
Fort Ticonderoga
Fort Ticonderoga served as a major strategic advantage connecting Canada and the Hudson River Valley. A sneak attack on the British led by Benedict Arnold preceded the capture of the fort. This was the first American victory of the Revolutionary War. -
Second Continental Congress
Second Continental Congress
It was decided that a Continental Army would be created and that General George Washington would lead it who chose to serve without pay. Congress had even appointed a standing committee to conduct relations with foreign governments, should the need ever arise to ask for help. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill was actually fought at Breed's Hill. While the American Continental Army blockaded the British on the peninsula, the King's army fought back but lost many men. It is considered a British victory but so many men were lost it is hard to conclude such a statement. -
Olive Branch Petition
Olive Branch Petition
John Dickinson drafted the Olive Branch Petition, which was adopted by the Second Continental Congress and submitted to King George on July 8, 1775. It was made to assert the rights of the colonists while maintaining their loyalty to the British crown. King George refused to read the petition. -
Common Sense
This pamphlet written anonymously by Thomas Paine was written to describe the need for American independence. It placed the blame of the colonies' hardships on the British crown and became an immediate best-seller. It is mentioned in the Declaration of Independence. -
Virginia Declaration of Rights
The Virginia Declaration was drawn upon by Thomas Jefferson for the opening paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence. This basically became the Bill of rights. George Mason actually wrote the document. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was drafted by Thomas Jefferson and was written to express the common thought of American colonists and the pain they felt under the opression of the King. This document voiced the concerns and declared that the colonies would no longer be subject to the rule of the British. -
Battle of Long Island
The Battle at Long Island was dominated by British General Howe's army. They surprised General Washington with a surprise attack and eventually caused him to retreat back to Manhattan. Had the American troops not retreated and the British attacked, the colonies would have most likely lost the war. -
Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga was the turning point in the Revolutionary War and was a major American victory. General John Burgoyne surrendered his army of 7,000 men to the Continental Army and fueled speculation of whether the French should join the American side against the British. -
Valley Forge
There was no battle at Valley Forge but it was the turning point for the Continental Army. After enduring six months of grueling weather, disease, and hardly any supplies, the troops banded together and became even stronger which carried them through the Revolutionary War. At some point even General Washington admitted that "If the army does not get help soon, in all likelihood it will disband." -
Ratification of Articles of Confederation
The Articles announced the first semi-formal American government after winning the Revolutionary War. The contents of the articles were fought over for about 16 months and then all states voted on the winner. -
Battle of Yorktown
The Battle of Yorktown in Virginia ended with General Cornwallis surrendering to the colonies. This was a drastic event because it was the end to the war and gained the independence of the colonies. Clinton's relief never reached Cornwallis' army so he had no other choice but to surrender. -
Treaty of Paris
Two crucial provisions of the treaty were: British recognition of U.S. independence, and the delineation of boundaries that would allow for American western expansion. This peace treaty ended the American Revolution which really turned into somewhat of a world war since so many countries were involved with it. -
Land Ordinance
Land Ordinance
This was a way to distribute land properly to each of the states and even to some indian tribes. Geographers from each state that were elected by congress went and mapped out the land after taking an oath to promise good results. -
Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom
The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom became a major act in that more religion was tolerated. Led by Presbyterians and others during the Revolutionary War, The Church of England was disestablished here and this was passed thanks to James Madison. -
Northwest Ordinance
The Northwest Ordinance
This was one of the most important achievements by the American congress since the land above the Ohio River and east of the Mississippi would be settled. This aroused the idea of westward expansion and got the colonies exploring. -
George Washington Inauguration
George Washington was inaugurated in New York City by a unanimous vote of the electoral college. John Adams was his vice president since he had the second highest number of votes.
