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Proclamation of 1763 is Passed
This law prohibited Americans from going west of the Appalachians. This angered those who already had land there, and those who wanted to move there, because they would lose a great deal of money. Also, the Americans had fought for that land bravely, and now they had to give it up. -
Sugar Act
The Sugar Act put a tax on sugar and other items. This was the first act that started to make colonies want representation in Parilament, because they wanted a say in which taxes were raised. There was a famous saying the Americans shouted, "No taxation without representation." -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act enforced a tax on paper, and required that all paper, including magazines, newspapers, playing cards, legal documents, and more have a stamp, which symbolized that the tax had been payed. The colonists were very frustrated, and even made a Stamp Act Congress to oppose the Act. -
Quartering Act Passed
This ruled that colonists must provide supplies and housing for the British troops that had occupied their country. They are consequently angry because they do not even want the troops here in the first place. -
Townshend Acts
Taxes on glass, lead, paint, paper, and tea were put in place. The colonists were very angry, and the British responded by sending mroe British troops to control the citizens. -
The Boston Massacre
Five American colonists were shot by British troops. This made Americans even more uncomfortable with British troops occupying their country, because the British began to shoot, whent he colonists were unarmed. -
Boston Tea Party
Frustrated with the taxes on tea, the Sons of Liberty, a group of Patriots, disguised themselves as Native Americans and boarded British ships. They went as far as dumping 342 crates of tea from the ship, into the Boston Harbor. This sparked extreme anger from the British, and the British created a new set of laws aimed to punish the colonists. In return, the Americans boycotted Englsih tea. -
Congress Bans British Goods
This is a protest against the Coercive Acts, and it bans all imports and exports from and to England, excluding the exportation of rice. It was created by the Continental Congress. -
Paul Revere's Ride
Paul Revere was an American Colonist who wanted freedom. He was made famous by a poem written about his Midnight Ride, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Revere was a rider who carried news. April 18th, he was instructed by Dr. Joseph Warren to go to Lexington. Paul had to warn Samual Adams and John Hancock that the British were coming to arrest them. Eventually, all three were captured by the British, but were later released. -
Concord
After being defeated at Lexington, the Americans were determined to win the battle at Concord. They arrived there before the British, and then bombarded the Redcoats, attacking from all sides. They killed 73 British soldiers, and were quite successful. The Americans continued to shoot from hiding spots as the British retreated. The British thought that this tactic was one that proved the Americans' weakness, but the Americans did not care, because they had won the battle. -
Lexington
In the Battle at Lexington, the British planned to capture Samuel Adams and John Hancock. With the help of Paul Revere, they found this out beforehand and were able to prepare. When the British soldiers arrived, they were surprised to see English militia and minutemen. Then, a shot was fired. It is known as "the shot heard around the world." because it created a lot of controversy due to the fact that no one knew who shot it. The British defeated the Americans. -
Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys Sieze Fort Ticonderoga
The Green Mountain Boys and Ethan Allen were ont ehir way to capture Fort Toconderoga, and they met Benedict Arnold on the way, who also wanted to lead. The two decided to lead the armies together. When they got there, the British military was sleeping, and the victory was an easy one. -
Second Continental Congress Meeting
The Second Contintntal Congress meets in Philadelphia. It includes a delegate from each of the 13 colonies. They discuss how they should handle the situation America was in with the British. It was decided that a Continental Army would be formed to make sure that they had an available source of defense. -
George Washington Named Commander in Chief
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Battle of Bunker Hill
General Howe and General Gage led the British Armies. They planeed to attack the Americans, who had build a fort at Breed's Hill in preperation, where the British ended up attacking. The Americans fought from Bunker Hill, being too unexperienced to move up closer to the British. After multiple attacks, the Americans lost the battle. Afterwards, the British took over Breed's Hill and Bunker Hill. A monument was made in memory. -
Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" Published
This article, at first published anonymously, challenged British authorities, and encouraged Americans that they had to take a stand. not only that, but it provided multiple reasons as to why America had to stop them, and help the war effort. -
British Leave Boston
The British armies leave Boston after George Washington places cannons and fortifications on Dorchester Heights. They sail to Nova Scotia. This made the colonists happy that the occupation of the city by British Armies was over. For this victory, George Washingotn was awarded a medal by the Continental Congress. -
Declaration of Independence Adopted
The Decleration of Independence is adopted. It was written by Thomas Jefferson, and approved by Congress. The Declaration said that the Americans were independent from England. This was powerful, and many people's lives were at risk because of this. By approving this, the Americans were practically declaring war. If they won, it'd be a great victory, but if they lost, the Decleration of Independence would be used against them. -
Decleration of Independence Signed
There were 56 people who signed the Decleration of Independence. By doing this, they knew they would be a target for the British, but they did it for their country. -
Battle of Brooklyn
The British trap the Americans in Brooklyn, and Washington holds out until night time. At night, he is defeawted and they retreat. -
The British Occupy New York
Many British Troops enter New York under General Howe. -
Battle of Harlem Heights
The Americans had been almost driven out of New York, but they were fighting strongly in this battle, until The British got more troops, forcing General Washington to retreat with his men, being greatly outnumbered. About 70 Americans were killed, and about the same amount of British. -
Washington Captures Trenton
The American Army crosses the Delaware River on Christmas night to Trenton, New Jersey. They easily defeated the British who were drunk and surprised. This victory helped them get the supplies they needed to continue fighting. -
Princeton Captured by Washington
After capturing Trenton the Americans went on to Princeton were -
Winter Encampment
After the victories, Washington chooses Morristown, New Jersey, for camping in until the winter passed. It was a good locatoin because it was close enough to New York so that the troops were close by if they were needed, but still protected by mountains and swamps. -
Flag Resolution
Betsy Ross was credited with sewing the first flag from a pencil sketch drawn by George Washington, but there is no real evidence to support this. -
Fort Ticonderoga Surrendered
St. Clair surrenders Fort Ticonderoga to the British, who now have control of it. -
Marquis de Lafayette Arrives
He was a French officer who fought bravely for the Americans, at age 19. He was close with George Washington, and he wanted freedom. He fouht well in multiple battles such as The Battle of Brandywine. Also, he participated in the Continental Congress. On this day, he arrived in Philadelphia. -
The Battle of Brandywine
In this battle, teh Americans, under George Washington, attempted to prevent the British from reaching Philadelphia. The British were under William Howe and Charles Cornwallis. Unfortunately, the Americans were outnumbered by 18,000 British troops opposing 11,000 American troops. The Americans lost this battle. -
Paoli Massacre
On this day, British stormed into American encampments and killed about 400 Americans, wounding even more. The British had bayonets, and the Americans could not fight back well due to only being equipped with muskets, which took a long time to load and fire. -
British Occupy Philadelphia
Under General Howe, the British occupy Philadelphia. -
Battle of Germantown
The British camped in Germantown, and the Americans planned an attack to come from all directions. When carried out, it caused more American casualtiers than British, because the Americans tried to capture a house that had British soldiers living in it. This house is pictured on the left. Still, George Washington considered it a victory. -
Burgoyne Surrenders at Saratoga, NY
Burgoyne surrenders to the American General Gates. Burgoyne's portrait is shown on the left. -
Fort Mifflin Capture
The British recapture Fort Mifflin in Pennsylvania. -
Americans Settle for Winter
The Americans settle in Valley Forge for the Winter. The harsh, cold winter here was especially cruel to the Americans, who were low on supplies including weapons, food, and clothing. -
Baron von Steuben Arrives
Baron von Steuben was a Prussian soldier who came to teach the Americans how to be better fighters and helped them improve camp sanitation. The exact date of his arrival is unknown, but he arrived sometime in the Winter of 1778. -
French Alliance
On February 6th, the treaty was finalised in Paris. On May 4th, it was approved by the Continental Congress. The treaty said that the French would join sides with the Americans. The reason for this was that the French greatly wanted to see the British lose, and tey wanted to help the Americans. The Americans were very greatful, because the French had good troops, and their help would be useful. -
New British General
British General William Howe is replaced by Henry Clinton. Clinton was a good commander and served when Howe resigned. -
Battle of Barren Hill
The British try to trap Continentals who were defending Valley Forge. Marwuis de Lafayette was leading the Americans and was able to escape the British. -
Battle of Monmouth
The Americans were under George Washington and the British were under Sir Henry Clinton. The Americans were trying to slow down the British and stop them from advancing, but the heat was unbearable. At theis battle, Molly Pitcher became famous for helping the Americans by bringing them water. The heat became unbearable, and the Americans slipped away at night. -
Fairfield Burned
Fairfield, Connecticut is burned by the British. -
Norwalk, CT Burned
The British burn Norwalk, CT. -
The Tappan Massacre
The Americans are attacked by many British, and are greatly outnumbered. The British then disposed of the Americans in a vast grave. -
Attempted Capture of Savannah
A French-American force tries to capture Savannah, Georgia from the British, commanded by General Benjamin Lincoln. Many Americans and French died. -
Articles of Confederation Adopted
The Articles of Confederation outlined how government would run after the Revolutionary War. It was difficult because 9 out of 13 colonies had to agree. -
Battle by Guilford Courthouse
The British win this battle, but it weakens their troops in the south, so General Cornwalis abandons North and South Carolina to march to Virginia. The British won, but the Americans were able to gain more power. -
British Capture Charleston, SC
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Augusta, Georgia Recaptured
The Americans recapture Augusta in Georgia. -
French Troops Arrive
More French troops arrive to help the Americans. They get to American at Newport, RI. -
Chesepeake Bay
A French fleet pushes the British navy forces out of Chesepeake Bay. -
Cornwallis Surrenders
In Yorktown, Virginia, Cornwallis is surrounded by French and Americans on land and sea. Seeing no way out, he is forced to surrender. On teh right is a picture of Cornwallis, the British General. -
Lord North's Resignation
Lord North, the British Prime Minister, resigns from his position. -
British leave Savannah
The British evacuate Savannah, Georgia. -
Article of Peace
On this day, the Britisdh signed the Article of Peace. It was a sort of agreement between teh British and the Americans. -
British leave Charleston, SC
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Preliminary Peace Treaty
On this day, the treaty was ratified by Congress. It outlined American boundaries, independence, and rights. -
Treaty of Paris
This was the treaty that officially ended the Revolutionary War. It was signed by John Jay, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams. The treaty stated that America would be independant from England. Also, it gave America new borders. Both countries, Britain and America, agreed to pay each other the deb they owed. On the other hand, it required that America allow the British soldiers to go back to Britain, and that America would not punish Loyalists. -
George Washington Resigns
George Washingron resigns from his position as Commander. -
The Constitution Was Ratified
The Constitution explained the form of government, and the government we have in the present is largely based on this document. In fact, it is the oldest set of laws still in use today in America. It outlines how the three branches of the government run.
