-
Sugar Act
The British Parliament taxed imported goods like sugar, molasses, and other products not from their producers so that American colonists would only buy from the British. I think this is one of the most important events leading up to the American Revolution because this was the first act that built up the tension between the colonists and the British as the colonists felt the taxes were unfair and made them feel controlled like they didn't have a voice, and weren't as important. -
Boston Massacre
British soldiers shot into a crowd of rowdy American colonists, killing 5 of them. This is important because this was a critical point where the built-up tension between the two sides blew up and turned deadly. -
Boston Tea Party
Patriots dressed as Mohawk Indians dumped hundreds of chests of tea belonging to the British East India Company into the Boston Harbor to protest the taxes they had previously made on tea and to fight against the supposed “monopoly” the company had. I think this is important because this is one of the first times the colonists had actually taken action against Britain rather than just verbally complaining, disagreeing and voicing their concerns, proving they were serious about independence. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
Was the first battle of the American Revolution in which the Massachusetts colonists defeated the Redcoats. This was an important victory as it was the first battle and set the stage as to how the rest of the revolution would go and proved that beating the colonists would be much easier said than done, humbling the British. -
Olive Branch Petition
Was a petition by the colonists sent to the British king as the last chance to make peace before actual war was declared. This is important because it shows that the colonists were passionate about becoming independent after Great Britain had constantly set limits on the freedom they had and this petition showcased the fact that the colonists were confident in their ability to become independent whether through peaceful means or not. -
Declaration of Independence
This is the day that Congress “adopted” the Declaration of Independence whose main purpose was “to explain the colonists' right to revolution” basically rationalizing why they wanted to and should separate themselves from Great Britain. This is an important part of the American revolution because now that Congress had put this declaration into writing for Britain to see it showed them that we would make this happen rather than it just being a possibility that kept being discussed and implied. -
Battle of Saratoga
A battle during the war fought in New York which was won by the Continental Army. It is often known as the “turning point” of the war as it lifted spirits and created more hope that we would win the war and gain independence from Great Britain. Furthermore, because of the win it convinced France to join and support us which helped weaken the British and strengthen our troops since France provided supplies, ammunition, naval support and more. -
Articles of Confederation
This is the day that the Articles of Confederation (essentially our first constitution) were adopted by the Continental Congress. This was significant because it laid out the expectations for our future country which was close to becoming ours. Additionally, it provided structure for the time being during this confusing and chaotic time. -
Battle of Yorktown
This was the final battle of the American Revolution that took place in Virginia where British General Charles Cornwallis surrendered. This was probably the most significant part of the war because this was the exact moment we had finally gained our independence. With this surrender the war was over meaning we had won and could now rule ourselves and not be under the rule of someone else by becoming our own country. -
Treaty of Paris (1783)
This day a document know as the Treaty of Paris of 1783 was signed which laid out the conditions for peace between the US and Great Britain. This is important because this was the day that the British officially recognized the US’s independence and freedom to become its own country.