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Age of Enlightenment
The Age of Enlightenment was an era of political, scientific, and philosophical advancement. This era would latter influence the American revolution, particularly John Locke and his conceptions of natural rights and conditional political rule. -
The Stamp Act
In order to rase money, the British parliament raised taxes on all publications in the American colonies. This was one of Britain first offences against the colonies. -
The Bloody Massacre
On the 15th of March a crowed gathered to taunt British solders. The British soldiers opened fire into the crowd. Three died and eight were wounded. This lead to outrage in the colonies. -
Boston Tea Party
American patriots dressed as native Americans boarded boats in Boston in protest of British taxes on tea and the monopoly of the British East Indian Trading Company. They threw 342 chest of tea into the Boston harbor causing nearly 18,000 British pounds in damages. -
The Intolerable Acts
In response to the Boston Tea Party, British parliament enacted 4 measures in a attempt to whip the colonies back into shape; the Boston Port Bill, the Massachusetts Government Act, the Administration of Justice Act, and the Quartering Act. -
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First Continental Congress meets.
The first continental congress was a meeting held by representatives from 12 of the 13 colonies. They discussed what to do as united colonies, particularly what to do about Great Britain. -
The Battles of Lexington and Concord
The first shots of the American Revolution. Lasted for two days. Paul Revere's ride took place during this time. -
The Battle of Bunker Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill was a major turning point in the American Revolution. While it was a victory for the British, they suffered many casualties and discovered that the Americans could fight for themselves. -
Thomas Paine's common Sense Published
Thomas Paine's common sense was a very influential text in the Americana revolution. Its main purpose was to persuade the American people to fight against the British. -
Declaration of Independence Adopted
The continental congress adopts the Declaration of Independence. Severing the colonies ties to great Britain. -
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Battle of Yorktown
The final major battle of the American revolution. The American and French troops force the British to surrender leading to the Treaty of Paris. -
Treaty of Paris Signed
After the crushing defeat at Yorktown the British realized reclaiming the American colonies would reacquire more money then they were willing to give. Leading to the Treaty of Paris officially ending the war nearly two years latter. -
Articles of Confederation Created
The Articles of Confederation were the 'proto-constitution' of the United States. Due to many issues with the articles the continental congress met to redesign them is summer of 1787. -
Constitution Is Ratified
The Declaration of Independence is officially excepted by the new United States of America. Replacing the previous Articles of Confederation. -
Bill of Rights Adopted
The first 10 amendments to the constitution. They ensure basic freedoms of the American people that we enjoy today, such as freedom of speech.