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The Stamp Act
The Stamp Act, the first direct tax put on the American colonists by the British was a tax on essentially all printed materials such as newspapers and legal documents. This angered the colonists and caused them to make a rallying cry against the British known as "no taxation without representation". -
The Boston Massacre
The townspeople provoked the redcoats into shooting. They harassed the red coats and it ended up with people having to go to court explaining what had happened. -
The Boston Tea Party
In a protest against the Tea Act, a tax on all tea imposed by the British, the Sons of Liberty dumped 342 chests of tea into the Boston harbor. This outraged the British, causing them to impose even stricter rules on the colonies. -
The Intolerable Acts
After the Boston Tea Party, the British imposed laws to punish the colonists known as the Intolerable Acts. The laws consisted of closing Boston Harbor and reducing Massachusetts self-governance which only fueled the colonist's resistance more. -
The First Continental Congress
Delegates from 12 colonies gathered to the grievances of the British and organized a response to them. they decided they would boycott British goods, this marked the beginning of an organized colonial effort for independence. -
The Battle of Lexington and Concord
The first battle of the Revolutionary War where British troops and colonial militias engaged in armed conflict. 8 colonists died which ended up becoming known as “the shot heard ‘round the world”. -
The Battle of Saratoga
A crucial victory in battle for the American colonies which convinced the French to help them in their revolution. France’s support significantly boosted the power of the colonial army, giving them a big advantage. -
The Declaration of Independence
A document largely authored by Thomas Jefferson and formally approved by the Continental Congress. It was an announcement of the colonies’ independence from Britain and setting the foundation for a new nation. -
Winter at Valley Forge
George Washington’s troop endured an extremely tough winter at Valley Forge where nearly 2000 men died. The surviving soldiers emerged more disciplined and stronger than ever, making them better prepared to face the British. -
Battle of Yorktown
General Washington and French general Rochambeau trapped British forces within Yorktown, cutting off any escape or reinforcements. this forced British General Cornwallis to give up 7,000 troops, marking this as the final major battle of the American Revolutionary War.