-
Navigation Acts
The Navigation Acts caused less trade in the colonies because all imports and exports had to be done through England. Many colonists resented England because of this. It can be considered a cause of the American Revolution. -
Period: to
The American Revolution
-
French and Indian War Ends
The end of the French and Indian War, also known as the Seven Years' War, was marked by the signing of the Treaty of Paris. Ultimately, it is one cause of the American Revolution. -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was a tax on commercial and legal documents. These included diplomas, newspapers, and playing cards. The colonists were very upset, so the Stamp Act brought up several issues that needed to be addressed. These issues included who ruled the colonists, and who could make laws for the colonists. -
Boston Massacre
Tensions were high in the time leading up to the Boston Massacre. Eventually on March 5, 1770, a fight broke out between the colonists and British, and 5 people were killed. The Boston Massacre became the cause for some future rebellions in the American Revolution. -
Tea Act
The Tea Act allowed the British East India Tea Company to sell tea to America very cheap but still place taxes on it. Because of this, smuggling increased and the colonists continued to protest against "taxation without representation." The Tea Act was one cause of the Boston Tea Party. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was a protest in which the American colonists acted in defiance against the British. The colonists dumped 342 crates of tea into the Atlantic Ocean because they were upset that Britain kept imposing unfair taxes. This event was one way that the colonists showed Britain that they were not going to allow them to continue to tax them unfairly. -
Coercive/Intolerable Acts
In response to the Boston Tea Party, Britain passed the Coercive Acts. These acts included requirements to house troops on demand, judicial authority being moved to Britain, and the closure of Boston Harbor until the tea lost in the Boston Tea Party was paid for. The acts gave the colonists more reasons to push back against British ruling in America. -
First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress was in response to the Coercive/Intolerable Acts. There were 55 delegates from 12 colonies. In the First Continental Congress, a Declaration of Rights was established. -
Second Continental Congress
By the time of the Second Continental Congress, the American Revolution has already started. During this meeting, the Congress began to take leadership over the war effort. They also voted to create the Continental Army. George Washington was appointed as Commanding General. This meeting was very important for the events of the American Revolution. -
Lexington and Concord
British troops charged into Lexington and Concord to seize weapons and ammunition. Lexington and Concord is marked as the beginning to the American Revolution. -
Declaration of Independence Adopted
The Declaration of Independence was the first document made by the colonies establishing their independence. Thomas Jefferson is credited for writing the Declaration. It can be argued that the Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in US history. -
Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga was a turning point in the American Revolution. It was victory for the Continental Army against the Redcoats, and this helped persuade the French to help America. -
Winter at Valley Forge
Valley Forge was a crucial part of the Revolutionary War. The conditions were are extremely harsh and cold. By the end of the winter, the troops that emerged from military training at Valley Forge were well trained and confident of an American victory. -
Battle of Yorktown
The combined forces of the colonists and French defeated the British during the Battle of Yorktown when General Cornwallis surrendered. One third of the British army was killed. After this battle, Britain called for the end of the war against the colonies. -
US Constitution Written
May 25, 1787, was the start of the Constitutional Convention. The Constitutional Convention was from May 25, 1787 to September 17, 1787. During this time period, the Constitution was written and signed. The writing of the Constitution was a major part of US history. It is still in use to this day. -
US Constitution Adopted
The Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787. Unlike the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution provided a much stronger governing structure and is still in use to this day.
