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The Sugar Act
The Sugar Act lowered the price of molasses in an attempt to stop smuggling. However, if a customs officer believed something to be contraband, it would be taken away even before the smuggler was convicted. This is important because the colonists thought this violated their right to trial. -
The Stamp Act
This act forced any printed paper goods to have a stamp on them proving the tax was paid. The colonists believed this to be a violation of their natural and political rights. This is important because it was the first tax directly placed on the colonists that interfered with daily lives. -
The Townshend Acts
The Townshend Acts taxed all imports to America, including tea, which angered colonists due to another tax being passed without their permission. They were also angered over the Writs of Assistance, which gave customs officials the right to search for taxable goods without a search warrant. This is important because it now forces all colonists to either pay more money to Britain or make their own goods. -
The Boston Masacre
A minor dispute broke out between Redcoats and Bostinians, who threw snowballs, stones, and sticks at them. Soon after, a mob forms in front of the customs house where the taxes are collected. Some people dare Redcoats to fire, which causes them to panic and kill five colonists. -
First Continental Congress
Each colony sent representatives to Philadelphia to figure out how to best oppose British policy or negotiate with Parliament. They sent the Virginia Declaration of Rights to King George and called upon the colonies to form militias. This is important as it was the first attempt at peace made by the colonies. -
Second Continental Congress
Because King George ignored the Virginia Declaration of Rights, the colonies met again to discuss how they should move forward. The congress ended with an official post office being made, treaties being made with Native Americans, and the congress acting as a governing body. The continental army was also made. This is important as this was one of the first major steps towards the colonies fight for independence. -
The Olive Branch Petition
The Olive Branch Petition was the colonies' last shot at peace with King George. The petition stated that the colonies would still be a part of England if the king would protect their rights and that the king would let the colonies rule themselves on most matters. King George rejected this and hired 30,000 German mercenaries. This is important as now there was no other way to earn independence other than fighting. -
Declaration of Independence
The colonists declare indeppendence from Britain in signing and ratifying the Declaration of Independence. This was an important event because once it was signed, there was no turning back; the fight for independence had begun. -
The Battle of Long Island
300,000 redcoats arrived in New York and drove out Washington and his patriots, forcing them to stay in Pennsylvania after they took New Jersey. The British leave New Jersey to be defended by the Hessians, while they guard New York. This is important because this was the first major battle of the American Revolution. -
Washington crosses the Delaware River
While the Hessians were celebrating and sleeping through Christmas, Washington had organized an attack on Trenton. Washington and the Continental Army surprise attacked the Hessians and took back New Jersey. This is important because it was the first major victory for the Patriots. -
The Battle of Saratoga
General William Howe, General John Burgoyne, and Lieutenant Colonel Barry St. Ledger had all planned to capture Albany and take the Hudson River. However, Howe had decided to stray away from his set path to meet with Burgoyne. Burgoyne eventually made it to Saratoga where he was met by American forces led by General Horacio Gates. Having no reinforcements or escape routes, Burgoyne surrendered to Gates. This is important as it was the first major victory of the American Revolutionary War. -
The Battle of Yorktown
The French had surrounded Chesapeake Bay making it impossible for British ships to come and rescue their soldiers. Washington and his men continued to fight the British with help from the French until they surrendered on October 19th, 1781. This is important as this was the battle that won the American Revolutionary War. -
Treaty of Paris
- The U.S. was a free and independent nation. though it had the potential to expand, its boundaries were now the Mississippi River, the southern border of Canada, and the northern border of Spanish Florida.
- Americans could fish the waters of British Canada.
- Debts would be repaid.
- Captured slaves would be returned.