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The Stamp Act
Required Colonists to pay a tax on all paper products. Products included playing cards, writing parchment, or official documents. -
The Boston Massacre
A small skirmish between angry colonists in Boston resulted in 5 colonists dead. The colonists were angry and uncomfortable with the presence of the British soldiers in Boston. -
The Tea Act
The British have more tea than they know what to do with, so they pass the Tea Act, which states that colonists can only buy tea from the East India Company, but the colonists were not fooled by the small tax snuck into the tea. This event was the final straw and basically started the Revolutionary War. -
The Boston Tea Party
On the night of December 16, 1773, a group of angry colonists boarded a British vessal and dumped 342 crates of tea into the Boston Harbor. It sent a clear message to the British that the colonists would not tolerate the taxes the British were trying to make them pay. -
Intolerable Acts
Included the Quartering Acts, the Boston Port Act, the Massachusets Government Act, the Quebec Act, and the Administration of Justice Act. -
The Battle of Lexington & Concord
British soldiers attempt to seize an American stockpile of weapons but are intercepted by Militia Minutemen. After defeating the Minutemen, they advanced toward Concord, and were driven away by the colonists. -
U.S. Constitution adopted
Constitution ratifed by New Hampshire, and adopted as U.S. Plan of government. -
First Continental Congress
Issued the Declaration of Rights and Grievences. Planned to meet again in Philidelphia if things went wrong. -
The Second Continental Congress
Drafted the Declaration of Independence, which declared the colonists declaring independence from Great Britian. Also drafted the Olive Branch Petition, which was the final attempt for peace between Great Britian and the Colonists. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
American forces surrounded British forces encamped at Boston. The British eventually drove them away, but at a high price. The battle is an example of a phyyric victory, were the British won, but at a very high price where it doesent feel like a victory. -
Declaration of Independence adopted
Declaration of Independence adopted, printed, and read publically. -
Battle of Trenton
Washington's army's morale was low and he needed a significant victory. He crossed the Delaware and attacked Hessian forces at Trenton, New Jersey. It was a great victory, and many soldiers re-inlisted. It was the battle that saved Washingtons army. -
Battle of Saratoga
American General Horatio Gates seizes General Cornwallis's army at Saratoga NY. The battle convinces French and Spain to ally with the colonist and help with the war effort. It was the turning point in the American Revolution. -
Washington settles down at Valley Forge for the winter
Washington and his troops settle down for the winter to rebuild the army, and replenish supplies. It was a very hard winter, and many colonials died. -
American signs the French Alliance
The Alliance between France and the Patriots is now official. -
John Paul Jones
John Paul Jones, aboard the Bonhomme Richard, defeat the British war ship, the Serapis, in battle. This sparks the Patriot naval system. -
British capture Charleston, SC
After a seige of Charleston, General Benjamin Lincoln surrenders the city to the British. -
Mutiny of unpaided colonial soldiers.
A group of soldiers who were upset they were not getting paid were captured by General Washington. Washington ordered his own men to kill the three ringleaders in execution by firing squad. -
British defeat at Yorktown
Washington traps Cornwallis at Yorktown, and after days of bombardment, Cornwallis surrenders his army. Washington himself fires the first cannon of the bombardment. -
British surrender
British move all troops out of America, and recognize it as its own, independent nation. -
U.S. Constitution
U.S. Constituiton signed and sent out to be ratified by the colonies.
