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The French and Indian War
The French and Indian war was one of a series of wars between the British and the French starting in the 1600's. This is important because the british got most of the land in North America so they started taxing the colonists to pay for the war. -
The Stamp Act
The British taxed all sugar bought from the French or the Spanish. The British then created the Stamp Act, requiring all newspapers and legal documents to carry a stamp purchased from the British. This was important because the taxes angered the colonists so they forced the British to eliminate the Stamp Act -
The Gaspee Affair
The Gaspee was a British Royal Navy ship assigned to customs duty. Gaspee was chasing a merchant ship believed to be smuggling goods. A group of men led by John Brown, a wealthy merchant from Providence, boarded the ship, wounded the lieutenant who was commanding the ship and set it on fire. The British were furious and overreacted by trying to take more control of the colonies. This is important because this sparked a wave of patriotism that led to the Revolution itself. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
Paul Revere, William Dawes, and Dr. Samuel Prescott rode to warn the people that the British were coming. They were waiting across the Boston Harbor to attack. This was important because it was the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. -
Declaration of Independance
The Declaration of Independance was written by Thomas Jefferson, with the help of John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. Thomas Jefferson declared that governments were created to serve the people. This was important because it created the democratic government. -
The Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga was a major victory for the American forces. This was important because it was a turning point for the war. -
The France Alliance
The American colonies needed help to continue thier fight against Britain. Benjamin Franklin helped to create an alliance with France against their mutual enemy of Britain. They signed the Treaty of Alliance and the Treaty of Amity and Commerce. This was imprtant because it made America stronger so instead of them fighting as one strong country and one weak country, it was them fighting as equally strong countries. -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation was the first time someone wrote down what they wanted for the new government. They said how they wanted to handle things such as commerce, foriegn policy, and defense.. This was important because The Articles of Confederation created a new government for America. -
The Treaty Of Paris
The Treaty Of Paris officialy ended the revolution, and recognized The United States Of America as an independant nation. This was important because it officialy recognized American independance. -
Constututional Convention
The Constitutional Convention was a big meeting where they planned on fixing up the Articles of Confederation. What ended up being created instead was the Constitution of the United States of America. This was important because they created the government that we still use today!