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French and Indian War
War started by European rivalry and land conflict. The British and the French both wanted land west of the Appalachian Mountains. England didn't gain the upper hand until 1758. A new battle plan called for a significant troop surge, a naval blockade and an alliance with some Native American tribes. While the French lost the war, and lost territory as well, the British had spent a lot of money on the war. This caused them to be in debt, which is why they needed to tax the colonists. -
Proclamation of 1763
In 1763, England gained French territory east of Mississippi but they cut colonists off from moving westward to the Appalachian, in order to keep peace between Native Americans. Colonist were furious because they thought they deserved those lands in which they fought for, especially since the colonial lands were rapidly becoming more populated at this time. -
Stamp Act
In order to pay expenses from the French and Indian War, the British government placed a tax on the usage and production of stamps within mainland Britain and the Thirteen Colonies. The stamp tax did not affect the colonist economically; however, during the passing of this act, there was a lack representation or say for the Colonist point of view. The passing of this law and stripping the Colonist of their rights as Englishmen influenced the Colonist to have rash feelings towards the British. -
Boston Massacre
On March 5, 1770 A small group of 12-15 soldiers shot and killed 5 colonists in a large crowd on King Street in the Boston. This violent event led to more violent interactions between colonists and British. -
Boston Tea Party
A group of colonists boycotted a British import of tea in the Boston bay harbor. -
1.Intolerable Acts
The British Parliament passed the intolerable acts as punishment for the Boston Tea Party. The first act was the Boston Port Act which closed the ports in Boston. The second act was the Massachusetts Government Act, which dissolved the Massachusetts assembly. -
2.Intolerable Acts
The third act was the Administration of Justice Act which did not allow British soldiers to be tried in colonies, which meant they would probably not be charged with the crime. The fourth act was the quartering act, this act required the colonists to house British soldiers. These acts were ways to enforce British authority upon the Colonist. Ultimately, these acts increased tensions between the colonists and British crown. -
Thomas Paine's Common Sense
Published on January 15, 1776, this document written by Thomas Paine, a British, patriotic writer and philosopher, who believed in the enlightenment. Questioned Great Britain’s way of ruling the colonist, accused them of unjust government and oppressing the Colonist. This document ultimately caused a spark in colonist wanting to break free from Great Britain. This form of American Patriotism influenced the singing of the Declaration Independence on July 2, 1776. -
1.Washington crossing the Deleware
December of 1776, the British forced the Americans out New York through the battle of White Plains. Because of this loss, Washington and his men had to retreat back to U.S. territory and escape British capture. Washington’s only chance of survival was to cross the Delaware River to escape to New Jersey. At night, Washington and his men crossed the river under the surveillance of British troops. Washington was successful for crossing the river and that was a turning point of war for the Americans -
2. Washington Crossing the Delaware
he was able to escape death and take Trenton, New Jersey in December 26, 1776, which was a camp occupied by Hessians, an elite group of German mercenaries under British command. Washington used his wits to infer that during the morning of December 26, the Hessians would be drowsy and hungover from the night of Christmas. Thus, making the camo easy take because Washington and his men stayed up to prepare for the fight. -
3. Washington Crossing the Delaware
Following Trenton, were several American victories that boosted the confidence of people supporting the American war effort. These victories outlined by the Americans showed the world of their ability to outsmart their opponent and the creation of an effective military. -
1.Lafayette arrives in Philadelphia
July 27, 1777, Marquis De Lafayette, son of law to the King of France and a high ranking military official, left France without the king’s consent, to support the American War Effort against the british. When arriving in Philadelphia, Lafayette was welcomed by the continental congress and Colonist. Washington was relieved that an experienced commander was to support the Continental Army’s campaign, and so Lafayette immediately received a high ranking within the Continental Army. -
2. Lafayette arrives in Philadelphia
In February, 1779, after fighting on Washington’s side for roughly two years, Lafayette returned to France and was put under house arrest for eight days. Shortly, the King’s opinion changed, so him and Lafayette compromised. Lafayette's actions in America ultimately influenced foreign intervention and support (French Alliance) in the Americas, triggering a turning point of war for the Americans.
