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N.Y. Slave Revolt
In 1712 in New York City 12 enslaved Africans revolted. The city contained many slaves, so many were already worried about a revolt. The slaves started fires, and killed the people who tried to put out the flames. The militia were sent to end the rebellion, and captured 27 enslaved people. This led the city to pass a citywide black code, which limited free and enslaved African Americans' rights. This revolt inspired many more in later years. -
Eliza Pinckney Is Born
South Carolinian Elizabeth Lucas Pinckney was a woman who showed females had more than just a role inside the home. She managed her fathers three plantations, fascinated with growing Indigo. She married Charles Pinckney, and once he died she inherited his land as well. She successfully managed all of the plantations, and proved women were destined for more. -
The Great Awakening Begins
In the 1730s the Great Awakening began in America. This was due to Enlightenment ideas circulating throughout the colonies. The Great Awakening largely affected religion. New denominations and congregations began to flourish in the colonies. These included Baptists and Methodists. These ideas made their way through all 13 colonies. The Great Awakening ended in the 1740s, but had a lasting impact on the colonies. -
George Whitefield Begins Preaching
George Whitefield was an English evangelist, who gained popularity during the Great Awakening. He preached about the need to gain salvation from the Lord. He preached to large crowds were ever it was possible. He intrigued people to listen due to his theater-like performance. -
Stono Rebellion
On September 9, 1739 about 20 enslaved Africans attacked a store in Stono, South Carolina. The group looted stores, killed shop owners and whites, gathered more slaves, and burned plantations. They were caught by militiamen, the majority were killed. It inspired other rebellions, and led to the Negro Act of 1740 and the ban of slaves being imported for 10 years. -
Negro Act of 1740
Due to the Stono Rebellion, a slave revolt in South Carolina, this act was passed. It declared that enslaved people had to have stricter punishments, and watched closely. They lost many of their rights. This included growing their own food, gathering in groups, learning to read/write, or earning money as a side-hustle. They had to document their location when they left their owner. They could not testify in court. Lastly if a slave was killed by a white person, the offense would be very small. -
Great Awakening Ends
The Great Awakening is what a spark of revivals in the the American colonies is known as. Religion was the main idea spread throughout America. It created connections across different colonies. It also helped with the creation of revolutionary activities against the British government, that occurred in later years. -
Seven Years War Begins
This was a war between the British and the French (and their allies). It was fought in North America due to land disputes in the Ohio River Valley. The Treaty of Paris ended the war in 1763, giving Britain Frances' land. George Washington gained fame from this conflict as well. -
Sugar Act & Other Taxes
To pay for the funds used for the 7 years war, the British began to tax the colonists. It started with the Sugar Act which taxed on goods like sugar and coffee coming into America. Then in 1765 The Stamp Act was passed which taxed paper goods. Then in 1767 The Townshend Acts taxed even more goods coming into America. These taxes angered the colonists, and led them to start to desire independence from the British monarchy. -
Boston Massacre
British soldiers were stationed in Boston. Their presence angered many colonists. Angered colonists began attacking Hugh White, a British soldier, and a fight broke out. A soldier fired his musket and others died as well, this resulted in 5 men dead and 8 wounded. This event led Parliament to repeal all of the Townsend Acts, except for the tea tax. -
Boston Tea Party
The Tea Act allowed the East India company to send its tea to America without paying taxes, this caused British merchants to cause American merchants to not get the price they deserved for their tea. This enraged colonists. Some Patriots dressed up as Mohawk Indians and dumped 342 chests of East India Company tea into the Boston Harbor. This caused the Parliament to pass the Coercive Acts which including the closing of the Boston Harbor, a new quartering act, banning town meetings, etc. -
Declaration of Independence
The Continental Congress declared independence from Britain in 1776. They were influenced by Thomas Paine's book: "Common Sense". It was drafted by Thomas Jefferson, and included rights the people believed they deserved. It discussed unalienable rights (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness). It also talked about how America should be able to form its own government. -
Battle of Saratoga
In New York General Horatio Gates led the American Army. The British were surrounded, and after three weeks they surrendered. This was a turning point in the war, since many people believed the war would be a quick and easy win for the British. This win allowed an alliance with France and America to form, which was crucial for America to have a chance. -
Battle of Yorktown
In Yorktown, Virginia the French and American Armies pulled off a win. The French blockaded the British Navy, which allowed General George Washington to force the British to surrender. This was the last official battle of the war before the Treaty of Paris was signed. -
Treaty of Paris Signed
The British wanted to end the war without involving the French. America didn't want to leave their ally. America sent John Jay, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin to discuss at treaty, They decided on ending the war, independence of the 13 colonies, and that America's western boundary was the Mississippi River. -
Cotton Gin Invented
In 1793 Eli Whitney completed the cotton gin. This machine that separated the cotton fibers from the seeds. It boosted productivity, and caused cotton growth to be more popular and profitable. -
Whiskey Rebellion
Alexander Hamilton's tax on "distilled spirits" caused revolts. Farmers were very enraged because they were growing grains. They threatened to destroy and loot Pittsburgh. It was ended when George Washington and his troops rode down to Pennsylvania.