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The Sugar Act
Reduced the tax on molasses was made. However, the Sugar Act was strictly enforced, so colonist ended up paying more taxes. -
Patriots Led by Sam Adams
Those who opposed the British taxes called themselves “Patriots." The leading Patriots were called the Sons of Liberty and Sam Adams was its leader. -
The Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was the tax on printed items was the first direct tax on the colonists. It added a fee to printed materials such as legal documents and newspapers. -
The Quartering Act
Following the French and Indian War, Britain maintained a standing army in the colonies. The Quartering Act required colonial assemblies to house and provision soldiers -
Sons of Liberty Attack
The Sons of Liberty led a mob. They tore down the office and damaged the house of the stamp collector. -
The Declaratory Act
The Declaratory Act repealed the Stamp Act. In addition, it asserted Parliament’s right to rule the colonies as saw fit. -
The Townshend Acts
Import taxes on a variety of goods were collected to support royal officials in the colonies, removing the responsibility from the colonial assemblies. The Townsend Acts were so unpopular that all the taxes were repealed, except the one on tea. -
The Boston Massacre
A group of colonist hurled snowballs and rocks at British soldiers guarding the Customs House. The soldiers fired into the crowd, killing five colonists. -
The Tea Act
The Tea Act was created to save the East India Tea Company. Although it lowered the price of tea, it
gave the company a monopoly and threatened the business of colonial importers. -
Boston Tea Party
Boston Patriots dressed as Indians, boarded three British ships laden with tea and Dumped the tea into the harbor. The event became known as the Boston Tea Party. -
The Intolerable Acts
The Intolerable Act officially called the Coercive Acts, these laws were meant to force Massachusetts to pay for the tea destroyed in the Boston Tea Party. The laws closed Boston Harbor and forced colonists to house British soldiers in their homes. -
1st Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress meets. The delegates agreed to boycott British goods. -
Olive Branch Petition
Congress sends an “Olive Branch” to King George III. He rejected the petition and sent more troops to Boston. -
Patrick Henry
Patrick Henry, gives his most famous speech, in the House of Burgesses. In this speech, he said, "Give me liberty or give me death," standing as a call for independence. -
The Revolution Begins
Battles of Lexington and Concord started the Revolutionary War. This was known as "The Shot Heard Around the World." -
2nd Continental Congress
Second Continental Congress meets. Congress names George Washington commander of the Continental Army. -
Bunker Hill
Battle of Bunker Hill was fought. The Patriots retreated, but they proved that they could fight against the British and stand a chance. -
Common Sense
Thomas Paine publishes Common Sense. This pamphlet inspired many to revolt against Britain. Copies were even handed out at Valley Forge. -
Declaration of Independence
Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence was approved. The delegates all signed the document, claiming their independence from the British Crown. -
Valley Forge
In winter, Baron Von Steuben trains the Continental Army at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. It was harsh for the Patriots, but the survivors never abandoned the fight. -
Battle of Saratoga
Patriots win in Saratoga. This convinced France that the Patriots were worthy of their aid. -
French-American Alliance
France signs an alliance with the United States. The French would send their navy and help the Patriots win the war. -
Patriot Soldiers Captured
General Clinton captures Charlestown, South Carolina. Along with Charlestown, he also captured 3000 Patriot soldiers. -
Yorktown
The final battle of the Revolutionary War was fought. General Cornwallis eventually surrendered at Yorktown. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris is signed. America officially became its own independent nation.