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French and Indian War
The French&Indian War began through a quarrel over whether or not the Ohio River was French or British Empire territory.Then the debate of which culture would take over most of North America struck.The English had more settlers around the area but the French had more access through Native American trade&alliances.The war ended with a treaty between the US colonies&Great Britain(The Treaty of Paris).This established borders&independence for the new nation AND started off the American Revolution. -
The Sugar Act
The British Parliament began putting taxes on wine, sugar, and other foreign goods to make up for some military costs after the war. Unrealistic trade and shipping rules were applied and colonists began smuggling. The Navy was told to enforce this act but the smuggling continued. The Parliament expected to gain a constant income and power through this act but instead the colonists just questioned their intents and objected to the taxations and regulations. -
The Stamp Act
Much like The Sugar Act,this taxation on paper documents(The Stamp Act)was used as a way to recover from the French and Indian War debt.The colonists weren't happy with this act because there was no consent granted from colonial legislatures & they felt it was a violation of their rights.In order to intimidate the stamp collectors out of their jobs, the colonists resulted to mobs.The stamp act was repealed in 1766.Yet another event that strengthened the independence of American colonists. -
Townshend Acts
A series of laws passed after the failure of the Sugar&Stamp Act.Including taxes on paper, paint, lead, glass,tea, etc.The American Customs Board collected the taxes&British officials could search colonists houses&business' freely.Better courts were also set to try smugglers.These taxes were meant to pay for British officials.But,as expected,the colonists protested these taxes.The colonists weren't allowed any representation on the British Parliament which they thought was unconstitutional. -
Boston Massacre
Colonists often rioted and went against British soldiers.On March 5, they began harassing a soldier guarding the King's money.Reinforcement came and the riot continued to escalate more and more until one soldier eventually fired into the crowd(unknown if it was intentional or not)which led to more soldiers following.Five colonists died and more were severely injured.This contributed to the American revolution because it gave the colonists another reason to go against the British. -
Boston Tea Party
This event was a turning point for colonists and their independance/rights.They finally had enough of the taxation without representation and decided to do something about it.They got a group together,dressed in Native American wear,and snuck onto docked ships where they began breaking open crates with tomahawks.Then they poured the tea into the Boston Harbor.45 tons of tea was lost and the ships were left clean.The British Parliament put the Intolerable Acts in place in response to this event. -
Battle of Le
These battles were important to the American Revolution because they were the start of the Revolutionary War.At Lexington a battle wasn't planned to take place but a shot was fired&the British attacked.Colonists fled or were killed.The British moved onto Concord looking for the militia's arms cache.Little did they know the Americans had retreated to the outskirts of Concord and had been growing in numbers with militiamen.They crossed the North Bridge&defeated the British,gaining new confidence. -
Declaration Of Independance
The Declaration of Independence was the first official document that asserted people's rights to choose their own government. This was an important event for the road to the American Revolution because inclusion in politics and government is a huge part of America.The Declaration was written by multiple authors: Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston.
