Module 2 Introduction to Independence

By mjushistory

  • George Washington sent to Ohio River Valley to protest French actions. The French and Indian War begins the following year and lasts until 1763.

    George Washington sent to Ohio River Valley to protest French actions. The French and Indian War begins the following year and lasts until 1763.
    Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, LC-DIG-pga-02418

  • Benjamin Franklin proposes the Albany Plan of Union.

    Benjamin Franklin proposes the Albany Plan of Union.
    Image Library of Congress, LC-USZC4-5315

  • The British captured the capital of New France in the Battle of Quebec.

    The British captured the capital of New France in the Battle of Quebec.
    Image Public Domain

  • Proclamation of 1763 forbids colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains.

    Proclamation of 1763 forbids colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains.
    Image Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, LC-USZC4-5276

  • Britain passes the Stamp Act to help repay war debts from the French and Indian War. Stamp Act protests erupt in the colonies.

    Britain passes the Stamp Act to help repay war debts from the French and Indian War. Stamp Act protests erupt in the colonies.
    Image Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, LC-USZC4-1583

  • Britain repeals the Stamp Act, but passes the Declaratory Act stating that Britain retains the ability to tax and pass laws concerning the colonies.

    Britain repeals the Stamp Act, but passes the Declaratory Act stating that Britain retains the ability to tax and pass laws concerning the colonies.
    Image Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, LC-USZC4-2568

  • Britain passes the Townshend Acts, which indirectly taxes colonists. Colonists respond with boycotts.

    Britain passes the Townshend Acts, which indirectly taxes colonists. Colonists respond with boycotts.
    Image Public Domain

  • The Boston Massacre in Massachusetts leaves five dead. The Sons of Liberty use this event as propaganda against the British.

    The Boston Massacre in Massachusetts leaves five dead. The Sons of Liberty use this event as propaganda against the British.
    Image Library of Congress Rare Book and Special Collections Division, LC-USZ62-45554

  • The Sons of Liberty stage the Boston Tea Party in protest of the Tea Act. Britain responds by passing the Coercive Acts.

    The Sons of Liberty stage the Boston Tea Party in protest of the Tea Act. Britain responds by passing the Coercive Acts.
    Image Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, LC-USZ62-50337

  • The first shots of the American Revolution are fired at the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

    The first shots of the American Revolution are fired at the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
    Image Public Domain

  • Thomas Paine’s Common Sense is published. Colonists push for independence.

    Thomas Paine’s Common Sense is published. Colonists push for independence.
    Image Public Domain

  • The Second Continental Congress approves the Declaration of Independence.

    The Second Continental Congress approves the Declaration of Independence.
    Image Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, LC-H8- C01-062-C

  • The colonists win the Battle of Saratoga, which helps them secure the French alliance.

    The colonists win the Battle of Saratoga, which helps them secure the French alliance.
    Image Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, LC-DIG-pga-00926

  • The British surrender at Yorktown. The peace treaty between Britain and the United States is signed in 1783 ending the American Revolution.

    The British surrender at Yorktown. The peace treaty between Britain and the United States is signed in 1783 ending the American Revolution.
    Image Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, LC-USZ62-45