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Stamp Act of 1765
The Stamp Act of 1765 placed taxes on historical documents, newspapers and pamphlets as they had stamps. While it was not an outrageous amount of money, it angered the colonists. They protested using the slogan "taxation without representation". They believed they had no right to be taxed since they didn't have any representatives in the Parliament. -
Boston Massacre
During an incident where American colonists were throwing stones and snowballs at British soldiers, the soldiers opened fire. Five protestors died as a result of Private Hugh Montgomery opening fire on the Americans -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party came as a result of The Tea Act of 1773. At this point, the colonists were incredibly fed up with their daily appliances/items being taxed, and decided to take action. American patriots disguised themselves as Mohawk Native Americans and dumped 342 chests full of tea that belonged to the British East India Company into the Boston Harbor. -
1st Continental Congress
From September 5th to October 26th, 12 of the 13 delegates from each colony met to discuss the colonies future under the King's growing aggression and agitation. They met in Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and ended up their resistance to Parliament's Coercive Acts. -
2nd Continental Congress
Once again meeting in Philadelphia, all 13 delegates met to discuss declaring their independence from Britain and King George III. This meeting took place shortly after the American Revolution officially started. -
Lexington and Concord
The Battles of Lexington and Concord were the first battles to take place in the revolution. British troops marched from Boston to Concord, going to seize ammunition, firearms and other supplies to beat the colonists. The British won the first battle, creating a bad start for the Americans. The turning point for their victories was the Battle of Saratoga. -
Declaration Of Independence
After battles with the British-as well as the Boston Massacre- the colonists are mad and declare their independence from King George III. Thomas Jefferson wrote the document, which included the idea of natural law (Locke), and declared that people have “certain inalienable rights, that among them are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” It was also stated that the people should be able to overturn an unjust government. This also included the grievances the colonists had against Britain. -
Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga was a very important turning point in the war. It was a battle where the Americans triumphed, despite 1/3 of their people being loyalists who refused to fight against their King. As a result of their victory, France, Spain and the Netherlands started to help the colonists with ammunition, firearms and food as well as fleets. -
Battle of Valley Forge
Even though France, Spain and the Netherlands joined in to help Washington’s troops right before this battle, the army still were short handed on food, as well as being cold and tired from fighting and the harsh conditions. It is said they even resorted to cannibalism. It was a tough battle, but Washington’s troops came out stronger, more disciplined, and ready to fight. Nine days later, they beat Lord Cornwallis at the Battle of Monmouth in New Jersey. -
Battle of Valley Forge Ends
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Battle of Yorktown
This battle, unknowingly the final one in the American Revolution. Washington, along with a French fleet, forced the British to surrender on October 19, 1781, less than a month after the battle started. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris was signed by the Americans, British, and French diplomats to officially end the war. This resulted in Britain having to recognize the United States of America as independent, as well as accepting that the nation's (USA) new western frontier was the Mississippi River.
