American Revolution Timeline

Stamp Act

Mar 22, 1765

Taxes by the British on the colonies that required printed materials to be produced on stamped paper from London.

Gaspee Affair

Jun 9, 1772

British sent ships to patrol American waters to intercept smugglers. One ship, the Gaspee, stationed at Narragansette Bay, RI continually searched ships without a warrent and stole food from colonists. When it ran aground colonists siezed control and burned it.

Boston Tea Party

Dec 16, 1773

Tea Act passed by British parliment allowing East India Trading Co. tea to be sold cheaper than smuggled dutch tea. American tea merchants felt like the Brits were trying to put them out of buisness. Commitee's decided not to let the tea land in port. All the cities got rid of the tea; Boston threw it into the harbour.

First Continental Congress

Sep 5, 1774

Representitive from every colony, except Georgia, met in Philidelphia. It was held to discuss thier responce to the Intolerable Acts placed by the British.

Second Continental Congress

Mar 10, 1775

Delegates from 13 colonies met in Philidelphia to manage colonial war effort and work towards indipendance from Britain.

Committees Correspondence Established

Apr 12, 1775

Lots of written work on the British policies was being written in the American colonies. to spread the news from colony to colony the Committee's Corespondence was established.

Paul Revere's Ride

Apr 18, 1775

Paul Revere was an express rider from Boston who was sent to carry news, messages, andcopies of documents. Sent to Lexington, MA to notify Samuel Adams and John Hancock that the British were coming to arrest them.

Battles of Lexington and Concord

Apr 19, 1775

British troops were sent to capture Samuel Adams and John Hancock. Minute Men were waiting to attack at Lexington. Colonists retreated. British troops went to Concord to search for weapons and ammunition and were attacked by the Minute Men. British retreated.

Battle of Bunker Hill

Jun 17, 1775

British lost more than 1,000 soldiers. Coloniel militia stood up to one of the worlds biggest armies. Brought confidence to Americans.

Olive Branch Petition

Jul 1, 1775

For an effort at peace, the Continental Congress sent a letter to the King.

Proclamation for Suppressing Rebellion and Sedition

Aug 23, 1775

After Battle of Bunker Hill British stated that the American colonies were in a state of open rebellion and they were to suppress it.

Coercive Acts

Feb 2, 1776

Common Sense Published

Mar 17, 1776

British evacuate Boston

British Evacuate Boston

Mar 19, 1776

Declaration of Indipendance

Jun 11, 1776

A document written and signed by colonists such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and others delcaring indipendance from England.