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Albany Plan of Union
A plan to unite the colonies, proposed by Benjamin Franklin. Colonies later rejected the plan because it gave too much power to the representatives from all thirteen colonies. -
French and Indian War
Started as a struggle between French and British over lands in western Pennsylvania and Ohio. By 1763, after other countries had entered the war, Great Britain won. -
George III becomes the king of Great Britain
George III becomes king, has different ideas on how the colonies should be governed. -
Stamp Act
This tax was the very first imposed on the colonists. Required them to pay a tax on legal documents, pamphlets, newspapers, and even dice/playing cards. -
Stamp Act Congress
A meeting between nine delegates of the colonies to protest King George's actions. Sent a petition to the king saying only colonial legislatures could impose direct taxes such as the Stamp Tax. -
Boston Tea Party
Group of colonists, dressed as Mohawk Indians, dumped 342 chests of British tea into the Boston Harbor. -
Coercive Acts
One of these closed the Boston Harbor, another withdrew the right of the Massachusetts colony to govern itself. -
Committees of Corespondence
These committees urged the resistance of the British. These committees consisted of colonists who wanted to keep in touch with one another as events unfolded. First established in Boston by Samuel Adams. -
First Continental Congress
Key colonial leaders such as Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, Richard Henry Lee, and George Washington attended. These delegates debated what to do about the relationship with Great Britain. Imposed an embargo on Britain and agreed to not use British goods. -
Lexington and Concord
British redcoats clashed with colonial minutemen at Lexington and Concord Massachusetts. This skirmish was the first battle of the Revolutionary War. -
Second Continental Congress
Delegates gathered from all thirteen colonies in Philadelphia. they immediately assumed the powers of a central government. Chose John Hancock as president. They organized army and navy, issued money, and appointed George Washington as the commander of the Continental Army. -
Resolution of Independence
Richard Henry Lee declared independence. "that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states." -
Declaration of Independence
Congress approved final draft of the Declaration of Independence. John Hancock, president of the Congress, was the first to sign the draft. Afterwards all 56 delegates signed the draft.
