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End of the French and Indian War
The Treaty of Paris ends the French and Indian War. After the war, the British continue to fight a number of Indian rebellions including one led by Chief Pontiac of the Ottawa Indians. The financially draining war combined with the increased military presence for protection will be the impetus for many future taxes and actions of the British government against the colonies. Image:
Stamp Act. (n.d.). Retrieved August 17, 2017, from https://www.britannica.com/event/Stamp-Act-Great-Britain-1765 -
Grenville Acts pass parliament.
These include a number of acts aimed at raising revenue to pay for the French and Indian War debts along with the cost of administering the new territories granted at the end of the war. They also include measures to increase the efficiency of the American custom system. The most objectionable part was the Sugar Act, known in England as the American Revenue Act. It increased duties on items ranging from sugar to coffee to textiles. -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act goes into effect and all business is basically stopped as colonists refuse to use the stamps. -
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Stamp Act repealed
Benjamin Franklin testifies before Parliament about the Stamp Act and warns that if the military is used to enforce it, this could lead to open rebellion.
The Stamp Act is repealed. However, the Declaratory Act is passed which gives the British government the power to legislate any laws of the colonies without restriction -
Public announcement of issues
John Dickinson publishes Letters From a Farmer in Pennsylvania to the Inhabitants of the British Colonies explaining the issues with British actions to tax the colonies. It is highly influential. Image Source:
Straub, S., Freiburger, C., Connell, S., Writer, T., & Gehl, R. (2013, September 11). Letters from a Farmer In Pennsylvania by John Dickinson. Retrieved August 17, 2017, from http://thefederalistpapers.org/ebooks/letters-from-a-farmer-from-pennsylvania-by-john-dickinson -
Massachusetts Assembly Approval
Samuel Adams sends a letter with the approval of the Massachusetts Assembly arguing against the Townshend Acts. It is later protested by the British government. -
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Escape to Boston Harbor
After a confrontation over Customs violations, John Hancock's ship Liberty is seized in Boston. Customs officials are threatened with violence and escape to Castle William in Boston Harbor. They send out a request for help from British troops. British warships arrive to help support the customs officials in Boston Harbor. Two British regiments arrive in Boston to maintain order and enforce customs laws. -
Nonimportation agreement
After the Virginia House of Burgesses is dissolved, the delegates including George Washington meet at the Raleigh Tavern in Williamsburg to endorse the nonimportation agreement. -
Coercive Acts
The Coercive Acts pass parliament. One of these is the Boston Port Bill which does not allow any shipping except for military supplies and other approved cargo to go through the port until the customs duties and the cost of the Tea Party are paid for. Image source:
British Parliament Adopts the Coercive Acts (1774) - March 28th. (n.d.). Retrieved August 17, 2017, from https://sites.google.com/a/isd477.org/mar28tkpms7w/third -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
Considered by many to be the beginning of the actual American Revolution, the Battles of Lexington and Concord begin with the British heading to destroy a colonial arms depot in Concord Massachusetts. Image source:
Home. (n.d.). Retrieved August 17, 2017, from http://www.britishbattles.com/war-of-the-revolution-1775-to-1783/battle-of-lexington-and-concord/
