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Boston Massacre
5 unarmed rioting colonists are killed by British soldiers in the streets of Boston. Paul Revere creates an engraving of the event and titles it 'The Bloody Massacre'. His image creates anger among the patriots. -
Boston Tea Party
Patriots disguised as Native Americans raid ships docked in the Boston Harbor. They throw millions of dollars worth of tea into the Boston Harbor to protest the tax on tea. -
Intolerable Acts
In reaction to the Boston Tea Party, King George III of England, passes the harshest of Acts against the colonists, known as the Intolerable Acts. The King orders the Boston Harbor shut down and reissues the Quartering Act upon the colonists. -
First Continental Congress
Colonial leaders from 12 of the 13 colonies meet in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. One focus of the first continental congress was to attempt to restore a positive relationship with Britain. What ended up happening was that the colonies united and decided that a British attack on any one colony would be viewed as an attack on all of the colonies. -
Lexington and Concord
First Battle of the Revolutionary War fought in the towns of Lexington and Concord about 20 miles outside of Boston. 900 British Redcoats destroy the Lexington Militia early in the morning, but militiamen from the surrounding towns gather in Concord. The militia take out 1/3 of the British force as they ambush the British during the return march to Boston. -
Second Continental Congress
Leaders of the colonies again met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This time all 13 colonies send delegates. The tone of this meeting was much different from the tone of the First Continental Congress. Members of this Congress would push for independence, create the continental army, appoint a commander, and act as the governing body of the colonies through the remainder of the Revolutionary War period. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
While the 2nd Continental Congress was meeting in Philadelphia, Massachusetts militiamen built a small fort on Bunker Hill outside of Boston. The British attacked the fort and would eventually capture it, but over 1,000 British troops were killed. Israel Putman, leader of the militia, delivered the famous quote, "Do not fire until you see the whites of their eyes." Though they lost the fort, the battle was seen as victory for the militia because of the heavy losses to the British. -
Olive Branch Petition
The Olive Branch Petition was created at the First Continental Congress. It was a plea to the King to consider restoring good relations with the colonists. Meanwhile, the colonial leaders at the Congress were making backup plans for independence in the event that the King rejected their plea. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is written. It would be signed by leaders of all 13 colonies by August 2, 1776. Thomas Jefferson is the primary author of the document. Many of his ideas came from John Locke, a famous British philosopher. Through the document, the 13 colonies declared themselves free and independent of British rule. Though fighting between the colonists and the British would continue for years following the signing of the Declaration. -
Common Sense
A pamphlet, written by Thomas Paine, a Pennsylvania farmer, is published and circulated throughout the colonies. In the pamphlet, Paine gives a long list of reasons why the colonist should separate from the British. The pamphlet stirs the Revolutionary spirit as thousands of colonist joined the side of the the Patriots. -
Articles of Confederation
The first attempt at a national government for the 13 colonies was created. It was called the Articles of Confederation. It was very weak and gave most governing power to states rather than to a central governing body. -
Battle of Yorktown
Last major battle of the Revolutionary War. Won by the colonists and for all practical purposes it ended the fighting of the Revolutionary War. -
Treaty of Paris - 1783
The Treaty of Paris is signed by leaders of the colonies and Britain. The colonies are officially granted their independence from England. As part of the peace agreement, the colonist would gain all British controlled territory in North America, east of the Mississippi River.
