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The Sugar Act
The act taxed the colonies on sugar. -
Stamp Act
This was a British attempt to cover the costs of the French and Indian War. The stationing of troops in America led to the cry, "No taxation without representation." -
The Townshend Acts
Parliament enacts the Townshend Acts, a series of taxes to replace the Stamp Act. -
Boston Massacre
Only 6 people were killed in the "massacre," but colonists milked it for all the anti-British sentiment they could. -
The Boston Tea Party
Radical townspeople stormed the ships and tossed 342 chests of tea into the water. Disguised as Native Americans, the offenders could not be identified. -
The First Continental Congress
This took place just after the Intolerable Acts were issued as a response to the Boston Tea Party. The First Continental Congress consisted of 55 delegates selected from twelve of the thirteen colonies. The president of this congress was Payton Randolph. Later Henry Middleton became president, and then finally John Hancock was appointed president. -
Siege of Fort St. Jean
The Fort was defended by the English and the Americans knew that mounting a full-scale attack would be futile. They chose instead to cut the supply lines and starve the residents, lay siege to the fort, and draw them out. This was successful. -
Paul Revere's Ride
On April 16 Revere rode to Concord, a town 20 miles (32 km) northwest of Boston, to advise local compatriots to secure their military stores in advance of British troop movements. Two nights later Revere rode from Charlestown—where he confirmed that the local Sons of Liberty had seen the two lanterns that were posted in Boston’s Old North Church, signaling a British approach across the Charles River—to Lexington to warn that the British were on the march. (Encyclopedia Britannica) -
Battle Of Lexington
As the British marched from Boston to confiscate munitions at Concord, the town of Lexington, Massachusetts would see the first shots and battle of the Revolutionary War. This was known as "The shot heard 'round the world." -
The Second Continental Congress.
The Second Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia and remains in session throughout the war. John Hancock was the president of the Second Continental Congress. -
First Battle of Ticonderoga
Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys seize Fort Ticonderoga. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill was proof that the Americans could hold their own and might even stand a chance of winning more than just the good graces of their monarch. -
Battle of Quebec
The hopes for the Battle of Quebec were high, especially after the success of the fall of Fort St. Jean. Afraid of having the threat of the British always in the north, George Washington sent General Richard Montgomery and Benedict Arnold to gain military control of Quebec. -
Battle of Sullivan's Island
he Battle of Sullivan's Island is the first time during the American Revolutionary War that Patriot troops successfully defended against a British sea and land invasion. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is widely regarded by Americans as an inspired writing. It masterfully puts into words the anger and betrayal the Colonists felt towards the king of England, and it was the first formal, unanimous document that declared that the colonies no longer considered themselves under Britain's rule. It listed the grievances against their mother country and justified their breaking off from them. -
Battle of Long Island
The patriots lost New York. -
Battle of Trenton
After a long march through the snow, Washington led his troops across the partially frozen Delaware river on Christmas Day of 1776 to defeat the Hessian mercenaries and restore the fortunes of the American patriots. -
The Battle of Brandywine
The Battle of Brandywine was one of several hard losses for the Americans. It was disheartening to the Patriots, though events did eventually turn in their favor. -
Battle of Princeton
The Battle of Princeton was one more gritty, brave victory for the Americans, won on sheer determination and a bit of George Washington ingenuity. -
Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga is known as the turning point of the Revolutionary War. As a result of the American victory, the French gained enough confidence to begin to support the Americans militarily. They had already provided supplies, but now they would supply soldiers and join the patriot army in resisting the English. Spain also joined the American side. -
Battle of Barren Hill
Lafayette with 500 men and about 50 Oneida Indians successfully evade British onslaught. -
French Alliance
The United States and France sign the French Alliance. -
British Return to New York
The British abandon Philadelphia and return to New York. -
Battle of Rhode Island
French and American forces besiege Newport, RI. -
Battle of Stony Point
American "Mad" Anthony Wayne captures Stony Point, NY. -
Siege of Charleston
British capture Charleston, SC -
Battle of Camden
British rout Americans at Camden, SC. -
Battle of Kings Mountain
The battle lasts 65 minutes. American troops led by Isaac Shelby and John Sevier defeat Major Patrick Ferguson and one-third of General Cornwallis's army. -
Battle of Jersey
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Battle of Guilford Court House
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Battle of Cowpens
Patriot Morgan overwhelmingly defeats British Colonel Tarleton at Cowpens, SC. -
Battle of Yorktown
The Battle of Yorktown, also called the Siege of Yorktown, was the final battle of the American Revolutionary War even though the Treaty of Paris, ending the war, would not be signed for another 2 years. -
The Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris is signed, officially ending the War for Independence. -
The United States Constitution
On September 15, the United States Constitution is approved by unanimous vote, and on September 17, John Hancock and 38 others sign the Constitution. -
The United States Constitution is ratified