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Sugar Act
The British parliament put a tax on sugar. The Sugar Act, was truly a modified version of the failed Molasses Act of 1733. Great Britain was hoping to put an end to the sugar smuggling. It was decreasing the cost of their goods and hurting their economy. This set the stage for the Stamp Act. -
Stamp Act
The British parliament put a tax on paper. The colonists felt as if it was a tax on their ideas. All of their thoughts were spoken on paper. This taxation deeply offended the Newspapers, especially the Boston Gazette. Soon, the Sons of Liberty arose to protest. -
The Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was not a war, but a deadly riot. Furious over the constant taxes, the colonists chanted, "No taxation without representation!". They mocked and threatened the guards at the Custom House. Eventually, a shot was fired. Five colonists breathed their last breath. Even though some suffered, the colonists proved that they could work together and fight for something they all believed in. -
The Boston Tea Party
As delightful as the title may seem, it's deceiving. On December 16th, the colonists were fed up with taxes. As a result, they disguised themselves as Native Americans. In disguise, they got aboard the ship carrying their cheap tea. In protest, the colonists threw 342 crates of tea into Griffins Wharf. This was the first major act of defiance against Great Britain. It showed strength and gave hope throughout all 13 colonies. -
The Battle of Lexington & Concord
Historians may argue that this was the first big step in the Revolutionary War.. King George lll had escalated the military as a result of the Boston Tea Party. It created tension between Britain and the colonists. Paul Revere had a famous ride shouting, "The British are coming!" to warn the colonists of their arrival. When the battle began, it was known as the shot heard around the world. Even though there was loss, it proved that the colonists could work to defeat powerful enemies. -
The Battle of Bunker Hill
On June 17th, in Charleston a battle broke out on Bunker Hill. There was a shortage in ammunition, the general said, "Don't shoot until you can see the whites of their eyes". There was a series of the British retreating, but the last time the colonists retreat . They as they have been outnumbered. The Colonists lost, but only 100 died and 300 were wounded. The British lost 200 lives, and 1,000 had been wounded. As a result, George Washington arrives and is put in charge of the Continental Army. -
Declaration of Independence
On July 4th, our founding fathers signed a formal statement known as the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson was the main composer. He filled the page with ideals of liberty, from Great Britain and all conquering countries, and equality. Colonists from all 13 colonies came together to form as one. This was not only vital to America, but influential to all other nations. These 13 colonies showed the world that Great Britain doesn't control them. Others, wanted a piece of that action.
