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French and Indian War
The French and Indian fought the British for control of North American Trade Routes, and the land. The effects of the 7 Years War causes Britain to blame the colonies for the work, enforcing colonial wars by increasing taxes and ending salutary neglect. The British also restricted colonial access to the Ohio River Valley. -
Proclamation Line
The Proclamation Line ended Westward Expansion, and forbade colonists to settle in the Ohio River Valley. This made the colonists very upset, because they just helped the British fight a war over land that they can now no longer use. -
Sugar Act
The Sugar Act lowered taxes from the Molasses Act. The tax was made as an indirect tax, meaning it was hidden in the price. It also gave the British the Writs of Assistance, which allowed them to search property without a warrant. This caused lots of anger and rebellion among the colonists. They protested enough to get it repealed. -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was a stamp on all printed goods, and was a direct tax. The effect of the Stamp Act was that the colonists felt their rights were being violated. They founded the Stamp Act Congress, the Sons and Daughters of Liberty, and agreed to boycotts and non-importation. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre occurred when colonists were taunting British soldiers and the word "fire" was heard. The British fired upon the colonists, and the colonists fought back. 8 colonists were killed. The Boston Massacre made colonists very angry and they started to become violent and rebellious. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was in response to the Tea Act, which was a tax on tea. The Colonists threw $1-3 million of tea into the harbor. In effect, Great Britain sees this as a threat to British Rule, and thus enact the Intolerable (or Coercive) Acts. -
1st Continental Congress
This was formed in response to the Intolerable Acts. The representatives agreed to boycotts, non importation, and to blacklist people, among other things. This in turn showed increasing rebellion within the colonies. -
Lexington and Concord
The British tried to seize munitions and leaders that they heard rumors of were in Lexington and Concord. But due to the spy network, led by Paul Revere, the colonists knew about the raid and defended their town, and hid munitions. The effect of this is that it heightens the colonists morale because they actually defeated the British. -
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2nd Continental Congress
They focused on reconciliation vs Independence. The Continental Army was formed, though it was very unorganized. In this time the Battle of Bunker Hill ensued. The Olive Branch Petition was written in order to make amends with Britain. It is Radicals vs Moderates. The effect of this is that Britain declares the colonies in a state of rebellion, and the colonies begin to bond. -
Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. This explores the American mind, and is the colonists declaring their independence from Britain. It was also written to convince Americans of why they were doing this. It was passed on July 4, 1776. The effect of the Declaration of Independence leads to the Revolutionary War.