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French and Indian War
War fought between France and England in the years 1754-1763, also known as the seven years war. One of the causes was the population of English colonies moving west and into French territory. Each side made alliances with the Indian tribes in the area. causing the Indian's fighting on their side. -
Treaty of 1763
Treaty signed at the end of the French and Indian war. France lost their Canadian colonies and claimed land east of the Mississippi River. England got all French Territory in Canada. -
Proclamation of 1763
King George III, claimed all the land west of the Appalachian Mountains, meaning the colonists were not allowed to live or move there. This not only angered the colonists, but the Native Americans as well. The people revolted, some continuing to live there, despite the proclamation. -
Stamp Act
An act given to the colonists by the British which put a direct tax on stamps that go on legal documents. This angered the colonists, causing them to fight back. They protested and made their opposition very clear, which led the act to being repealed in 1766. -
Boston Massacre
Colonists confronted British soldiers about them being in their city. The colonists mobbed the soldiers, and a few colonists ended up being shot and killed. News of the event spread fast, colonists saying that the British attacked them, making it seem a lot worse. -
Committees of Correspondence
This was how the colonists kept communication with each other. They were known as "shadow governments" which consisted of Patriot leaders of the 13 colonies. They kept communication about ideas, information, etc. -
Boston Tea Party
Protest by the Sons of Liberty. American colonists were angry about all the taxes the British imposed and dumped 342 chests full of tea into the Boston Harbor. The colonists were making sure that the British knew they weren't gonna be pushed around. -
Intolerable Acts
Laws passed by the British, to act as a "punishment" for the Boston Tea Party. One of them was the Quartering Act, where the colonists were forced to give shelter to British soldiers. This caused even more uproar, the colonists revolting. -
Bunker Hill
Battle against the British and Colonists at Bunker Hill in Massachusetts. The British won the battle, however the colonists did do some serious damage. Although called Battle of Bunker Hill, most of the fighting occurred on Breed's hill, nearby. -
Lexington and Concord
These battles were the first battles of the American Revolution, kicking off the war. There was a confrontation between the British and the Colonists in Lexington, and before they knew it, 73 redcoats were killed. -
Publication of Common Sense
Written by Thomas Paine, advocating for independence in America. It became popular very quickly, sparking excitement in America. He highlighted how amazing it would be if the colonies were independent, making the colonists that much more passionate about breaking away from England. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was a document made by the second continental congress, officially breaking away from Great Britain. The declaration included 3 major points; everyone has the same rights, including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, all men are created equal, and they are allowed to protect their rights. It was signed by 56 delegates from the second continental congress. -
Trenton
This was a pivotal battle during the war. The battle occurred in Trenton, New Jersey. Washington led troops across the Delaware and attacked a group of Hessian troops and captured them. -
Valley Forge
The place in which the continental army stayed during the winter from 1777-1778. The troops were without a ton of supplies during the winter, forcing them to resort to do extreme things to survive. Some troops even fell ill and were deemed unfit to serve. -
Saratoga
Included two crucial battles, fought eighteen days apart. These battles were a major turning point in the war. Included the Battle of Quebec and Battle of Bemis Heights. -
Cowpens
General Daniel Morgan led around 1,000 men towards a British fort, with intentions to attack. The Americans did a lot of damage, killing almost 800 redcoats, while the Americans only had around 100 casualties. This battle was also a huge turning point for the Americans. -
Yorktown
General Cornwallis and his army surrendered to George Washington and the continental army. This was the last battle of the war. The Americans finally gained their independence. -
Treaty of Paris 1783
This is the treaty that officially ended the Revolutionary War. It was signed by representatives of the King and representatives of the United States of America. The document granted the US it's independence and US western territory.
