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The Sugar Act
Although it reduced the tax on molasses, the Sugar Act was strictly enforced, so colonist ended up paying more taxes. -
Sons of Liberty
Those who opposed the British taxes called themselves “Patriots” and the Sons of Liberty was born with Sam Adams as its leader. -
The Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was the tax on printed items was the first direct tax on the colonists. It added a fee to printed materials such as legal documents and newspapers. -
The Quartering Act
Following the French and Indian War, Britain maintained a standing army in the colonies. The Quartering Act required colonial assemblies to house and provision soldiers. -
Colonists Reaction To Stamp Act
A Mob led by the Sons of Liberty tore down the office and damaged the house of the stamp collector. -
The Declatory Act
The Declatory Act repealed the Stamp Act but asserted Parliament’s right to rule the colonies as saw fit. -
The Townsend Acts
Import taxes on a variety of goods were collected to support royal officials in the colonies, removing the responsibility from the colonial assemblies. The Townsend Acts were so unpopular that all the taxes were repealed, except the one on tea. -
Boston Massacre
A group of colonist hurled snowballs and rocks at British soldiers guarding the Customs House. The soldiers fired into the crowd, killing five colonists. -
The Tea Act
The Tea Act was created to save the East India Tea Company. Although it lowered the price of tea, it gave the company a monopoly and threatened the business of colonial importers. -
Boston Tea Party
Boston Patriots dressed as Indians, boarded three British ships laden with tea and Dumped the tea into the harbor. -
The Intolerable Acts
The Intolerable Act officially called the Coercive Acts, these laws were meant to force Massachusetts to pay for the tea destroyed in the Boston Tea Party. The laws closed Boston Harbor and forced colonists to house British soldiers in their homes. -
First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress meets. Agree to boycott British goods. -
Patrick Henry Delivers Speech at The House of Burgesses
Patrick Henry, gives his most famous speech, in the House of Burgesses. “Give me Liberty or give me Death” -
Olive Branch Petition
Congress sends an “Olive Branch” to King George III. He rejected the petition and sent more troops to Boston. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
These were the battles that were the first shots of war. First shot is called "the shot heard around the world". -
Second Continental Congress
Second Continental Congress meets. Congress names George Washington commander of Continental Army. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
1st major fighting of the war. This showed the British that the colonies could really fight. -
Thomas Paine publishes Common Sense
Thomas Paine's pamphlet, "Common Sense" was written to encourage the colonies towards independence. Propaganda. -
Declaration Of Independence
Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence was approved. -
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Valley Forge
Baron Von Steuben trains the Continental Army at Valley Forge, Penn. -
Patriots Win in Saratoga
The colonies victory in Saratoga opened a formal alliance with France. -
France signs an alliance with the United States
From the fighting in Saratoga the French finally believe in the ability of the colonies and form an alliance with them to help them out, supplying them with a navy and more supplies. -
Charlestown
General Clinton captures 3000 Patriot soldiers as he takes Charlestown, South Carolina. -
Yorktown
General Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown. -
Treaty of Paris Signed
Ends the revolutionary war.
