key events
Passed in 1765 by Parliament. King Georges attempted to collect taxs from colonists. Taxed printed materials (newspapers, wills, playing cards). Angered colonists
What is the Stamp Act?
Express rider learns of secret plans by British to destroy military supplies colonists have been stockpiling in Concord. He sets out to warn militias in Lexington and Concord with help from William Dawes and Samuel Prescott
What is Paul Revere’s Ride
Written by Thomas Paine. Simple and easy to read for colonists. Explained why colonists owed no loyalty to Britain. This paper led many undecided to side with Patriots
What is Common Sense?
1781: Nathanael Green forced the British ti chase his army around N. And S. Carolina, tiring them out. Washington brought his army down and with the help of the French was able to surround Cornwallis who had to surrender
What was the Battle of Yorktown?
An act which placed tariff on imported British goods: tea, paper, wool etc. Led to colonists boycotting British goods. These taxes were paid before goods wee brought inside colonies.
What is the Townshend Acts?
The battle with the “shot heard round the world”. Lexington minutemen were ready bc of Paul Revere but lost. No weapons found in Concord. British had to retreat from Concord bc or large militia
What is the Battle of Lexington and Concord?
Written by Thomas Jefferson on July 4, 1776, with input from Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and others. First signed by John Hancock
What is the Declaration of Independence?
Officially ended the American Revolution. Signed by B. Franklin, J. Adams and J. Jay. Great Britain officially recognized USA. US territory doubles in size, land west of applachians is USA. Florida returned to Spain
What is the Treat of Paris?
Occurred March 5, 1767. Started as a street fight, colonists provoked British soldiers. Soldiers panicked and shot intk crowd, killing five. Resulted in uniting the colonists against the British
What was the Boston Massacre?
Began meeting in 1775. Decided to create one unified army with soldiers from all 13 colonies - the Contintental Army. George Washington chosen to lead. Later sent Olive Branch petition and wrote Declaration of Independence
What is the Second Continental Congress?
October 1777. Major turning point in the Revolution for the Patriots the Patriots took almost 6,000 prisoners and lots of British weapons. The Patriots prevented British from cutting off New England and New York from and convinced France to support Americans
What is the Battle of Saratoga?
December 1773. Colonists fed up with British troops and tea act. Members of Sons of Liberty disguised as Mohawks boarded British ships in Boston Harbor and dumped tea. Led to Intolerable ascts
What is the Boston Tea Party?
June 17, 1775
Battle over strategically important hills around Charlestown. Whoever controlled them could fire cannons on Boston. Colonists eventually ran out of ammunition and retreated. British won
What is the Battle of Bunker Hill?
Washington’s army retreated after the British captured Pennsylvania. The army was very low on food and winter clothes. Many troops died from cold, hunger and disease. Finally Friedrich von Steuben came to help train and get them on their feet
What is the Valley Forge winter?
Leaders from 12/13 colonies met to discuss how to oppose the Intolerable acts. Important because they discussed what to do next and formed the Continental militia
What is the First Continental Congress?
Sent by the Second Continental Congress to King George III. Last ditch effort to avoid war. Requested freedom for colonists to govern themselves. King George refused to read it at all
What is the Olive Branch Petition?
Agreement that made the US and France allies against the British. France sent aid in the form of ships, soldiers and money. Soon after Spain also joined as an ally
What is the Treat of Alliance?