
What were the most important events of the American Revolution?
- 1754–1763: French and Indian War.
- March 22, 1765: Stamp Act.
- June 15–July 2, 1767: Townshend Acts.
- March 5, 1770: Boston Massacre.
- December 16, 1773: Boston Tea Party.
- March–June 1774: Intolerable Acts.
- September 5, 1774: First Continental Congress convenes.
What were the important places during the American Revolution?
- When did the American Revolution begin?
- When did the American Revolution end?
- What were the causes of the Revolution?
- What are patriots?
- What are loyalists?
- What were British soldiers called?
- What were the populations of the two sides?
- Where were the battles fought?
- How much territory did the British control during the war?
What were the most important dates of the American Revolution?
- January 10 - Thomas Paine publishes Common Sense
- February 27 - Battle of Moore's Creek, NC
- March 3 - Continental Navy captures New Providence Island, Bahamas
- March 17 - British evacuate Boston
- April 12 - Halifax Resolves, NC—First colony to authorize its delegates to vote for independence
What things caused the American Revolution?
- Price per pound of butter back to 1760s;
- eggs and cheese back to 1750s;
- quarts of milk back to 1770s.

What happened in the Boston Massacre?
It took place on March 5, 1770, when a group of nine British soldiers opened fire on the crowd, killing five and wounding six men. The commander of the watch and his eight soldiers were arrested by the next morning which partly relieved the tensions in the city. But a series of pamphlets depicting British soldiers shooting on a group of peaceful colonists further increased anti-British sentiment in the colonies.
How did the American Revolution affect the French Revolution?
The American Revolution had a major influence on the French Revolution (1789-1799) which in turn profoundly influenced the 19th century Europe by giving rise to demands for radical political and social changes.
What was the purpose of the Convocation of the First Continental Congress?
On September 5, 1774, delegates from 12 colonies met at the First Continental Congress to discuss how to react to the Intolerable Acts. They decided to boycott British goods and ban the export of American goods to Britain if the Intolerable Acts would not be repealed.
Why did the British put stamps on paper?
The goal of the tax on printed material including newspapers, magazines, legal documents, insurance policies and many other types of paper material was to help finance for the British troops in the colonies. But the British also sought to reduce their debt which increased dramatically after the French and Indian Wars (1754-1763). The colonists were outraged because they had no say in the taxes that were to be imposed on them and how the raised money was to be spent. Britain repealed the Act in 1766 but as it would later turn out, the American Revolution had already begun.
What was the significance of the Battle of Saratoga?
The Battles of Saratoga that were fought on the same grounds on September 19 and October 7, 1777, marked the turning point of the American Revolution and encouraged France to openly support the Americans against Britain. In the First Battle of Saratoga (also known as the Battle of Freeman’s Farm), the American troops prevented the British to break through their lines and join with their troops at Albany. After another failed attempt to break through the American lines at Bemis Heights (Second Battle of Saratoga) on October 7, the British were surrounded by a much larger Continental Army. By October 17, the British commander John Burgoyne accepted defeat and surrendered.
What was the cause of the Boston Tea Party?
The destruction of the tea cargo was a protest against the Tea Act which was passed by the British Parliament earlier that year and gave the British East India Company monopoly on tea sale in the colonies. The incident, known as the Boston Tea Party triggered a chain of events that directly led to the American War of Independence.
Why did the Boston Harbor close?
These closed the Boston harbor for all shipping until the city would pay for the destroyed tea cargo, limited political authority of the colonists, made legal persecution of British officials more difficult and extended the boundaries of the Quebec province to the lands claimed by the American colonists.
What were the pivotal moments of the American Revolution?
Here are a few of the pivotal moments that led to the American Revolution. 1. The Stamp Act (March 1765) pinterest-pin-it. Sheet of penny revenue stamps printed by Britain for the American colonies, after the Stamp Act of 1765. VCG Wilson/Corbis/Getty Images.
What were the major events of 1776?
The Boston Tea Party (December 1773) 5. The Coercive Acts (March-June 1774) 6. Lexington and Concord (April 1775) 7. British attacks on coastal towns (October 1775-January 1776) The American colonists’ breakup with the British Empire in 1776 wasn’t a sudden, impetuous act. Instead, the banding together of the 13 colonies to fight and win a war ...
Why did the colonists burn the ports?
Leaders of the rebellion seized the burnings of the two ports to make the argument that the colonists needed to band together for survival against a ruthless enemy and embrace the need for independence —a spirit that ultimately would lead to their victory.
What did the Sons of Liberty do?
The Sons of Liberty, a radical group, decided to confront the British head-on. Thinly disguised as Mohawks, they boarded three ships in Boston harbor and destroyed more than 92,000 pounds of British tea by dumping it into the harbor. To make the point that they were rebels rather than vandals, they avoided harming any of the crew or damaging the ships themselves, and the next day even replaced a padlock that had been broken.
What was the culmination of the 13 colonies?
Instead, the banding together of the 13 colonies to fight and win a war of independence against the Crown was the culmination of a series of events, which had begun more than a decade earlier. Escalations began shortly after the end of the French and Indian War —known elsewhere as the Seven Years War in 1763.
When did the Boston Tea Party destroy tea?
The Boston Tea Party destroying tea in Boston Harbor on December 16, 1773.
Where was the first Continental Congress held?
The first Continental Congress, held in Carpenter's Hall, Philadelphia, met to define American rights and organize a plan of resistance to the Coercive Acts imposed by the British Parliament as punishment for the Boston Tea Party.
What were the causes of the American Revolution?
For many decades, the colonists had been left to govern themselves in a process referred to as salutary neglect; however, after Britain went to war against France in 1754 colonial management of affairs would be stripped away. This would be the first spark of many that would inspire the American Revolution. Though the United States would experience significant changes in their government, economic system and social conditions, influences from their mother country would always be apparent. Before 1660, England had governed the Chesapeake and New England colonies loosely, allowing the colonies to develop their own system of government which regulated affairs.
What was the road to the Revolution?
Unit 1 Chapter 7 The Road to Revolution The Americans had troubles complying with the new British control after the Seven Years War; they wouldn’t pay necessary funds and also had a growing sense of national identity The Deep Roots of Revolution The Americans had a world that they could make their own, thus upraising nationalistic ideas Republicanism: citizens surrendered their selfish demands for the greater good Opposed aristocracy and monarchy ”Radical Whigs”: warned people to be aware of government corruption and to resist that corruption Americans had grown into a country accustomed to running it’s own affairs, so when the British came in 1763 to get a better hold over their colonies, Americans resisted The circumstances of colonial
How did the American colonists relate to the British?
The British had set up a policy prohibiting people to settling in the west.Throughout the years the American colonists have changed their attitudes towards the British politically, economically, and socially by the 1775. Politically the British and the colonies were loyal and support to each other between 1700-1763. Economically through 1770 the colonist were not happy that the British were starting to be controlling towards their freedom and financially.
What was the end of the French Indian War?
Before conflict started to erupt between the British and the American colonists, there was the end of the French-Indian War in 1763. The British government was given enormous territorial gains from the war and many of the colonists were eager to move westward onto new, fresh land, especially considering that the colonists had claimed that land in the war. However, to improve Native American relations, the British issued The Royal Proclamation of 1763, which declared the boundaries of the thirteen colonies to be the Appalachian Mountains. The British government saw the proclamation not as oppressive, but as a fair way to prevent more Native American-colonial conflict and in no way expected colonial resentment. Yet, countless American colonists were enraged by this proclamation.
Why did the Second Continental Congress declare independence from Great Britain in 1776?
Claire Turner American History Test I The American Revolution The Second Continental Congress declared independence from Great Britain in 1776 because they were being treated with unfair and unjust taxes and laws. The Second Continental Congress was a representation of the colonists and colonies as a whole, to Britain. In the beginning of the Congress the majority wanted to stay loyal to “The Crown,” and make peace with it. However, there were already those few who were ready to take drastic measures to relieve themselves of the British rule. One colony in particular that stands out as taking the leading role in the independence of America is Massachusetts, for they received the true wrath of Great Britain.
Why were the Articles of Confederation written?
The Articles of Confederation were written during a time when the American people feared a strong national government. Since the United States was relatively a new nation, it needed some form of organization to hold the states together and keep its government and society stable to build a stronger economy (Knoedl, 2003). The first and foremost inherited weakness of the Articles came from the fact that it replaced sovereign power in the hands of the states. This started after the American Revolution, when the American people feared that the colonists would form a new government that could function similarly to King George III’s monarchy after having dealt with the British Crown for years. Since then these states would start creating their own set of rules and laws and because of some states, creating their own constitutions and each state can rule itself, it gave more power to them than the actual Federal Government.
Why was the American colony important?
The fight for American independence is the most significant event in history because it helped smaller nations rebel against their mother country , the seven years ' war was over power and land from the French and England, not the colonies , our country shouldn 't have to repay the war debts for England, and the colonies deserve to have a land to call their own. In the beginning, the British colony had experienced a peaceful life under the British rule. Unlike England, the colonies are owned by a majority of low impoverished citizens or peasants that survived on selling goods to provide
Why did the American Revolution happen?
The American Revolution or Revolutionary War, was a battle fought between the years of 1775-1783. In this battle, Great Britain and the original thirteen colonies of America, fought for America’s independence. From this war, America was able to separate itself from Great Britain and claim its independence, making America a free country. There were a large number of reasons as to why the Revolutionary War began. First, the British were still in control of the thirteen North American colonies.
What were the reasons for the Revolutionary War?
So taxation, lack of representation, protestation dealt with violence, and the Boston Massacre, these were all the reasons that the Revolutionaries give for rebelling against Great Britain; these reasons are what shaped the laws and values of America today Let me first start by giving some basic information about the American Revolutionary War. This war in particular formed and gave us our country that we know it today. The Revolutionary War was between the British colonists in America, who were led by famous George Washington, against Britain, which at the time, held the most “property” in the land.
How did the French and Indian War end?
The French and Indian War ended in 1763 after nine years of fighting. When the Peace Conference ended in 1763, England was given Canada and Florida. The removal of the French and Spanish strengthened American colonies (History). After the French and Indian War , parliament attempted to force colonist to pay a tax to contribute to the defense of the new North America (Britannia). In the following years American Colonists became angry with being taxed without their consent and a group of colonists created the Sons of Liberty to fight against these taxes.
What was the end of the French Indian War?
Before conflict started to erupt between the British and the American colonists, there was the end of the French-Indian War in 1763. The British government was given enormous territorial gains from the war and many of the colonists were eager to move westward onto new, fresh land, especially considering that the colonists had claimed that land in the war. However, to improve Native American relations, the British issued The Royal Proclamation of 1763, which declared the boundaries of the thirteen colonies to be the Appalachian Mountains. The British government saw the proclamation not as oppressive, but as a fair way to prevent more Native American-colonial conflict and in no way expected colonial resentment. Yet, countless American colonists were enraged by this proclamation.
What act closed the Boston Harbor?
The Boston Port Act closed the Boston Harbor. The Massachusetts Government Act restricted democratic meetings of the town and the governor 's council was an appointed body. The Administration of Justice Act said that if a British Official commits a crime they are sent back to Britain to be prosecuted. The Quartering Act said that the colonists had to provide a home to British soldiers if needed. These acts were all in direct response to the Boston Tea Party and infuriated the colonists.
When did the first colonists arrive in America?
In 1607, the first colonists arrived in the new world,today, known to us as America. This colony was the Jamestown colony. Eventually more colonists came and created bigger colonies like the massachusetts colony In 1774, upset by the boston tea party and other blatant acts british Parliament passed a law intended to punish the people of massachusetts for their resistance. This act was called the Coercive act.
What was the Sons of Liberty's goal?
The objective of the Sons of Liberty was to stop implementation of the 1765 Stamp Act by any methods including viciousness.
What happened in Boston in 1770?
The troops' presence doesn't sit well with locals and leads to street fights. One clash between soldiers and a mob in March 1770 will leave five dead. Radicals will call it the Boston Massacre, while the British will call it the incident on King Street. Learn more about Boston National Historical Park.
What did Britain do to intimidate Massachusetts?
Britain Tries to Intimidate Massachusetts. March to June, 1774. The British Parliament passes the Coercive Acts, often called the Intolerable Acts in America. Among other actions, Britain closes the port of Boston and requires British troops to be housed in taverns and vacant buildings.
How many Americans remained loyal to the crown?
The evacuation of loyalists begins. Largely unwelcome in the new United States, about 100,000 Americans who remained loyal to the crown find new lives in Britain, Canada, and British colonies in the West Indies. Among them are about 15,000 African Americans, some of whom end up helping to found the country of Sierra Leone in Africa. The loyalist experience will have a profound effect on the development of Canada's national identity.
What was the end of the Seven Years War?
End of the Seven Years War. The Treaty of Paris ends the Seven Years War (French and Indian War). France surrenders all of its North American possessions east of the Mississippi to Britain. This ends a source of insecurity for the British colonists along the Atlantic Coast.
Why was Cornwallis forced to surrender?
Unable to evacuate or receive reinforcements because a French fleet has driven off a British fleet, General Cornwallis is forced to surrender. Although New York City and Charleston, S.C., will remain in British hands until a peace treaty is signed two years later, the war for American independence is essentially over.
What was the purpose of the Constitution in 1787?
1787. A convention of states in Philadelphia proposes the Constitution to replace the much looser central government operating under the Articles of Confederation (adopted in 1777). With amendments, the Constitution remains the framework of government in the U.S. Learn more about Independence National Historical Park.
What did the events at Ninety Six underline?
The events at Ninety Six underline the fact that Britain has too few troops to hold the southern hinterlands. Learn more about Ninety Six National Historic Site.

Passage of The Stamp Act 1765
Boston Massacre
- The Boston Massacre was an incident between the British soldiers and a crowd of colonists in Boston, Massachusetts. It took place on March 5, 1770, when a group of nine British soldiers opened fire on the crowd, killing five and wounding six men. The commander of the watch and his eight soldiers were arrested by the next morning which partly reliev...
Boston Tea Party
- On December 16, 1773, a group of about 70 men boarded on three British ships in the Boston harbor and threw their tea cargo in the sea. The destruction of the tea cargo was a protest against the Tea Act which was passed by the British Parliament earlier that year and gave the British East India Company monopoly on tea sale in the colonies. The incident, known as the Boston Tea Par…
Passage of The Intolerable Acts
- In response to the Boston Tea Party, the British Parliament passed a series of laws that came to be known as Intolerable Acts or Coercive Acts. These closed the Boston harbor for all shipping until the city would pay for the destroyed tea cargo, limited political authority of the colonists, made legal persecution of British officials more difficult and extended the boundaries of the Que…
Convocation of The First Continental Congress
- On September 5, 1774, delegates from 12 colonies met at the First Continental Congress to discuss how to react to the Intolerable Acts. They decided to boycott British goods and ban the export of American goods to Britain if the Intolerable Acts would not be repealed. In order to effectively carry out the boycott, the delegates also established the Continental Association and …
Battles of Lexington and Concord
- On the evening of April 18, 1775, the British governor of Massachusetts sent several hundred British troops to seize the colonists’ military stores at Concord. The British intentions were soon discovered by the Patriot colonists who decided to prevent the British from carrying out their plan. Local militiamen gathered at Lexington to intercept the British troops. These managed to repuls…
Adoption of The Declaration of Independence
- On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence which formally proclaimed the 13 colonies as independent. The war, however, continued as Britain was not willing to give up its North American colonies. The original Declaration of Independence - mainly drafted by the future US President Thomas Jefferson - is today permanently exhibited in t…
Battles of Saratoga
- The Battles of Saratoga that were fought on the same grounds on September 19 and October 7, 1777, marked the turning point of the American Revolution and encouraged France to openly support the Americans against Britain. In the First Battle of Saratoga (also known as the Battle of Freeman’s Farm), the American troops prevented the British to break through their lines and join …
Surrender of Yorktown
- After successful land and sea campaign of joint American and French armies in Virginia in 1781, the British found themselves trapped on the Yorktown peninsula. The British commander Lieutenant General Lord Cornwallis realized that he did not have a slightest chance against the Franco-American army and tried to escape. But his attempt failed. On October 19, 1781, Lord Co…
Signature of The Treaty of Paris
- The American War of Independence and with it, the American Revolution formally ended with the Treaty of Paris which was signed on September 3, 1783. The British Empire accepted defeat against its former colonies and recognized independence of the United States of America. The Treaty of Paris also set the boundaries of the United States – the Mississippi River in the west, G…
The Stamp Act
The Townshend Acts
- Parliament again tried to assert its authority bypassing legislationto tax goods that the Americans imported from Great Britain. The Crown established a board of customs commissioners to stop smuggling and corruption among local officials in the colonies, who were often in on the illicit trade. Americans struck back by organizing a boycott of the British goods that were subject to ta…
The Boston Massacre
- Simmering tensions between the British occupiers and Boston residents boiled over one late afternoon, when a disagreement between an apprentice wigmaker and a British soldier led to a crowd of 200 colonists surrounding seven British troops. When the Americans began taunting the British and throwing things at them, the soldiers apparently lost their...
The Boston Tea Party
- The British eventually withdrew their forces from Boston and repealed much of the onerous Townshend legislation. But they left in place the tax on tea, and in 1773 enacted a new law, theTea Act, to prop up the financially struggling British East India Company. The act gave the company extended favorable treatment under tax regulations so that it could sell tea at a price t…
The Coercive Acts
- In response to the Boston Tea Party, the British government decided that it had to tame the rebellious colonists in Massachusetts. In the spring of 1774, Parliament passed a series of laws, theCoercive Acts, which closed Boston Harbor until restitution was paid for the destroyed tea, replaced the colony’s elected council with one appointed by the British, gave sweeping powers t…
Lexington and Concord
- British General Thomas Gage led a force of British soldiers from Boston to Lexington, where he planned to capture colonial radical leaders Sam Adams and John Hancock, and then head to Concord and seize their gunpowder. But American spies got wind of the plan, and with the help of riders such as Paul Revere, word spread to be ready for the British. On the Lexington Common, t…
British Attacks on Coastal Towns
- Though the Revolutionary War’shostilities started with Lexington and Concord, Randall says that at the start, it was unclear whether the southern colonies, whose interests didn’t necessarily align with the northern colonies, would be all in for a war of independence. “The southerners were totally dependent upon the English to buy their crops, and they didn’t trust the Yankees,” he expla…