1763: England defeated French in the French and Indian war
The English defeat the French in the French and Indian war, which happened because both the Britain and French wanting to extend their land west of the Appalachian mountains, known as Ohio territory. To pay for this war, they taxed the English – speaking settlers with taxation without representation.
Mar. 2, 1765: The Stamp Act
As part of taxation without representation, Britain set the stamp act, a tax that requires expensive postage stamps on all mail.
Mar. 5, 1770: The Boston Massacre
During the Boston Massacre, Boston colonists are shot at by British troops.
Dec. 16, 1773: The Boston Tea Party
Boston colonists calling themselves the sons of Liberty board Britishships and dump crates of tea into Boston harbor at Britain’s expense.
Sept. 1774: The First Continental Congress Meets
Representatives from the colonies get together to unite and oppose British taxes.
April 18, 1775: America Starts the Revolution
America officially starts the war, the first shots fired in Massachusetts.
April 18, 1775: Paul Revere’s Ride
As a cause of the Revolutionary war, Paul Revere makes his famous ride to warn the colonists that the “British are coming!”
Winter of 1777-1778: Valley Forge
The continental army under George Washington spends the winter training at Valley Forge.
Feb. 16, 1778: Alliance with France
France recognized the United Nations as an independent country with the treaty of alliance.
Mar. 2, 1781: Articles of confederation
Defined as the official government of the United States.
Oct 19, 1781: Battle of Yorktown
The last major battle of the American revolutionary war.
Sept. 3, 1783: Treaty of Paris
The treaty of Paris was the treaty that officially ended the war.
April 19, 1775: Battle of Lexington and Concord
The first “shot heard around the world”–the Americans win as the British retreat.
May 10, 1775: Capture of Fort Ticonderoga
The Green Mountain Boys led by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold capture fort Ticonderoga from the British.
June 16, 1775: Battle of Bunker Hill
This was a major battle in the American Revolution, where Britain defeated the Americans.
July 4, 1776: The Declaration of Independence is Adopted
Continental congress adopts the declaration of independence, written by Thomas Jefferson.
Dec. 25, 1776: George Washington crosses the Delaware
George Washington and his troops cross the Delaware River on Christmas night and surprise the enemy.
June 14, 1777: America Chooses a Flag
The continental congress uses the “stars and stripes” flag sewn by Betsy Ross.
Sept. 19 – Oct. 1, 1777: Battles of Saratoga
British general John Burgoyne surrenders his army to the Americans after suffering defeat at the battles of Saratoga.
