Revolutionary Way Timeline by Nick B

1765

nbarnum02 — 2023-11-16 14:32:39 UTC

The British Empire decided to tax American colonists for the first time in the Stamp Act of 1765

This was done to help the British Empire pay for troops stationed in the colonies during the Seven Years' War.

The American colonists refused to pay this tax, saying "No taxation without representation!"

1766

nbarnum02 — 2023-11-22 18:50:17 UTC

American colonists began boycotting British goods.

The British Empire repealed the Stamp Act this year.

The Declaratory Act of 1766 was signed, stating that the British Empire could make laws for the American colonies "in all cases whatsoever."

The Townshend Acts

nbarnum02 — 2023-11-22 18:57:25 UTC

The British enacted taxes on imports such as tea, paper, paint, lead, and glass. Resources that American colonists were reliant on.

This increased tensions between American colonists and the British Empire.

nbarnum02 — 2023-11-22 18:59:33 UTC

The British Empire sailed 4,000 soldiers into Massachusetts to threaten and intimidate Americans in Boston.

The Boston Massacre!

nbarnum02 — 2023-11-22 19:00:18 UTC

Five American colonists were killed by British troops during an incident in Boston. Word was spread throughout the colonies.

For more information, click the image above!

Boston Tea Party

nbarnum02 — 2023-11-22 19:04:55 UTC

Members of the "Sons of Liberty", disguised as Native Americans, boarded British ships and dumped the tea into the sea, costing the British Empire over $1 million in modern costs!

The following link on Khan Academy provides a more in-depth retelling of the Boston Tea Party

nbarnum02 — 2023-11-25 04:24:23 UTC

As a result of the Boston Tea Party, the British Empire punished the colonies in what is known as the "Intolerable Acts" which consisted of the following:

Boston Port Act: Closed the port to Boston until the colonists repaid the damages of the Boston Tea Party.

Administration of Justice Act: Ensured a fair trial for British officials charged with capital offenses while upholding the law in the American colonies.

Massachusetts Government Act: Reduced colonial control over their own government. Gave British General Thomas Gage absolute authority.

Quartering Act: Great Britain would house its soldiers in American barracks and public homes.

nbarnum02 — 2023-11-25 04:26:53 UTC

The Massachusetts Provincial Congress was formed in protest of the Massachusetts Government Act. John Hancock, as president of this congress, ignored royal rule.

First Continental Congress

nbarnum02 — 2023-11-25 04:32:25 UTC

American Patriots from twelve of the thirteen colonies met in Philadelphia to form the First Continental Congress. The Congress petitioned King George III of the following:

Remove taxes imposed on American colonists.
Remove Great Britain's involvement in American affairs.
Agreed to trade regulations between the American colonies and Great Britain.
To remove British troops in American colonies during peacetime.

Paul Revere "The British are coming!" (April)

nbarnum02 — 2023-11-26 23:49:22 UTC

Massachusetts was declared a "state of rebellion" and by April of 1775, Great Britain declared that the leaders of the rebellion were to be disarmed and arrested.

Paul Revere and others rode ahead of the British to warn leaders in Lexington and Concord. British troops were surprised by the number of forces and retreated.

The war had begun.

The Battle of Bunker Hill (June)

nbarnum02 — 2023-11-26 23:57:25 UTC

Result: British victory

For quick facts and a summary of the battle, click the image above!

The United States on the frontfoot

nbarnum02 — 2023-11-27 00:11:05 UTC

George Washington gathered his army and positioned cannons overlooking the British-occupied city of Boston.

British forces evacuated to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Washington then moved his forces south to New York City, knowing it would make for a strategic naval base.

The Declaration of Independence!

nbarnum02 — 2023-11-27 00:15:22 UTC

In Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence. It would be ratified on July 4th, 1776.

By clicking the image above, you will have access to the transcript of the Declaration of Independence.

The Battle of Long Island

nbarnum02 — 2023-11-27 00:17:42 UTC

British troops stationed south of American forces in New York attacked, driving Washington's troops north.

Result: British victory

Washington Crosses the Delaware River - The Battle of Trenton

nbarnum02 — 2023-11-27 04:53:43 UTC

On Christmas of 1776, Washington and his men stealthily crossed the Delaware River and surprised British forces in Trenton, New Jersey.

Result: American victory

Valley Forge

nbarnum02 — 2023-11-27 04:56:45 UTC

After fleeing from Philadelphia, Washington and his men survived the winter in Valley Forge where many of his men would die of starvation and disease.

France Declares Allegiance to the United States

nbarnum02 — 2023-11-27 04:59:45 UTC

In order to combat the British Empire from getting too powerful, France joins the United States' fight for independence.

Carlisle Peace Commission

nbarnum02 — 2023-11-27 05:03:52 UTC

The British Empire offered terms of reconciliation with the American colonies, rather than allowing them to become independent.

The American Congress unanimously rejected the deal.

Spain declares their support for the United States

nbarnum02 — 2023-11-27 05:07:02 UTC

Joining France, Spain declared their allegiance with the United States, forcing the British Empire to remove troops from the war effort in the American colonies in order to fight threats elsewhere in the world.

The fight moves to the South

nbarnum02 — 2023-11-27 05:09:48 UTC

After the fighting in the northern American colonies had gone to a stalemate, British troops moved south to strengthen their stronghold in the south and gain support from loyalists in the southern colonies.

Benedict Arnold betrays the United States!

nbarnum02 — 2023-11-27 05:12:09 UTC

In 1780, after years of fighting, American army officer Benedict Arnold fled the fight and joined the British.

Horatio Gates took over in the conflict in the south and was defeated in the Battle of Camden, this meant that South Carolina and Georgia was back under British control.

The British set up shop in Yorktown

nbarnum02 — 2023-11-28 03:26:32 UTC

The British forces set up base in Yorktown, but their naval fleet was fought off by French ships. At the same time, George Washington and French General Jean-Baptiste Rochambeau surrounded them, causing the British army to surrender.

British Prime Minister Resigns!

nbarnum02 — 2023-11-28 03:28:37 UTC

After the news of the Battle of Yorktown reached Great Britain, the Prime Minister resigned and was replaced by one who recognized American Independence. This marked the end of the American Revolution!

Treaty of Paris 1783

nbarnum02 — 2023-11-28 03:30:33 UTC

The United States and the British Empire had signed the Treaty of Paris, officially signed over the lands that became the United States of America