The American Revolution was a pivotal period marked by the colonies' struggle against British rule, starting with protests against 'taxation without representation' and escalating to the Boston Massacre and Tea Party. Key battles like Lexington, Concord, and Saratoga, along with the decisive Siege of Yorktown, shaped the conflict. The Treaty of Paris in 1783 recognized U.S. independence, setting the stage for a new nation.
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The British victory in the French and Indian War expanded their empire but also left them in debt, leading to taxation of the colonies
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act of 1765, requiring a tax stamp on printed materials, sparked colonial resistance and the principle of "taxation without representation."
Townshend Acts
The Townshend Acts of 1767, imposing duties on goods, further fueled colonial protests and opposition to British authority
The British viewed Boston as a hub of sedition, leading to harsh measures and the formation of the First Continental Congress
The colonies responded to British taxation with organized boycotts, political protests, and intellectual arguments against British authority
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre, where British soldiers killed colonists, was used as propaganda to fuel anti-British sentiment
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party, a defiant act of protest against the Tea Act, united the colonies in opposition to British rule
The Coercive Acts, also known as the Intolerable Acts, and the convening of the First Continental Congress further escalated tensions between the colonies and Britain
Battles of Lexington and Concord
The Battles of Lexington and Concord marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War
Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga, a turning point in the war, led to a formal alliance with France and provided crucial support to the American cause
Battle of Monmouth
The Battle of Monmouth showcased the improved discipline and effectiveness of the Continental Army under George Washington's command
The adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 articulated the colonies' reasons for seeking sovereignty and inspired movements towards equality and human rights
The Siege of Yorktown, where the combined forces of America and France defeated the British, effectively ended major hostilities and led to the signing of the Treaty of Paris, recognizing the independence of the United States