The Thirteen Colonies Rebel Timeline

1763-1783

1764

• In 1764 the Sugar Act was pushed through Parliament. The act taxed sugar, coffee, indigo, and molasses from anywhere but Britain.

1764

• The Currency Act prohibits the colonists from issuing any legal paper money, and required colonists to pay all debts in gold or silver.

1765

• In 1765 Parliament passed the Stamp Act. Stamps sold by the British government had to placed on a variety of items. These included legal papers, advertisements, newspapers, calendars, and playing cards.

1765

• Quartering Act requires colonists to house and supply British soldiers.

Description: Stamp Act protest by William Bradford

“… whether any methods can be found to elude the chains forged for us…”

“Enough is enough”1773 Boston Tea Party

First Continental Congress• When: September 1774• Where: Independence Hall – Philadelphia• Why: Because of the Intolerable Acts• Who: John Adams, Sam Adams, Benjamin

Franklin, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson• What Happens:

1. Ban all trade with England2. Train Our Militia (volunteer army) (2nd amendment?)

Colonists began forming

their own militia to resist the

British.

Britain

• British General Thomas Gage is put in control of Boston – with many British Soldiers.

Gage

• Gage hears that the Patriots have an arsenal (garage for weapons) in Concord and Lexington.

• In secret, Gage and 800 troops march to Lexington to seize (take) the weapons.

• Patriots find out that the British are on the way – and send messengers to warn them are dispatched. (Paul Revere and Robert Dawes)

Lexington

• The Patriots are prepared. The minute men gather to meet the British Troops.

• Shots are fired and 8 patriots are killed. “shot heard around the world”

Field in Lexington Mass

April 19, 1775

Battle of Lexington & ConcordMassachusetts

• The Beginning of the War

Shot heard around the

world!

Concord• After Lexington, Redcoats head for

Concord.

• British soldiers began searching homes, and some were set on fire.

• Minutemen made their way to North Bridge in Concord and met the Redcoats there.

Concord

• 2 shots are fired and the Major John Buttrick, leader of the local Concord militia, implored his men to retaliate.

• This was the first time American militia had fired on the British army.

MAY 1775 Second Continental CongressMeeting in Philadelphia. Colonial Representativesformed the Continental Army.

George Washington was named general of the Continental Army.

Second Continental Congress• When: May 1776

• Where: Independence Hall, Philadelphia

• Why: Lexington & Concord

• Who: Thomas Jefferson, Sam Adams, John Adams, James Madison. No George Washington – getting ready for war.

• What: Vote to declare independence and vote to create Continental Army, Appoint George Washington Leader.

July 1775

Olive Branch Petition

• Colonists try to avoid war and send a last ditch effort for peace.

• They send the “Olive Branch Petition” to King George III.

• He refused.

Paine wrote Common Sense, a 79-page pamphlet in which he offered “nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense" on the idea of American independence from England. He began…

"We have it in our power to begin the world anew...American shall make a stand, not for herself alone, but for the world,"

July 4, 1776

Declaration of Independence

• This document was written by Thomas Jefferson

• Considered treason against England.

• Punishable by death.

Declaration of Independence

• When: 1776 at Continental Congress

• Where: Philadelphia

• Why: Breaking up with England

• Who: Patriots – Thomas Jefferson main author.

• What: Colonist list grievances (complaints) against England.

1783

Treaty of ParisFrance

• Formal end to war

Effects• US is independent.• Outlined US boundaries.

(Canada, Florida and Mississippi River

• US gets fishing rights.• Both sides repay debts.• Return captured items.

Treaty of Paris

• When: 1783

• Where: Paris, France

• Why: To end the war.

• Who: Patriots & Britain

• What: Formally ended the war and recognized America as it’s own country.