American Revolution
Boston Tea Party
In 1764, Parliament enforced the Sugar Act in order to pay for shipped non- British goods. In 1765, Britain had the audacity to enforce the Quartering Act, which made colonist supply British troops with supplies. After the colonist went through the process of paying many taxes, they got tired. They finally rebelled once the king of England imposed the Tea Act. Their rebellion was known as the Boston in Tea Party, in which they dressed like Indians, boarded British ships, and overthrew the tea.
Proclamation of 1763
When the French and Indian War was over, England felt the need to become more controlling over the colonies. The king of England blocked off the western portion of north America. He called this border the Proclamation. Colonist could not buy or make any arrangements with Native Americans about land.
First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress was held at Carpenters Hall in Philadelphia. It was started because the colonist felt a need to resolve problems with England and also felt they needed to establish rules in the colonies. Each colony excpet Georgia sent a representative. The men who made up the committee were some of our founding fathers.
Boston Massacre
One night on March 5, 1770 some patriots were throwing snowballs at some British guards. The guards felt very threatened and a brawl broke out in the street. Within minutes shots were fired. Five colonist were shot. One was Crispus Attucks, an African American soldier. Four others died and 8 others were wounded.
Intolerable Acts
After the French and Indian War, England needed a way to pay for the war debt. The king felt like he still had control over the colonies and the colonist, so he decided to tax them with harsh taxes. The colonist were taxed on almost everything. Some of these taxes include the Stamp Act, the Quartering Act, and the Tea Act. These situations were the result of Patrick Henry's favorite line, "No taxation without representation!"
Lexington and Concord
In April of 1775, the battle of Lexington and Concord began. This was also known as the start of the Revolutionary War. British troops were ordered to go into Concord one night to confiscate ammunition and weaponry from the colonist. The British were also anticipating on capturing colonial spies Samuel Adams and Paul Revere. When the British arrived in Lexington, a group of militia men were waiting there for them. The British commander ordered them to put down their weapons and leave. When they were ready to disperse, someone opened fire and then a brawl broke out. Nine militia men died after the brawl and the British moved on. On their way back to Boston, 2,000 militia men opened fire on the British, causing the troops to retreat expeditiously.
John Locke
John Locke had a major impact on the American Revolution. The Declaration of Independence was primarily based off his and Thomas Paine's ideas. He believed that Americans should have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. He also was against tyranny and felt that people should rebel if their natural rights were threatened. The ideas of his liberations inspired people in various regions of the world such as, Asia and Latin America.
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin was another founding father who had an impact on the shaping of America. Other than becoming one of our country's famous inventor, he was also a delegate at the Constitutional Convention. He also persuaded the delegates who were against signing the document, to sign it. He was also the 13 colonies ambassador when it was time for the colonies to negotiate with Paris.