The American Gazette
Cindy Sze, Block 7
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was in retaliation of the unfair British taxes. In 1773, the Sons of Liberty disguised themselves as Indians and dumped the British tea into the Boston Harbor. They wanted to defend themselves against the acts because they didn't want to pay taxes on the sugar, stamp, and tea. Led by Samuel Adams, the Patriots got together and made the plan. The meeting was called the First Continential Congress.
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre occurred on March 5, 1770. It happened in retaliation of the Boston troops occupying the Patriots' city. It was between a mob of Patriots and a group of British soldiers. The Patriots threw snowballs at the troops, and the soldiers ended up shooting at the mob. Crispus Attucks was the first to die in the conflict.
Lexington and Concord
The Battles of Lexington and Concord were the first battles that started the revolution. When they heard that war was imminent, Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock devised a plan to get the British. On April 18, 1775, the Redcoats and Massachusetts Minutemen fought at Lexington. After setting Concord on fire, the British troops began retreating back towards Boston. Suddenly, Minutemen rushed out at the British and shot at them.
Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga was the turning point of the rebellion. In 1777, General Burgoyne marched into Champain Valley, hoping to meet up with the other troops waiting there. Instead, Burgoyne and his men were attacked by the American troops waiting there. Burgoyne ended up surrendering shortly after. This American victory was very significant because it gave the colonists hope that they would win the war and get their independence.
Battle of Yorktown
In 1781, George Washington and his troops faced the British soldiers at Yorktown. Washington devised a brilliant plan to block the British troops. Together, the French and Continental troops defeated the British. This war ended the revolution on October 17, 1781. However, the war was only officially over when the Treaty of Paris was signed on September 3, 1783.
Intolerable Acts (Coercive Acts)
The Intolerable Acts were established by the British Parliament as a way to punish the colonists. The colonists were put under military rule due to the destruction of the British tea. They were also not allowed to trade. As the British government extended their control, it took away many of the colonists' rights. This eventually led to the Boston Massacre.