Colonists' fight for Independence
What they endured during their fight
Before we were an independent country
French and Indian war leads to proclamation of 1763
Stamp Act
Townshend Acts
Boston Massacre
Tea Act leading up to the Boston tea Party
Because of the boston tea party
First Continental Congress
After the Boston Tea Party, there was more problems and fighting. In 1774, the Colonists had an important meeting in Pennsylvania called the First Continental Congress. At this meeting, representatives from the colonies talked about their problems. They were preparing for a revolution. Thomas Jefferson wrote an important document called the Declaration of Independence. It said that the people of America wanted to be free from England. The Declaration of Independence also said that “all men are created equal,” and that everyone has “the right to life, liberty and happiness.”
Revolutionary War
War between the American colonies and England started in 1775. This war, called the Revolutionary War, did not end until 1783. General George Washington was the leader of the American Army. Washington’s army didn't have much food, clothing, or supplies. The British army was stronger, bigger, and had more of everything, but they refused to give up. They lost many battles but they ended up wining the war. During the war all kinds of Americans fought; farmers, sailors, business owners, and teachers became soldiers, also many African Americans helped. The woman worked on the farms while the men fought. They also grew food, made clothes for the army, and took care of hurt soldiers. France also helped by sending soldiers and supplies.
July 4, 1776
On this day the Declaration of Independence was signed. Representatives from all thirteen colonies signed the paper. The war was not finished yet, but this was the beginning of American independence. Today, we celebrate Independence Day in the United States every year on July 4th.