Events Leading to the American Revolution

British ban settlement west of Appalachian Mountains

Placed a tax on sugar and molasses. Harsh punishment for smugglers

The colonists fought alongside the British to win this war. The war put Britain deeply into debt. 1754-1763

Required colonists to provide housing and food as well as other supplies to British troops.

Passed by Parliament (British Government) - Requires the purchase of special tax stamps for documents.

Set up a system to enforce new import duties (taxes). Colonists protested court orders called Writs of Assistance, which were used to search for illegal goods. This taxed everyday items such as tea, glass, paint, etc.

On March 5th, 1770, British soldiers fired into an angry crowd of workers and killed five, wounded another 6. Crispus Attucks was the first to die for the American Cause.

Parliament gave monopoly rights (sole right to sell to the colonies) to the East India Tea Company. Tea prices were down, but the colonists thought they should be able to buy from whomever they wanted.

A group of colonist (the Sons of Liberty) dressed like Native Americans, boarded British ships and dumped tea into Boston Harbor.

Parliament's response to the Boston Tea Party. It closed the Port of Boston, increased the powers of the Royal Governor, shut down the colonial legislature, colonists charged with murder could be tried in England, and strengthened the Quartering Act

First met in Philadelphia, PA in September and October of 1774 - Demanded repeal of the Intolerable Acts and declared that the colonists had the right to tax and govern themselves. Called for training of militias

British Troops and American Minutemen engaged in the first battle of the American Revolution. Later that day, a second battle took place in Concord, MA. About 300 British troops were killed. April 18, 1775