Causes of the American Revolution

The French and Indian War (1754-1763)

Brittain defeated France in a costly war, leading to the taxation of colonists to cover the expenses, amounting to $12 billion.

The Proclamation of 1763

To avoid problems with Native Americans, Brittain restricted colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains, causing anger among colonists.

The Sugar Act (1764)

This act ended the smuggling trade of sugar and molasses between the New England colonies and the Dutch and French.

The Stamp Act (1765)

This tax required payment for paper documents, playing cards, dice, contracts, marriage licenses, and newspapers. It led to organized boycotts.

The Quartering Act (1765)

This act mandated that colonies house and provide for British soldiers, increasing tension and animosity towards the British.

The Townshend Acts (1767-1768)

These acts taxed various items such as paper, glass, silk, paint, lead, and tea, leading to colonist boycotts of these products.

The Boston Massacre (March 5, 1770)

British soldiers killed five colonists, and this event was used for propaganda purposes.

The Tea Act (May 10, 1773)

Colonists were forced to purchase tea from the East India Company, leading to the Boston Tea Party where 340 chests of British tea were dumped into the Boston Harbor.

The Intolerable Acts

After the Boston Tea Party, colonists were unable to hold town meetings, and the port of Boston was closed until the damage was paid back.

The 1st Continental Congress (September 5 to October 26, 1774)

This gathering initiated a boycott of British goods and marked the first time the colonies came together.

Taxation Without Representation

The colonists saw this as a violation of their rights and was a significant rallying cry for the revolution.

Choosing Sides

Patriots - colonists who wanted independence and freedom
Loyalists - those who remained loyal to King George III
Neutralists - undecided colonists who did not want to be involved

Lexington and Concord (April 19, 1775)

British troops marched to Concord to seize colonist military supplies, sparking a battle and the British retreat to Boston.

The 2nd Continental Congress (May 10, 1775)

Following the rejection of colonists' peace attempts, a Continental Army was created with George Washington as its leader.

Common Sense (January 10, 1776)

This pamphlet by Thomas Paine argued for the American colonies to seek full independence from Britain.

The Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776)

This document announced the separation and independence of the American colonies from Great Britain.

In summary, these various events collectively served as the 10 main causes of the American Revolution. Their effects were far-reaching and ultimately led to the full independence of the American colonies from British rule. This timeline highlights the series of events leading up to the American Revolution and the subsequent consequences, as well as the factors that prompted colonists to pursue freedom and the independence of their nation. The American Revolution started on April 19, 1775, and officially ended on September 3, 1783, after signing the Treaty of Paris. Its effects reverberated for years and shaped the course of American history.