american revolution History Timeline and Biographies

1765

The Stamp Act Enacted

The British Parliament passed the Stamp Act, imposing a direct tax on the colonies, leading to widespread protests and the rallying cry of "no taxation without representation." This act was a significant catalyst for the American Revolution as it united various colonies against British authority.

1770

The Boston Massacre

Tensions escalated in Boston when British soldiers opened fire on a crowd, killing five colonists. This incident fueled anti-British sentiments and became a symbol of British tyranny, further igniting the flames of the American Revolution.

1773

The Boston Tea Party

In response to the Tea Act, American colonists disguised as Mohawk Indians dumped 342 chests of British tea into Boston Harbor. This act of defiance against British taxation galvanized support for the American Revolution and led to punitive measures from Britain, known as the Intolerable Acts.

1774

First Continental Congress Convened

Delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies gathered in Philadelphia to organize colonial resistance against the Intolerable Acts. This marked a significant step toward unity among the colonies and laid the groundwork for the American Revolution.

1775

The Battles of Lexington and Concord

The first military engagements of the American Revolution occurred on April 19, 1775, when British troops attempted to seize colonial military supplies. The battles marked the official start of armed conflict between Britain and the colonies.

1776

Declaration of Independence Adopted

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson. This document proclaimed the colonies' separation from Britain and outlined the principles of individual liberty and government by consent, solidifying the ideological foundation of the American Revolution.

1777

The Battle of Saratoga

The American victory at the Battle of Saratoga in October 1777 is often regarded as a turning point in the American Revolution. It convinced France to enter the war as an ally of the colonies, providing crucial military support against Britain.

1781

The Siege of Yorktown

The Siege of Yorktown in September-October 1781 culminated in the surrender of British General Cornwallis. This decisive victory effectively ended major military operations in the American Revolution and paved the way for peace negotiations.

1783

Treaty of Paris Signed

The Treaty of Paris was signed on September 3, 1783, officially ending the American Revolution. The treaty recognized the sovereignty of the United States and established borders for the new nation, marking a significant achievement for the American colonists.

1787

The Constitutional Convention

Delegates convened in Philadelphia to draft the United States Constitution, establishing a framework for the new government. The Constitution addressed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and reflected the principles that emerged from the American Revolution.

1789

George Washington Becomes First President

George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States on April 30, 1789. His leadership helped solidify the gains of the American Revolution and set precedents for the future governance of the nation.

1791

Bill of Rights Ratified

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified in December 1791. These amendments guaranteed individual liberties and reflected the revolutionary ideals of freedom and justice that motivated the American Revolution.

1812

War of 1812 Begins

The War of 1812 was fought between the United States and Britain, partly as a result of unresolved issues stemming from the American Revolution. It reaffirmed American sovereignty and national identity, further solidifying the revolution's legacy.

1861

Civil War and the Legacy of the American Revolution

The American Civil War began in 1861, with issues of states' rights and slavery coming to the forefront. The ideals of the American Revolution were invoked as both sides sought to define the meaning of liberty and equality in the United States.

2023

Continued Reflection on the American Revolution

As of 2023, the American Revolution remains a topic of study and reflection, influencing contemporary discussions on democracy, rights, and governance. Events commemorating the revolution continue to foster national pride and historical awareness.