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Salem Witch Trials Compensation
After the tragedy of the Salem Witch Trials, financial compensation was given to the families of the victims, and their names were cleared by the Governor of Massachusetts. -
Stono Rebellion
Largest Slave Revolt in British North America, due to promise of freedom from Florida Governor. -
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French and Indian War
Colonial Front of the Seven Year War in Europe. Arose over issues of who would take control of the Ohio River Valley. Both English and French forces would amount garrisons and forts in the valley, and a French attack on a English Fort would start the conflict. The Wars aftermath severely indebted the English, leading to many of the issues that would lead to the Revolutionary War. -
Treaty of Paris
Ended French and Indian War with a English victory, and left England with a massive debt. -
Proclamation line of 1763
Made to honor promises made to the Iroquois and Delaware, prevented settlers from moving West. Angered many colonists as they felt the whole point of the French and Indian War was to allow them to expand into the Ohio River Valley. -
Stamp Act
First direct tax on English Settlers, placed a stamp on all paper products such as newspapers, bills, pamphlets, and even playing cards. Violators would be tried and convicted without jury. -
Townsend Acts
Series of measures that taxed vital imported goods in the Colonies. Crown sent troops to enforce measures and stop smuggling. Was widely unpopular with Colonists. -
Boston Massacare
British troops fire upon Colonists protesting the new taxes. -
Tea Act
Gave monopoly to East India Company on tea imports. Colonists revolted by destroying or sending back tea. -
Boston Tea Party
Members of the Sons of Liberty dressed up as Mohawk Indians and would throw shipments of tea into Boston Harbor in rebellion for the Tea Act. -
Intolerable Acts
Series of acts that set out to increase Britain's control over the colonies with the Boston Port Bill, Quebec Act, Massachusetts Government Act, Administration of Justice Act, and a new Quartering Act. These new acts would close Boston Harbor, limit British American expansion while supporting Quebec and native interests, removing elected officials with appointed ones, protecting British Officials from being charged, and allowing the quartering of troops in civilians homes. -
First Continental Congress
Consisted of 56 delegates and created a Deceleration of Rights and Grievances. Was viewed as illegitimate and illegal by the crown and was disbanded October 26, 1774. -
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American Revolutionary War
The American War of Independence, started with the Battle of Concord and Lexington and ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris (1783). Secured the independence of the American colonies and would lead to the formation of the United Staes. -
Battle of Concord and Lexington
Start of the American Revolution. British forces led by General Gage march to Lexington to seize a colonial armory. Are met by resisting forces in Concord, leading to the "shot heard around the world", it is unknown who fired first. Colonial defeat at Concord and British march to Lexington where they are overwhelmed by Minuteman Militia forces and retreat back to Boston. -
Second Continental Congress
Led to forming of Continental Army, under command of General George Washington.Would send last chance at peace with the Olive Branch Petition, which stated that the Colonists were still royal to the King, but voiced the Colonies protests. King George III would refuse to even look at and declared the Colonies to be in a state of rebellion. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
Taking place on Breed's Hill, Colonial forces led by Col. William Prescott would defend the position against 2000 British Troops with only 1600 militiamen. It would end with a British victory, but a pyrrhic one at that with British casualties amassing at 1054, with American ones only being 450. -
Common Sense Published
Written by Thomas Paine and published anonymously. Challenged British government and the legitimacy of royal monarchy. -
Battle of Trenton
Otherwise known as the Crossing of the Delaware. Gen. Washington would lead a column of Continental Forces across the Delaware into Trenton, New Jersey, where they would ambush and capture Hessian forces stationed there. Would be a massive victory for Continental Forces and a major moral boost. -
French recognize American Independence
After the decisive victory at Saratoga, France formally recognizes American Independence and sends aid and support to Continental Forces. Most notably Marquis de Lafayette. -
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New Republic
Beginning of the newly founded United States. -
Articles of Confederation
First constitution of the US. Made it a loose confederation of states with a weak central government with no real power. Majority of power was given to the states. -
Siege of Yorktown
Combined Continental and French forces would lay siege to the British Fort at Yorktown, with French Naval Vessels securing Naval Supremacy and would barrage the fort. Would mark the end of the Revolutionary War with a Continental Victory. Alexander Hamilton would lead a silent assault on Rebout No 10 of the British Defences. -
End of Siege and Surrender of Cornwallis
After weeks of artillery barrage and being surronded by Continental Forces, General Cornwallis would send a drummer boy with a white handkerchief to indicate surrender. It would secure America's independence with the end of the Colonial Theater of War, and Peace negotiations taking starting to take place. -
Treaty of Paris (1783)
Official end of the Revolutionary War. Acknowledged the United States as a free, sovereign, and independent. -
Shay's Rebellion
Revolt against increased taxes that favored trade and harmed agriculture. Demonstrated the need for a more centralized government. -
Philadelphia Convention
Was supposed to be ratification of Articles of Confederation, turned into the ratification of a new U.S. Constitution. Debate was between Federalism and Anti-Federalism, and the balance between a centralized and un-centralized government. With the Bi-camel legislature of the Great Compromise and the addition of the Bill of Rights the new Document was ratified. -
3/5 compromise
During the Constitutional Convention, it was argued how slaves would be counted when determining a state's population for legislative representation. They came to the agreement that each enslaved person would count every 3 out of 5 slaves as a person. -
Inauguration of President Washington
Unanimously elected first president of the United States and would oversee the beginning years of the new Republic. -
Judiciary Act
Established National Judiciary System. Created Federal District Court, and Circuit Courts. John Jay would serve as the first Chief Justice. -
Cotton Gin
Machine that separated cotton seeds from fiber. Contributed to a increase in slavery in the US -
Inauguration of John Adams
2nd president of the US, won by 1 electoral vote. Retained Washington's cabinet members; was viewed as a moderate.
