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The French and Indian War/ Seven Years' War
The French and Indian War, also known as the Seven Years' War, was a war that was mainly caused by a dispute between the British and the French over territory in the Ohio River Valley. Colonists wanted to settle in the Ohio River Valley, where Native Americans were already living. The Treaty of Paris ended the war in 1763, resulting in France giving up most of its territory in North America. -
Image: French and Indian War
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The Sugar Act
The Sugar Act of 1764 extended the Molasses Act and changed the tax imports on foreign molasses from six cents to three cents, while also raising the tax rates on imports of raw sugar, silk, wine, coffee, pimento, and indigo. In addition, the property of those accused of smuggling could be seized without due process. Colonists were angry, saying this violated traditional English rights, while colonial merchants argued that it hurt trade. -
The Stamp Act
The Stamp Act of 1765 declared that all printed material had to carry a stamp that must be purchased. Many colonists were outraged, and in October of 1765, protesters organized the Stamp Act Congress and decided to boycott British goods. -
The Declaratory Act
The Declaratory Act was passed in 1766, repealing the Stamp Act and lessening the Sugar Act, but asserted the right of Great Britain to tax the colonies. Although many colonists were happy about the change, other colonists were worried about how Great Britain stated that it had control over taxation. -
The Townshend Acts
The Townshend Acts were created by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Charles Townshend, creating a new board of customs to prevent smuggling. Many colonists began to boycott British goods again, while some artisans were pleased because they were getting more money. On the other hand, some merchants were displeased because their products were being boycotted. -
The Tea Act
The Tea Act of 1773 offered tax exemptions and rebates for tea coming from the British-East India Company, allowing cheap tea to be given to the colonies and lowering the price of tea. Many colonists came to the realization that the British could tax whatever they wanted and some were upset that cheap tea was cutting into the profits of tea merchants and smugglers. On December 16, 1773, colonists dressed up as Native Americans and dumped $4 million worth of tea into the Boston Harbor. -
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The Revolutionary War
The American Revolutionary War started on April 19, 1775, when a battle broke out between British soldiers and Massachusetts militiamen at Concord and Lexington. This war led to America gaining independence from Great Britain, and many colonists were looking forward to freedom and independence. -
Image: The Revolutionary War
