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The Molasses Act was a law passed by Britain in 1733 that put a high tax on molasses, sugar, and rum imported from non-British colonies. It was meant to force the American colonists to buy these goods only from Britain. Many colonists didn’t like the law and often avoided paying the tax.
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The French and Indian War was a conflict between France and Britain over land in North America from August 1756 to February 1763. Many Native American groups supported either the French or the British during the fighting. The war ended with Britain winning more land, but it also created tensions that later helped lead to the American Revolution. -
The Sugar Act was a law passed by the British in 1764 that put a tax on sugar and other goods brought into the American colonies. Britain did this to help pay for the costs of the French and Indian War. Many colonists were upset because they had no say in the decision, which increased tensions with Britain. -
The Stamp Act was a law passed by Britain in 1765 that put a tax on paper items like newspapers, playing cards, and legal documents. Colonists had to buy special stamped paper to show they paid the tax. Many people were angry because they felt it was unfair to be taxed without having a voice in the British government. -
The Declaratory Act was a law passed by Britain in 1766 after they ended the Stamp Act. It said that Britain had the right to make any laws for the American colonies. Many colonists worried because it meant Britain could still control them without their input. -
The Townshend Acts were laws passed by Britain in 1767 that put taxes on everyday items like tea, glass, and paper. British officials hoped the taxes would raise money to pay for governing the colonies. Many colonists protested because they felt the taxes were unfair and hurt their freedom. -
The Boston Massacre was an event in 1770 when British soldiers and colonists got into a fight in Boston. The soldiers fired their guns, and five colonists were killed. This made many colonists even angrier at Britain and pushed them closer to wanting independence. -
The Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia starting in May 1775, just after the first battles of the American Revolution. Delegates from the 13 colonies gathered to manage the war effort and discuss their future with Britain. During this congress, they created the Continental Army, chose George Washington as its commander, and eventually approved the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It played a major role in guiding the colonies toward becoming an independent nation. -
Fort Ticonderoga is a historic 18th-century fort located in upstate New York. Built by the French during the French and Indian War, it later played an important role in the American Revolution. In 1775, American forces led by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold captured the fort, gaining valuable cannons that were transported to Boston and helped drive the British out of the city. Today, it’s a museum where visitors can learn about early American and military history. -
The Battle of Bunker Hill took place on June 17, 1775, early in the American Revolution. Although most of the fighting actually occurred on nearby Breed’s Hill, the battle showed that colonial militia could stand up to the British Army. The British won the ground, but only after suffering heavy casualties. The bravery and strong resistance of the American forces boosted colonial confidence and became an important symbol of the fight for independence.