Events Leading to the Declaration of Independence Part II

1754 Albany Plan for the Union 1 st effort to unite colonists together- never put into effect

Caused the British to get into debt. Decided to tax the colonists. End of Salutary Neglect

1763 Proclamation of 1763 British law that said no one could move West of the Appalachian Mountains

1765 Stamp Act Places a tax on all products printed on paper No input from colonists Boycotted and repealed

1765 Quartering Act British Soldiers could now live in the colonists homes.

Declaratory Act Parliament had the right to tax and make decisions for the American colonies 1766

1767 Townshend Acts Levied new taxes on goods that the colonies had to import from England (glass, paper, tea, lead)

Intolerable Acts Series of Acts that were passed by Parliament that restricted the rights of colonists. Also closed the Boston Harbor.

1770- Boston Massacre Clash between British soldiers and colonists -5 colonists dead -1 st Violence of Revolution

1773 Tea Act Gave the East India Company the right to ship tea to the colonies without paying taxes which made their tea cheaper than colonial tea. (monopoly on tea) Effect: colonists blocked ships, Boston Tea Party

1773 Boston Tea Party – protest to Tea Act by Sons of Liberty

st Continental Congress All colonies except GA ~ met to represent American interests and challenge British rule Sent document (Olive Branch Petition) to King George III demanding their rights be restored His response: Battles of Lexington and Concord

1775 Revolutionary War Begins Battles of Lexington and Concord

nd Continental Congress Seek independence or remain a colony? Decision: draft the Declaration of Independence

1776 Thomas Paine writes Common Sense- a book that says that the colonies should seek independence and gives reasons why. People now believe that we should seek independence.

1776 Declaration of Independence Approved by 2 nd Continental Congress who were now acting as the colonial government

Articles of Confederation The first constitution for the United States of America. Makes the 2 nd Continental Congress our acting government and gives them power.

1783 Treaty of Paris Ends the Revolutionary War