1. American Revolution Timeline
The Road to War
1660’s
Navigation Acts (law)
This law limited the colonies
to trade only with England.
It was often ignored and not
enforced. (leads to
smuggling)

2. American Revolution Timeline
1690’s
The Enlightenment
Philosopher John Locke says
that life, liberty and property
are natural rights that cannot
be taken away by government.

3. American Revolution Timeline
1740’s
Great Awakening
Religious revival in the
colonies that encouraged
colonists to question authority
and think for themselves.

4. American Revolution Timeline
1754
Seven Years War
The war between England &
the colonists versus the
French and Indians. Winning
leaves England with a
huge debt.

5. American Revolution Timeline
1763
Proclamation of 1763
King George III tells the
colonists they cannot move
west after winning the
Seven Years War

6. American Revolution Timeline
1765
Stamp Act
King George & Parliament
pass a tax on the colonies
(paper, cards, & dice). They
say, “No taxation, without
representation.”

7. American Revolution Timeline
1767
Townshend Act
Parliament adds a tax on
glass, paint, lead, and tea.
The colonists boycott and
form the Sons of Liberty
and Daughters of Liberty.

8. American Revolution Timeline
1770
Boston Massacre
Five colonists are killed by
British soldiers. They were
protesting the tax collectors
and searches of their homes.

9. American Revolution Timeline
1773
Tea Act / Boston Tea Party
The colonists protest the
selling of tea that hurts
American merchants.
They throw the
English tea into
Boston Harbor.

10. American Revolution Timeline
1774
Intolerable Acts
King George III punishes the
colony of Massachusetts.
He closes the port , restricts
meetings, and allows soldiers
to live (quarter) in the
Colonists’ homes.
(Coercive Acts)

11. American Revolution Timeline
Write the caption too
1774
First Continental Congress
Delegates from the 13
Colonies (except Georgia)
meet in Philadelphia,
to pledge their support for
Massachusetts and declare
their unity.

12. American Revolution Timeline
1775
Lexington & Concord
The first battle between the
Minutemen and the
British Red Coats .
Paul Revere warns,
“The British are coming!”

13. American Revolution Timeline
1776
Declaration of Independence
At the Second Continental
Congress, Thomas Jefferson
writes the Declaration which
formally separates the colonies
from England. It is signed,
July 4, 1776.

14. American Revolution Timeline
1777
Battle of Saratoga
The Americans win this
battle in New York which
convinces France to join
their side as an ally.
It is a turning
point of the war.

15. American Revolution Timeline
1781
Yorktown
The location in Virginia
where British General
Cornwallis is surrounded
by the French &
George Washington’s
army and is forced to
surrender. This ends the
American Revolution.

16. American Revolution Timeline
1700’s
Salutary Neglect
The period of time when
England (the King) was too busy and seldom enforced its rules on the Colonies.