American Revolution: Key Events and Causes (1754–1775)

The French and Indian War (1754-1763)

War between Britain and France (with Native allies) over control of North America.

Result of the French and Indian War

Britain wins but is deep in debt.

Significance of the French and Indian War

Britain starts taxing colonies to pay war costs.

Proclamation Line of 1763

Law forbidding colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains.

Purpose of the Proclamation Line of 1763

Prevent conflict with Native Americans.

Colonial Reaction to the Proclamation Line of 1763

Angry—felt they earned that land after the war.

Sugar Act (1764)

Tax on imported sugar and molasses.

Purpose of the Sugar Act

Raise money for Britain's war debt.

Reaction to the Sugar Act

"No taxation without representation!"

Stamp Act (1765)

Tax on all printed materials (newspapers, contracts, etc.).

Reaction to the Stamp Act

Massive protests, boycotts, Stamp Act Congress formed.

Result of the Stamp Act

Repealed in 1766.

Declaratory Act (1766)

Stated that Britain had full authority to make laws for the colonies 'in all cases whatsoever.'

Reaction to the Declaratory Act

Colonists saw it as a threat to self-government.

Townshend Acts (1767)

Taxes on imported goods (glass, tea, paper, paint).

Reaction to the Townshend Acts

Boycotts, protests, smuggling increases.

Result of the Townshend Acts

Most taxes repealed except on tea.

Boston Massacre (1770)

British soldiers killed 5 colonists during a protest.

Reaction to the Boston Massacre

Used as propaganda to fuel anti-British feelings.

Boston Tea Party (1773)

Colonists (Sons of Liberty) dumped British tea into Boston Harbor.

Why the Boston Tea Party occurred

Protest against the Tea Act and 'taxation without representation.'

Result of the Boston Tea Party

Britain passed harsh punishments (Intolerable Acts).

Intolerable Acts (1774)

British punishment for the Boston Tea Party (closed harbor, limited town meetings, soldiers quartered).

Reaction to the Intolerable Acts

Colonists united; First Continental Congress formed.

Quebec Act (1774)

Expanded Quebec's territory and allowed free practice of Catholicism.

Reaction to the Quebec Act

Colonists saw it as favoring Catholics and restricting westward expansion.

Battles of Lexington and Concord (1775)

First battles of the American Revolution ('the shot heard 'round the world').

Result of the Battles of Lexington and Concord

Colonists forced British back to Boston.

Significance of the Battles of Lexington and Concord

Official start of the Revolutionary War.