Notes on Events Leading to the American Revolution

Stamp Act Congress

• Delegates from nine colonies assembled in New York.
• Formal petition to British parliament to repeal the Stamp Act.
• Taxation without representation was tyranny.
• Rejected the Stamp Act as loyal subjects.

Declaratory Act

• Parliament repealed the Stamp Act and the Sugar Act.
• Passed the Declaratory Act, asserting the right to pass any law in the colonies.

Townsend Acts

• Parliament passed the Townsend Acts, levying new taxes on imported items.
• Colonists responded with organized protests and boycotts.
• Women played a crucial role in the boycott.

Boston Massacre

• British troops stationed in colonies to enforce laws.
• Confrontation between colonists and soldiers led to shooting.
• Colonists viewed the massacre as British tyranny.

Boston Tea Party

• Response to the Tea Act of 1773.
• Colonists dumped British tea into the harbor.
• Parliament passed the Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts).

Continental Congress

• Leaders gathered to resist violations of liberties.
• Still aimed to remain British subjects.

Enlightenment Thought

• Belief in natural rights endowed by God.
• Influence of social contract theory.
• Emphasis on republican government and separation of powers.

Common Sense

• Thomas Paine's pamphlet advocating independence.
• Convinced the majority of colonists that independence was necessary.