American Revolution: Colonial Taxation and Protests

British acts enacted in response to the Boston Tea Party, aimed at punishing the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

A major event in which colonists in Boston dumped British tea into the harbor to protest unfair taxation.

The first skirmish of the American Revolutionary War, where colonists confronted British forces.

The second gathering of colonial representatives, held after the Intolerable Acts, that ultimately declared independence.

The groundbreaking document declaring the independence of the United States from Britain.

The pamphlet by Thomas Paine that argued for American independence and inspired colonists.

A group of colonists who supported the British during the Revolution.

The Continental Army, established during the Revolution, was led by George Washington.

Women who followed their husbands during the Revolution and provided support.

A movement organized by women to boycott British goods in support of independence.

The British wanted to raise taxes in the American colonies after the French and Indian War to pay off the war debts. They argued that it was fair for the colonists to contribute to their own defense, as the British had protected them during the war.

A group of American colonists who formed in protest of British taxation policies, particularly the Stamp Act. They advocated for the rights of American colonists and believed in "no taxation without representation."

A series of acts passed by the British Parliament that imposed taxes on goods imported into the American colonies, including the Sugar Act, Currency Act, Quartering Act, and Stamp Act. These acts sparked significant resistance among the colonists.

A law passed by the British Parliament that required colonists to pay a tax on all printed materials, such as newspapers, legal documents, and playing cards. This act caused widespread outrage in the colonies and led to protests and boycotts.

The first time colonists from different colonies came together to collectively protest against British taxation. This showed the growing unity and organized opposition against British rule.

A response to colonial protests against the Stamp Act, in which Britain repealed the act but also passed the Declaratory Act, asserting the British Parliament's right to tax the colonies without their consent or representation.

A set of acts passed by the British Parliament that imposed taxes on goods such as glass, lead, and tea imported into the colonies. These acts further angered the colonists and contributed to growing tensions with Britain.

A violent clash between British soldiers and a group of colonists in Boston in 1770. The event escalated from a snowball fight and resulted in the deaths of five colonists. It was a turning point in the colonial struggle for independence.

The British attempted to justify their actions by arguing that they had a right to tax the colonies because they provided protection and defense. They also claimed that the colonists should contribute their fair share to the financial burden of the empire.

The colonists protested against the British taxation policies through a variety of methods, including peaceful protests, boycotts, and sometimes even violent acts.

The Battle of Trenton, fought on December 26, 1776, was a significant victory for General George Washington's Continental Army against the Hessian forces stationed in Trenton, New Jersey. This surprise attack, launched during a snowstorm, marked the end of a month-long American retreat and boosted morale during a challenging period in the Revolutionary War.

The Battle of Saratoga, fought in September and October 1777, was a decisive victory for the American forces against the British, securing crucial foreign support for the Revolution, particularly from France. This victory marked a turning point in the war, giving the Americans a much-needed advantage.

Valley Forge was a winter encampment for the Continental Army during the winter of 1777-1778. The soldiers faced harsh conditions, including poor housing, disease, and lack of supplies. This period was a test of the army's resilience but also a period of significant training under the leadership of Baron von Steuben.

The Continental Navy, primarily composed of privateers, was instrumental in the American Revolution's naval operations. They engaged British merchant ships, disrupting their supply lines, and providing resources for the Continental Army. Their efforts were crucial in hindering British reinforcements and maintaining American independence.

John Paul Jones, a notable commander in the Continental Navy, achieved significant victories against the British. He successfully captured three British warships and even launched an attack on an English village. His actions inspired foreign navies, including those from France, Spain, and the Netherlands to join the American side, further weakening British control over the colonies.

The Battle of Yorktown, fought in September and October 1781, was the decisive victory for the American and French forces against the British. This siege led to the surrender of British General Cornwallis and signaled the end of major hostilities in the American Revolutionary War.

The Siege of Yorktown, a crucial battle in the American Revolution, lasted 22 days in 1781. The Continental Army, led by George Washington, was joined by French forces under the leadership of the Comte de Rochambeau. They besieged the British forces, led by General Charles Cornwallis, in Yorktown, Virginia.

The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1783, formally recognized the independence of the United States. It was a major achievement of the American Revolution and marked the end of British rule in the colonies.

Republican Motherhood emerged in the United States after the American Revolution. This concept emphasized the importance of women's role in instilling republican values in their children, preparing them for active citizenship. To promote this, women received new educational opportunities to ensure they could effectively raise their children.

The American Revolution's aftermath saw a significant shift in the political landscape. Common, landowning men gained greater participation in the political process, including the right to vote. However, despite their contribution to the revolution, women were denied suffrage, while African Americans faced varying degrees of emancipation, with slavery continuing in the South and being gradually phased out in the North.