Social Studies graphic organizers Declaration of Independence summary Timeline -
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FRENCH-INDIAN WAR
TIMELINE TO THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
The British and French battle for control over the North American territory in what is known as the Seven Years War, or French and Indian War. The war begins in 1754, lasting until 1763 with British victory and control.
PROCLAMATION OF 1763
This is OUR land!
The Proclamation Act of 1763 is passed, barring all British colonists from expanding and settling West of the Appalachian Mountains. This infuriates and frustrates many ambitious settlers. Tensions begin to rise.
Why can't we settle past here?!
BOSTON MASSACRE
Uh oh...
Five Bostonians are killed when violence erupts between British regulars and colonists. The event is further muddled with tension when Paul Revere's political cartoon depicts innocent colonists being gunned down. Opposition to the British increases.
What have you done!
BOSTON TEA PARTY
LEXINGTON AND CONCORD
Take that, Tea Act of 1773!
What the devil?!
The Boston Tea Party is an act of protest from colonists when they drop tons of tea into Boston Harbor in opposition to Britain's Tea Act of 1773. Taxes against local merchants pushed colonists to reject the attempted tea monopoly, as well as British control.
SIGNING OF THE DECLARATION
INDEPENDENCE
Tensions and violence reach a pinnacle when British regulars battle American colonists in what will become the first battle of the American Revolution; Lexington and Concord. The colonists fare well, running the British back to Boston. War, however, is far from over.
As the war escalates, delegates from the 13 colonies meet as the First Continental Congress. At the Second, the delegates adopt the Declaration of Independence, signifying their severing of ties with Great Britain. It is an act of treason, but of great significance to America.