 Colonial Resistance and the Road to Revolution:
- Taxation and Trade Regulations: Students should know that the colonists grew increasingly frustrated with British taxation and trade regulations, such as the Stamp Act and the Navigation Acts. The cry of "No Taxation Without Representation" became a rallying point.
- Boston Tea Party (1773): In protest of the Tea Act, colonists, dressed as Mohawk Indians, boarded British ships and dumped tea into Boston Harbor, a symbolic act of defiance. Teachers can have students compare this to other protests in U.S. history.
- First Continental Congress (1774): Representatives from the colonies convened to address grievances and coordinate resistance to British policies. Discuss with students the ways that Americans today air their political grievances.
American Revolution (1775-1783):
- Declaration of Independence (1776): The Continental Congress declared the thirteen American colonies independent from British rule with the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Some teachers still have their students memorize part or even all of this!
- War of Independence: The American Revolution began in earnest with battles at Lexington and Concord in 1775. The conflict continued for eight years, with major battles at Saratoga, Yorktown, and Trenton.
- Treaty of Paris (1783): The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, recognizing the United States as an independent nation.
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