The road to revolution built slowly over time. Many events fed the growing desire of the thirteen colonies for independence. Following are the major events that led to the Revolution.
• 1754-1763 - French and Indian War
- This war was between Britain and France.
- British, colonists and Native Americans allies fought French And Native American French .
- Great Britain's national debt nearly doubled during the war.
- British expected Americans to help pay for protection.
- The war lasted 9 years.
• 1764 - Sugar Act
- This act raised revenue by increasing duties on sugar imported from the West Indies.
- Duty on sugar and molasses not obtained from Britain.
- Smuggling cased tried in Great Britain.
• 1765 - Stamp Act
This required tax stamps on many items and documents including playing cards, newspapers, and marriage licenses. Prime Minister George Grenville stated that this direct tax was intended for the colonies to pay for defense. Previous taxes imposed by Britain had been indirect, or hidden.
• 1767 - Townshend Acts
- These taxes were imposed to help make the colonial officials independent of the colonists and included duties on glass, paper, and tea. Smugglers increased their activities to avoid the tax leading to more troops in Boston.
- Money used to pay royal government.
- No Taxation Without Representation.
• 1770 - Boston Massacre
- The colonists and British soldiers openly clashed in Boston. This event was used as an example of British cruelty despite questions about how it actually occurred.
- British open fire killing 5 Americans.
- Parliament canceled the Townshend duties.
• 1773 - Boston Tea Party
- British sold tea even more cheaply than smuggled tea.
- Colonists dressed up as Mohawks.
- Colonists board tea ships
- Tea was dumped over board.
• 1774 - Intolerable Acts
- These were passed in response to the Boston Tea Party and