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Chronology
1763
The Seven Years’ War ends. A proclamation by King George III bars
British North American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian
Mountains.
1765
Parliament passes the Stamp Act, but colonial opposition prevents it from
going into effect.
1766
Parliament repeals the Stamp Act but passes the Declaratory Act.
1767
The Townshend Acts are passed.
1768
British troops are sent to Boston.
1770
All the Townshend duties are repealed, except the one on tea. The Boston
Massacre takes place on March 5.
1773
Parliament passes the Tea Act. In December, Patriots dump more than
340 chests of tea into Boston Harbor, an event remembered as the Boston
Tea Party.
1774
Parliament passes the Coercive Acts. The First Continental Congress
meets in Philadelphia from September to October.
1775
War begins on April 19 with fighting at Lexington and Concord and along
the road to Boston. The Second Continental Congress convenes in Phila-
delphia, voting in June to create the Continental Army. On June 17, the
British suffer more than 1,000 casualties at the Battle of Bunker Hill. In
December, Patriots are defeated at the Battle of Quebec.
1776
The British evacuate Boston in March. On July 4, Congress votes to
approve the Declaration of Independence. In September, the British
occupy New York City. On December 26, the Continental Army wins the
Battle of Trenton.
1777
British general John Burgoyne leads an invasion from Canada. His army
fails to reach Albany, New York, and Burgoyne ultimately surrenders near
Saratoga, New York. In September, a British Army under General William
Howe captures Philadelphia.
1778
In February, France and the United States sign the Treaty of Alliance.
The British abandon Philadelphia in June and withdraw to New York
City. The British and Continental armies clash at the Battle of Monmouth,
New Jersey, on June 28. In December, British forces capture Savannah,
Georgia.
1780
In fighting in South Carolina, the British win major victories by capturing
Charleston (May 12) and routing the American southern army at the Battle
of Camden (Aug. 16). Patriot militiamen smash Loyalists at the Battle of
Kings Mountain (Oct. 7).