- The Enlightenment (1700s): European philosophical movement with new ideas on government and rights for people/religion.
- Proclamation of 1763: Forbade colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains. Angered many because that was good, cheap land.
- Salutary Neglect (1600s–1760s): British policy of avoiding strict enforcement of laws. Allowed the colonies to feel independent, something they didn’t want to give up.
- The French and Indian War (1754–1763): Between England and France (with American Indian allies). Very costly for England, resulting in higher taxes on the 13 Colonies.
- Sugar Act (1764): Revenue-raising act to help pay the cost of the war — to defend the colonies. Angered many colonists.
- Stamp Act (1765): Required all legal documents, permits, papers, cards, bills to have a stamp (paid with a tax).
- Boston Massacre (1770): Riot that resulted in the British troops firing on colonists — killing 5. Colonists start taking sides.
- Boston Tea Party (1773): Protest against tea tax; colonists dumped tea into Boston Harbor.
- Intolerable Acts (1774): Five laws that outraged colonists as arbitrary violations of their rights.
- Declaration of Independence (1776): Signed by the 2nd Continental Congress on July 4th — declared the colonies separate from Great Britain.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of american revolution worksheet high school.
