Timeline of Common Sense
1760: George III becomes England’s king after the death of his grandfather, King George II, courtesy of hereditary succession.
1754–1763: French and Indian War (n Europe, the Seven Years’ War). A land disagreement between the French and the colonists brings British troops to the colonies. Even though Britain and the American colonies win the war, colonists feel that the British have a sense of arrogance emanating from them. 1764: The “Sugar Act”: A tax on sugar and other items is issued, which affected the colonies' trade. The “Currency Act” prevents the American colonies from having their own paper money. 1765 (March): “Stamp Act.” Colonists are angry because they cannot be part of Parliament and have no say in the passing of laws. “No Taxation without Representation!” is coined. 1765 (March): “Quartering Act.” Parliament requires colonists to allow British troops to stay in their homes and feed them. 1767 (June): “Townsend Acts.” The Stamp Act is canceled. However, paint, paper, glass, lead, and tea are now taxed. 1770 (March 5): “The Boston Massacre.” British troops stationed in Boston have low pay and many look for part-time work. Fights start occurring that lead to the incident. 1773 (December 16): “Boston Tea Party.” British law states that tea must be loaded from ships and that the tax on the tea should be provided within a period of time; after that, troops will take it. Colonists decide to dump tea overboard into the harbor. Local citizens stand on the docks cheering for the event. 1774 (March): Parliament is furious about the tea incident. It decides to pass the “Intolerable Acts", essentially closing the Boston harbor and taking away many of the colonists' rights. 1774 (September 5): The First Continental Congress meets. 1774 (September): “Powder Alarms.” British General Gage seizes weapons from colonists. 1775 (April 19): Lexington & Concord. General Gage again attempts to send soldiers to seize colonial military supplies. Paul Revere famously rides to warn the citizens. 1775 (May 10): The Second Continental Congress meets. 1775 (June 15): A "Continental Army" is created from colonist soldiers; George Washington is appointed general. 1775 (June 17): Battle of Bunker Hill. Colonial soldiers build a small fort; the British troops attack it almost immediately. Although Americans are driven back, British troops also experience huge losses. 1775 (July 8): The "Olive Branch Petition" is sent to England by the Continental Congress. (Congress also drafts "The Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms" at this time.) This final attempt to smooth relations is ignored by King George III. 1776 (January 10): Common Sense is published just as colonist find out that King George III proclaimed the colonies to be in rebellion. 1776 (July 4): The Declaration of Independence is signed. |
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