Mr. Christopher Taylor, Chair
c-taylor-1@northwestern.edu


The independence of the thirteen colonies once hung in a precarious balance between the powerful armies of Britain and the drive for freedom of the colonists. Without incredible foresignt, and perhaps a little luck, on the part of its forefathers, the United States may never have emerged as we know it today. Can students handle the travails facing the colonists in the late 1700s? In this committee, delegates will attempt to reconcile their loyalty to the Crown with their urges to bring forth a new nation against overwhelming odds.



1773
In March, the Virginia House of Burgesses appoints an eleven-member committee of correspondence to communicate with the other colonies regarding common complaints against the British. This committee is to meet underground approximately twice a year.



December 16, 1773
About 8000 Bostonians gather to hear Sam Adams tell them Royal Governor Hutchinson has repeated his command not to allow the ships out of the harbor until the tea taxes are paid. That night, the Boston Tea Party occurs as colonial activists disguise themselves as Mohawk Indians then board the ships and dump all 342 containers of tea into the harbor.

http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/revolution/teaparty.htm

1774
In March, an angry English Parliament passes the first of a series of Coercive Acts (called Intolerable Acts by Americans) in response to the rebellion in Massachusetts. The Boston Port Bill effectively shuts down all commercial shipping in Boston harbor until Massachusetts pays the taxes owed on the tea dumped in the harbor and also reimburses the East India Company for the loss of the tea.



1774
In June, a new version of the 1765 Quartering Act is enacted by the English Parliament requiring all of the American colonies to provide housing for British troops in occupied houses and taverns and in unoccupied buildings. In September, Massachusetts Governor Gage seizes that colony's arsenal of weapons at Charlestown.



1775
February 1, in Cambridge, Mass., a provincial congress is held during which John Hancock and Joseph Warren begin defensive preparations for a state of war. February 9, the English Parliament declares Massachusetts to be in a state of rebellion. March 23, in Virginia, Patrick Henry delivers a speech against British rule, stating, "Give me liberty or give me death!" March 30, the New England Restraining Act is endorsed by King George III, requiring New England colonies to trade exclusively with England and also bans fishing in the North Atlantic.

http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/revolution/henry.htm



July 5, 1775
The Continental Congress adopts the Olive Branch Petition which expresses hope for a reconciliation with Britain, appealing directly to the King for help in achieving this. In August, King George III refuses even to look at the petition and instead issues a proclamation declaring the Americans to be in a state of open rebellion.

http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/revolution/proclaims.htm



May 2, 1776
The American revolutionaries get the much-needed foreign support they had been hoping for. King Louis XVI of France commits one million dollars in arms and munitions. Spain then also promises support.