US History: American Revolution: Standard Practice

Medium Level Guide Grade-level practice aligned to typical classroom expectations and unit assessments. Growing Tensions in the Colonies After the French and Indian War, Britain taxed the colonies to pay war debts. Colonists protested taxes without representation in Parliament. Events like the Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party increased anger. Many colonists began to favor independence. From Protest to War The First Continental Congress met in 1774 to coordinate resistance. Fighting began at Lexington and Concord in April 1775. The Second Continental Congress organized the Continental Army and chose George Washington as commander. Declaration and Alliances The Declaration of Independence in 1776 stated that people have rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Thomas Jefferson wrote most of the document. France later allied with the United States, providing crucial support. Victory and Legacy The war ended with the British surrender at Yorktown in 1781 and the Treaty of Paris in 1783. The United States gained independence. The revolution inspired later movements for self-government around the world.