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It was still dark on the morning of April 19, 1775. A cool spring breeze moved quietly through the trees, and most people in the Massachusetts countryside were still asleep. But something important—something that would change history—was already in motion. British soldiers were marching through the night. They had a mission: to reach the towns … Read more
Imagine thirteen separate groups of people, each with its own government, traditions, and concerns. They live along the eastern edge of North America, and although they share some similarities, they do not always agree with one another. Now imagine these groups coming together for the first time to solve a major problem that affects them … Read more
Imagine that your entire town is being punished for something a group of people did—your harbor is closed, your government is limited, and soldiers are given more power over your daily life. You didn’t personally dump tea into the harbor, but you are still affected by the consequences. This is exactly what happened to the … Read more
Imagine you are living in Boston in 1773. Ships sit quietly in the harbor, their cargo holds filled with tea. But this is not just any tea—it represents a problem, a protest, and a growing conflict between the American colonies and Great Britain. Within days, that tea would be dumped into the cold waters of … Read more
On a cold night in March 1770, something happened in the city of Boston that would change the course of American history. A crowd gathered. Angry words were shouted. Snowballs—and maybe more—were thrown. Then suddenly, British soldiers fired their weapons. When the smoke cleared, five colonists were dead. This event became known as the Boston … Read more
Imagine waking up one morning and discovering that you now have to pay extra money for things you use every day—paper, newspapers, cards, even tea. Now imagine that the people making these rules live far away, and you have no say in their decisions. That’s exactly how many American colonists felt in the years after … Read more
Imagine living in the American colonies in the early 1700s. You are British, proud of your connection to a powerful empire, and surrounded by land that seems full of opportunity. But beyond the edge of your settlement lies a world of competing claims, powerful Native American nations, and rival European empires—all struggling for control of … Read more
Unit Overview If you could travel back in time to the early 1700s, the American colonies might not seem very revolutionary at all. They were part of the powerful British Empire, and many colonists considered themselves loyal subjects of the king. They spoke English, followed British laws, and traded goods across the Atlantic Ocean. So … Read more
Overview For much of the colonial period, the American colonies remained loyal to Great Britain. Colonists considered themselves British subjects and benefited from trade, military protection, and cultural connections with England. However, during the mid-1700s, disagreements over taxes, government authority, and colonial rights began to strain the relationship between Britain and its colonies. These tensions … Read more
Overview Although the American colonies were controlled by England, colonists gradually developed their own systems of government. Colonial assemblies, town meetings, and local courts allowed settlers to participate in making decisions that affected their communities. Over time, many colonists became accustomed to governing themselves and protecting their rights. These experiences with self-rule helped shape the … Read more