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The American Revolution
How the Townshend Acts Fueled a Resistance Movement
In 1767, Parliament passed the Townshend Acts, which imposed new taxes on four items manufactured in England — glass, lead, paper, painter’s colors — along with tea, grown in China but re-exported from Britain. Women, who normally played a subordinate role in public life and had almost no legal rights, joined the resistance by the thousands as “Daughters of Liberty.”
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2:10:41
Victory at Yorktown secures independence. Americans aspire for a more perfect union.
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1:53:53
The war drags on and moves to new theaters: at sea, in Indian Country, and in the South.
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1:55:38
Philadelphia falls, but the American victory at Saratoga allows France to enter the war.
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1:54:35
Washington abandons New York City and flees across New Jersey, before attacking Trenton.
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2:04:18
Washington takes command of the Continental Army. Congress declares American independence.
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1:56:09
Political protest escalates into violence. War gives thirteen colonies a common cause.