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The American Revolution
Tea, Tar and Tyranny: How the Boston Tea Party Changed Everything
The British impose a new law on the colonies called the Tea Act, which is intended to stop smuggling and support the bankrupt East India Company. The act is deeply unpopular and prompts 50 to 60 Bostonians crudely dressed as Native Americans to dump 46 tons of British tea into the Boston Harbor. The British government responds by cracking down on Massachusetts, hoping to contain the rebellion.
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2:10:41
Victory at Yorktown secures independence. Americans aspire for a more perfect union.
1:53:53
The war drags on and moves to new theaters: at sea, in Indian Country, and in the South.
1:55:38
Philadelphia falls, but the American victory at Saratoga allows France to enter the war.
1:54:35
Washington abandons New York City and flees across New Jersey, before attacking Trenton.
2:04:18
Washington takes command of the Continental Army. Congress declares American independence.
1:56:09
Political protest escalates into violence. War gives thirteen colonies a common cause.