TEA, TAXES AND THE TAKING UP OF ARMS

The seeds of revolution and calls for independence were brewing in Britain's American colonies many years before a shooting war broke out...

- EMMA SLATTERY WILLIAMS

10 FEB 1763

The Seven Years' War, fought between several nations including Britain and France, ends with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. France surrenders its territory in North America and the Caribbean to Britain.

5 APR 1764

One of Britain's first attempts to defend its colonies is the Sugar Act. This imposes a series of laws on the cost of goods such as sugar and coffee, imported into the colonies. Intended to discourage smuggling, it leads to widespread protests.

22 MAR 1765

The Stamp Act is passed by Britain. This taxes newspapers, legal documents and even playing cards. Resistance by American colonists sees the act repealed the following year.

1 OCT 1768

Boston is occupied by British troops who are there to enforce the Townshend Duties. Passed in 1767, these impose taxes on imported paint, glass, paper and tea. Colonial assemblies begin to protest against taxation without representation - taxes they see as unconstitutional because colonists are not represented in Britain's parliament.

5 MAR 1770

Clashes between British soldiers and Bostonians finally culminate with British troops opening fire on a group of citizens armed with weapons such as clubs and bricks. Five people are killed in what becomes known as the Boston Massacre.

16 DEC 1773