2nd Grade Version
To understand why the American Revolution happened, we need to look back at the years from 1754 to 1763. During this time, the British and the French were fighting in a war on land that is now part of the United States. This war is called the French and Indian War. The British wanted to control more land, and the French wanted to keep their land. Many Native Americans chose to help either the British or the French during this war.

In 1759, British soldiers went to a city called Québec in Canada and won a big battle there. They took over another city called Montréal the next year. After that, there weren't many big battles left between the British and the French in North America. The fighting mostly stopped by 1763 when a peace agreement called the Treaty of Paris was signed.

Why did the British start taxing the colonists, and why did this make them mad?

The British government made laws and taxes that affected the colonists. Many colonists felt proud to be British, but they believed they had rights that the king should protect. They didn't like the Stamp Act, which was a new tax. In Virginia, some leaders, called the House of Burgesses, said that the British Parliament shouldn’t be taxing them.

In 1765, the prime minister of Britain was George Grenville. He created the Stamp Act because he needed money to pay for British soldiers in North America. He thought the colonists should help pay for these soldiers who were protecting them. At first, the British leaders were surprised by how upset the colonists were. Grenville did not listen to their complaints and was eventually replaced in 1766.

A leader named George Washington fought in the French and Indian War along with the British. He helped lead soldiers against the French. He became a well-known leader and was even elected to help make laws in Virginia.

Bills to Pay

A small town with cozy houses and people smiling, working together in a community setting

In a small town, everyone had bills to pay. The town had rules that helped keep it safe. People believed that paying bills was important to help their community. Neighbors worked together and cared for one another.

The Town of Bills

Cedric, a 47yo woman, sitting at a table with books and old town maps, looking thoughtful

Cedric was a kind man in the town who loved to learn. He always listened to old stories about how the town came to be. He wondered why some bills were very high sometimes. His curious mind made him want to learn the history behind these rules.

Cedric's Curiosity

British and French soldiers in 18th-century uniforms facing each other on a battlefield

A long time ago, from 1754 to 1763, there was a big war. British and French soldiers fought in a battle known as the French and Indian War. Many people chose sides to help one group or the other. This was a time when brave soldiers did many difficult things.

A Time of War

A British soldier holding a flag, standing on a hill with a determined look, while French soldiers in the distance

During the war, the British wanted to take more land. The French wished to keep the lands they loved. Soldiers from both sides fought hard on faraway lands. Each battle taught the people about courage and sacrifice.

The French and Indian War

A historical scene of the battle of Québec, with British soldiers advancing in the foreground

In 1759, the British won a big battle in a place called Québec. They then moved on to capture another city, Montréal, the very next year. The battles were loud and full of energy. People remembered these fighting days with a mix of pride and sadness.

Big Battles

Soldiers reuniting with families, joyful expressions, and a peaceful town in the background

After many battles, the fighting slowly came to an end. Soldiers went back home to be with their families. Quiet days returned as people began to heal. In 1763, everyone celebrated the peace that came with the Treaty of Paris.

The Calm After War

A group of townsfolk gathered around a table, looking at a paper with concerned expressions

When the war was over, the government made new rules to keep the town safe. They needed money to pay for the soldiers and the work they had done. Some of these rules meant that people had to pay extra money. The townsfolk wondered why their bills got higher.

New Rules in Town

Colonists gathered in a room, discussing the Stamp Act, with papers and stamps on a table

One of the new rules was called the Stamp Act. This law made colonists pay money for every paper and stamp they used. Many people felt that the law was not fair. They gathered in groups to talk about why this rule made them upset.

The Stamp Act Worry

The House of Burgesses in Virginia, with leaders standing and talking passionately

The colonists believed they had special rights that protected them. In Virginia, wise leaders met in a group called the House of Burgesses. They spoke up against paying too many bills for soldiers. They stood together to ask for fairness and respect.

A Proud Stand

A portrait of George Grenville looking serious, with stacks of papers and coins on a desk

In Britain, a leader named George Grenville made the Stamp Act to get money for the soldiers. His decision made the people feel very hurt. The colonists were very upset with the extra taxes they had to pay. Soon, Grenville was replaced because leaders must listen to the people.

Change in Leadership

George Washington, in military attire, standing confidently with a backdrop of a colonial town

Many brave people like George Washington helped during these times. He fought in the French and Indian War and later helped lead the people. His courage showed that unity is very strong. Together, the town learned that standing up for what is right brings hope.

United in Courage

Cedric and neighbors in a town square, discussing history with smiles and a sense of community

The long story of wars and bills taught everyone to speak up when things were unfair. Cedric and his neighbors remembered their history with care. They learned that laws should protect people, not hurt them. The town of bills showed that working together makes life better for everyone.