March 5, 1770—
the boston massacre occurs when british soldiers kill several colonists.

december 16, 1773—
protesting the tea act, colonists dump tea into the boston harbor. this incident is known as the boston tea party.

september, 1774—
representative from all of the colonies except georgia meet at the continental congress in philadelphia to discuss problems with great britain.

april 19, 1775—
the battles of lexington and concord are the first armed conflicts of the revolutionary war.

july 4, 1776—
the declaration of independence is signed.

october 7, 1777—
the americans defeat the british at the battle of saratoga. this is a turning point in the war.

october 19, 1781—
general cornwallis surrenders to the americans after the battle of yorktown.

september 3, 1783—
the british and the americans sign the treaty of paris in which the british recognize american independence.

according to the timeline, which of these events preceded the boston tea party?

a. the battles of lexington and concord
b. the continental congress
c. the boston massacre
d. the signing of the declaration of independence