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The Beginnings of Yale University
At this time, a group of Congregationalist ministers met in Branford, Connecticut, near New Haven, in an effort to start a college for their colony. This idea advanced through the year of 1701, and on October 9th of that year, the General Court of the Colony of Connecticut approved a collegiate school for education in the arts and sciences. This collegiate school became known as Yale University. -
Queen Anne's War (1702-1713)
Queen Anne's War was fought between Britain and France for the purpose of control of North America. British support to colonists during this war originally mainly consisted of military aid to colonists around Charleston, South Carolina. Because of this, New York was exposed to raids from French and Native forces. The Treaties of Utrecht of 1713 determined that Great Britain would take Newfoundland and Hudson Bay region from France. -
The Colonies of New Jersey are Established
During this time, Great Britain's Queen Anne created the British colony of New Jersey, combining the provinces of East and West Jerseys. This split between the colonies began in 1676, with the East going to Sir George Carteret and the West going to a group of Quakers. -
The Yamasee War (1715-1717)
This war, fought by Britain's colonists of South Carolina and a number of Native tribes, including the Yamasee tribe, was caused by Great Britain's take-over of much of the Natives' lands. Native Americans destroyed many settlements and killed many colonists. Although it would seem that the Natives were going to win, the colonists slowly turned the course of the war. By 1717, the Yamasee tribe lost, and the war was brought to an end. -
Dummer's War Begins (1722-1726)
From the treaty of Queen Anne's War, the French were to give several areas of land to the British; however, Native tribes occupied parts of these lands. The Natives did not agree with the terms of the treaty, and Great Britain's colonists started to settle further than the agreement allowed. From this, Dummer's War began in 1722. The treaty that ended this war signified when relations with native tribes, like the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet, were considered and an effort to improve relations was made. -
The Battle of Pequawket Takes Place
This battle was a part of the Dummer's War, with British colonists being ambushed by a group of Pequawket warriors. Maine was the ground of loss for both sides. The British lost nearly half of their soldiers present (20 out of 46), and the Pequawket lost many, including their leader, Chief Paugus. -
North and South Carolina Become Royal Colonies
Originally owned by independent British colonists, North and South Carolina were both purchased by Great Britain's king, due to the Carolinas' colonists disliking their more-independent government. The colonies then became a possession of the British crown, directly under British rule. -
The British Iron Act is Passed
The British parliament passed this act in 1750 to eliminate the taxes paid by Great Britain on iron imported from its North American colonies. It specified that the colonies shouldn't use iron for production and that it must be exported in raw form to Britain. This act was opposed by colonists, since it prevented the establishment of production facilities on their own land. It also reduced profits from iron and was one of the main causes of the American Revolution. -
The French and Indian War Begins (1754-1763)
This war, fought between the British colonists and that of the French, was over control of the Ohio River Valley. It showcased the talents of a young future president of the United States, George Washington. The French initially attained many victories. British colonists and soldiers received more man-power in 1757, defeating the French and their Native allies. The Treaty of Paris of 1763 ended this war, establishing the end of any foreign military threat to Britain. -
Pontiac's War Begins (1763-1766)
From the results of the French and Indian War, Native tribes were not happy with the British for their victory. British colonists and soldiers presence in the valley of the Ohio River caused tension, leading to a new war led by Native American chief, Pontiac. Beginning in 1763, the war caused the deaths of many British soldiers, white settlers, and Native Americans. Eventually, both sides agreed to resolve through negotiations, with Natives having to leave the lands claimed by Britain. -
King George II Issues the Royal Proclamation of 1763
This proclamation was aimed at Native Americans, saying that colonists should not settle on lands west of the Appalachian Mountains. This angered many colonists, with many having been granted land in the area. This was also a major reason for independence against Great Britain. -
The Sugar Act is Passed
The British Parliament passed this act as an add-on to the Molasses Act of 1733, which originally imposed new taxes on molasses, despite never being strictly enforced. The Sugar Act reduced taxes in the Molasses Act but stated that this new tax would be more strictly enforced. It took place at a time of poor economic conditions in the British colonies. This furthered tensions between the North American colonists and Britain. -
The Stamp Act is Passed
At this time, a large number of British soldiers were demanding large amount of money for the their wages while stationed in North America. Due to this, the British parliament passed a new tax through the Stamp Act that specified the use of London-imported embossed paper for the printing of any material in the colonies. As expected, the imported paper was very expensive, causing anger in the colonists and becoming another main cause for revolution against Britain. -
Townshend Act Leads to Riots and Protests
From their effort to tax colonists, Great Britain's government imposed more taxes in 1767 (because that TOTALLY solves everything! :). The acts that specified these new taxes were collectively called the Townshend Acts. From these, there were new duties on glass, tea, lead, paper, and other imported items to the colonies. Colonists were angered to the point of a boycott against British goods. Great unrest took place in Boston, which was a major economic center at the time. -
The Boston Massacre
During the station of British soldiers in Boston starting in 1768, there were many protests against the taxes being levied against colonists. As tension had built between colonists and soldiers, there came a breaking point. This breaking point manifested itself as the Boston Massacre in 1770. With protestors gathered around eight soldiers, soldiers opened fire on the heckling colonists, killing three people. Two later died from the wounds they sustained. -
The Tea Act is Passed
Although not imposing new taxes, this act granted a complete tea trade monopoly to the British East India Company. During the time, more than 80% of the tea consumed by colonists was smuggled in order to avoid high import duties. This act aimed to end the smuggling and help the East Indian Company, which was in debt. It was very unpopular among colonists and lead to the Boston Tea Party. -
The Boston Tea Party
As previously mentioned, the Boston Tea Party was mainly caused by the Tea Act of 1773. It was a protest launched by the Sons of Liberty, as organization formed by the thirteen colonies to protest against Britain's economic policies towards the colonies. The Boston Tea Party, the destroying of a British shipment of tea, was part of protests conducted by the organization. 340 chests of tea were destroyed, amounting to more than $1.7 million dollars now. -
Intolerable Acts Anger Colonists
Angered by the actions during the Boston Tea Party, Great Britain's Parliament punished the colony of Massachusetts by passing a number of acts, now known as the Intolerable Acts. These acts closed the port of Boston to all economic activity, took away Massachusetts' political rights, and imposed other measures for punishment. It was seen by colonists as coercion and became a major reason for revolution. -
First Continental Congress Meets
The First Continental Congress was a meeting of the delegates from the thirteen colonies. It was started to discuss the previously passed Intolerable Acts. They agreed on a set of rights and grievances that were shared with King George III through petition. They also discussed the establishment of local militias for the colonies. If the king didn't respond to the petition, a second meeting of the congress would be planned. -
The Battles of Lexington and Concord
These battles were the first armed engagements between Great Britain and its North American colonies. In '74, the British government dissolved the colonial government of Massachusetts; however, the government continued to operate and overlooked the creation and training of a militia force. Colonial forces learned of a plan for British forces to destroy supplies, so British forces were confronted. These marked the first shots of the American Revolution. -
The Second Continental Congress Convenes
At this meeting, the delegates discussed the ongoing fighting for independence. They effectively became the acting government for the colonies during the war, determining strategy of war and the issue of raising and paying the colonial militia. They also represented the colonies while establishing treaties with others. -
The Battle of Bunker Hill
This major battle of the Revolution cost the British many troops, with around 1,000 dead. The battle was part of the Siege of Boston. The British planned to take to the hills surrounding the city of Boston. Colonial forces learned of such and occupied the Breed's Hill, intending to oppose British advance. The British were taken by surprise at the colonial forces and the revolutionaries suffered only 450 casualties. -
Declaration of Independence is Adopted
The Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776. In this, the 13 colonies were no longer under British rule and were considered by themselves independent entities. -
The Battles of Saratoga (September - October 17)
Two battles were fought in Saratoga County, New York. The First and Second Battle of Saratoga, as they were later known, granted the British a victory during the first battle and the Americans a victory in the second. Despite their victory in the first battle, the British first didn't break American lines, not achieving their actual objective. In the second battle, the British army was surrounded and forced to surrender. This defeat of the British convinced France to help the revolutionaries. -
Winter at Valley Forge (December 1777 - June 1778)
General George Washington and his Continental Army camped at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777. They had insufficient supplies and provisions. From this, 2500 men died. Despite this, the time spent during the winter was not wasted; the army trained vigorously and improved greatly because of it. When the winter ended, the army was better prepped to fight the British. -
Siege of Yorktown (September - October 19)
A number of battles were fought during this time in Virginia, with French troops assisting the American Revolution. Most of these resulted in British loss, and their troops eventually took refuge in Yorktown, hoping to receive reinforcements. The joint forces of the Revolution laid a land and sea siege of Yorktown, forcing the British to surrender. Nearly 7500 British troops were captured, and it effectively marked the end of the Revolutionary War, being the last major engagement of the war. -
Treaty of Paris Ends the Revolutionary War
After the Siege of Yorktown, it was realized by Great Britain that they could no longer deny American revolutionaries am ultimate victory. This led to the signing of the Treaty of Paris. From this, Britain would accept defeat and recognize the independence of the United States of America. It stated that the western boundary of the USA was the Mississippi River, despite the nation soon expanding beyond that boundary. -
The Constitution is Composed (May - September 17)
The Constitutional Convention was held from May to September of 1787. All delegates from the thirteen colonies came together to discuss the types of government that should be created now that America was free from British rule. They discussed how the states would exist under said government and how independent the states would be. They also discussed the powers of the President of the U.S.. George Washington presided over the convention. -
Publication of the Federalist Papers (September 1787 - May 1788)
the Federalist Papers were essays and articles that explained the new Constitution of the U.S.. Written to gain the support of the people and states, the main authors were Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. In total, 85 articles and essays were published. they became vital in the understanding of the new constitution of the United States. -
George Washington is President (1789-1797)
The past revolutionary general, George Washington, was unanimously elected the president of the United States. He gained 69 electoral votes. He was inaugurated on April 30, 1789. -
Whiskey Rebellion (1791-1794)
After the revolution, nearly all states were in debt, so the federal government imposed a tax upon whiskey. It was placed upon the producers of the alcohol and adversely affected the small producers in Virginia and Pennsylvania, who protested against it. After it was put into effect, Pennsylvania held many protests, where people refused to pay. Protest was so rampant that President Washington had to send a militia; later, the tax was repealed. -
Bill of Rights
Some states didn't agree with the Constitution, so they agreed to vote in its favor only if the Constitution would be amended soon after. These amendments began in 1791. Collectively known as the Bill of Rights, these ten total amendments mainly concerned basic U.S. citizen rights and were approved by Congress in 1789. Despite this, they also needed at least ten states' approval to become a part of the Constitution. In '91, Virginia became the tenth state, putting the amendments into effect. -
The White House
The construction of the White House began in the 1790s. Only around 1800 was the American President brought to live in the famed white house. Despite it being unfinished, President John Adams and his wife, Abigail Adams, lived in the White House and began the long tradition of the White House becoming the residence of the president of the United States. -
John Adams is President (Elected '97; Inaugurated '98)
Having originally ran against Washington in the 1789 election, John Adams served as vice president to Washington from 1789 to 1797. Adams was later narrowly elected as president of the United States of America. His close victory over Thomas Jefferson marked the start of the term of the second president.