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Invention of the Lightening Rod
Benjamin Franklin invented the lightening rod. It is a metal rod mounted on a structure to protect it from a lightening strike. -
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French and Indian War
Conflict arose between France and Britain over the New World Territory. Each side was being supported by various Native American tribes. -
Proclamation Line of 1763
After the French and Indian War, King George made a proclamation that stated colonists could not settle west of the Appalachian Mountains. This infuriated the colonists. -
Sugar Act
British parliament add this act to tax all sugar products. This act replaced the Molasses Act. -
Stamp Act
British Parliament imposed a tax on any printed material used by colonists. This was to fund for British troops stationed in the colonies. -
Quartering Act
Parliament required the colonists to provide British soldiers with food and housing. -
Boston Massacre
Confrontation in which British soldiers shot and killed several colonists while being harassed by a mob in Boston. -
Boston Tea Party
Protest where the Sons of Liberty led the colonists to throw 342 chest of tea into the Boston Harbor. The Tea Act angered them and led to this event. -
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Revolutionary War
The Revolutionary War secured American independence from Great Britain. (The 13 American colonies rejected its imperial rule and protest began in opposition to all the taxes enforced without colonial representation by the British Parliament.) -
Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. It declared the separation of 13 North American British colonies from Great Britain's rule. It was signed on July 4, 1776 and is considered one of the most important documents in the history of the United States. -
US Constitution
The Constitution of the United States established America's national government and fundamental laws. It also guaranteed certain basic rights for its citizens. For example, those who exercise power can be held accountable to those they serve. James Madison is known as the Father of the Constitution. -
1st President of the US: George Washington
Also known as "The Founding Father," George Washington served as the first president of the United States. He served two terms. Before becoming president, he was also an American military officer. -
Bill of Rights
The first 10 amendments of the Constitution are known as the Bill of Rights. They were set in place to protect the basic rights of every US citizen in relation to their government. -
Invention of the Cotton Gin
Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin. With the invention of this product, 50 pounds of cotton could now be produced daily and no seeds were wasted.