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Age of Englightenment
Throughout the 1700's there was a reformation of thought as many began to focus of reason and logic. They believed that they would reach a better understanding of the meaning of life through logic. -
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First Great Awakening
An awakening of religion after the Age of Enlightenment. It pushed for a renewal of faith and revival of the church. -
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The Seven Years' War
One of the first global conflicts that was fought over the supremacy of Britain and France. It can be argued that this weakened the British Government and allowed for America to free itself from Britain. -
Royal Proclamation of 1763
King George III passed a proclaimation that forbade settlement past the Appalachian Mountains. This was the first post war action targeting the Americas and was one of many. -
The Stamp Act
The first act that created a direct tax to the American colonies. This act directly affected many groups of people, which lead to popular resistance. -
Stamp Act Repealed and Declaratory Act Passed
After continuous pressure to repeal the act, the Stamp Act is repealed in February of the next year. At the same time, however, parliament passes the Declaratory Act stating that parliament has the full power to make laws binding the colonies in all cases. -
Boston Massacre
In the evening, a crowd gathered outside the Custom House, which was housing regiments that enforced new acts and quelled resistance. As the hostility increased, shots were fired and 5 Bostonians were killed. -
Boston Tea Party
In response to the Tea Act as well as a frustration of being taxed without representation, colonists snuck aboard ships and threw 342 chests of tea into the ocean. This was one of the first major resistances to Britain's rule. -
Intolerable Acts
In response to the tea party, Britain dissolved Boston's right to assembly, shut down their harbor, allowed Britain to try colonists in British court and allowed the British army to quarter in colonist's home. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
British regiments are sent to seize local militias' arms and powder. Minute Men respond to this by trapping the British in Boston. A frontal charge was ordered to retake Breed's Hill and eventually succeeded, but with heavy losses to the British. -
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Revolutionary War
The U.S. Colonies decide that they no longer wish to be citizens of the British Empire and declare war. Eventually, they win with the help of other countries such as France, Spain, and the Netherlands. -
Declaration of Independence
Arguably the most important event in U.S. history when the colonies banded together to resist British rule. The document listed many grievances that the colonies had with Britain. Although war had already started in some places, this is where full mounted resistance would start. -
The Battle of Saratoga
Considered the turning point of the American Revolution as the colonists' victory persuaded the French, Spanish, and Dutch to join the war. -
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Seige of Yorktown
General Cornwallis surrenders to George Washington and his troops. This is the last battle of the Revolutionary War and signals victory to the colonies. -
The Treaty of Paris
Signed by representatives of King George III, Britain recognized America as independent and this established their borders. France was not wholly happy with the treaty as they were expecting to fight Britain longer. -
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George Washington Presidencies
George Washington will likely be the most memorable president. He had two terms in office before deciding to step down creating a precedent that a president should only serve two terms. He would be succeeded by John Adams. -
Bill of Rights
Congress agreed upon 12 amendments to the Constitution, which would be ratified and known as the Bill of Rights. -
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John Adams' Presidency
John Adams becomes the second president and would finish one term before losing to Thomas Jefferson.