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1st Great Awakening
A pivotal spiritual shift - awakening- led by such people as Jonathan Edwards and George Whitfield. It called people back to true Christian faith. -
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Enlightenment and Great Awakening
During the 1740's, these two phenomena structured both the spiritual and intellectual facets of American culture and created individuals who believed that their destiny lay in their own hands. -
The 7 Years War
During this war, British and Colonial soldiers fought against a coalition of French and Indian forces. This war fostered American distrust and bitterness towards Britain and led to heavy taxes against the colonies. -
The Stamp Act
A tax on essentially everything that used paper, this unfair legislative act by Parliament resulted in resistance from all parts of the colonies. -
Boston Massacre
A protest by colonists in Boston, Massachusetts leads to a fatal showdown between the protesters and a British militia. The catastrophe further enraged the colonies. -
The Shot Heard Round the World
The Battle of Lexington was the first major conflict between Britain and the colonies and the first battle of the War for Independence. -
Declaration of Independence
The legal and official separation of the colonies from Britain. -
Battle of Saratoga
Colonial troops defeat the force of John Burgoyne at Saratoga, New York, a brilliant victory for the colonies, and the point at which the French decided to join the American cause. -
Articles of Confederation
A failure due to the lack of power the federal government had to levy taxes or raise a militia. -
End of the War for Independence
Americans win the war, and peace negotiations are settled in France. -
U.S. Constitution
The Constitution of the United States is ratified, creating a government with three branches and a bicameral legislation. -
Washington becomes 1st President of the U.S.
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French Revolution
Taking after the Americans, and in response to a incompetent ruling class, France fell into a state of chaos and bloodshed known as the Reign of Terror. -
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2nd Great Awakening
Period of great spiritual unrest. Different Christian denominations formed and again spiritual leaders beckoned Christians back to a purer faith, albeit a less Biblical one. -
Adam's Presidency