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Declaration of Independence ratified
The Declaration of Independence was signed by Congress on July 4th, 1776, though it was signed over several months prior to July. -
Continental Army at Valley Forge
Valley Forge was the famous site of Washington's army's camp during their battle witht the British Army -
Land Ordinance of 1785
This Ordinance was used to raise money by selling land that America gained in the Treaty of Paris. -
Shay's Rebellion
Many debt-ridden farmers joined together in an uprising, led by Daniel Shays, due to anger at heavy taxes. -
Annapolis Convention
A much weaker version of the Constitutional Convention was held in Maryland. Unlike the later, more powerful ones, this Convention only had delegates from five states in attendance. -
Constitutional Convention begins
The Constitutional Convention begins, being held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. -
Northwest Ordinance
This ordinance was used to create an organized territory west of Ohio. -
U.S. Constitution adopted
The Constitution was adopted as America's legislature in by a winning vote of nine of thirteen states. -
George Washington elected as President
George Washington was elected as the first President due to his popularity for being a great war general. -
Judiciary Act passed
The Judiciary Act was passed, establishing the United States Judicial System. -
Battle of Fallen Timbers
"Mad" Anthony Wayne successfully led American troops in a fight against Indian tribes of the Western Confederacy over control of the Northwest Territory -
Whiskey Rebellion
Washington sent 13,000 troops to western Pennsylvania to put down a rebellion due to taxes on luxuries, whiskey being one of them. -
Washington's Farewell Address
President Washington ended his presidency in his farewell address, at the same time beginning America's isolation for years to come. -
XYZ Affair in England
President James Madison sent three delegates to France to meet with Talleyrand, but was declined the request. Instead, Talleyrand sent three of his own men to converse with the Americans. -
Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions
The VA and KY Resolutions were written by James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, respectively, to show their states' response to the Alien and Sedition Acts. -
Alien and Sedition Acts Passed
The Alien and Sedition Acts were passed by Federalists in the aftermath of the French Revolution. The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions were written as a response to these acts. -
Undeclared war against France (Quasi-War)
A naval war fought between America and France, though it was never declared an all-out war. Privateers were used in the fighting and became critical. -
Convention of 1800
A peace treaty was signed between America and France, nullifying the military alliance between the countries. -
James Madison elected as president
Founding Father James Madison was elected as the fourth POTUS -
Lousiana Purchase
The Louisiana Territory was purchased by the United States, making it the biggest land purchase in history.
