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The French and Indian War
This was a war that lasted seven years between the British, their colonies, and the French. This event is important because it gave the British a lot of war debt, which made the British raise taxes. -
The Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was when British troops murdered 5 colonists. This is important because it would start the Revolutionary War between America and Britain. -
The Boston Tea Party
The colonists protested against the British by dumping tea into the Boston Harbor. This event is important because it was one of the first and biggest protests against the British. -
Continental Congress met for the first time
The Continental Congress, which included Patrick Henry, George Washington, John Adams, and John Jay, met for the first time in Carpenter's Hall, in Philadelphia. This is important because this would lead to the Declaration of Independence being written, and other ideas of the government that we have today. -
Declaration of Independence was signed
On August 2, 1776, the Declaration was signed. Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and others signed the Declaration of Independence. It was signed in Independence Hall, in Philadelphia, PA. This event was important because had we not signed the Declaration, we would still be under British rule. -
Territorial Expansion
the U.S. gained more territory for the first time after the U.S. declared independence from Britain. This event is important because 8 new states were implemented into the country. -
Treaty of Paris
The treaty of Paris was signed by Great Britain and the U.S. This event was important because it ended the American revolution. -
Shay's Rebellion
Former soldier William Shay led a rebellion of 1,100 soldiers to protest against the government. This is important because it showed the central government that it was very weak. -
The first president
The first president, George Washington, was elected in New York. This event was important because it would set up a leader figure that is still present today. -
The Louisiana Purchase
The U.S. made the Louisiana purchase. This is important because it doubled the size of the U.S. -
Birth of Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky. This is important because he will go on to become one of the most influential presidents ever. -
War of 1812
The British come back to reclaim the northern territory, but lose the war. This event showed that the U.S. could defeat the British twice, and that the U.S. isn't going anywhere. -
The Burning of the White House
The British burn down the White House. This event is important because it was an act of retaliation after the American troops attacked York. -
Writing of the National Anthem
During the attack on Fort McHenry, the National Anthem was written by Francis Scott Key. This event was important because it tells us how we won the battle and we gained a national anthem. -
The Civil War begins
A civil war breaks out between the northern and southern states. This event was important because it abolished slavery and strengthened the federal government. -
The Signing of the Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation was signed by Abraham Lincoln after the battle of Antietam. This event was important because it freed all of the slaves in America. -
End of the Civil War
The end of the Civil War ended when Confederate General Smith surrendered. This event was important because it ended slavery in all of the U.S. -
Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
John Wilkes Booth kills President Lincoln at Ford's theater. This event is important because it is the first time a president has been killed. -
Invention of the Telephone
The telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell. This event is important because it was one of the first inventions in a whole span of inventions to come. -
The End of the Reconstruction Era
The end of the era known as the Reconstruction Era is caused by President Hayes removing federal troops from the South. This is important because the South had to start treating their slaves as equals.
