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Period: to
Independence and onward
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Thomas Paine publishes "Common Sense"
Thomas PaineThomas Paine's essay "Common Sense" argued for independence from Britain and the creation of a democratic republic. It's publication added fuel to the Patriots' cause with his eloquent words: “Common sense will tell us, that the power which hath endeavoured to subdue us, is of all others, the most improper to defend us,” and "Give me liberty, or give me death." -
Washington leads defeat of British at Trenton
Commander of the Continental ArmyWashington was a remarkable military leader. Even the British press couldn't help applauding him. His strength was less as a military strategist, but more in his ability to keep his troops motivated and moving forward, especially since they were serious underdogs. The Battle of Trenton became emblematic of the Patriots' surprising ability to overcome the tremendous odds they faced in the war. -
Franklin's Treaty of Alliance signed with France
Treaty of AllianceBenjamin Franklin negotiates the Treaty of Alliance with France which secures France's financial support for the War of Independence, which is critical to the succss of the bankrupt Patriots. This is one of many remarkable, individual achievements of Benjamin Franklin that contributed significantly to the US' eventual independence and establishment as a nation -
Chief Thaynendanegea's leadership
Mohawk leader Mohawk Chief Thayendanegea convinced four of the six Iroquois nations to join him an alliance with the British, which led to punishing raids in New York and Pennsylvania in 1778 and 1779. The Chief demonstrated remarkable leadership and had a gift of walking between two very different worlds. He said to King George III, "I bow to no man for I am considered a prince among my own people. But I will gladly shake your hand." -
Robert Morris founds the Bank of North America
Robert MorrisAt a time when the US was bankrupt, Morris established the Bank of North America, which was a critical move in stabilizing the economy. Prior to this, he had almost singlehandedly managed to finance the Revolutionary War, contributing $10,000 of his own money. He was appointed Financial Agent (Secretary of Treasury) of the United States, in order to direct the operation of the bank. -
George Washington becomes President
The reluctant presidentGeorge Washington was a remarkable leader - not only as head of the military, but also as the first President of the United States. After the war, he wanted to retire to Mount Vernon, but realized the nation was floundering and needed his help. His political pragmatism, which recognized that ideals could not be met without recognizing a degree of self-interest, helped ground and shape the new nation -
Madison's Bill of Rights is adopted
James Madison James Madison was perhaps erroneously names "Father of the Constitution", which he insisted was a group effort, but he was the champion of and largely responsible for drafting the US Bill of Rights, which limited the role of central government and protected individual rights. Madison was also the 4th President of the United States, and was inuagurated in 1808. -
Hamilton becomes Secretary to the Treasury
Alexander Hamilton Hamilton was an incredibly sharp self-made man who Washington appointed to the Treasury. He was the lead advocate for a modern capitalist economy in the new nation. He created the Bank of the United States, issued Security Bonds so that the Feds could pay off the states' debts, and developed subsidies and tarriffs to protect US manufacturers. His foresight was remarkable, but unpopular at the time. -
John Adams becomes President
John Adams Adams was a founding father, a diplomat, agitator, philoshopher and statesman, and came from humble roots. He was the second president of the US, but perhaps his most significant achievement was in crafting the Declaration of Independence and advocating for it in the Congress. -
Thomas Jefferson becomes President
The greatest leader of allJefferson's Presidential vision heavily shaped the nation that the US has become. His political belief was based on "absolute acquiescence in the decisions of the majority." He believed that central government should be "rigorously frugal and simple", and that "though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will, to be rightful, must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal laws must protect, and to violate would be oppression."
