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Boston Tea Party
In Boston, colonists dressed as Native Americans boarded three British ships and dumped the tea being carried on these ships into the harbor. This was a reaction to the refusal of their demands for these ships to leave after unloading the tea. -
The Battles of Lexington and Concord
Thomas Gage ordered his British troops to go to Concord to take their military stores, but the British had to go through a group of 77 minutemen in Lexington Green. The British eventually defeated the minutemen and headed to Concord, where they were met with over 300 Americans and were forced to surrender. This ordeal kicked off the American revolution, as it established the separation between the colonists and the British. -
The Declaration of Independence is Signed
56 men signed The Declaration of Independence, effectively committing treason against the British government. -
The Winter at Valley Forge
Washington and his army went through rigorous conditions at Valley Forge during this famous period of time in history. The army quickly used up their basic necessities and became susceptible to disease. Over 2,000 soldiers died in these conditions. Despite this, the event lead to the army growing stronger and more disciplined thanks to Baron von Steuben, who helped train them. -
Articles of Confederation are Ratified
Four years after being signed by congress and sent out for states to vote on, the Articles of Confederation are ratified. This allowed the nation to be governed by the articles, until the constitution took over in 1789. -
The Battle of Yorktown
Yorktown was a win against the British for the Americans and their French allies. This win cemented Washington as a good leader and lead to his presidency. -
The Constitution is Ratified
It took a while to get the 9 out of 13 states needed in order to enact a new government, to agree to ratify the constitution. Anti-federalists fought against the change because it was similar to the British government, and because it did not have a bill of rights, but eventually, the "Vote now, amend later" argument convinced enough people to agree to this ratification. -
Presidential Inauguration of George Washington
The first inauguration was held in New York City. Attended by hundreds of people, the event was an important moment in history, as it marked the beginning of a long line of future presidents. -
Washington's Farewell Address
Washington wrote his goodbye to the American people nearing the end of his second presidential term. The address was written with the intention of inspiring hope for the future. -
The Death of George Washington
Washington died 21 hours after falling ill. It is believed that this was because he was out in the cold the day before and hadn't changed out of his wet clothes. Many people saw his death as an omen, due to the timing of his death being so close to 1800, but the mourning period was also used to bring a sense of national unity to the people. -
Election Day, 1800
The candidates in the election in 1800 were Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. The winner was decided by electors from each state. Thomas Jefferson won, with Aaron Burr being given the vice president position. -
Marbury vs. Madison
Marbury vs. Madison was a court case that lead to The Supreme Court gaining a role in constitutional interpretation, and lead to the development of judicial review.