Founding Fathers Timeline

  • The Boston Tea Party

    The Boston Tea Party
    The Boston Tea Party was a political event in which American colonists were angry with the British for imposing taxation without representation. The Americans then dumped 342 chests of tea imported by the British into the harbor.
  • The Battles of Lexington and Concord

    The Battles of Lexington and Concord
    The most famous 'shot heard round the world.' It marked the the start of the American War of Independence. Lexington and Concord started a war that resulted in Britain losing her American Colonies. During the retreat, Britain had 73 killed, 173 wounded, and 26 missing. America had 50 killed, 39 wounded, and 5 missing.
  • The Declaration of Independence is Signed

    The Declaration of Independence is Signed
    The Declaration of Independence was on July 4th 1776, but it wasn't signed until almost a decade later. It was designed for the king, the colonists, and the world. . It states, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights , that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of happiness." 27 complaints against King George lll.
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    The Winter at Valley Forge

    Period that marked triumph of morale and military discipline over severe hardship. Washington's American army suffered from the bitter cold, lack of clothes, semi-starvation, gross mismanagement in the commissary and transport departments, congressional neglect, and public criticism.
  • Article of Confederation are Ratified

    Article of Confederation are Ratified
    The first Constitution of the United States. Ratification of the articles by all thirteen colonies however didn't occur until March 1st, 1781. The articles created a loose confederation of sovereign states a weak central government leaving most power with the state governments.
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    The Battle of Yorktown

    Decisive moment for the American Revolution. The British surrendered which led to the end of British rule in the colonies and the birth of the United States. Ended in an American Victory, outnumbering and outfighting the British.
  • The Constitution is Ratified

    The Constitution is Ratified
    Before the Constitution was ratified, the country was governed by the Articles of Confederation. This document made nations act more independent, sovereign countries, and it quickly became clear to some of America's leaders realize that the future stability required a a stronger and more centralized government. Alexander Hamilton then called for a constitutional convention. The initial purpose of this convention was for the delegates to amend the Articles of Confederation.
  • Presidential Inauguration of George Washington

    Presidential Inauguration of George Washington
    George Washington's presidential debut. He addressed the need for a strong Constitution, Bill of Rights, and frequently emphasized the public good.
  • Washington’s Farewell Address

    Washington’s Farewell Address
    Letter written by George Washington as a farewell to friends and fellow citizens addressing his retirement.
  • The Death of George Washington

    The Death of George Washington
    On December 12th, Washington rode horseback through rain, sleet, and snow to tend to the North Vernon estate. When he got home, he refused to change out of his damp clothes before dinner time. Washington developed a sore throat and was barely able to talk. The morning of December 14th, he was having trouble breathing. In attempt to get cured, 40% of his blood was drained by doctors.
  • Election Day, 1800

    Election Day, 1800
    The 1800 Presidential Election in which Thomas Jefferson was elected the third president of the United States. Thomas Jefferson beat John Adams 73 electoral votes to 65 electoral votes.
  • Marbury vs. Madison

    Marbury vs. Madison
    Legal case in which the U.S. Supreme Court first declared an act of Congress unconstitutional. Marbury vs. Madison established the principal of judicial review,