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The Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party occurred on December 16, 1773 in Boston, Massachusetts. American colonists were angry that Britain imposed several taxes to help pay off its large amount of debt. On the night of the Boston Tea Party, a large group of men disguised themselves as Native Americans. They boarded docked ships and dumped 342 chests of tea into Griffin's Wharf harbor. It took almost 3 hours to dump the tea and it is estimated that the men dumped 45 tons of tea into the water. -
The Declaration of Independence is Signed
Thomas Jefferson drafted statements of the declaration from June 11 to June 28. He submitted these drafts to John Adams and Benjamin Franklin who made changes. The two presented the changed draft to Congress on July 2. On the afternoon of July 4, the Declaration of Independence was adopted. The committee began engrossing the Declaration and finally on August 2, 1776, 56 delegates signed the Declaration of Independence at the Pennsylvania State House. -
The Winter at Valley Forge
George Washington moved the Continental Army to Valley Forge (the winter quarters). Washington described Valley Forge as "a dreary kind of place and uncomfortably provided." He and his troops were not prepared for the six months that they would be staying there. -
The Battles of Lexington and Concord
On April 18, 1775, in the night, British troops moved from Boston to Concord to obtain an arms cache. The British troops came upon Lexington at dawn on April 19 and saw 77 militiamen awaiting their arrival. The militiamen's commander ordered them to disperse and a shot rang out. This was referred to as the "shot heard 'round the world." This began the American Revolutionary War. -
The Battle of Yorktown
General George Washington tricked Henry Clinton into believing that he and his men were coming into New York for attack. Instead, Washington moved into Yorktown, Virginia to attack Cornwallis whom had taken over many areas. Washington and his men began their attack and Cornwallis surrendered on October 14. -
Article of Confederation are Ratified
The Articles of Confederation was America's first attempt at a government that lasted for ten years. They were adopted on November 15, 1777. However, the states did not ratify them until March 1, 1781. -
The Constitution is Ratified
Alexander Hamilton called a constitutional congress to reevaluate the governments document. This meeting occurred on May 25, 1787 in Philadelphia. The outcome of this meeting was the proposal of a completely new form of government. There were 13 representatives in attendance and 9 out of those 13 voted in approval to ratify the Constitution. -
Presidential Inauguration of George Washington
George Washington was escorted by barge to New York City where he was to be inaugurated. Washington took the oath to office on the balcony of Federal Hall about half past noon. Once he took oath, he returned inside to give his first inaugural address. -
Washington’s Farewell Address
George Washington's farewell address was a letter to his "friends and fellow citizens" to warn against the dangers of political parties, to remain neutral in foreign conflicts and to celebrate their achievements. He wrote his address near the end of his second term of presidency. He then retired to his home in Mount Vernon, Virginia. -
The Death of George Washington
George Washington was a founding father and the first president of the United States. On December 12, Washington was out on horseback observing farm activities when the weather changed from snow, to hail and then to rain. Once he was home, Washington did not change out of his damp clothes. On December 13, Washington awoke with a sore throat. On December 14, Washington awoke with difficulty breathing. That night around 10 to 11 P.M. George Washington died with family around him. -
Election Day, 1800
Thomas Jefferson ran against John Adams in this election and eventually won. This election is considered the first peaceful transition of power between parties. -
Marbury vs. Madison
The case of Marbury vs. Madison was the start of Congress declaring the principle of judicial review. This allows for courts to disassemble laws that go against the United States Constitution.