Individual Actions 1776-1820 By StressedAndCylent Jan 10, 1776 Thomas Paine Wrote "Common Sense" Jul 4, 1776 Continental Congress issues Declaration of Independence Dec 26, 1776 Washington crosses the Delaware and captures Trenton from Hessians Mar 1, 1781 Ratification of Articles of Confederation Sep 3, 1783 The U.S. and Great Britain sign the Treaty of Paris Apr 21, 1786 Shay's Rebellion Massachusetts rebellion led by the Revolutionary War veteran Daniel Shays against high taxes. Jun 25, 1792 1st Presidential Election - President George Washington, Vice President John Adams Nov 28, 1793 Eli Whitney invents Cotton Gin Jul 13, 1804 New Jersey Abolishes Slavery Apr 22, 1814 British Troops burn Washington D.C., but are forced back to Baltimore