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Slavery Expands in the North
Between 1725 and 1775, slavery became increasingly significant in the northern colonies as urban residents sought greater participation in the maritime economy. -
Stono Rebellion
On a Sunday morning while planters attended church, a group of about eighty slaves set out for Spanish Florida under a banner that read “Liberty!,” burning plantations and killing at least twenty white settlers as they marched. The local militia defeated the rebels in battle, captured and executed many of the slaves, and sold others to the sugar plantations of the West Indies. -
Murder = Legal
In 1740 a new law stated that killing a rebellious slave was not a crime and even the murder of a slave was treated as a minor misdemeanor. -
Slavery = Legal
By 1750, slavery was legal in every North American colony. There also were approximately one hundred thousand African slaves in Virginia, at least 40 percent of the colony’s total population by 1750. -
Currency Act of 1751 and 1763
The Currency Acts of 1751 and 1763 were caused by British merchants’ reluctance to accept depreciated paper notes and by the fact that paper money tended to lose value quicker than coins and was often counterfeited. -
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French and Indian War
The French and Indian War consisted of battles that raged between the French and and Indians against the British colonies. The impact of this war was that it further destroyed any hope of the American colonies coexisting with the Indians. -
Sugar Act
The Sugar Act of 1764 was one of the first ways that Parliament began to levy taxes on sugar, paper, lead, glass, and tea, all products that contributed to colonists’ sense of gentility. -
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American Revolution
The thirteen colonies in North America revolted against the strict rule of the English. The colonies were victorious and gained their independence. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre occurred when British soldiers, feeling pressed by a mob, shot into the crowd and killed several "innocent" people. This further fueled colonists resentment towards England. -
Boston Tea Party
The Sons of Liberty dressed up as Indians and tossed 342 chests of British tea into the Boston Harbor. -
The Declaration of Independence
The Second Continental Congress of the United States adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. -
Shays' Rebellion
Shays' Rebellion was an armed uprising in Massachusetts against the government's attempt to raise taxes. -
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George Washington
George Washington was the first president of the United States. His first lady was Martha Washington. His vice president was John Adams. -
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the Constitution were ratified in 1791. -
Cotton Gin
Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin in 1793. -
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John Adams
John Adams was the second president of the United States. His first lady was Abigail Adams. His vice president was Thomas Jefferson.
