The Creation of Government By jimmyurtz 1773 (The Boston Tea Party)--American Patriots dump tea into Boston Harbor to protest taxes by British government. 1774 (The Intolerable Acts)--Harsh laws by Britain made America edge closer and closer to war with Great Britain. 1775 (The American Revolutionary War)—America’s fight for freedom and independence from Great Britain begins. Jul 4, 1776 (The Declaration of Independence)—This important document was signed and adopted at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. 1781 The Articles of Confederation is ratified and becomes the first constitution of the United States. 1783 Revolutionary War ends and Treaty of Paris is signed. 1789 The United States Constitution becomes effective and is the supreme law of the land.