-
British troops land in Boston to enforce the Townshend duties. -
The British Parliament passes the Coercive acts, often called the Intolerable Acts in America.
-
The Declaration of Independence is adopted by the Second Continental Congress. -
As a result of the patriot victory at Saratoga and American diplomatic efforts, France allies itself with the new American government. -
A convention of states in Philadelphia proposes the Constitution to replace the much looser central government operating under the Articles of Confederation.