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Founding of Georgia
Georgia, the last of the original 13 colonies, is founded when James Oglethorpe arrives to create a settlement for Britain's poor and debtors. -
George Whitefield Arrives in America
During the Second Great Awakening, George Whitefield arrives from England in America to preach to the colonists. -
Jonathan Edwards Preaches "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God"
Jonathan Edwards, an influential preacher of the Great Awakening, preaches his famous sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" for the second time in Enfield, Connecticut. The sermon spiritually affects those who listen to it. -
Beginning of Seven Years' War
The Seven Years' War, a war between the French and the British, affects British colonists in America, who fight with the British against the French in Canada and their Native American allies. -
Treaty of Paris ends Seven Years' War
The Treaty of Paris, combined with the Treaty of Hubertusburg from 5 days later, ends the Seven Years' War. Britain gains a great portion of Canada and the land beyond the Appalachians, but refuses to allow American colonists to settle there. -
Royal Proclamation of 1763
With the Royal Proclamation of 1763, resulting from Pontiac's War, American colonists are prevented from settling past the Appalachian mountains. The colonists, many of whom fought in the Seven Years' War, are angered that the British have taken away what they consider their hard-earned land. -
Britain Passes Sugar Act
Britain Passes the Sugar Act, a modification of the Molasses Act, in an attempt to raise money in taxes on sugar and to prevent American colonists from smuggling sugar from other nations' colonies. The act is widely disliked and unsuccessful -
Britain Passes Stamp Act
Britain passes the Stamp Act, a duty on stamped items. Like with the Sugar Act, American colonists are displeased and take actions against the act through boycotting and even rioting. -
Britain Passes Declaratory Act
After repealing the unpopular Stamp Act, Britain passes the Declaratory Act, which states Britain's right to directly tax the colonies. -
Pontiac's War Ends
The war between Pontiac, a Native American leader bent on expelling colonists from North America, finally ends. -
Boston Massacre
A small conflict in which British regulars fire upon American colonists, referred to as the Boston "Massacre", gives rise to anti-British sentiments. -
Britain Passes Tea Act
The Tea Act, which actually lowered the tax on British tea exported to the colonies, caused much resistance. -
Boston Tea Party
In response to the Tea Act, Bostonians dress as Native Americans and board a ship bearing tea, which they dump into the harbor. Britain retaliates severely with the Intolerable Acts, which close Boston's port and enforce British rule. -
First Continental Congress Meets
The Continental Congress meets for the first time to discuss the colonies' state and to publish a "Declaration of Rights and Grievances." -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
The American War for Independence begins with the Battles of Lexington and Concord. -
Second Continental Congress Meets
The Second Continental Congress meets to discuss the war. They create a Continental Army with George Washington at the head and attempt to send an "Olive Branch Petition" to Britain in hopes of ultimately maintaining peace. -
Battle of Bunker (Breed's) Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill, which actually takes place on Breed's Hill, results in an American loss but heavy British casualties. -
Thomas Paine Publishes "Common Sense"
Thomas Paine publishes his pamphlet "Common Sense", which explains why the American colonies must cut ties with Britain. -
Declaration of Independence Approved
Thomas Jefferson drafts the U.S. Declaration of Independence. The Continental Congress approves it. -
Washington Crosses the Delaware
On Christmas Day, Washington crosses the Delaware River with his troops and takes Trenton. -
Battle of Saratoga
The Continental Army wins the Battle of Saratoga in New York, convincing the French to side with the colonies. -
Continental Congress Ratifies Articles of Confederation
The Continental Congress ratifies the Articles of Confederation, the country's first governing document. It allows each state one vote, but gives little power to the government. -
Battle of Yorktown
The French and the American Colonists defeat British General Cornwallis in the coastal city of Yorktown, essentially ending the American War for Independence. -
Official End of American War for Independence
The American War for Independence officially ends after peace is negotiated in France. -
Constitutional Convention
The Constitutional Convention assembles to discuss the issues with the Articles of Confederation. -
The Constitution is Ratified
9 of 13 states ratify the new U.S. Constitution, allowing it to take effect. -
George Washington Inaugurated
George Washington, the first U.S. President, is inaugurated. -
Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights, or the first 10 Amendments, are added to the Constitution, guaranteeing certain rights to citizens. -
Jay's Treaty
John Jay signs Jay's Treaty with Britain in an attempt to provide compensation for American merchants affected by naval warfare between Britain and France. The treaty does not address the issue of impressment, however. -
John Adams Inaugurated
John Adams is Inaugurated as the second U.S. President.
