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John Hancock, President of Congress, and fellow U.S. delegates signed the Declaration of Independence in Philidelphia. This officially declared the United State's freedom from Great Britain. -
In Saratoga, New York, the British Army surrendered to American forces following the Battles of Saratoga. This was significant as it was the first time the British Army had surrendered to another country. -
During the winter of 1777-1778, George Washington's Continental Army of about 12,000 soldiers camped out at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. While Valley Forge was a strategic location to avoid British attack, the men suffered in severe conditions with lack of supplies, food, or shelter. Thankfully, this experience caused the army to grow stronger and more disciplined. -
The United States and France becomes allies with the signing of the the Treaty of Alliance and the Treaty of Amity and Commerce. This was crucial as French support became crucial to the American Revolution. -
The Articles of Confederation were adopted and served as the United States first Constitution. The Articles only lasted for 8 years as they created a weak central government. -
In Yorktown, Virginia, General Charles Cornwallis of the British Army officially surrendered to George Washington's Army and its allied French forces. This unofficially ended the American Revolutionary War. -
Daniel Shays, a former Revolutinary War Captain, led an uprising in Massachusets in opposition to recent economic hardships. This rebellion brought attention to the weakness of the Articles of Confederation and the nation's instability. -
Following Shays's Rebellion, delegates began proceedings in Philidelphia to amend the Articles of Confederation. New leaders were appointed, the Virginia Plan was introduced, Congress was split into two branches, and the outline of a three-branch government was agreed upon. -
Delegates at the Constitutional Convention in Philidelphia signed the U.S. Constitution into law. This established the framework of the U.S. government as it functions today. -
The state of New Hampshire became the 9th state to ratify the Constitution, officially establishing a new system of federal government. This allowed for the first federal elections to be held and George Washington is elected as the first president. -
James Madison introduced the first 10 amendments of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, to Congress. Delegates debated and refined the amendments until they were finally agreed upon and considered for ratification. -
The United States government officially ratified Bill of Rights, adding the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. These amendments guaranteed the fundamental rights of citizens, such as freedom of speech, assembly, press and religion, which are still utilized today.