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King George I
King George I ascends to the throne of England. -
The Great Awakening and George Whitefield
George Whitefield travels the country preaching emotional Calvinist sermons to the colonies. His is well accepted and there is a widespread religious revival in the colonies. Because of this, it is called the "Great Awakening." -
The Seven Years War
The Seven Years War (1756-1763) begins. It includes the then major world powers of Great Britain, Portugal and France along with several other countries and empires. The War begins when a force of British colonists and Native American allies, led by George Washington, kills a French diplomat. -
George III
George III ascends to the throne of England. He is the King of England when the American Revolution takes place. -
Sugar Act
The Sugar Act of 1764 and the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts are created by Parliament to raise money for the French and Indian War. Taxes are placed on items such as sugar, paper, lead, glass, and tea. The colonists are not pleased with these new taxes. -
The Stamp Act Repealed
Under growing pressure from the American Colonies, Parliament repeals the Stamp Act. But in its place, it passes the Declaratory Act, which says that Parliament has the full right to make and enforce any laws and that the colonies would be required to obey those laws. -
The Boston Massacre
In response to unruly crowds in the city of Boston, British soldiers fire their guns, killing five Bostonians. Thanks to Paul Revere, news of the so-called massacre spreads across the nation, increasing tension between Britain and the colonies. -
The Boston Tea Party
In response to the acts of Britain regarding tea (particularly the Tea Act), men disguised as Indians sneak aboard British ships and dump 342 chests of tea into the harbor. -
The First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress convenes and delegates issue documents such as "Declaration of Rights and Grievances" and the “Continental Association.” Congress argues that the colonists retain the full rights of native Britons. -
The American Revolution Begins
The American Revolution Begins at the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Someone fired a shot (it is not know if it was British or American) and started the Battle. -
Common Sense
Thomas Paine publishes Common Sense. In it he argues for the independence of the colonies from Britain. It was quickly published throughout the colonies and influenced many people. -
The Declaration of Independence
Congress passes the Declaration of Independence, stating that the American Colonies were no longer to be part of the British Empire, citing a long list of grievances by the King of England and Parliament as a justification of their independence. -
The American Revolution Ends
Lord Cornwallis and the British Army surrenders to the American colonies on September 3, 1783. -
The Constitution
The U.S. Constitution is written and submitted to the states for ratification. It is ratified by the majority of the states by the next year and goes into effect at that time. -
The French Revolution
The French, following the example of the American colonies, start a revolution. However, radicals soon come into power in France and the Reign of Terror ensues. -
Eli Whitney and the Cotton Gin
Eli Whitney invents the Cotton Gin, a machine that deseeds cotton, and dramatically changes the way cotton is produced. -
Transition of Power in America
George Washington steps down as President after 2 terms and power is peacefully transferred over to his vice-president, John Adams.
