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French and Indian War
This marks the beginning of the ongoing struggle between the British and the French. -
Treaty of Paris
With the Treaty of Paris, the British formally gain control of the Canada and all the French land east of the Mississippi. This officially ends the Seven Years War. -
Boston Massacre
British troops fire into a mob, killing five men and leading to intense public protest. -
Boston Tea Party
A group of colonial patriots disguised themselves as Indians and boarded three ships in the Boston harbor. They dump more than 300 crates of tea overboard to protest the British tea tax. -
Continental Congress
The first Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia. There were 56 delegates representing every colony except Georgia. -
American Revolution
The War of Independence is fought between Great Britain and the British Colonies. -
Declaration of Independence
Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. -
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Severe Winter
Tired from battle, the Continental army suffers a brutal winter. Of the 11,000 soldiers at Valley Forge, hundreds died from disease. -
Treaty of Paris
Great Britain acknowledges American independence in the Treaty of Paris. This officially brings the war to an end. -
Shay’s Rebellion
Farmer’s from along the east take up arms to protest high state taxes and stiff penalties for failure to pay. -
George Washington Presidency
George Washington is unanimously elected president of the United States in a vote by state electors. -
Constitution
U.S. Constitution goes into effect, after being ratified by nine states. -
Washington is Inaugurated
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Bill of RIghts
The first ten amendments to the Constitution are ratified. -
Cotton Gin
Eli Whitney’s invention of the cotton gin greatly increases the demand for slave labor. -
Washington's Second Inauguration
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Second President
John Adams is inaugurated as the second president of the United States.