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Boston News-Letter
The first continuously published newspaper in British North America. -
Boston Tea Party
A political and mercantile protest by the Sons of Liberty in Boston. American Patriots were upset about the Tea Act which allowed Great Britain to impose taxes on the American colonies. -
Common Sense
Pamphlet created by Thomas Paine to convince the colonial public to become independent from Great Britain. It was written in simple language which all people could understand and it became the largest selling book in American History. -
Declaration of Independence
Announced that the thirteen American Colonies were at war with Great Britain and that they were thirteen independent sovereign states. This was the first step in forming the United States of America -
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George Washington's Crossing the Delaware
Geroge Washington lead a successful attack against the Hessian forces which turned the tide of the Revolutionary War. The victory was proceeded by many losses and was able to boost the morale of the American troops. -
Articles of Confederation
The first written constitution of the United States. Power remained in the states and congress was a last resort to settle any major disputes. Congress could make treaties and alliances, maintain an army, and coin money. They were unable to levy taxes under the Articles of Confederation. -
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Constitutional Convention and Ratification
The Constitutional Convention took place in Philadelphia and addressed the problems of a weak central government. -
Bill of Rights
Created to protect the personal freedom and the rights of the people so that the federal government could not abuse its power.
