1700-1800

By sadycheyenne

  • Yale College

    Yale College is officially founded

  • Queen Anne's War Begins

    Second in a series of French and Indian Wars fought in England's Thirteen American Colonies

  • Benjamin Franklin Born

    Ben Franklin was born in Boston

  • Tuscarora War Begins

    War fought between the British, Dutch, and German settlers and the Tuscarora Native Americans. The Europeans enlisted the Yamasee and Cherokee as Indian allies against the Tuscarora, who had amassed several allies themselves.

  • Carolina Division becomes Official

  • Treaty of Utrecht

    Queen Anne's War ends

  • Tea is Introduced in the Colonies

  • King George I Ascends to the English Throne

  • Slaves to Louisiana Territory

    The first group of black slaves is delivered to the Louisiana Territory

  • New Orleans Founded

    Founded by the French

  • Population of Black Slaves

    Slaves in the American Colonies have reached a population of 75,000.

  • King George II Ascends the Throne

  • Pennsylvania Gazette

    Publishing began on this date by Benjamin Franklin

  • 1st American Public Library Founded

    The first American Public library is founded by Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia

  • George Washington is born

  • Royal Charter for the Georgia Colony

    James Oglethorpe received a charter for the Province of Georgia named after King George II.

  • Molasses Act

    Act of the Parliament of Great Britain (citation 6 Geo II. c. 13), which imposed a tax of six pence per gallon on imports of molasses from non-British colonies. Parliament created the act largely at the insistence of large plantation owners in the British West Indies.

  • The Great Awakening Begins

  • Stono Rebellion

    It was the largest slave uprising in the British mainland colonies, with 21 whites and 44 blacks killed. The uprising was led by native Africans who were likely from the Central African Kingdom of Kongo.

  • England Declares War on Spain

  • Plantation Act

    Officially titled An Act for Naturalizing such foreign Protestants and others therein mentioned, as are settled or shall settle in any of His Majesty's Colonies in America.

  • Indentured Servants Law

    Pennsylvania passes a law preventing the overcrowding of ships filled with indentured servants

  • Iron Act

    one of the legislative measures introduced by the British Parliament, within its system of Trade and Navigation Acts. The Act sought to increase the importation of pig and bar iron from its American colonies and to prevent the building of iron-related production facilities within these colonies, particularly in North America where these raw materials were identified.

  • Ben Franklin Discovers Electricity

    Ben Franklin used conductive rods to attract lightning to a leyden jar.
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    French and Indian War

    Also called the "Seven Year's War." It was fought between the French, the colonists, and American Indians against the British. In the end, it was won by the British.
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    Pontiac's Rebellion

    This was a war between the American Indians and the British after the French and Indian War because of dissatisfaction of the treatment of the Indians by the British rule.

  • Proclamation of 1763

    Proclaimed to regulate the lands west of the Appalachian Mountains that were awarded to the British in the Treaty of Paris.

  • Stamp Act

    Required Americans to purchase stamps for any printed documents.

  • Quartering Act

    This act allowed British troops to be quartered in public houses and inns.

  • Townshend Acts

    Taxed imports in high demand such as glass, lead, paint, paper, and tea.

  • Boston Massacre

    An American Patriot was harassing British soldiers and the Patriot got hit in the face by one of the British soldier's muskets. A mob started attacking the British soldiers and it eventually turned into a small battle. The British soldiers were found guilty for manslaughter.

  • Tea Act

    Through this act, the East India Trading Company was given a monopoly over the American tea trade.

  • Boston Tea Party

    The Sons of Liberty led by Samuel Adams boarded a British ship dressed as Indians and dumped their entire load of tea into the Boston Harbor.

  • Boston Port Act

    This act closed the port of Boston and demanded that the residents of Boston pay for the tea that was dumped into Boston Harbor.

  • Massachusetts Governing Act

    This act ended self-rule in the colonies and made all elected officers in America subject to British appointment.

  • Administration of Justice Act

    This act extradited all royal officials charged with capital crimes in America to courts in Britain.

  • Quebec Act

    This act extended the Canadian border (British territory) into the Ohio River Valley and eliminated lands that were claimed by Massachusetts, Virginia and Connecticut.

  • First Continental Congress

    56 delegates from 12 colonies met at Carpenter’s Hall in Philadelphia to discuss a unified position and Parliament’s assertion that it could control the colonies. Georgia was the only colony that refused to send a delegate.

  • First Shots of the Revolutionary War

    The first shots of the Revolutionary War are fired at Lexington, Massachusetts. Word spreads through the east and thousands volunteer for the Continental Army.

  • Mobilization of Troops

    The Provincial Congress of Massachusetts orders the mobilization of 13,600 troops. Thousands of men from throughout the colonies descend upon Boston to partake in its defense.

  • Second Continental Congress

    The second Continental Congress meets at Philadelphia. The Continental Army is officially formed and George Washington is named Commander-in-Chief.

  • Fort Ticonderoga is Captured

    Ethan Allen and Green Mountain Boys capture Fort Ticonderoga on the shores of Lake Champlain. The fort was crucial for British communication with Canada and contained heavy artillery and cannons – which the Patriots dragged to Boston.

  • Battle of Bunker Hill

    British forces attack the Patriots at the heavily fortified Breed’s Hill in Boston. The Battle becomes known as Bunker Hill, despite the fact that most of the fighting took place on Breed’s Hill. British forces drive the Patriots to retreat, but suffer over 1,000 casualties.

  • Washington Arrives in Massachusetts

    Washington arrives in Massachusetts and assumes duty as Commander-in-Chief. Most of his army, however, are untrained undisciplined farmers, artisans and workers.

  • Congress Drafts the Declaration

    Congress drafts the Declaration on the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms which details the colonists’ reasons for fighting the British and states that Americans are “resolved to die free men rather than live as slaves.”

  • America's Navy is Established

    America establishes its first navy and seeks assistance from foreign nations.

  • Foreign Trade is Disallowed in America

    King George III closes all American colonies to foreign trade effective in March, 1776.

  • British Reinforcements Arrive

    British forces receive massive reinforcements from England. 30,000 soldiers and 1,200 cannons arrive for the British at New York Harbor.

  • Battle of Fort Washington

    Patriot forces under George Washington suffer a terrible defeat at the hands of British General Howe at the Battle of Fort Washington in Manhattan. Casualties number over 3,000 for Washington’s Continental Army. He also loses cannons and thousands of military supplies and is forced to retreat toward the Delaware River. British General Cornwallis, who took Fort Lee, New Jersey during the battle pursues.

  • "Common Sense" is Published

    Thomas Paine publishes “Common Sense”. The 50 page pamphlet is critical of King George and states the benefits of an independent America. Common Sense instantly becomes a best seller in America.
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    Capturing of Dorchester Heights, Massachusetts

    American forces capture Dorchester Heights, Massachusetts which lies on a hill above Boston. Patriots strategically place a cannon, dragged from Fort Ticonderoga, on top of the hill, pointed at the British. British forces evacuate Boston and set sail for Halifax. George Washington, fearing an attack on New York City, rushes to set up defense.

  • Shipping Ports Reopened

    Continental Congress declares all shipping ports open to foreign traffic except the British. They also recommend the disarming of all Loyalists.

  • Spain and France Promise to Help America

    The kings of Spain and France promise to help America in the quest for independence. King Louis XVI of France gives 1,000,000 dollars worth of supplies and munitions.

  • Local Governments Allowed

    Continental Congress authorizes its colonies to form local governments.

  • Committee Appointed to Draft Declaration of Independence

    Congress appoints a committee to draft a declaration of independence from England. Thomas Jefferson is chosen to write the declaration.

  • British Fleet Damaged

    Patriot forces inflict serious damage on a fleet of British ships off of Fort Moultrie, South Carolina.

  • Declaration of Independence Drafted

    The Declaration of Independence drafted by Thomas Jefferson is presented to congress. Congress approves.

  • Declaration of Independence Ratified

    The Declaration of Independence is ratified and sent to all 13 colonies.
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    Americans Forced to Retreat to Brooklyn Heights

    American forces under George Washington are routed by 15,000 troops under the command of British General Howe. Americans are forced to retreat to Brooklyn Heights and are faced with disaster. Later that night, Washington evacuates his troops across the East River to Harlem Heights. The British fail to pursue and Washington has time to change his tactics.

  • Peace Conference at Staten Island

    British and American officials meet for a peace conference at Staten Island, NY. British Lord Richard Howe demands the cancellation of the Declaration of Independence. American officials, including Benjamin Franklin, refuse.

  • Battle at Harlem Heights

    General Washington and Patriot troops defeat British forces in a small battle at Harlem Heights, NY. Soon after, a fire breaks out in New York City and destroys over 300 buildings.

  • Nathan Hale Executed

    Nathan Hale is executed by the British for spying on their troops. His famous final words were, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country”.

  • Battle of Valcour Bay

    The newly formed American Navy is crushed by British forces at the Battle of Valcour Bay on Lake Champlain. Most of America’s naval forces are destroyed.

  • Battle of White Plains

    Patriot forces under General George Washington are routed at the Battle of White Plains. Washington is forced to retreat westward.

  • British Take Newport, Rhode Island

  • Washington Crosses the Delaware River

    Washington’s troops cross the Delaware River and enter Pennsylvania.

  • Congress Abandons Philadelphia

    Fearing a British attack, congress abandons Philadelphia and heads for Baltimore.

  • Continental Army Ambushes Hessians

    General George Washington and Continental Army cross the icy Delaware River and ambush 800 astonished Hessian (German mercenaries) at 4:00 in the morning. All Hessians are captured. “Washington’s Crossing”, as it came to be known, improved the morale of the army but was somewhat inconsequential in the war itself.

  • New Flag Mandated

    A new flag with thirteen stars and thirteen stripes is mandated by congress. John Paul Jones is chosen the Captain of Ranger, an 18 vessel ship, with plans to make raids on England’s coastal towns.

  • British Move to Albany

    The British plan to separate New England from the rest of the colonies commences. British General John Burgoyne and his army of 7,700 redcoats descends to Albany from Canada and plans to join General William Howe and forces marching north from New York City.

  • British Take Fort Ticonderoga

    British General Burgoyne’s forces easily take Fort Ticonderoga, an important northern stronghold, on the shores of Lake Champlain in New York.

  • Howe Sails Toward Chesapeake Bay

    British General William Howe makes a serious tactical error. Instead of meeting Burgoyne near Albany, he decides to sail toward the Chesapeake Bay and invade the Patriot capital – Philadelphia.

  • Marquis de Lafayette

    Marquis de Lafayette arrives in Philadelphia and becomes a major general in the Continental Army at age 19.

  • British Forces Reach the Hudson River

  • Congress Forced to Evacuate

    William Howe’s and British forces occupy Philadelphia. Congress is forced to evacuate the city and head to Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

  • First Major American Victory

    American forces earn their first major victory of the war at Saratoga, NY (near Albany) under Generals Benedict Arnold and Horatio Gates. If British General William Howe would have followed through with the plan to meet Burgoyne, rather than occupy Philadelphia, the Continental Army likely would have fallen.

  • France Recognizes America's Independence

    General Burgoyne’s army of 5,700 hundred men are forced to surrender to Patriot general Horatio Gates. British soldiers are shipped back to England as word of the Patriot victory spreads through Europe. As a result of the British surrender, France recognizes America’s independence.

  • Articles of Confederation Adopted

    Congress adopts the Articles of Confederation as the new government of the United States of America pending the approval of the 13 states. Congress is now the sole authority over the government.

  • Valley Forge

    George Washington sets up winter encampment at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Disease and frigid temperatures decimate the camp. Morale is low until German General Baron Von Stueben is brought to train the people to be soldiers.

  • France Becomes an Ally

    France and the United States sign treaties of alliances. France became a strong partner in the quest for American independence and provided most of the Patriot military supplies. France further pledged to help fight Britain until American independence could be gained. Britain and France then declare war on each other when British ships fire upon a French fleet. Britain would now find themselves fighting not only in North America, but in Europe, Asia and Africa as well.

  • Baron von Steuben

    Baron Von Steuben arrives at miserable Valley Forge and provides indispensable military training to Americans spending the winter there.

  • British Troops Leave Philadelphia

    British forces withdraw from Philadelphia, fearing a naval blockade by French fleets. General Henry Clinton and British forces cross New Jersey on their way to New York City. Patriot General George Washington sends troops after him.
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    Battle at Monmouth

    Clinton and Washington’s armies meet at Monmouth, New Jersey. The battle was inconclusive, but American General Charles Lee orders a retreat, which allows Clinton’s army to continue to New York City.

  • Patriots Massacred

    Patriot residents of Wyoming Valley in northern Pennsylvania are massacred by loyalists and Indians.

  • West Point

    General Washington moves headquarters to West Point, New York

  • Settlers Massacred

    American settlers are once again massacred by Indians and loyalists at Cherry Valley, New York

  • British Southern Colony Campaign

    British forces begin their campaign in the southern colonies. They quickly score major victories at Charleston and Savannah and succeed in occupying all of Georgia. Battles in the southern interior are successful for the British but result in heavy casualties.

  • Spain Declares War on Britain

  • Americans Defeat Indians and Loyalists

    American forces defeat Indian and Loyalist forces at Elmira, New York. They proceed to burn Iroquois villages in retaliation for the massacres on American settlers.

  • John Paul Jones

    John Paul Jones defeats a British fleet off the coast of England. Despite initial failure, when his unconditional surrender is demanded by British forces, Jones utters the famous words ” I have not yet begun to fight”. He then captures the British ship before his own sinks.
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    Siege of Charleston

    British General Henry Clinton arrives at Charleston, South Carolina from New York with 8,000 men. A month later, the British promptly take Fort Moultrie, South Carolina and then begin bombarding Charleston Harbor. American forces suffer their worse loss of the war, and are forced to surrender their entire southern army of 5,400 men

  • General Horatio Gates

    Placed in Command of the Southern Army

  • Arnold Exposed

    Benedict Arnold is revealed as a spy and his plans to surrender West Point to the British are exposed. Arnold flees from West Point and joins the British army as a brigadier general.

  • Peace Commission

    Congress appoints a Peace Commission of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Jay and Henry Laurens.

  • Abandonment of Attack in NYC

    General George Washington abandons a proposed attack on the British in New York City after learning that French Admiral Count de Grasse, 29 ships, and 3,000 French soldiers were heading south along the Chesapeake Bay. Washington then coordinates with Gen. Rochambeau to send troops south to Virginia to destroy the British position in Yorktown.

  • Siege at Yorktown begins

    General Washington’s army of 17,000 begin encircling the city while French naval forces bombard Cornwallis’ army with cannon fire continuously.

  • Yorktown Taken

    General Cornwallis begins surrender negotiations.

  • Official Surrender by Cornwallis

    The British army is decimated and the war is virtually over.

  • Peace Talks

    Peace talks between Benjamin Franklin and English officials begin in Paris.

  • Peace Treaty Signed

    England signs a peace treaty with France and Spain.

  • Recognition of American Independence

    Spain, Russia, Sweden and Denmark formally recognize America’s independence.

  • Revolutionary War Ends

    Congress officially claims an end to the Revolutionary War.

  • Continental Army disbands

  • Slavery Abolished in Massachusetts

    The Supreme Court in Massachusetts abolishes slavery.

  • Treaty of Paris

    The United States and Great Britain sign the Treaty of Paris officially ending the war. America is free!

  • Treaty of Paris Ratified

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    Annapolis Convention

    Formally titled as a Meeting of Commissioners to Remedy Defects of the Federal Government, was a national political convention held in which twelve delegates from five states—New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia—gathered to discuss and develop a consensus about reversing the protectionist trade barriers that each state had erected.
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    Constitutional Convention

    Met to address the problems of the weak central government that existed under the Articles of Confederation.

  • Northwest Ordinance

    Act of the Congress of the Confederation of the United States. It created the Northwest Territory, the first organized territory of the United States
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    Ratification of the Constitution

    The constitution was written to go into effect when it was ratified by 9 of the 13 states. The 9th state, New Hampshire, ratified it on June 21, 1788. It was not ratified by all 13 states until Rhode Island ratified it on May 29, 1790.

  • Constitution went into effect

  • Inauguration of George Washington

    On the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City, New York. The inauguration marked the commencement of the first four-year term of George Washington as President.

  • French Revolution Begins

    The social factors contributing to the start of the French Revolution included social stress from a large population as well as the intrusion of capitalism into everyday life and the consequent social disparities.

  • Capital Placed at Potomac River

    President George Washington signed the Residence Act of 1790 which dictated that the capital of the United States of America would be located on the Potomac River between the mouths of the Eastern-Branch and Connogocheque in an area not to exceed ten square miles

  • Citizen Genet Affair

    The Citizen Genêt affair began when Genet (French ambassador to the United States during the French Revolution.) was dispatched to the United States to promote American support for France's wars with Spain and Britain.

  • Whiskey Rebellion

    Tax protest in the United States during the presidency of George Washington, ultimately under the command of Revolutionary war veteran Major James McFarlane. The so-called "whiskey tax" was the first tax imposed on a domestic product by the newly formed federal government. Many settlers in Pennsylvania rebelled against the liquor tax.

  • Jay's Treaty

    The Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation, Between His Britannic Majesty and the United States of America. This was established between the United States and Great Britain that averted war, resolved issues remaining since the Treaty of Paris of 1783

  • Pinckney's Treaty

    known as the Treaty of San Lorenzo or the Treaty of Madrid, was signed in San Lorenzo de El Escorial and established intentions of friendship between the United States and Spain. It also defined the boundaries of the United States with the Spanish colonies and guaranteed the United States navigation rights on the Mississippi River.

  • Alien and Sedition Acts

    They made it harder for an immigrant to become a citizen (Naturalization Act), allowed the president to imprison and deport non-citizens who were deemed dangerous (Alien Friends Act of 1798) or who were from a hostile nation (Alien Enemy Act of 1798), and criminalized making false statements that were critical of the federal government (Sedition Act of 1798).

  • Quasi War

    Un-declared war fought almost entirely at sea between United States and France from 1798 to 1800. In the United States, the conflict was sometimes referred to as the Franco-American War, the Undeclared War with France, the Pirate Wars, or the Half-War.

  • Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions

    Political statements drafted in which the Kentucky and Virginia legislatures took the position that the federal Alien and Sedition Acts were unconstitutional. The resolutions argued that the states had the right and the duty to declare unconstitutional acts of Congress that were not authorized by the Constitution.

  • Jefferson Elected

    Thomas Jefferson is recognized to be elected in the upcoming Presidential Race