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Georgia
The 13th colony to be settled. Acted as a military buffer between Spanish Florida and the Carolinas. -
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French and Indian War
Also known as the 7 Years' War, Britain and France quarreled over the territory west of the Mississippi River from Canada to New Orleans. Ended when the Treaty of Paris was signed. -
Boston Massacre
British soldiers sent to enforce the Townshend Acts fired into a crowd of protesters killing five. -
Boston Tea Party
In response to the Sugar, Stamp, and Townshend Acts passed by the British from 1764 to 1767 to tax colonial goods, a group of merchants dumped all 342 chests of British tea into the Boston harbor. -
First Continental Congress
55 representatives from twelve colonies met in Philadelphia to discuss independence from Britain. -
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Revolutionary War
During this time span, the 13 colonies allied with France and launched attacks against the British in order to secure their freedom and independence. -
Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence which listed grievances against Britain and explained reasons for America's secession from England. -
Articles of Confederation
This document acted as the first constitution to protect the states' sovereignty and independence. -
Constitution
The Constitution of the United States is ratified which organized the government into three branches. -
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George Washington
The first president of the United States of America served two four-year terms. -
Bill of Rights
The Ten Amendments are ratified and added to the Constitution thereby protecting individual rights and liberties. -
Cotton Gin
Invented by Eli Whitney, the cotton gin drastically sped up the process of separating cotton from its seeds. -
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John Adams
The second president of the United States is elected and a peaceful transfer of power takes place.
