-
American Revolution
The American Revolution began in April 1775. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4,1776. -
Articles of Confideration
On March 1,1781, the Arcticles of Confideration went into effect. -
General Cornwallis Surrendered
On October 19,1781, British General Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown. -
Ending the Revolutionary War
Almost two years later, Congress declared an official end to the Revolutionary War by signing the Treaty of Paris. -
Daniel Shays' Rebellion
In August 1786, a rebellion led by Daniel Shays broke out in Massachusetts. This showed the weakness of the national government. -
The Constitutional Convention
In May 1787, delegates arrived in Philadelphia for a convention. This would later become known as the "Constitutional Convention". -
Constitution Signed
The Constitution was signed four months later by 39 of the 55 delegates present. -
First State to ratify the Constitution
The first state to ratify the Constitution was Delaware. This took place on December 7,1787. -
New Hampshire
On June 21,1788, the Constitution was put into effect with the approval of the ninth state, New Hampshire. -
George Washington
George Washington was sworn in as the first president under the Constitution. The date was April 30, 1789. -
Rhode Island
In May 1790, Rhode Island became the last state to sign the Constitution. -
District of Columbia
On July 16,1790, legislation making the District of Columbia the permanent federal capital was signed. -
Bill of Rights
On December 15,1791, the first ten amendments to the Constitution, called the Bill of Rights, were approved.
