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Jamestown
the first permanent English settlement in America, is established by the London Company in southeast Virginia. -
The House of Burgesses
the first representative assembly in America, meets for the first time in Virginia. The first African slaves are brought to Jamestown. -
The Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts is established by Pilgrims from England.
Before disembarking from their ship, the Mayflower, 41 male passengers sign the Mayflower Compact, an agreement that forms the basis of the colony's government. -
New York
English seize New Amsterdam (city and colony) from the Dutch and rename it New York. -
Gregorian calendar
Britain and the British colonies switch from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar -
French and Indian War
Final conflict in the ongoing struggle between the British and French for control of eastern North America. The British win a decisive victory over the French on the Plains of Abraham outside Quebec. -
Possessions east of the Mississippi
With the Treaty of Paris, the British formally gain control of Canada and all the French possessions east of the Mississippi. -
Boston Massacre
British troops fire into a mob, killing five men and leading to intense public protests. -
Boston Tea Party
Group of colonial patriots disguised as Mohawk Indians board three ships in Boston harbor and dump more than 300 crates of tea overboard as a protest against the British tea tax. -
First Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia
With 56 delegates representing every colony except Georgia. Delegates include Patrick Henry, George Washington, and Samuel Adams. -
American Revolution
War of independence fought between Great Britain and the 13 British colonies on the eastern seaboard of North America. Battles of Lexington and Concord, Mass., between the British Army and colonial minutemen, mark the beginning of the war. -
Declaration of Independence
Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. -
George Washington
George Washington is unanimously elected president of the United States in a vote by state electors. -
U.S. Congress
Meets for the first time at Federal Hall in New York City. -
President at Federal Hall
Washington is inaugurated as president at Federal Hall in New York City. -
Merchants Exchange Building
U.S. Supreme Court meets for the first time at the Merchants Exchange Building in New York City. -
First ten amendments
First ten amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, are ratified. -
Washington's second inauguration is held in Philadelphia.
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Invention of the cotton gin
Eli Whitney's invention of the cotton gin greatly increases the demand for slave labor. -
second president in Philadelphia
John Adams is inaugurated as the second president in Philadelphia. -
Abraham Lincoln elected president
Republican candidate Abraham Lincoln elected president. -
US gains Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines and Cuba
US gains Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines and Cuba following the Spanish-American war. US annexes Hawaii. -
The Great Depression
More than 13 million people are unemployed after the Wall Street stock market crash of 1929 triggers the Great Depression. President Herbert Hoover rejects direct federal relief. -
"New Deal" recovery programme
President Franklin D Roosevelt launches "New Deal" recovery programme which includes major public works. Sale of alcohol resumes.