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American Revolutionary War
Growing tensions between Great Britain and American colonists led to the war for independence (1775-1783) -
Declaration of Independence
Was the first formal statement by the American colonists asserting their right to choose their own government while breaking free from Great Britain's control. -
Articles of Confederation is CREATED
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Articles of Confederation are RATIFIED
Served as the United States' first constitution -
Shays' Rebellion
Daniel Shays leads an uprising in Western Massachusetts in response to a debt crisis among farmers and in opposition to the state government's increased efforts to collect taxes both on individuals and their trades. -
United States Constitution CREATED
The Constitution was written, but needed ratification by 9/13 states before becoming the new form of government within the United States -
United States Constitution RATIFIED
On June 21, 1788, the Constitution became the official framework of the government of the United States of America when New Hampshire became the ninth of 13 states to ratify it. -
Transcontinental Railroad is Built
The transcontinental railroad that would link the United States from east to west is started in 1862 and completed in 1869 by the Central Pacific and the Union Pacific Railroad Companies.