-
Period: to
Stamp Act Congress:
Delegates from nine American Colonies meet in New York to protest the Stamp Act, asserting the principle of "no taxation without representation." -
Boston Massacre:
British soldiers open fire on a crowd in Boston, resulting in the deaths of five colonists and further escalating tensions. -
Boston Tea Party:
American colonists, disguised as Mohawk Indians, board the British ships and throw crates of tea into Boston Harbor to protest the Tea Act. -
Period: to
First Continental Congress:
Delegates from twelve colonies convene in Philadelphia to discuss grievances against British policies and advocate for colonial rights. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord:
The first military engagements of the war take place as British troops clash with colonial militia in Massachusetts. -
Declaration of Independence:
The Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, formally asserting the colonies' desire for independence from British rule. -
Period: to
Saratoga Victory:
American forces win a decisive victory over the British at the Battle of Saratoga, a turning point in the war that leads to French support for the American cause. -
Treaty of Alliance with France:
The United States and France sign a formal alliance, commiting France to support the American war effort. -
Period: to
Siege of Yorktown:
American and French forces, led by General Washington, lay siege to the British forces at Yorktown, resulting in the surrender of the British army. -
Treaty of Paris:
The Treaty of Paris is signed, officially recognizing the independence of the United States and ending the war. -
Period: to
Constitutional Convention:
Delegates meet in Philadelphia to draft the United States Constitution, creating a new framework for government. -
Ratification of the Constitution:
The Constitution is ratified by the necessary nine states, leading to the establishment of the new federal government. -
George Washington Inaugurated:
George Washington is inaugurated as the first President of the United States in New York City. -
Rhode Island Ratifies the Constitution:
Rhode Island becomes the 13th and final state to ratify the United States Constitution, completing the process of forming the new nation. -
Residence Act:
Congress passes the Residence Act, selecting a site along the Potomac River as the future capital of the United States, which would become Washington, D.C.