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Delegates from nine American Colonies meet in New York to protest the Stamp Act, asserting the principle of "no taxation without representation."
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British soldiers open fire on a crowd in Boston, resulting in the deaths of five colonists and further escalating tensions.
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American colonists, disguised as Mohawk Indians, board the British ships and throw crates of tea into Boston Harbor to protest the Tea Act.
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Delegates from twelve colonies convene in Philadelphia to discuss grievances against British policies and advocate for colonial rights.
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The first military engagements of the war take place as British troops clash with colonial militia in Massachusetts.
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The Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, formally asserting the colonies' desire for independence from British rule.
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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.
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The United States and France sign a formal alliance, commiting France to support the American war effort.
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American and French forces, led by General Washington, lay siege to the British forces at Yorktown, resulting in the surrender of the British army.
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The Treaty of Paris is signed, officially recognizing the independence of the United States and ending the war.
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Delegates meet in Philadelphia to draft the United States Constitution, creating a new framework for government.
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The Constitution is ratified by the necessary nine states, leading to the establishment of the new federal government.
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George Washington is inaugurated as the first President of the United States in New York City.
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Rhode Island becomes the 13th and final state to ratify the United States Constitution, completing the process of forming the new nation.
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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.