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Boston Tea Party
The refusal of colonies to pay the levi taxes due to the victorious French and Indian war costs. The taxes, which were required by the Townsend Acts, brought upon an outrage of the colonies. Parliament wanted taxation on tea due to the popularity of it amonst the colonies, which did not fool the colonists. They conducted a plan to refuse these taxes and the pay of duty to those requiring them. -
First Continental Congress Meets
Congress meets in Carpenter's Hall in Philadelphia. Delegates form all colonies were sent, except Georgia. The discussion/debate was not quite understood or compromisable. Opinions were evenly divided as many were defensive as well. The main topic of discussion was the unity of the colonies and Great Britain. -
Delaration of Rights and grievances is passed
The Declaration of Rights and Grievances was issued by the Stamp Act Congress in New York City. When Continental Congress met in September and October of 1774, the delegates made a decision to send King George III a Decloration of Rights and Grievances. It set forth what was to become the battle cry of the colonists -- no taxation without representation. -
Revolutionary War
Known as the American War of Independence. Great Britain declares war against the colonies. The colonist had denied the rights of the Parliament in governing them without representation. It had begun between Kingdom of Great Britain and the 13 colonies but had ended in a global war between European powers. -
Second Continental Congress Meets
Delegates such as Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jeffereson, and John Hancock took on many governmental duties. Uniting the colonies for a fight, an army was organized. George Washington was appointed commander-in-chief. The congress issued a declaration stating the need to use arms and the reasons behind their decision. -
Declaration of Independence signed
The 13 former British olonies union of Independent sovereign states. Fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence pledging their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor. The document was needed to break away from Britain and become a sole union, now known as the United States of America. -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States. The Articles were drafted by the same Continental Congress that passed the Declaration of Independence. It created a loose confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government which left most of the power within the state governments. The need for a stronger Federal Government soon became apparent. -
The end of the Revolutionary War
The Treaty of Peace was signed by the British in Paris, that brought an end to the revolutionary war. In November of 1782 the British agreed to American independence and and made a preliminary accord with America. In January of 1783, they signed the peace treaty with France and Spain. -
Constitutional Congress opens
The same location of the signing of the Declaration of Independence was also the Constitutional Convention. For four months, 55 delegates from the several states met to frame a Constitution for a federal republic that would last into "remote futurity." -
Final draft of the Constitution signed
Delegates to the Continental Constitution met in Philedalphia and signed the final draft of the Constitution. The complete signing of the Constitution was not completed until March 1, 1781. It took full effect when it was signed by the ninth state to ratify it; New Hampshire.
