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The Stamp Act Congress meets in New York City
This congress developed a unified colonial strategy to appeal and protest the unfair legislation of Parliament. -
Meeting of the First Continental Congress
Meeting in Philadelphia, the First Continental Congress organized a unified colonial boycott, and agreed to meet again if their terms were not met. -
Publication of Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union
Benjamin Franklin drafts a plan of union that based representation in congress and contributions to the common treasury on the number of males in each state between sixteen and sixty years of age. -
Draft of the Articles submitted to Congress
John Dickinson's draft of the Articles of Confederation is submitted to Congress for debate and revision. -
U.S. declares independence
Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence is published to the world. -
Establishment of the U.S. Government
Maryland ratifies the Articles of Confederation, formally establishing the first government of the United States.