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Boston Massacre
The killing of five colonists by British regulars. -
Boston Tea Party
This act of American colonial defiance was a well-known protest against taxation, especially on tea. -
Declaration Of Rights and Grievances Passes
A document written by the Stamp Act Congress that declared that taxes imposed on British colonists without their formal consent were unconstitutional. -
Articles of Association are Signed
A document detailing the purpose and goals of the American Colonists. -
First Continental Congress Convenes
In response to the British Parliament, the first session of the Continental Congress convenes -
Second Continental Congress Convenes
The Second Congress focused on the Colonial war effort and worked towards independence -
American Revolution Begins
British soldiers and the colonists' militia exchanged gunfire at known as "the shot heard round the world," it signaled the start of the American Revolution -
Congress Approves the Final Text of the Declaration of independence
On July 4, 1776, now known as independence day, Congress approved the final text of the Declaration. It wasn't signed until August 2, 1776. -
Third Continental Congress Convenes
The Third Continental Congress convenes to discuss International matters. -
Articles of Confederation Proposed
The Articles of Confederation (the first written constitution of the United States) was proposed out of wartime urgency. -
America Declares Hostilities at an End
America Declares English hostilities over and begins negotiations. -
Revolutionary War Concludes
The Revolutionary war concludes officially declaring America as it's own country. -
Annapolis Convention
Formally titled as a Meeting of Commissioners to Remedy Defects of the Federal Government, the Annapolis Convention was a political convention held in Annapolis, Maryland, which allowed twelve delegates from five states gather to discuss pressing matters. -
Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
A statement about freedom of conscience and the principle of separation of church and state written by Thomas Jefferson. -
Shay's Rebellion
A series of protests by American farmers against state and local tax collections and judgments for debt. -
Constitutional Convention Opens in Philadelphia
Delegates from five states called for a Constitutional Convention in order to discuss possible improvements to the Articles of Confederation. -
The Virginia Plan
A proposal by Virginia delegates for a legislative branch. -
The Northwest Ordinance
A law that allowed new territories to become states in the future if certain criteria were met . -
The New Jersey Plan
A proposal for the structure of the United States Government -
Signing of the Constitution
The U.S. constitution is signed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. -
Constitution Ratified by Delaware
Delaware became the first state to ratify the constitution. -
Debate Over the Bill of Rights
A series of conflicts concerning the Constitution and it's message. -
The First President of the United States is Sworn In
George Washington is sworn in as the first president of the United States. -
Constitution Goes into Effect
The constitution officially went into effect on the whole country after Rhode Island became the last state to ratify.