-
The French and Indian War
The French and Indian War was the beginning of the path for colonies to become a new nation. In 1754, The French and English began to engage each other in a multi-front war which was fought both in Europe and North America. The North American theater of this war is what is referred to as the French and Indian War. Although the English would emerge victorious, the veteran colonists who had fought for their homeland during this conflict would go on to bear much of the monetary costs of the war. -
The Sugar and Stamp Acts
The Sugar and Stamp Acts, were a series of tax measures passed by English Parliament; starting first with the Sugar Act, and ending with the Coercive Acts. These tax measures were used as a means of paying the cost of war with the French. Due to these measures, the colonists became more and more disenchanted with their mother country. To express their displeasure the colonists led by the “Sons of Liberty” engaged in practices of civil protests in response to each of these Acts. -
The Signing of the Declaration of Independence
As displeasure with Britain grew, activities of protest became more prominent eventually building toward complete dissolution from England. The colonists formed a Continental Congress to decide on a course of action to address their grievences. Despite the initial intention of the 1st Congress which was having their rights as English citizens restored, the 2nd Congress decided to take more drastic measures. Delegates from each of the 13 colonies decided on complete independence from England. -
The Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris signified the end of the American War for Independence and the recognition of the United States as a sovereign nation by England. The Continental Congress sent an envoy which included Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay to negotiate the formal terms of the treaty. Although there was peace for the moment, some of the terms of the treaty would go on to be violated and eventually lead to conflict between the countries once again. -
Ratification of the Constitution
Organizing this new country was not an easy process. Initially, the new states were organized under The Articles of Confederation was had a very weak Federal Government and the states existed as a loose affiliation of sovereign entities. Problems with this system began to arise culminating with Shay’s Rebellion in 1786. A Convention was then convened to establish a new Constitution. The Constitution was eventually ratified first by Delaware in 1787 and lastly by Rhode Island in 1790. -
War of 1812
In the summer of 1812 the United States and Britain once again found themselves at war after disputes stemming from sanctions implemented by Britain as part of the Napoleonic Wars. Though the war would not have much of a lasting impact territorially, it would go on to inspire new feelings of American Nationalism. The United States had begun to find its place in the world as its own sovereign power which other nations of the world would have to respect.
