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Colonial Settlement Begins
During the 1600s, colonial settlement was beginning in America. This was an important time as it had been the beginning of America we know today. It was also a complex time with many feuds and problems during that time. For example, colonization was taking away land from Native Americans and slavery was active and very cruel. -
The Last Colony
In the 1730s, the last colony of America was formed. The last of the colonies was Georgia, this idea came from James Oglethorpe who wanted to help the poor/in debt people in London. And did so by organizing another colony. -
The Revolutionary War Begins
The revolutionary war was a significant era that had affected many different things. This war was the result of many years of tensions that were built up. The war was fought because the American colonies wanted their freedom from the British crown. -
The Currency Act
This act was put in place to ban American colonists from using their form of currency. Instead of using paper currency, parliament abolished the paper bill and had people use pound sterling. The currency act had caused an uproar in the colonist communities, causing protests to form in them. -
Colonial Opposition Begins
This was the start of the colonies pushing back against parliament. By the end of the year, many of the colonies had a united opposition against the currency and sugar act. One way of protest that the colonists picked up was nonimportation. -
The Sugar Act
The sugar act was the first act that parliament passed intending to profit off of the colonists. The act was strictly enforced and included a bigger list of foods/goods that were going to be taxed. This act, of course, was rebelled upon by the colonists. -
Colonial Protests
After acts were passed, the colonists rebelled by creating protests. With the Sons of Liberty working, all tax collectors resigned before the Stamp Act was in effect. After this, it was decided by the Massachusetts Assembly that the colonies should meet to repeal the Stamp Act. Americans claimed, among other things, that the colonists were equal to the British, should be given representation in parliament and that parliament could not tax the colonists without representation. -
The Stamp Act
This act, like most, was put in place to make money for Britain. This was the first direct tax on American colonists. The stamp act put a tax on all paper that was used by the colonists. This act had angered the colonists and had united them against their common enemy, the parliament. -
The Townshend Act Is Created
In 1767, the Townshend Act was created. It was believed by Britain that the American colonies should help them get out of their debt, and so a tax was put on items imported to America. But, these taxes only caused more tension between people. Eventually, the Townshend Acts were pushed back by Americans who protested. -
The Townshed Act Is Pulled Back
Because of the boycott of the Townshend acts, Parliament was compelled to take back the Townshend acts. This is because with the colonies rebelling, not as much profit was made from them. But, a tax was still kept on tea. This helped the colonists realize that their fighting back was working towards a better future. -
The Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was a battle between the soldiers and the Americans. A group of soldiers fired at the townspeople. This had killed three Americans and had fatally wounded two more. This conflict had been building up for many, many years. It had affected America by uniting them against the British for this horrible act. -
The Tea Act
This act by the parliament was not in fact, created to make a profit. Instead, it was made to get a company important to Britain out of debt. The East India Company was allowed to ship its tea directly to America and sell it within the colonies. Along with this, other British imported tea’s taxes were reduced. This had angered the American colonists because it reminded them of their nonexistence in parliament and they thought that this act should be looked down upon. -
The Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party started after the Sons of Liberty suggested it as a form of protest. So, as the ships came into the harbor, men boarded the ship and smashed, destroyed, and dumped the tea into the harbor. This event showed parliament that the colonists were not going to relent and that they were united against their acts. -
Organized Protests
In opposition to the coercive acts, Massachusetts and the other states decided to organize a congress. Soon, the states named their delegates and scheduled the conference. -
The Coercive Acts
The coercive acts were made because of the Boston tea party. Parliament was furious at Massachusetts for letting the Boston tea party happen. So, the bill was passed to punish Massachusetts. Among other things, the bill prohibited ships from loading/unloading in the harbor. Along with that, the Massachusetts charter of government was dissolved. -
The First Continental Congress
Fifty-six delegates were sent to the first congress. Georgia is the only one not represented. Congress succeeded in finding a solution. They decided to tell the colonists to not use any British goods (along with forming other committees). -
Proposal For A Plan Of Confederation
In 1775, Benjamin Franklin proposed a plan for the future of the colonies. It was proposed that the colonies should become a confederation, that they should unite against Britain. Benjamin Franklin proposing this idea had a major impact on the future. This idea was built upon for years and years to come. -
The Declaration Of Independence
The declaration of independence was a turning point in the freedom for America. The statement was written by five people, including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin. The Declaration of Independence included how America wanted to be treated and why they should be treated as such. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was ratified and America was given its independence. -
The Ratification Of The Articles Of Confederation
Though the idea was proposed in 1775, the articles of confederation were ratified in 1781. They were delayed because it was debated among some states that claimed ownership of other states that the idea was unfair. But, the articles of confederation were ratified when the last state, Virginia, signed off on the idea. -
The Battle Of Yorktown
The battle of Yorktown was the last major battle of the Revolutionary war. This battle marks the end of the war and the start of the Americans’ freedom. George Washington was known to lead his troops to victory. It was a tremendous victory for both the United States and George Washington as the US forces had been struggling during the war. -
Peace Talks Begin
In 1782, peace talks begin between British and American diplomats. During this time, American, French, and British commissioners met up to discuss peace treaty options. By the end of the year, a peace treaty was created. -
The Constitutional Convention Begins
The constitutional convention was the beginning of the constitution that we live by today. Fifty-five representatives were sent to the meeting, to figure out solutions. During this convention, representatives discussed the solution of the Constitution. -
George Washington Becomes President.
Eleven years after the ratification of the Declaration of Independence, George Washington became the first president of the United States of America. -
Final Draft Of The Constitution
This was the end of the constitutional convention. At the end of this convention, all of the representatives had signed off on the constitution. After this, it only needed one more representative to sign the constitution to have it ratified. -
The Ratification Of The Constitution
In 1788, the Constitution was finally ratified and went into effect. This happened after the ninth state, New Hampshire, finally signed the constitution. The Constitution is still in effect today, it is the supreme law of the land. Currently, the Constitution has 27 amendments that we all live by.