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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta, or Magna Carta Libertatum, means "The Great Charter of the Liberties." Purposed as a peace treaty between King John of England (1166-1216) and his barons, and written by the archbishop of Canterbury, this document provides more myth than truth. Seen publicly as a declaration of British Rights, it served hardly as such, but it served as the basis for declarations to come. Most notable, it became a large inspiration on the American Constitution. -
1492
The New World
An Italian explorer and navigator sailing for the country of Spain was one of the first Europeans to reach the Western World. Christopher Columbus, although not the first to reach the new world, brought back the information that would spread throughout Europe. This voyage and subsequent voyages would lead to the colonization of the New World. -
Death of King George II
King George the second was November 9th, 1683. He ruled Britain from June 22nd, 1727 until his death at age 76 on the 25th of October, 1760. His death would pave the way for King George III's succession. -
Pontiac's Rebellion
Known as Pontiac's War or Pontiac's Rebellion, this uprising was lead by Odawa chief, Pontiac, against the rule of the British in the Great Lakes region. Although eventually agreeing to British sovereignty, they continued to compel British policy changes. -
Treaty of Paris
Signed by Great Britain, France, and Spain in recognition of Great Britain's victory in the French and Indian War, the Treaty of Paris, or Treaty of 1763 was signed. As part of the treaty, France lost large land holdings to the British and Great Britain promised to protect Roman Catholicism in the New World. -
Royal Proclamation
After Great Britain acquired the French land holdings from the French and Indian War, King George III declared a boundary of the colonies to be the Appalachian Mountains. This angered many many colonists who looked westward or even held land claims west of the boundary. -
Sugar Act
Passed by Parliament on April 5th, 1764, the Sugar Act modified the standing Sugar and Molasses Act of 1733. The Molasses Act of 1733 introduced a sixpence tax per gallon of molasses which was reduced in the Sugar Act. Enacted during a time of economic depression in the colonies, the Sugar Act was viewed unfavorably. The economic burden would anger the colonists more than the taxation without representation aspect of the act. It was officially repealed in 1766. -
Currency Act
The Currency Act was a British regulation of paper money in the colonies. Listed as part of the grievances in the Declaration of Independence, this act barred the colonies from creating its own currency to pay debts, public or private. -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act required that all "printed materials in the colonies be produced on stamped paper produced in London." The act became unpopular with colonists due to its violating nature The colonists argued that the act was taxation without representation. It was repealed March 18th, 1766. -
Quartering Act
Act of Parliament requiring colonists to house and feed British troops. First used during the French and Indian War, it didn't cause too much commotion, it became a problem as tensions between the colonies and Great Britain started to increase. -
Declaration of Rights and Grievances
Written by the Stamp Act Congress, the Declaration of Rights and Grievances declared the "taxes imposed on British colonists without their formal consent were unconstitutional." It also included the grievances: Colonists owe the same allegiance to the Crown as do those living in Britain but are treated differently, colonists posses all the same rights as Englishmen, trial by jury is a right, and no taxation without representation. -
Declaratory Act
Accompanying the repeal of the Stamp Act which was hurting British trade, the Declaration made clear Parliament's power to pass laws that were binding in the colonies. This was mainly done to preserve Parliament's dignity after the failure of the Stamp Act. -
Liberty Pole
During the 1760's and into the beginning of the Revolutionary War, the Sons of Liberty erected several liberty poles throughout the colonies, they were subsequently destroyed by loyalists or the British and were seen as an act of rebellion. -
Townshend Act
A set of five acts by the British placed an indirect tax on all glass, lead, paints, paper, and tea. These items were made in Britain and sold to the colonies. Most of the acts would be repealed by 1770 but the tax on tea would remain. -
Golden Hill Incident
A clash between the British and the Sons of Liberty would erupt over the erection of a liberty pole in New York City. This event included the capture of British soldiers and a rabble between British soldiers and colonists. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre or as is known by the British, "Incident of King Street" erupted on March 5th, 1779. British Soldiers while being attacked and patronized by a mob of colonists opened fire and killed five men. News would spread of this event and would spark outrage in the colonies. John Adams -who was a lawyer in Boston at the time- would take the case of the accused British soldiers and would defend and have them cleared of all charges on the grounds of self defense. -
Battle of Alamance
The Battle of Alamance was the final battle in the War of the Regulation in a North Carolinian rebellion over the issue of taxation. The British forces would ultimately suppress the rebellion. -
Tea Act
The British East India Company had massive amounts of stored tea needing to be sold. In order to alleviate this problem and save the company, Parliament passed the Tea Act which undermined other sources of tea being traded in the colonies, thus flooding the market with British tea. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea party was a political protest conceived by the Sons of Liberty following the implementation of the Tea Act. As an act of rebellion, members of the Sons of Liberty, some dressed as Native Americans, boarded a ship from the East India Company and destroyed an entire shipment of British tea. This would lead to further conflict with the British but is seen as an iconic event in the annals of American history. -
Intolerable Acts
The Intolerable Acts or the Coercive Acts as known by the British, were in response to the Boston Tea Party. Parliament wanted to make and example of Massachusetts. The act collectively stripped Massachusetts of their ability to self govern. This would ultimately spark outrage leading to the Revolutionary War. -
First Continental Congress
Delegates from the thirteen colonies met in Philadelphia from September 5th to October 26th, 1774 to discuss options after the implementation of the Intolerable Acts in Massachusetts. An economic boycott and a list of rights and grievances were proposed. A second Continental Congress was planned in expectation that the list of grievances would be unsuccessful. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress played practically the largest role in the Revolution. Responsible for all actions; diplomacy, currency, laws, etc.. The congress was formed on May 10th, 1775 and would disband March 1st, 1781. Responsible for the Declaration of Independence, many of its members would go on to take high ranking roles in the future nation, including three members serving as president. The role of the Congress cannot be overstated. -
Battle of Lexington
Fought on April 19th, 1775 in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, the Battle of Lexington marked the outbreak of the Revolutionary War. Eight men from the militia were killed, the British lost one. When the militia fell back, the British continued on to Concord. -
Battle of Concord
When the British arrived in Concord after their small victory in Lexington, they were outnumbered four to one by the militia. Both sides suffering high casualties, the British forces retreated to join the main body of British troops. This would eventually lead to the Siege of Boston. -
Siege of Boston
The Siege of Boston lasting from April 19th, 1775 and ending March 17th, 1776, was among the first acts of the Revolutionary War. Both sides scavenging for supplies would hold out until the Continental Army would take Dorchester Heights under the cover of darkness, fortifying it the same night with guns taken from Fort Ticonderoga. This strategic position overlooking Boston provided the Continental Army clear sight and the opportunity to attack Boston if need be. -
Capture of Fort Ticonderoga
On May 10th, 1775 a small patriot force known as the Green Mountain Boys led by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold attacked and overwhelmed a small British garrison. Cannons and other supplies were then taken and transported to Boston, fortifying the strategic Dorchester Heights. -
Continental Army Created
Created on June 14th, 1775 by the Second Continental Congress, the Continental Army would be comprised of men from all thirteen colonies, most being from New England. George Washington acted as commander-in-chief throughout the entire war. The Continental Army would lay the foundation for the creation of the United States Army in 1796 after being dissolved after the 1783 Treaty of Paris. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
Fought on June 17th, 1775 the Battle of Bunker Hill took place during the Siege of Boston. Information pertaining to British movements fell into patriot hands and plans were made to surprise the British. After occupying Bunker and Breed's Hill, the patriots repelled two British advances but were forced to retreat to Cambridge after running out of ammunition. Although the British took control of both hills, they suffered high casualties. -
Olive Branch Petition
Signed July 5th, 1775 by the Second Continental Congress, this petition was the last attempt at peace between the colonies and Great Britain. By August of the same year, the colonies were declared by Great Britain to be in a state of rebellion. The petition was rejected even before King George III even read it. -
Common Sense
An anonymous publication of a pamphlet titled "Common Sense" advocated for the cause of independence from Great Britain in the colonies. The pamphlet,later known to be published by Thomas Paine, pushed the agenda of moral and political arguments of independence and brought them to the colonists. -
Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge
Fought on February 27th, 1776 the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge was a victory for the patriot cause. The victory helped recruitment numbers especially in the southern colonies. -
British Evacuation of Boston
On March 17th, 1776 the British forces occupying the city of Boston and under command of General Howe were forced to retreat. The successful capture and fortification of Dorchester Heights by the Continental Army was the defining factor that lead to the evacuation. The British would leave Boston and would travel to Nova Scotia. -
Declaration of Independence
Adopted on July 2nd, 1776 but signed and read aloud on July 4th, 1776 the Declaration of Independence became one of the most famous documents in history. The defining declaration was the bearer of the official separation of the colonies from Great Britain. Seen by Great Britain as an official act of treason, the penalty for losing the revolution would mean certain death. -
Battle of Long Island
Known as the Battle of Long Island, the Battle of Brooklyn, and the Battle of Brooklyn Heights, this battle, fought in August 27th, 1776 would be a crushing defeat for the Continental Army and would begin the British occupation of New York City. The infamous midnight retreat of General Washington would cement him as an effective leader, but wars are not won on successful retreats. 300 patriots were killed compared to 64 British. The British took an astonishing 1,079 captives. -
Battle of Harlem Heights
Fought on September 16th, 1776 the Battle of Harlem Heights was a much needed victory. When British forces attacked and pursued a small group of patriots, they ran directly into a larger patriot force and were nearly out flanked. After two hours of battle, the British retreated to their lines, General Washington, not wanting to run into the main British force also retreated. The British suffered heavy losses would boost moral in the colonies. -
Battle of Trenton
After suffering recent losses, a victory at the Battle of Trenton was warmly welcomed. After the midnight ride across the Delaware River on Christmas night, General Washington and a force of 2,400 troops led a surprise attack on a Hessian controlled garrison in the town of Trenton. With no patriot losses suffered during the battle and a complete take over of the town, morale as well as numbers of re-enlistments increased. -
Valley Forge
After the failed attempt by Washington to safeguard the colonial capital of Philadelphia, the Continental Army had to move elsewhere to encamp for the winter. Washington choose an area eighteen miles outside Philadelphia known as Valley Forge. Conditions were horrendous and disease was rampant. The practice of inoculations helped curb the spread of disease. Military training provided by Prussian drill master Baron Friedrich von Steuben, became a valued resource. -
Battle of Princeton
On January 3rd, 1777 on his way to winter encampment, General Washington led his army of 4,500 men to the town of Princeton where they would be again victorious before continuing on to their winter encampment. With an estimated 100 British soldiers killed, the Battles of Trenton and Princeton did much to boost the morale and enlistments of the Continental Army. -
Battle of Brandywine
Fought on September 11th, 1777 the Battle of Brandywine would be the longest battle of the war, lasting 11 hours. The British victory over the patriot forces here would open a path for British advancements to the Continental Capital at Philadelphia. The British would eventually take Philadelphia and would remain there until June of 1778. The Continental Army lost 300 soldiers while the British lost 93. -
Battle of Saratoga
Fought on two separate days in the same place, the Battle of Saratoga was the failure of British General John Burgoyne. Planning to march south and rejoin with a larger British force, Burgoyne found himself and his men without reinforcements, and surrounded by patriot forces. An escape was tried twice, both ultimately failing and resulting in Burgoyne's surrender. This patriot victory marked a major turning point in the war and solidified the country's desperately needed foreign support. -
Articles of Confederation
Approved by the Second Continental Congress on November 15th, 1777, the Articles of Confederation served as an early attempt at a constitution. Used at first to solidify independence and sovereignty, the Articles fell out of favor after the war due to several complications. They were eventually nullified and the Constitution was written in 1789. -
Surrender at Yorktown
A decisive victory for American and French forces, the surrender of Yorktown on October 19th, 1781 would prove to be the last major battle of the Revolutionary War. A total combined French-American force of nearly 19,000 greatly overwhelmed the British force of 9,000. The surrender marked the beginning of what would be two years of peace negotiations. -
Treaty of Paris
Signed on September 3rd, 1783 in Paris, France, Great Britain and the United States of America agreed to a peace treaty, ending the American Revolution. The United States was granted large portions of land and was free at last from colonial rule. -
Annapolis Convention
Held September 11th through the 14th, the Annapolis Convention was attended by delegates from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia, to discuss trade within the colonies. Under the Articles of Confederation trade was not regulated by the federal government and the states therefore were independent on the matter. This is an example of the poor nature of the Articles. -
Shays' Rebellion
During 1786 and 1787 an armed rebellion led by Daniel Shays over a faulty baking system in the U.S., required the intervention of the government to suppress it. The federal government, lacking in its ability to do so remained useless due to failures of the Articles of Confederation. This is another example of the poor nature of the Articles. -
Constitutional Convention
The convention, held in Philadelphia, from May 25th to September 17th, 1787 was purposed to make much needed alterations to the Articles of Confederation. However, instead of revisions to the Articles, the result of the Convention turned out to be the Constitution of the United States, written by James Madison. The constitution is considered the most important document in human history. -
First Presidential Election
The first presidential election was held from December 15th, 1788 to January 10th, 1789. George Washington was unanimously elected. His Vice President was John Adams. Washington would go on to serve two terms in office before retiring to his Mount Vernon Estate on the Potomac. -
Constitution Takes Effect
The Constitution sets up our government and guarantees our rights as Americans. The Constitution created our bicameral congress, set up the three branches of government, and set the framework for our country. The first ten amendments are known as the "Bill of Rights." The Constitution doesn't give us our rights, it protects them. -
Rhode Island Ratifies the Constituion
Delaware became the first state to ratify the Constitution in 1789, but it wouldn't be until a year later in 1790 that Rhode Island became the final state to ratify it. -
Ratification of the Bill of Rights
After the ratification of the Constitution, it was apparent that a few things were omitted. After much debate a set of ten amendments was added to the Constitution, they are known as the Bill of Rights.
