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The French & Indian War (1754 - 1763)
This war is the pivotal contest between Britain and France in America. It began over claims along the frontier in present day Pennsylvania, war raged on the frontier of New France and British America from Virginia to Maine. War also spread to Europe. Eventually the French empire crumbled in North America and Britain reigns triumphant -
The Signing of the Treaty of Paris
The war continued until 1763, when the French signed the Treaty of Paris. The French relinquished its control over New France, islands in the WI, trading posts in India and posts on the west coast of Africa to Great Britain. The victory catapulted Great Britain to the status of a Global Empire. -
Declaration of Independence 1776
The Great Britain’s victory came with a massive debt. Taxes were imposed and in 1774 Parliament enacted the Coercive Acts/ Intolerable Acts. Up until that point most colonists saw themselves as proud British subjects but now they thought that Great Britain was stifling their liberty. Hence the Revolution ensued between them. In 1776 Congress members signed the Declaration of Independence, officially breaking ties with Great Britain and declaring their intention to be self-governing. -
The Treaty of Paris (1783)
The Americans came out as victors of the Revolution leaving Great Britain military forces to evacuate their former colonies in 1782. In 1783 officials from Great Britain and the United States signed the Treaty of Paris recognizing the independence of the United States. Placing the western, eastern, northern, and southern boundaries of the nation at the Mississippi River, the Atlantic Ocean, Canada, and Florida, respectively; New Englanders fishing rights in the waters off Newfoundland -
The Federal Constitution of 1787
When it came to governance there was a divide between revolutionaries who wanted a pure democracy (radical Whigs) and those opposed (conservative Whigs), however it was conclusive that America should be a republic. Some believed that the power of decision-making should remain with the states (Anti-Federalist) while others wanted a centralized republic i.e. a national government. The Federalists proposition garnered majority of votes thus 1787 United States Constitution was ratified. -
The Revolution of 1800
Unlike in past times, this transfer of power was without conflict, war and bloodshed – it was peaceful. It marks the handing over of power from the Federalist to the Democratic-Republicans. Jefferson had the Anti-Federalist view of a participatory democracy and insisted on limited federal government as well as limited taxes. His views were in contrast of the Federalist views. He expanded the US Territory by peacefully purchasing Louisiana territory for $15 million from the French
