-
The French and Indian War
After a drawn out war in Europe the French began to build forts along the Ohio River Valley. The British responded by attempting to bring the colonies together and fighting the French, the first battles were lost. After 7 years of fighting the French ad Indian war was finally resolved when Britain took control of Montreal. -
The First Continental Congress
The intolerable Acts forced the colonies (except Georgia) to send delegates to a convention in Philadelphia. Created to respond to the alarming "threats" made to their liberty by Britain. Most Americans didn't want independence, they wanted to return to their relationship from before the 7 years war. -
The Intolerable Acts
a direct result of the Boston Tea Party, the King passed acts in anger constricting the liberty of the colonist more. The Intolerable Acts closed ports preventing trade until the destroyed Tea was paid for, reduced the power of the Massachusetts legislature giving more power to the Royal Governor, forced colonist to be tried in a British court instead of colonial court, and increased the effects of the Quartering Act. -
The Declaration of Independence
Introduced by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. 5 delegates, including Thomas Jefferson, formed a committee to write a statement in favor of Lee's resolution. The declaration drafted by Thomas Jefferson listed listed grievances to the King and expressed the principles to justify a revolution. -
Period: to
The United States under the Articles of Confederation
Failed to adhere to the treaty of Paris, and could not prevent Britain from maintaining military outpost on the western frontier. Limited foreign trade and the 13 states treated each other with suspicion. Tariffs increased interstate conflict over boundaries. -
Period: to
Washington's Presidency
Elected in 1789 by unanimous vote. Under his presidency he created many precedents that are still practiced today. Ended his presidency with his farewell address where he told America how it should move on and succeed without him.