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British troops occupy Boston - October 1768
British troops land in Boston to enforce the Townshend duties (taxes on paint, paint, paper, tea, etc.,passed in June 1767) and clamp down on local radicals. The troops' presence doesn't sit well with locals and leads to street fights. One clash between soldiers and a mob in March 1770 will leave five dead. Radicals will call it the Boston Massacre, while the British will call it the incident on king
Street. -
America Declares Its Independence - July 1776
The Second Continental Congress. Following a decade of agitation over taxes and a year of war, representatives make the break with Britain. King The Declaration of Independence is adopted George I isn't willing to let his subjects go without a fight and loyalist sentiment remains strong in many areas. Americans primary allegiance is to their states; nationalism will grow slowly. -
France Enters the War Against Britain-February 1778
As a result of the patriot victory at Saratoga and American diplomatic efforts, France allies itself with the new American government. French financial and military aid will prove critical in winning the war. The Continental Army will learn of the French Alliance in May. -
Treaty of Paris Officially Ends the War - September 3, 1783
The Treaty of Paris ratifies the independence of the 13 North American states. Canada remains a British province, beginning its separate development as a U.S. neighbor. Another war with England (1812 - 1815) will be necessary to truly secure the American nation. -
U.S.Constitution Replaces Articles of Confederation - 1787
A convention of states in Philadelphia proposes the Constitution to replace the much looser central government operating under the Articles of Confederation (adopted in 1777). With amendments, the Constitution remains the framework of government in the U.S.