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Passage of the Stamp Act
Britain passes the Stamp Act, imposing a tax on legal documents, newpapers, even playing cards. (First direct tax on the American colonists) -
War Breaks Out
The first shots of the Revolutionary War fired at Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts. -
America Declares Its Independence
The Declaration of Independence is adopted by the Second Continental Congress. Representatives make the break with Britain. -
Treaty of Paris Officially Ends the War
The Treaty of Paris ratifies the independence of the 13 North American states. -
U.S Constitution Replaces Articles of Confederation
A convention of States in Phladelphia proposes the Constitution to replace the much looser central government operating under the Articles of Confederation (adopted in 1777)