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Establishment of Jamestown as a colony
Jamestown was founded in 1607 as the first permanent English settlement in North America, marking a pivotal moment in colonial history due to its economic, political, and social significance in shaping the future of the United States. -
French and Indian War
The French and Indian War was the North American conflict in a larger imperial war between Great Britain and France known as the Seven Years' War. -
The Proclamation of 1763
The Proclamation of 1763 was a decree issued by the British government that prohibited American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains, aiming to prevent conflicts with Native American tribes and maintain control over the newly acquired territories following the French and Indian War. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was a street fight that occurred on March 5, 1770, between a "patriot" mob, throwing snowballs, stones, and sticks, and a squad of British soldiers. Several colonists were killed and this led to a campaign by speech-writers to rouse the ire of the citizenry. -
1st Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress convened in Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, between September 5 and October 26, 1774. Delegates from twelve of Britain's thirteen American colonies met to discuss America's future under growing British aggression. -
2nd Continental congress
The Second Continental Congress assumed the normal functions of a government, appointing ambassadors, issuing paper currency, raising the Continental Army through conscription, and appointing generals to lead the army. The powers of the Congress were still very limited, however. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence states the principles on which our government, and our identity as Americans, are based. Unlike the other founding documents, the Declaration of Independence is not legally binding, but it is powerful. -
Articles of Confederation
Articles of Confederation served as the written document that established the functions of the national government of the United States after it declared independence from Great Britain. -
Signing of US Constitution
In 1787, 39 of the 55 delegates signed the new document, with many of those who refused to sign objecting to the lack of a bill of rights. At least one delegate refused to sign because the Constitution codified and protected slavery and the slave trade. -
Establishment of Massachusetts as a colony
The Massachusetts Bay Colony was founded by the Puritans, a religious group in England. They founded their colony to escape religious persecution and hoped to build a model religious community in the Americas.