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Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin was born in 1706, to a candle and soap maker. He would grow up to become one of the most influential men in American history. He is famous for his experiments with electricity, and his role in the American War for Independence. -
Zenger Trial
The Zenger trial was a trial for libel by John Zengel, who was a newspaper publisher. Decided in Zengel's favor, the case laid the foundation for freedom of the press. -
Treaty of Paris
Britain, Spain and France sign the Treaty of Paris, ending the Seven Years' war. America gained the Great Lakes territory from France through the treaty -
Stamp and Declaratory Acts
Left in debt due to the Seven Years' War, Britain passed the Stamp act on the colonies in an attempt to raise funds. After widespread protest and outrage from the colonists, the Act was repealed but replaced with the Declaratory Act. The Declaratory Act essentially gave the British government complete and undisputable authority over the American colonies. -
Boston Tea Party
In retaliation to the British East India Company's new right to sell tea directly to colonists, several colonists dress as Natives and dump 342 barrels of tea into Boston Harbor. -
First Continental Congress
Following Charles the Third's expansion of power and punishment of lawbreaking colonists, delegates from the colonies meet to discuss their grievances.They call the meeting the First Continental Congress. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill occured because of a contingent of redcoat soldiers who attempted to confiscate colonists weapons. Fighting breaks out in New York and Massachusetts, at Breed's Hill. The battle would later be misnamed as The Battle of Bunker Hill. -
Declaration of Independance
On July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was sent to the British government. Effectively, the Declaration nullified any and all authority Britain had over the American colonies.. -
George Washington/ Bill of Rights
General George Washington was elected unanimously as the first President of the United States, according to the new American Constitution. The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution after many colonists became concerned that their rights would be ignored or overlooked under the Constitution.
