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Establishment of Jamestown
Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America, laid the foundation for future English colonies and the concept of representative government -
French & Indian War
The war between the British and French over control of North America led to increased taxation on the American colonies to pay for the war, sowing the seeds of discontent and resistance. -
Stamp Act
The imposition of the Stamp Act by the British Parliament without colonial representation sparked widespread protests and the cry of "no taxation without representation." -
Boston Tea Party
Colonists, protesting the Tea Act and British taxation, dumped tea into Boston Harbor, leading to harsh British retaliation and further colonial unity against British rule. -
Continental Congress
Delegates from 12 colonies convened to address grievances against British policies, marking the first step towards colonial unity and self-governance. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord "shot heard 'round the world"
The first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War marked the beginning of armed conflict between the colonies and Britain. -
Declaration of Independence
The colonies declared their independence from British rule, asserting the natural rights of individuals and the idea that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. -
Signing of US Constitution
Delegates from the states signed the U.S. Constitution, establishing a framework for the federal government and the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances. -
Great Connecticut Compromise
The agreement between large and small states at the Constitutional Convention resolved the dispute over representation in the legislative branch, leading to the creation of a bicameral legislature. -
Ratification of the US Constitution
The ratification of the U.S. Constitution by the states solidified the new federal government and its system of shared powers between the national and state governments.