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The Declaration of Independence
American colonies' separation from British rule, articulating the principles of individual rights and government by consent. Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, it asserted that all men are created equal and entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, laying the ideological foundation for the United States. -
Thomas Paine publishes The American Crisis
Thomas Paine talks about the struggles and hardships faced by the American colonies during the Revolutionary War, requesting unity and resilience among the colonists. He encourages readers to take up the fight of freedom by emphasizing the need of persistence in the struggle against British rule. -
Continental Army winters at Morristown, NJ
The Continental Army faced severe storms, a shortage of food and supplies, and other hardships in Morristown, New Jersey. But despite these challenges, the army's leadership and the resilience of the soldiers helped maintain spirits and readiness for future tasks in the Revolutionary War. -
Flag Resolution
The United States flag was designed by Congress on June 14, 1777, and it has thirteen red and white stripes that alternate with thirteen white stars on a blue background, representing the first thirteen colonies. This pattern functioned as a powerful representation of the nation's identity and values in addition to describing unity among the states. -
The United States and France become allies
The Treaty of Alliance, which was signed by the US and France, established their alliance and marked a turning point in the American Revolutionary War. The American colonies benefited greatly from this alliance, which gave them important military support and supplies to greatly increase their resistance to British forces. -
John Paul Jones and the USS Bonhomme Richard capture HMS Serapis near English coast
John Paul Jones led the USS Bonhomme Richard into a fierce battle against the British warship HMS Serapis off the coast of England. Despite being outgunned and facing heavy damage, Jones's drive and strategic ability ultimately secured a historic victory, establishing his reputation as a naval hero. -
British officer John Andre arrested for spying
British officer John André was captured by American forces while on a mission to negotiate the defection of General Benedict Arnold. His arrest exposed crucial details regarding Arnold's treachery, resulting in a noteworthy reverse for the British and underscoring the perils of espionage amid the Revolutionary War. -
American and Spanish forces capture Nassau, Bahamas
American and Spanish forces joined together to successfully capture Nassau, Bahamas, a strategic location held by the British. During the Revolutionary War, this operation not only targeted British supply lines in the Caribbean but also demonstrated a notable level of cooperation between the two allies. -
Washington addresses the Newburgh Conspiracy and discontent in the Continental Army, Newburgh, NY
George Washington addressed the Continental Army at Newburgh, New York, in response to growing discontent and the threat of a military coup known as the Newburgh Conspiracy. By appealing to their sense of patriotism and unity, he successfully suppressed the unrest, emphasizing the importance of civilian governance and the need for the army to remain loyal to the developing nation. -
Congress ratifies the preliminary peace treaty
An important step toward putting an end to the Revolutionary War was taken when the Continental Congress approved the preliminary peace deal with Great Britain. In addition to recognizing American independence, this agreement set the stage for further discussions over national sovereignty and geographical integrity. -
US and Great Britain sign the Treaty of Paris
The Revolutionary War came to an official end when the United States and Great Britain signed the Treaty of Paris. This treaty recognized American independence and established borders for the new nation, granting significant territorial concessions to the United States. -
Ratification of the Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights was ratified on December 15, 1791, adding the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. These amendments guard against government interference with individual liberties.