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The American Revolution
War of Independence was fought between Great Britain and the 13 British colonies on the eastern seaboard of North America. -
French and Indian War Ends
The British win a decisive victory over the French, outside Quebec. -
The Treaty of Paris
British formally gained control of Canada and all the French possessions east of the Mississippi. -
Boston Massacre
British troops fire into a mob, killing five men and leading to intense public protests. -
Boston Tea Party
A Group of colonial patriots disguised as Mohawk Indians board three ships in Boston harbor and dump more than 300 crates of tea overboard as a protest against the British tea tax. -
First Continental Congress
56 delegates representing every colony except Georgia. Delegates include Patrick Henry, George Washington, and Samuel Adams. -
Declaration of Independence adopted in Philadelphia
Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. -
First American Flag
Continental Congress approves the first official flag of the United States. -
Shays's Rebellion
Farmers from New Hampshire to South Carolina take up arms to protest high state taxes and stiff penalties for failure to pay. -
US Constitution Implemented
U.S. Constitution goes into effect, having been ratified by nine states. -
US Supreme Court First Meeting
U.S. Supreme Court meets for the first time at the Merchants Exchange Building in New York City. -
Bill of Rights
First ten amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, are ratified. -
The Cotton Gin
Eli Whitney's invention of the cotton gin greatly increases the demand for slave labor. -
John Adams Inauguration
John Adams becomes the second president