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Yale Founded
Yale College is founded -
The Carolina Split
Carolina splits into North and South Carolina -
New York City Slave Revolt
Uprising in the British Province of New York of 23 enslaved Africans. They killed nine whites and injured an additional six before being stopped. 70 were arrested and jailed -
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The First Great Awakening
The Great Awakening was a religious revival that started unexpectedly in the New England church. Johnathan Edwards was one of the first to witness astounding results from his preaching. Other preachers such as George Whitfield would soon follow with the same zeal as Edwards -
Georgia Colony Founded
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Stono Rebellion
A slave rebellion in the colony of South Carolina. Largest uprising in British Mainland Colonies resulting in 25 whites and 35 to 50 black people kileld -
Princeton College Founded
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French and Indian War Begins
War that put colonies of British America and New France against each other. -
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The Seven Years' War
The Seven Years' War began earlier in the colonies than it did in Europe. It started in 1754 when some English colonists and Native Americans lead by George Washington killed a French Diplomat. The French fought back at the colonies. Europe finally joined the war in 1756, where England overcame early defeats to end the war in North America in 1760. The continued to fight Spain until 1763. -
Albany Congress Begins
In June of 1754, representatives from seven colonies met with 150 Iroquois Chiefs in Albany, New York. They met in order to try and secure the support and cooperation of the Iroquois in fighting the French. -
Albany Congress Ends
Another reason for the Albany Congress was to form a colonial alliance based on a design by Benjamin Franklin. -
French and Indian War Ends
End of open hostilites between Great Britain and the colonies. Great Britain was requiring raw materials icluding hemp, tar, copper, and turpentine. Exact date unknown -
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Pontiac's War
Encouraged by a Native prophet, Pontiac, an Ottawa leader, rose up against the colonists. Though they Natives did not win, the peace agreement forced the British to realize they would have to protect the Natives if they wanted to keep peace in the West. -
The Sugar Act
One of the first acts that truly upset the colonists was the Sugar Act. The duty was cut in half, but it was enforced much more strictly. Additionally, smugglers would be tried by vice-admiralty courts instead of juries. -
The Currency Act
The Currency Act made Parliament in control of the colonial currency system. The act prohibited the issue of any new bills and the reissue of existing currency. -
Sons of Liberty Formed
The Sons of Liberty were a group of men who organized resistance against the stamp collectors -
The Quartering Act of 1765
The purpose of the Quartering Act was to punish the colonists for mutiny and desertion and for the better payment of the army and their quarters. -
The Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was the first act to actually create a new tax. It required all paper to have stamps in order to show the proper duty had been paid. It affected a wider range of colonists than the Sugar Act. -
Stamp Act Repealed
Parliament repeals the Stamp Act -
The Declaratory Act
The Declaratory Act was an act by Parliament which was accompanied by the repeal of the Stamp Act. This declaration stated that Parliament's authority was the same in America as in Britain. -
The Townsend Acts
The Townshend Acts were new duties on items such as lead, glass, paint, and tea. While in theory they were not taxes, many colonists viewed them as such since they were designed to gain revenue from the colonies. -
Dartmouth College Founded
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The Boston Massacre
Several young men began throwing things at a British sentry. When soldiers who came to help quell the riot shot into the crowd, they killed five people. It was quickly labeled as a Massacre despite the fact it was nothing of the sort. -
The Gaspee Affair
A group of men led by Abraham Whipple and John Brown, attacked, boarded, looted, and torched the Hannah at Gaspee Point. This was a significant event that led to the Revolutionary War. -
The Tea Act
The Tea Act launched the final spark to the Revolutionary movement in Boston. This act was not intended to raise revenue like many other acts and in fact imposed no new taxes. -
Boston Tea Party
Three ships were waiting in the Boston Harbor. Before the tea was able to be taxed, a group of radical Bostonians stormed the ship and tossed 342 chests of tea into the Boston Harbor. -
Boston Port Act
One of the Intolerable Acts, this act shut down the Boston Port for any activity at all. This was enacted in order to punish the Bostonians for the Boston Tea Party. -
Massachusetts Government Act
One of the Intolerable Acts, this act was designed to suppress dissent and restore order in Massachusetts after the Boston Tea Party. -
The First Continental Congress Begins
Delegates from every colony except Georgia met and drafted a “Declaration of Rights and Grievances.” Their main complaint was that they should be treated as native Britons. They could not be taxed without representatives and they had the right to trial by jury. -
The First Continental Congress Ends
The colonies presented at the First Continental Congress were united in determination to show a combined authority to Great Britain however they were not uniform in their aims. -
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The American Revolution
The American Revolution resulted in the colonies becoming a separate nation from England. It was the birth of the United States of America. -
The Battle of Lexington and Concord
"The Shot Heard Round the World" The battle of Lexington and Concord was the beginning battle of the Revolutionary war where the Redcoats and Minutemen clashed. -
Second Continental Congress Begind
The colonies met in Philadelphia to discuss most important, how the colonies would meet the military threat of the British. -
The Battle of Bunker Hill
Under the orders of Artemas Ward, Americans moved out of their camp towards Bunker Hill.Their plan was to bombard the town and British ships in the Boston Harbor. -
Common Sense Published
Written by Thomas Paine, Common Sense challenged the authority of the British Government and the royal monarchy. The plain language used byThomas Paine spoke to the people of America and was the first work to openly ask for independence from Great Britain. -
Colonies Declare Independence
Congress agreed to declare independence from England -
Battle of Trenton
This battle took place after the famous crossing of the Delaware by Washington. The hazardous weather made it easier for the Americans to capture the Hessians at Trenton. -
Battle of Brandywine
The Battle of Brandywine was the largest engagement of the Revolutionary War. It was fought between the Continental Army and the British. -
Battle of Germantown
The battle was an American defeat although it served as a boost of morale and self confidence of the soldiers and Americans. They believed the defeat was due to bad luck and not poor tactics. -
Battle of Saratoga
Turning point of the Revolutionary War. Burgoyne surrenders to American General Gates at Saratoga New York. -
Formation of French-American Alliance
Alliance between the French and America. The treaty provided for a defensive alliance to aid France should England attack. -
Battle of Monmouth
Also known as the Battle fo Monmouth Courthouse, this battle improved the military reputations of Washington, Lafayette and Anthony Wayne, but ended the career of Charles Lee. -
Battle of Cowpens
Patriot Morgan overwhelmingly defeats British Col. Tarleton at Cowpens, South Carolina. -
Battle of King's Mountain
Battle at King's Mountain, South Carolina. The battle lasts for 65 minutes. American troops were led by Isaac Shelby and John Sevier. -
Battle of Yorktown
French and American force Cornwallis to surrender at Yorktown. The Battle of Yorktown is the final battle of the Revolutionary War. -
Colonies Negotiate Peace Treaty in England
John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and Henry Laurens travel to Paris to negotiate a preliminary peace treaty with the British which Congress then ratifies. -
Conflict with England Ends
Great Britain officially states that hostilities have ended in America on February 4th. Congress agrees on April 11, 1783. -
The Society of Cincinnati Founded
George Washington was the first president. This is a fraternal order of Continental Army officers. -
The Treaty of Paris is Signed
September 3: The Treaty of Paris is signed, and Spain recognizes American Independence, followed quickly by Sweden and Denmark. Russia will also recognize America's independence before the year is out. -
George Washington Issues Farewell Address To The Army
George Washington officially issues a "Farewell Address to the Army" in November and formally discharges the Army. He later resigns as Commander in Chief. -
Treaty of Paris Ratified
The Treaty of Paris is officially ratified after being signed the previous year. -
Thomas Jefferson made Minister to France
Thomas Jefferson is made the minister to France. -
Treaty of Fort Stanwix Fianlized
Treaty of Fort Stanwix, the Six Nations of the Iroquois give up all claims to territory west of the Niagara River. The Creek Indians also sign a treaty expanding Georgia's territory. -
John Adams Appointed Ambassador to England
He fails at negotiating commerce treaties and ensuring that the terms of the Treaty of Paris are enforced including the abandoning of their military posts along the Great Lakes. He returns back from England in 1788. -
Knox Appointed Secretary of War
Former military officer Henry Knox is appointed as the first Secretary of War. -
James Madison Publishes Remonstrances Against Religious Assessments
This was advocating the separation of church and state. -
Land Ordinance of 1785
The Land Ordinance of 1785 is passed providing for the division of the northwestern territories into townships with lots to be sold for $640 each. -
Shays Rebellion
Shays Rebellion occurs in Massachusetts. Daniel Shays is a former Revolutionary War captain who went bankrupt and led a group of armed individuals in protest. His "Army" will continue to grow and make attacks in the state, which are not stopped until February 4, 1787. However, this rebellion reveals the weakness of the articles to provide military protection across state lines. -
Coinage System Adopted By Congress
Congress establishes a standard coinage system as proposed by Thomas Jefferson, the adopted Spanish dollar, with a silver weight of 375 64/100s grains of fine silver. -
Congress Agrees To Hold Constitutional Convention
Congress agrees to hold a constitutional convention on May 14th in Philadelphia to deal with the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. -
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Constitutional Convention Opens
May 25–September 17: The Constitutional Convention meets and results in the creation of the US Constitution. It needs nine states to ratify it for it to come into effect. -
The Federalist Papers Publsihed
The first of 77 essays called collectively The Federalist Papers is published in New York's The Independent Journal. These articles are written to persuade individuals in the state to ratify the new Constitution. Before the end of the year, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey ratify the Constitution. -
Congress Adjourns
The Congress officially adjourned. The United States would have no official government until April 1789. -
The Constitution
Supreme Law of the United States of America -
Georgetown University Founded
Georgetown University becomes the first Catholic university founded in the United States. -
George Washington Inaugurated as President
George Washington is inaugurated in New York as the first President. He is sworn in by Robert Livingston and then delivers his inaugural address to Congress. A week later, the first inaugural ball is held. -
French Revolution Begins
The French Revolution begins when revolutionaries stormed the Bastille Prison, events witnessed by the American minister Thomas Jefferson. -
Thomas Jefferson Heads Department of State
The Department of State (called the Department of Foreign Affairs at first) is established with Thomas Jefferson as his head. -
Treasury Department Established
September 2: The new Treasury Department is headed by Alexander Hamilton. Samuel Osgood is named the first Postmaster General under the new constitution. -
Supreme Court Created
The Federal Judiciary Act creates a six-man Supreme Court. John Jay is named the Chief Justice. -
U.S Army Established
Congress establishes the US Army before adjourning. -
First National Thanksgiving Day
The first national Thanksgiving Day is proclaimed by George Washington at the request of Congress. -
Whiskey Act Signed
The Whiskey Act is signed putting a tax on whiskey. This is opposed by farmers and many states pass laws protesting the tax, eventually leading to the Whiskey Rebellion. -
Vermont Becomes 14th State
Vermont becomes the 14th state, the first to enter the United States after the 13 original colonies. -
Benjamin Franklin Dies
Benjamin Franklin dies at the age of 84. -
First Census Completed
The first census is completed. The total population of the United States is 3,929,625. -
Coast Guard Created
The Coast Guard is created. -
The First Bank of the United States Chartered
The First Bank of the United States is officially chartered after President Washington signs it into law. -
The Bill of Rights Added
The first 10 amendments are added to the US Constitution as the Bill of Rights. -
The Presidential Succession Act Passed
The Presidential Succession Act is passed detailing the line of succession in the case of the death of the president and vice president. -
National Mint Established
The national mint is established in Philadelphia. -
New York Stock Exchange Originates
The New York Stock Exchange is organized. -
Kentucky Becomes 15th State
Kentucky enters the Union as the 15th state. -
George Washington Reelected
George Washington is reelected as president in the second presidential election. -
Fugitive Slave Act Passed
Allowed slave owners to recapture runaway slaves. -
Thomas Jefferson Resigns
Thomas Jefferson resigns as Secretary of State. Edmund Randolph will become Secretary of State. -
The Naval Act Passed
The Naval Act is passed, authorizing construction of what would become the first ships in the US Navy. -
Whiskey Rebellion Ends
The Whiskey Rebellion is ended in Pennsylvania when Washington sends a huge militia force to put down the insurrection. The rebels return home quietly. -
The Battle of Fallen Timbers
August 20: The Battle of Fallen Timbers occurs in northwest Ohio where General Anthony Wayne defeated Indian insurgents ending hostilities in the region. -
Jay's Treaty Ratified
The Senate ratifies Jay's Treaty between the United States and Great Britain. Washington later signs it into law. The acceptance of Jay's Treaty means that America and France will come close to war. -
The Treaty of Greenville Signed
The Treaty of Greenville is signed with the 12 Ohio Indian tribes who had been defeated at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. They give large amounts of land to America. -
Tennessee Becomes 16th State
Tennessee is admitted to the Union as the 16th state. Andrew Jackson will be sent to Congress as its first Representative. -
John Adams Wins Presidential Election to Become 2nd President
December 7: John Adams wins the presidential election with 71 electoral votes. His opponent, Democratic-Republican Thomas Jefferson, comes in second with 68 votes and wins the vice presidency. -
The United States is Launched
The United States, the first US naval ship, is launched. -
The U.S.S. Constitution Launched
The U.S.S. Constitution (Old Ironsides) is launched. -
11th Amendment Ratified
The 11th Amendment, which restricts the rights of citizens to bring suit against states in federal court, is ratified. -
Mississippi Territory Created
The Mississippi Territory is created by Congress. -
George Washington Becomes Commander-in-Chief of the Army
July 13: George Washington is named Commander-in-Chief of the US Army. -
George Washington Dies
George Washington dies suddenly of a throat infection. He is mourned in the United States, given honors in England, and a week of mourning begins in France. -
Library of Congress Created
The Library of Congress is created. It is a research library that serves Congress and is the national library of the US.