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First Comprehensive Slave Code
The House of Burgesses in Virginia pass the first comprehensive slave code. Earlier laws have stipulated that children born to enslaved mothers are slaves, conversion to Christianity did not result in emancipation, and owners could not free slaves unless they transported them outside of the colony. Further laws include the inability to try with murder when a slave is killed, and any black Virginian who struck a white colonist should be severely whipped. -
Benjamin Franklin arrives in America
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Great Awakening
George Whitefield, an evangelist, began the Great Awakening which spread throughout America for the next 30 years. This spiritual revolution was very influential in shaping America. -
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Seven Years War
Also called the French and Indian War, the Seven Years War between France and England was fought all around the world. Resulting from the treaties of Paris and Hatisburg, the British controlled more land than they could logistically protect, giving rise to the American Revolution. -
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Pontiac's War
Pontiac's War followed right on the heel of the Seven Years War. Pontiac took the advice of Neolin, a prophet, and attempted to drive out the white settlers. Pontiac and his men took Fort Detroit by surprise and laid siege upon it for six months. At its highest peak, the uprising included natives from the Great Lakes, Appalachia, and Mississippi River. Pontiac met with British official William JOhnson at Fort Ontario and settled for peace in July, 1766. -
Sugar Act
Because of debt built up from the Seven Years War, England attempted to recoup some revenue by placing duties and taxes on imported goods. Because of the high duties placed on items, the Americans bought smuggled items instead. In an effort to reduce this, the Sugar Act of 1764 reduced the duty by half on molasses and sugar, while implementing increased enforcement to reduce smuggling. -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act of 1765 created the first organized boycott of the American people. As a tax was placed on all documents from playing cards to legal notes, the people of Boston shut down for three months. The Stamp Act was repealed in February of 1766, and the Declaratory Act was issued stating that the British government still had power should they decide to enforce anything. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre exemplified the tensions between the British and the Americans. By this time, Boston was considered close to rebellion, so the British moved their army into town. This incited the townspeople as they suddenly had a big army living in the town square. The army men were not very happy about it either, and the tension grew. By March 5, 1770, the tensions were so high that five Americans were shot and killed by British soldiers. -
Boston Tea Party
In response to the Tea Act, allowing no tax duty on East India Company tea, the Sons of Liberty refused to allow the ships laden with this tea to unload. The ships sat there for several months, and the Sons of Liberty once again took action. This time, dressed in Indian costumes, the men stormed the ships and threw 342 chests of tea into the sea. This started many more similar "tea parties" that happened down the Atlantic Coast. -
Continental Congress
The first convention of the Continental Congress happened on September 5, 1774. Delegates were elected from the local people, and "Congress" met to determine future actions to be taken in regards to the continued suppressing of the British government. -
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American Revolutionary War
The American Revolution lasted from 1775 until 1783. Starting in Boston, Massachusetts, it spread throughout the world as France, Spain, and Holland joined as American Allies. The war ended with the Treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783. -
Shot Heard 'Round the World
On April 19, 1775, the inevitable happened. The famous "shot heard 'round the world" was fired, and the American Revolutionary War unofficially began. -
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George Washington presides as President
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John Adams as President