1754–1763

The French and Indian War was a conflict between the British and French colonial powers, along with their respective Native American allies, over control of North American territories. The war was part of a larger global conflict known as the Seven Years' War.

March 22, 1765

A British law imposed a direct tax on the American colonies, requiring them to pay for stamps on printed materials. It was met with widespread protest and contributed to the growing rift between the colonies and Britain.

June 15–July 2, 1767

A series of British laws imposed new taxes on goods imported to the American colonies, leading to further tension and protests, including boycotts of British goods.

March 5, 1770

A confrontation between British soldiers and American colonists in Boston that resulted in the deaths of five colonists. The event further fueled anti-British sentiment in the colonies.

December 16, 1773

A protest by American colonists in which they dumped British tea into Boston Harbor as a response to the Tea Act, which granted a British company a monopoly on tea sales in the colonies.

March–June 1774

A series of punitive laws were enacted by the British government in response to the Boston Tea Party, severely restricting the autonomy of the Massachusetts colony and provoking further colonial unrest.

September 5, 1774

A meeting of delegates from 12 of the 13 colonies in Philadelphia to address grievances against British rule, marked the first coordinated action by the colonies.

March 23, 1775

A passionate call to arms by Patrick Henry, advocating for colonial resistance against British tyranny.

April 18–19, 1775

Paul Revere and other riders warned of approaching British forces, leading to the first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War.

June 17, 1775

A costly British victory in the early stages of the Revolutionary War demonstrated the determination of American forces.

January 1776

A highly influential pamphlet advocating for American independence from Britain, galvanized support for the cause.

July 4, 1776

The document, drafted by Thomas Jefferson, proclaimed the independence of the 13 American colonies from Britain.

September 22, 1776

An American spy captured by the British and executed, famously stated, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."

December 25–26, 1776

A surprise attack by General George Washington and his forces on Hessian troops, resulted in a significant American victory.

October 17, 1777

A decisive American victory that marked a turning point in the Revolutionary War and convinced France to support the American cause.

December 19, 1777–June 19, 1778

George Washington and his troops endured a harsh winter at Valley Forge, facing severe hardships but emerging more unified and disciplined.

February 6, 1778

A formal alliance between France and the United States provided crucial support to the American cause.

September 23, 1779

"I have not yet begun to fight!" - A famous quote by the American naval commander during a battle against the British, reflecting his determination and defiance.

September 1780

A high-ranking American officer, Benedict Arnold, conspired to betray West Point to the British but was discovered, becoming synonymous with treason.

March 1, 1781

The first constitution of the United States, which established a weak central government and was later replaced by the current U.S. Constitution.

September–October 1781

A decisive American and French victory over British forces led by General Cornwallis, effectively ending the Revolutionary War.

September 3, 1783

The treaty officially ended the American Revolutionary War, recognizing the independence of the United States and establishing its borders.

1787

The adoption of the United States Constitution created a stronger federal government and provided a framework for the operation of the new nation.