1700s: Colonial Unrest, Revolution & Founding Documents

1754-1763

The timeframe of the French and Indian War, a conflict between Britain and France in North America over the Ohio Valley region (land dispute) that significantly influenced colonial attitudes towards British rule.

Proclamation of 1763

A directive issued by the British Crown that forbade American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains, aiming to stabilize relations with Native Americans after the French and Indian War

1765

The year the Stamp Act was enacted, imposing direct taxes on the colonies and leading to widespread protest and resistance against British taxation policies.

1770

The year of the Boston Massacre, where British soldiers killed five colonial civilians, escalating tensions between Great Britain and the American colonies.

1773

The year the Boston Tea Party occurred, a protest against British tea taxation where colonists dumped a shipment of tea into Boston Harbor.

1774

The year the First Continental Congress convened, uniting colonial representatives to address grievances against British rule and coordinate responses.

1775-1783

The period of the American Revolutionary War, marked by conflict between Great Britain and the thirteen colonies, ultimately leading to American independence.

1776

The year the Declaration of Independence was adopted, marking the formal separation of the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain.

1781

The year the Articles of Confederation were ratified, establishing the first governing document of the United States.

1783

The year the Treaty of Paris was signed, officially ending the American Revolutionary War and recognizing the independence of the United States.

1787

The year the United States Constitution was drafted at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, laying the foundational framework for the federal government.

1789

The year the United States Constitution was ratified and George Washington was inaugurated as the first President.

1791

The year the Bill of Rights was proposed and ratified, providing the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, which guarantee individual freedoms and rights.

1798

The year the Alien and Sedition Acts were enacted, which aimed to restrict immigration and limit freedom of speech during a period of political strife.