-
Boston Massacre
A crowd of colonists gathered in Boston to protest against the British customs officers. Guards later opened fire on the crowd by accident and around 5 people died. This is significant because it was considered the first bloodshed in the revolution. More Information -
Boston Tea Party
Citizens (protesters) of Boston all dressed up like Indians and dumped loads of British imported tea into the ocean. This was significant because it caused the Intolerable Acts to be passed and further escalated the tension that led to the revolution. More Information -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
A military conflict between Britain and the colonists in North America. This was significant because it was the first battle of the American Revolution. More Information -
The Signing of the Declaration of Independence
A document that announced that the thirteen colonies fighting against Britain at the time were no longer apart of the British Empire. This was significant because it established the United States of America and asserted the idea that the colonies would be independent. Primary Source -
Battle of Trenton
George Washington crossed the Delaware River in order to execute a surprise attack on the Hessians. This was a significant win for the colonists because it brought optimism to the soldiers and showed that the colonists did have a chance to win the war. More Information -
Battle of Saratoga
This battle was considered the climax or turning point of the war as the Americans won against the British army. This battle was significant because it let to the introduction of France as an ally of America. More Information -
Articles of Confederation
A document that established the government of America during the American Revolution. It set up a confederation out of the thirteen colonies and gave each state one vote in congress. This was significant because it was considered the first constitution of America and later led to the creation of a better constitution. Primary Source -
Battle of Yorktown
George Washington and his army defeated Cornwallis and the British army with the help of French troops. This was significant because it was the final battle of the American Revolution as the British general was cornered and had to surrender. More Information -
Treaty of Paris
A document signed after the Battle of Saratoga by representatives of America and Britain. This was significant because it officially ended the American Revolution and signified that British recognized America's independence. More Information -
Land Ordinance of 1785
An act that divided up land in the United States into townships that could be sold in order to make money. This was significant because it was a settlement plan to get money in order to pay off the national debt as a result of war. More Information -
Shay's Rebellion
Shay's Rebellion was a rebellion where numerous farmers in debt were led by Daniel Shay to rebel against British creditors because their farms were foreclosed and unfair taxes. This rebellion was significant because it led to the eventual demise of the Articles of Confederation. More Information -
Constitutional Convention
Delegates from each state came together at this convention to amend the Articles of Confederation and establish a new set of rules that would give congress more power. This was significant because it later led to the creation of the American Constituition that is still used today. More Information -
Inauguration of George Washington
George Washington as chosen to be the first president of the United States. This was significant because he helped America prosper and grow through his many leading roles, including the role of President and founding father. More Information -
Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey Rebellion was a tax protest during Washington's Presidency as a result of taxation on whiskey, the government's first attempt at taxes. This event is significant because it was put down by Washington and showed how effective the new government was under the constitution as compared to under the Articles of Confederation; More Information -
Jay's Treaty
A treaty of commerce created by John Jay that sought to establish peace between Britain and America after the war. This was significant because it settled the issues that still remained well after the war and brought the two nations closer together. Primary Source More Information -
XYZ Affair
Three "agents" of the French Minister were sent to bribe American Representatives due to debt in France before they could negotiate Jay's Treaty with Talleyrand. This was significant because it created a quasi-war and almost led to a civil war between France and America. More Information -
Alien and Sedition Acts
Acts that were passed which allowed foriegn people to be imprisoned during wartime and called for the imprisonment of people that criticized the government. This was significant because it restricted the rights of Americans and later caused major problems. Primary Source -
Kentucky and Virginia Resolution
Resolutions drafted by James Madison and Thomas Jefferson which gave the states more power. Also, this was significant because it essentially repealed the Alien and Sedition Acts. Primary Source -
Election of Jefferson
Jefferson became the third president of the United States. He was significant because he reduced the overall national debt by decreasing federal jobs and funds for the military. More Information -
Louisiana Purchase
The acquisition of the Louisiana territory from France by Thomas Jefferson. This was significant because it essentially doubled the size of the United States. More Information -
Non-Intercourse Act
Bill passed to ban trade with France and Britain. Significant because it further isolated America as it prevented the country from trading with two other major outlets for manufactured goods at the time. More Information -
Treaty of Ghent
Treaty that ended the War of 1812 and restored land to the way it was before. It was significant because it restored the status quo and also set up a committee to determine the border between Canada and the United States. Primary Source -
Missouri Compromise
Compromise that made Missouri into a slave state and Maine a slave-free state. It was significant because it declared that all states under a given latitude were slave states and all the states above were slave-free. Primary Source -
Monroe Doctorine
Doctrine that declared that European powers couldn’t meddle in affairs in the Western Hemisphere. Significant because it said that any interferences in the Western Hemisphere would be considered a threat to the United States and also showed America as a world power. Primary Source
