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DOI
By issuing the Declaration of Independence the 13 American colonies ended their political connection with Britain. -
Battles of Trent and New Jersey
The Battle of Trenton was a small but pivotal battle during the American Revolutionary War. -
State Constitutions
Four of the states decided not to prefix a bill of rights to their newly founded republican constitutions: New Jersey (July 1776), Georgia (February 1777), New York (April 1777), and South Carolina (March 1778). -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union was the first written constitution of the United States. -
Battle of Saratoga
Fought eighteen days apart, and was a victory for the Continental Army and a turning point in the Revolutionary War. -
Howe captures Philadelphia
The British had captured Philadelphia, British General William Howe had made Philadelphia the seat of congress. -
Winter at Valley Forge
Valley Forge functioned as the third of eight winter encampments for the Continental Army's leader, General George Washington, during the American Revolutionary War. -
Imported Slaves
Jefferson introduced a bill in the Virginia legislature banning the importation of slavery. -
John Paul Jones and Serapis
Serapis was a Royal Navy two-decked ship. She was armed with 44 guns. -
Spain Declares War on Great Britain
Creating a factor alliance with the Americans. Spain's King Charles III would not consent to a treaty of alliance with the United States. -
Charles Town
A major engagement and major British victory by forcing surrender. -
Surrender of Yorktown
General George Washington begins the siege known as the Battle of Yorktown against British General Lord Charles Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia, in the most important battle of the Revolutionary War. -
Treaty of Paris
The British Crown recognized American independence and ceded most of its territory east of the Mississippi River to the United States, doubling the size of the new nation and paving the way for westward expansion.
