The Era of Revolution and New Nation (1763–1820) represents the transformative period when the thirteen colonies broke away from British rule to establish a federal republic based on Enlightenment principles.
The Road to Revolution (1763–1775)
Following the French and Indian War, Great Britain ended its policy of "salutary neglect" and began imposing direct taxes to pay off war debts.
- 1763: The Proclamation of 1763 forbids colonial settlement west of the Appalachians.
- 1765: The Stamp Act imposes the first direct tax on the colonies, sparking the cry "no taxation without representation".
- 1770: The Boston Massacre occurs when British soldiers fire into a crowd, killing five colonists.
- 1773: Protesters dump British tea into the harbor during the Boston Tea Party to defy the Tea Act.
- 1774: Britain responds with the Intolerable Acts, leading to the First Continental Congress.
The Revolutionary War (1775–1783)
What began as a struggle for colonial rights escalated into a full-scale war for independence.
- 1775: The war begins at the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
- 1776: The Second Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence on July 4.
- 1777: The Battle of Saratoga marks a major turning point, convincing France to join the American cause.
- 1781: General Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown, effectively ending the fighting.
- 1783: The Treaty of Paris officially recognizes the United States as an independent nation.
Forging a New Nation (1783–1820)
The young republic initially struggled under a weak central government before drafting the current Constitution.
- 1781–1789: The Articles of Confederation serve as the first U.S. constitution but prove too weak to manage national crises like Shays' Rebellion.
- 1787: Delegates at the Constitutional Convention draft the U.S. Constitution.
- 1789: George Washington is inaugurated as the first U.S. President.
- 1791: The Bill of Rights is ratified to protect individual liberties.
- 1803: The Louisiana Purchase doubles the size of the nation.
- 1812–1815: The War of 1812 against Britain solidifies American sovereignty and national identity.