-
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The first Coercive Law, the Boston Harbor Law, closes the Boston Harbor until the full cost of the damaged tea has been paid. -
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Westminster passes two other coercive laws: the Massachusetts Government Act and the Administration of Justice Act. -
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General Thomas Gage, the new military governor of Massachusetts, seizes the colony's powder store. -
Period: to
1774
-
.
Fairfax County, Washington's original county, adopts the Fairfax Resolutions, rejecting claims of absolute British sovereignty over the American colonies. -
.
The Quebec Law is approved. This legislation expands the province of Quebec and allows its French Catholics to hold office and worship freely. This provokes anti-Catholic outrage in the American colonies -
.
The first Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia to discuss the Coercive Laws and decide on a course of action. -
.
A county meeting in Suffolk, Massachusetts adopts resolutions calling for British authority to be ignored and all importation from Britain to cease -
.
The Continental Congress adopts the Articles of Association and agrees in principle to a boycott of British goods. -
Period: to
1775
-
.
The British Parliament declares that Massachusetts is in a state of rebellion. -
Period: to
1776
-
.
A small regiment of revolutionaries defeated some British troops at Princeton -
.
Georgia passes a state constitution -
.
New York passes a state constitution -
.
The first national flag of the United States, containing 13 stars and 13 stripes, is formally approved by Congress. -
.
The Continental Army is victorious over General Burgoyne's forces at the Battle of Saratoga. It is the most significant American victory in the Revolutionary War to date. -
.
A wave of raids by Native Americans against the Americans begins, encouraged by the British. -
.
France recognizes the United States and signs trade treaties and military alliance. -
.
The British parliament forms a peace commission, which travels to the United States and meets with members of Congress. The British offer to satisfy all American demands as long as the Americans revoke their independence. This is rejected. -
.
France formally declares war on Britain, following an attack on a French ship by British ships. -
.
Congress appoints John Adams to negotiate peace with Great Britain. -
.
Spain declares war on England but does not commit forces to fight in America. -
.
A mutiny in the Continental Army, as hundreds of men demand rations and payment of wages that are five months overdue. -
.
General Benedict Arnold is named commander of US forces at West Point. He is already in secret negotiations with the British. -
.
Washington suppresses a significant mutiny among Continental Army soldiers in New Jersey. Several of the ringleaders are hanged. -
.
El Congreso forma un comité de paz para considerar negociaciones con los británicos. Entre los miembros del comité están Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin y John Adams. -
.
Peace negotiations between British and American delegates begin in Paris. -
.
The last significant fight of the Revolutionary War, between US forces, loyalist militias, and natives. -
.
The British parliament votes to discontinue further military activities in the United States. -
.
the Treaty of Paris formally ends the war. Spain, Denmark, Russia and Sweden recognize the United States. -
.
American delegates sign a Treaty of Friendship and Commerce with Sweden. -
.
Revolutionary War officers form the Cincinnati Society, with George Washington as its inaugural president. Membership is restricted to officers and their firstborn. -
.
In Philadelphia, the Confederate Congress is besieged by ex-soldiers, protesting unpaid wages. The soldiers disperse a week later. -
.
The Virginia state assembly grants freedom to all slaves who fought in the Continental Army. -
.
General George Washington visits Congress and voluntarily resigns his commission as Commander-in-Chief.
