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TimeLines of Liberty |
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United States of America - 17th &
18th Centuries
TimeLine - 1600 & 1700s
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Last updated March, 2005.
Categories are general with over-lapping jurisdictions. |
| 1619 |
Rights |
Twenty
Africans are brought to Jamestown, Virginia, aboard a Dutch
ship. They were the first blacks to be forcibly settled as
involuntary laborers (slaves) in the North American British
Colonies. |
| 1641 |
Rights |
Massachusetts was
the first colony to legalize slavery by statute. |
| 1644 |
Rights |
11 blacks petitioned the Council of
New Netherlands for freedom in 1644. This is the first black legal protest in
America. They are freed by the Council because they had "served
the Company 17 or 18 years" and had "long since been
promised their freedom." |
| 1671 |
Rights |
On October 20th it is decreed
that Bachelors in New France are to marry only girls brought in from France. |
| 1751 |
British |
Parliament
passed the Currency Act which restricted any further issuance of
paper currency by the Colonies and required all currency in
circulation be retired. |
| 1764 |
British |
- Parliament
passed the Sugar Act that financed the British military
presence in North America.
- Parliament
passed the Currency Act that extended to all colonies, the 1751
act which applied only to the New England Colonies.
©
Copyright 2005
Roger W Hancock |
| 1764 |
Rights |
Maryland
was the first state to try to discourage by law the marriage of
white women to black men. |
| 1765 |
British |
- The
British Parliament
passes the Stamp Act. All legal documents, newspapers,
advertisements, pamphlets, almanacs, and even playing cards were
to be printed on stamped paper shipped from England.
Distributors were threatened and out of fear did not enforce the
Stamp Act. Business in the colonies went on as usual.
- Parliament
passes the Quartering Act of 1765 which required civil
authorities to supply lodging and supplies for British troops
stationed in the colonies. |
|
1765 |
Stamp
Act
Congress |
The Stamp Act
Congress in October of 1765 the first independent colonial
conference where delegates from the British American Colonies
assembled to discuss grievances against Parliament and actions
to take concerning the Stamp Act. They adopted a
Declaration of Rights and wrote letters of petition to the King
and both houses of Parliament. |
| 1766 |
British |
- The
Parliament repeals the Stamp Act and removes some of the
stringent measures of the Sugar Act. Boycotts of British
goods by the colonies facilitated the repeal.
- The
Parliament passes the Declaratory Act spelling out the authority
of Parliament to legislate for the colonies "in all cases
whatsoever."
© |
| 1767 |
British |
- The
Parliament passed the Townshend Acts that
levied duties on glass, lead, paper, paint, and tea. They also
established provisions to ensure strict enforcement of the Act.
- The
Parliament passes the New York Suspending Act. |
| 1767 |
Lit. |
The
"Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania to the Inhabitants
of the British Colonies" by John Dickinson were were
published throughout the colonies beginning in November and
extending into January. |
| 1768 |
Lit. |
The
Samuel Adams writes the Massachusetts Circular Letter and sends
it to the speaker of the other 12 House of Representatives. He
declares the Townshend Revenue Act is unconstitutional, and encourages
the other legislatures to join together in a protest to King
George. |
| 1768 |
British |
The
British Secretary of State for the colonies responds to the
Massachusetts Circular Letter by sending his own ordering the
assemblies dissolved should they respond favorably. His
letter was defiantly ignored. |
| 1770 |
British |
- All
provisions, except for the duty on tea, of the Townshend Act are
repealed,
- Five
colonists are killed, and six more wounded when panicked British
began shooting into a crowd. The incident becomes known as the
Boston Massacre. Crispus
Attucks, an escaped Black slave, was
among the five victims. |
| 1772 |
Protest |
Off
the coast of Rhode Island the British ship Gaspee is set on fire
by an angry colonial mob. |
| 1772 |
British |
The Royal
governor and Massachusetts Judges announce that they will be
paid by the crown rather than the colonists. It was becoming
clear to the colonist that the executive and judiciary were
being removed from the influence of the people and placed under
the thumb of the crown. |
| 1772 |
Lit. |
The
"Rights of the Colonists," by Samuel Adams and
"List of Infringements and Violations of Rights." by
Dr. Joseph Warren are produced when the first Committee of
Correspondence is formed in Boston. |
| 1773 |
Pres. |
William Henry Harrison was born at
Berkley. Harrison served as the 9th U.S. President for 31 days before he
died of pneumonia. He died on April 4, 1841, the first President
to die in office. |
| 1773 |
British |
- The
supremacy of Parliament is argued before the General Court by
Massachusetts' Governor Thomas Hutchinson.
- The
East India Company is granted a majority share of the tea trade
in the colonies with the passage of the Tea Act. |
| 1773 |
Protest |
The
Boston Tea Party is organized by Samuel Adams and John Hancock. Adams leads a group of men disguised as Mohawk Indians in dumping 342 crates of
tea into Boston Harbor. |
| 1774 |
British |
- Attempting
punishment for the Tea Party and regain control, the British
Parliament passes the five Coercive Acts.
- King
George III declares a policy of intractable opposition to claims
of the colonialists. |
| 1774 |
Lit |
James
Wilson's "Considerations on the Authority of
Parliament" and other important publications appear in
print, advancing the argument against Parliamentary authority. |
|
1774 |
Protest
First
Cont.
Congress |
- The
First Continental Congress is held, representation is sent by all
of the colonies except Georgia.
- President of the First Continental Congress was
Payton
Randolph.
- The First Continental Congress was mostly in response to the
"Intolerable Acts" (Punitive laws passed by Parliament in
response to the growing unrest in the colonies).
- The
Continental Congress passes the Suffolk Resolves that declared
the Coercive Acts unconstitutional and favored economic
sanctions against Great Britain.
- The
Declaration and Resolves are approved by the Continental
Congress.
- The Articles of Association were drawn up as a pact among
twelve colonies to boycott British goods and cease exports to
Britain if the "Acts" were not repealed.
- The First Continental Congress lasted from only September 5,
1774 to October 26, 1774.
See:
Timeline of the Early American
Presidents |
| 1775 |
British |
A
state of rebellion in the colonies is declared by the British
Parliament. |
| 1775 |
History |
The
famous "Give me liberty or or give me death" speech is
delivered to the Virginia House of Burgesses by Patrick Henry. |
| 1775 |
War |
- As the
British prepared to march on Concord Paul Revere takes the
famous ride to alert John Hancock and Samuel Adams in Lexington
and to homes along the way, that the "British are
coming."
- 70
colonial minutemen assemble
on the Lexington Green, Captain John Parker orders, "Stand
your ground. Don't fire unless fired upon. But if they mean to
have a war, let it begin here!" The British arrive and one
shot, fired against orders, begins the Revolutionary
War.
- In the
initial skirmishes free blacks fight with the minutemen at
Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts.
- The
British failing at Concord returned to Boston losing 273
soldiers along the way. News of Lexington and Concord spread
throughout the colonies and militia members poured into
Massachusetts and bottle up the British in Boston (The Boston Siege).
- Ethan
Allen seized control of Fort Ticonderoga, in what today is
Vermont.
- George
Washington of Virginia is chosen, by the 2nd Continental
Congress, over President John Hancock to head the Continental
forces. Militia forces around Boston are placed under
control of the Congress.
- The
Battle of Bunker Hill was victorious for the British although
they suffered heavy casualies. Peter Salem and Salem Poor were
two blacks commended for their service fighting with the continental
army at Bunker Hill.
- Continental
Congress adopts the Olive Branch Petition in an appeal to the
King who refuses to read the document. King George III declares
the colonies to be in a state of rebellion. It becomes treason
for anyone in Britain to aid the Colonies. Later all trade with
the colonies is forbidden and the seizure of American ships is
ordered. |
| 1775 |
Gov. |
Second
Continental Congresses convenes in Philadelphia.
John Hancock is
selected President. The members resolve to answer force with
force.
See:
Timeline of the Early American
Presidents |
| 1775 |
Rights |
- In
1775 General George Washington issues an order that forbids the
recruitment of Blacks. It was later rescinded.
©
Copyright 2005
Roger W Hancock
- The
first Abolition Society in the United States is founded in
Pennsylvania.
- Black Slaves show little interest in an offer to fight for
Britain in exchange for their freedom. |
| 1776 |
Lit |
- The
"Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith, lays out the base
of capitalism as learned by the American revolutionaries
through their "system of natural liberty," (Adam
Smith) an economy of free trade and open markets. It becomes one
of the most influential books in history.
- Englishman
Thomas Paine publishes "Common Sense." Thomas
Paine became one of the greatest advocates of freedom.
-
John Adams' "Thoughts on
Government" lays out many principles that help formulate
many state and the U.S. Constitutions. |
| 1776 |
Gov. |
-The
Continental Congress recommend that states form new
governments. Virginia delegates propose that each colony
declare independence from England..
Known as the Lee Resolution, Richard Henry Lee introduces a
formal resolution to declare independence. As some states
deliberate the Declaration of Independence is drafted and later
submitted to the Congress.
- On
July 4th the "Declaration of Independence" is approved
by the Second Continental Congress. Only President
John Hancock and Secretary of the
Congress Charles Thompson, sign the drafts on this day, then they are sent to the various state assemblies.
See:
Timeline of the Early American
Presidents |
| 1776 |
War |
- The
British overtake and occupy New York City. George Washington
retreated to save men to fight another day.
- Upon
Washington's second request for volunteers for an intelligence
mission behind enemy lines only Nathan Hale steps forward. Young
Nathan Hale is caught and executed. From the gallows with calm
courage Hale proclaims, "I only regret, that I have but one
life to lose for my country."
- With
the scant remnant of an army Washington crossed the Delaware
River in a desperate, surprise and successful attack on Trenton.
This victory gave new vigor to the rebel's resolve. |
| 1777 |
Rights |
George
Washington changes policy to allow the recruitment of blacks as
soldiers. During the Revolutionary War over 5,000 blacks fought
for American Independence. |
| 1777 |
War |
- Washington
looses the Battle of Germantown in Pennsylvania, He
retreats with his army takes up winter quarters at Valley Forge.
- General Burgoyne and his army of 5,700 surrendered, at the
Battle of Saratoga, to General Benedict Arnold and General
Daniel Morgan leading forces that had climbed to 20,000.
- Benjamin
Franklin in France appealing to the French for an alliance
proved the American resolve when word came of the victory of the
Battle of Saratoga. Britain presented an offer shy of
independence that caused France, early in 1778, to recognize
American Independence to avoid reconciliation between the
Colonies and Great Britain. Such was a ploy by Franklin as
America had no intention to accept Britain's offer. |
| 1777 |
Gov. |
The
Articles of Confederation are completed and adopted by
Congress. Ratification by each state was not obtained
until 1781.
©
Copyright 2005
Roger W Hancock
See:
Timeline of the Early American
Presidents |
| 1777 |
Rights |
Vermont is the first state to
abolish slavery. |
| 1778 |
War |
- France
enters into treaties with the United States providing mutual
protection of commercial vessels and military help to suppress
Britain's offence.
- Captain
John Paul Jones attempts an aborted raid on the English seaport
of Whitehaven. The raid only partially carried out caused
concern about Britain's readiness and sent waves of shock
through England's public opinion of the war. |
| 1778 |
Rights |
The first Treaty
is made with the Delaware Indians by the Continental Congress. |
| 1779 |
War |
- British
troops focus on the South pressing into the interior of Georgia
and South Carolina.
- Spain,
still refusing to recognize American independence, declares war
on Britain. |
| 1780 |
War
|
- Although
defeat was imminent General Benjamin Lincoln with 5,200 troops
hold off the British for over a month until surrendering.
A military lesson is learned that troops are more important than
the defense of cities for the troops must retreat to fight
another day.
- American
hero Benedict Arnold is discovered to have been spying for
Britain. He flees to British controlled New York, is
commissioned and leads Britain troops against his homeland.
- British
General Cornwallis having pushed into North Carolina retreats to
South Carolina.
- Holland
declares siding with the newly formed United States of America. |
| 1781 |
Gov. |
Ratification
and adoption of the Articles of Confederation by each state is
completed.
See:
Timeline of the Early American
Presidents |
| 1781 |
War |
General
George Washington abandons New York and heads south to battle British
General Cornwallis at Yorktown. French Admiral de Grasse lands
3000 troops on land and defeats 19 British ships arriving to
support Cornwallis. More French ships arrive and
Cornwallis is bottled up in Yorktown. Cornwallis surrenders
dashing Britain's hope of winning the war. |
| 1782 |
War |
- In
England a measure allowing peace negotiations with the colonies
is passed by Parliament.
- The
British government agrees to recognize the independence of the
United States. An outline of peace terms is drawn up between the
Americans and the British. Benjamin Franklin
and John Adams sign the preliminary agreement.
( |
| 1783 |
Rights |
The
Massachusetts Supreme Court rules slavery unconstitutional based
upon wording in the newly adopted state constitution, "All
men are born free and equal." |
| 1783 |
War |
- The
Treaty of Paris officially ends the Revolutionary War. British troops leave New York City.
- George
Washington disbands the Continental Army and sends a
"Circular Letter" to all the states advising of his
concerns for the new nation. |
| 1784 |
Lit. |
Noah
Webster wrote the American Spelling Book that teaches to spell
as well as read using the "Alphabet Method"
(Phonics?). He believed an enlightened citizenry creates
national character. |
| 1785 |
Gov. |
- John
Adams is named by Congress to be the ambassador to the Court of
St. James, England.
-
Henry Knox is chosen to be Secretary of War.
-
Thomas Jefferson was appointed the Ambassador to France.
- Writing to his daughter Benjamin expresses
disappointment, preferring the turkey rather than the eagle as a
United States symbol.
See:
Timeline of the Early American
Presidents |
| 1786 |
Gov. |
- Jefferson's
historic Bill for Religious Freedom passes in the
Virginia House of Burgesses.
- The
Annapolis Convention begins with the goal of proposing uniform
regulations of commerce. |
| 1786 |
Rights |
Shays'
Rebellion begins in Massachusetts, and spreads concern, but
forcibly demonstrated dangers in which the new nation was
vulnerable due to her weak national government.. |
| 1787 |
Gov. |
- A
Constitutional Convention is held in Philadelphia to discuss
revising the Articles of Confederation.
- A
proposed Constitution is approved by the Constitutional
Convention and sent to Congress.
Congress passes approval of the Constitution and send it on to
the states.
See:
Timeline of the Early American
Presidents |
| 1787 |
State |
- Delaware,
by unanimous vote, is the first state to ratify the
Constitution. Doing so makes Delaware the first state of
the Union. ©
Copyright 2005
Roger W Hancock
-
Pennsylvania's
ratifying convention, after much debate, approves the
Constitution entering the Union as the 2nd state.
-
New
Jersey becomes the 3rd state by ratifying the Constitution, by
unanimous vote. |
| 1787 |
Rights |
- Congress
passed The Northwest Ordinance that extended "the
fundamental principles of civil and religious liberty" into
the new territories.
©
Copyright 2005
Roger W Hancock
- The
African Society is organized.
- The
proposed Constitution of the United States allows that male
slaves count as three-fifths of a man in determining
representation in the House of Representatives.. |
| 1787 |
Lit. |
The
first Federalist Paper appear in the New York press to inform
the public of the background reasoning and justification for
ratification. |
| 1788 |
State |
- Georgia
ratifies by unanimous vote to become the 4th state of the United
States of America.
-
Connecticut
ratifies the Constitution by an overwhelming vote of 128 - 40
becoming the 5th state of the U.S.
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Massachusetts
ratifies the Constitution by a close vote: 187-168 to become the
6th state of the Union.
-
Rhode
Island, the only state to have not sent delegates to the
Constitutional Convention puts to the people a referendum to
ratify that fails 2708 to 237.
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Maryland
becomes the 7th state when the Constitution is ratified by a
vote of 63-11.
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South
Carolina legislature ratifies the Constitution by a vote of
149-73 to become the 8th state.
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The
President of Congress announces that the Constitution has been
ratified by the nine states required,. when New Hampshire
ratifies it by 57 to 47 to become the 9th State.
- Virginia
ratifies by a vote of 89-79 to become the 10th state into the
Union.
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New
York Becomes the 11th state when it ratifies the Constitution by
a vote of 30-27.
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North
Carolina refuses to ratify the Constitution unless a Bill of
Rights is added to the Constitution. |
| 1788 |
Gov. |
- Under
the authority of the new U. S. Constitution the first elections
of senators and representatives are held.
©
Copyright 2005
Roger W Hancock
- The
last official business is conducted in October, ending the
Congress of the Confederation. |
| 1789 |
Pres. |
George
Washington is elected President of the United States of
America.
See:
Timeline of the Early American
Presidents |
| 1789 |
Gov. |
- The
first session of the United States Congress convenes in March,
in New York.
- Twelve
Constitutional amendments are sent, by Congress, to the states
for consideration. |
| 1789 |
State |
North Carolina ratifies the U.S.
Constitution on November 21, 1789, becoming the 12th state of
the Union. |
| 1789 |
Lit. |
"The Power of Sympathy or the Triumph of Nature Founded in
Truth" is the first American novel; printed in Boston,
Massachusetts. |
| 1790 |
State |
Rhode Island becomes the last of the original 13 states to
ratify the U. S. Constitution on May 29. |
| 1791 |
State |
Vermont
ratifies the Constitution to become the 14th state of the Union,
the first after the 13 original States. |
| 1791 |
Rights |
Virginia
legislature ratifies the Bill of Rights, adding it to the
Constitution. |
| 1792 |
State |
Kentucky is the 15th state admitted
to the Union, the first
state to be carved from the great western wilderness.
©
Copyright 2005
Roger W Hancock |
| 1793 |
Pres. |
George
Washington begins his second
term as President of the United States of America. |
| 1793 |
Rights |
The
first Fugitive Slave Law is passed by the U. S. Congress.
©
Copyright 2005
Roger W Hancock |
| 1796 |
State |
Tennessee is the 16th state admitted
to the Union on June 1. |
| 1797 |
Pres. |
John
Adams is the 2nd President of the United States of America
and serves from 1797 to 1801. |
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