In the 1700s, the United States was still a mix of European colonies and Native American territories. They were very influenced by what happened in Europe. For example, when war began between France and England in 1690, 1702, and 1763, it also began between French and English colonies in America. Similarly, when England fought against Spain in 1739 and 1762, the English colonies also fought against the Spanish ones.

England firmly controlled its colonies in America. It needed money for its wars, and began to tax the colonists heavily. But the colonies were beginning to feel independent. The population was growing, both white and black. Benjamin Franklin, with his printing press, newspapers and libraries gave Americans a sense of their own. The people wanted their freedom from British control and taxation. The Boston Tea Party was one example.

In 1775, the "shot heard round the world" was fired in Lexington, beginning the Revolutionary War. The war lasted until 1789.

1765 - Stamp Act and Quartering Act passed by English Parliament. Patrick Henry "If this be treason, make the most of it." Sons of Liberty, an underground organization opposed to the Stamp Act, is formed in a number of colonial towns. Stamp Act Congress in New York City requests repeal of the Stamp Act and the Acts of 1764. "taxation without representation".

1766 - King George III repeals Stamp Act but passes the Declaratory Act giving British government power to make laws governing the American colonies.

1769 - San Diego is founded by Franciscan Friar Junipero Serra.

SOURCE: http://faculty.washington.edu/qtaylor/a_us_history/1700_1800_timeline.htm

1702 - England declares war on France (Queen Anne's War) Anglo colonists fight French, Spanish, Native Americans till 1713.

1739 - England declares war on Spain. (King George's War) till 1748. Florida Spaniards fight Georgia and South Carolina colonists. uprisings by black slaves in South Carolina.

1763 - The French and Indian War, known in Europe as the Seven Year's War, ends with Treaty of Paris. France gives England all French territory east of the Mississippi River, except New Orleans. The Spanish give up Florida in return for Cuba.

1763 - Native Americans fight against the British in Detroit. Proclamation of 1763 prohibits English settlement west of the Appalachian mountains.

1764 - Sugar Act and Currency Act passed by English Parliament.

1765 - The Stamp Act and Quartering Act passed by English Parliament. Patrick Henry claims that only Virginia can legally tax Virginia residents, saying, "If this be treason, make the most of it." Sons of Liberty, an underground organization opposed to the Stamp Act, is formed in a number of colonial towns. Stamp Act Congress in New York City requests repeal of the Stamp Act and the Acts of 1764. "taxation without representation".

1766 - King George III repeals Stamp Act but passes the Declaratory Act giving British government total power to legislate laws governing the American colonies .

1767 - English Parliament passes the Townshend Revenue Acts, new taxes on the colonists including paper, tea, glass, lead and paints.

1768 - in Boston and New York, merchants agree to boycott most British goods until the Townshend Acts are repealed.

1769 - San Diego is founded by Franciscan Friar Juniper Serra.

1770 - population reaches 2,210,000. Boston Massacre (the ride of Paul Revere): Townshend Acts are repealed and Quartering Act is not renewed. Only tea is still taxed.

1732 - George Washington is born in Virginia. Benjamin Franklin publishes Poor Richard's Almanac.

1776- July 4, Declaration of Independence by the 13 original colonies

1773 - Boston Tea Party Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts) begin: Boston Port Bill. Quartering Act reenacted by the English Parliament.

1774 - First Continental Congress in Philadelphia including Patrick Henry, George Washington, Sam Adams and John Hancock declares opposition to the Coercive Acts

1775- Patrick Henry "Give me liberty or give me death!" "The shot heard 'round the world" (Schoolhouse Rock)　(link to text)

1770 - The population of the American colonies reaches 2,210,000 persons. Boston Massacre (the ride of Paul Revere) Townshend Acts are repealed and Quartering Act is not renewed. Only tea is still taxed.

History 2 1700s Little Europe in America and Beginning of the United States

1690 - King William's War between French and English begins. New York is burned by the French and Native American allies.

1692 - Salem Witch Hunt.

1693 - The College of William and Mary is founded in Williamsburg, Virginia.

1699 - Wool Act forbids export of wool from American colonies.

1700 - Anglo population in America reaches 275,000. Massachusetts and New York ban Roman Catholic priests.

1701 - The French settle at Detroit. Yale College is founded in Connecticut.

1702 - England declares war on France, called Queen Anne's War in the colonies, Anglo colonists fight French, Spanish, Native Americans till 1713.

1706 -Benjamin Franklin born in Boston.

1714 - Tea is introduced into the American Colonies.

1716 - The first group of black slaves is brought to Louisiana territory.

1718 - New Orleans is founded by the French.

1720 - The population of American colonists reaches 475,000.

1725 - The population of black slaves reaches 75,000.

1729 - Benjamin Franklin begins publishing The Pennsylvania Gazette.

1731 - Benjamin Franklin founds first American public library in Philadelphia.

1732 - George Washington is born in Virginia.

1732-1757 - Benjamin Franklin publishes Poor Richard's Almanac.

1733 - The Molasses Act taxes molasses, rum and sugar imported from non-British islands.

1739 - England declares war on Spain. King George's War lasts until 1748. In America, Florida Spaniards fight Georgia and South Carolina colonists. Three separate violent uprisings by black slaves occur in South Carolina.

1740 - Fifty black slaves hanged in South Carolina.

1750 - Iron Act limits the growth of the iron industry.

1751 - Currency Act banning issuing of paper money by New England colonies.

1754 - The French and Indian War erupts, George Washington leads American colonists.

1756 - England declares war on France, as the French and Indian War (Seven Years War) in the colonies spreads to Europe.

1759 - British defeat French in Quebec, gaining control of Canada.

1762 - England declares war on Spain, and successfully attack Spanish outposts in the West Indies and Cuba.

1763 - The French and Indian War, known in Europe as the Seven Year's War, ends with the Treaty of Paris. France gives England all French territory east of the Mississippi River, except New Orleans. The Spanish give up Florida to the English in return for Cuba.

1763 - Native Americans fight against the British in Detroit. The Proclamation of 1763 prohibits any English settlement west of the Appalachian mountains in an attempt to ease tensions with Native Americans.

1764 - The Sugar Act is passed by the English Parliament to offset war debt. increases the duties on imported sugar, coffee, wines and indigo (dye). The Currency Act prohibits the colonists from issuing any legal tender paper money.

1765 - The Stamp Act is passed by the English Parliament imposing the first direct tax to Americans. including; newspapers, pamphlets, bills, legal documents, licenses, almanacs, dice and playing cards. Quartering Act requires colonists to house British troops and supply them with food.

1765 - In Virginia, Patrick Henry claims that only Virginia can legally tax Virginia residents, saying, "If this be treason, make the most of it." The Sons of Liberty, an underground organization opposed to the Stamp Act, is formed in a number of colonial towns. Stamp Act Congress convenes in New York City; prepares a resolution requesting the repeal of the Stamp Act and the Acts of 1764. "taxation without representation".

1766 - In March, King George III repeals the Stamp Act but passes the Declaratory Act stating that the British government has total power to legislate any laws governing the American colonies in all cases whatsoever.

1767 - In June, The English Parliament passes the Townshend Revenue Acts, imposing a new series of taxes on the colonists including paper, tea, glass, lead and paints.

1768 - in Boston and New York, merchants agree to boycott most British goods until the Townshend Acts are repealed.

1769 - San Diego is founded by Franciscan Friar Juniper Serra.

1770 - The population of the American colonies reaches 2,210,000 persons. Boston Massacre (the ride of Paul Revere)

 The Revolutionary War!

1765-1776 Road to Independence

1776- Declaration of Independence by the 13 original colonies

History 2 1700s the Beginning of the United States

 1765-1776 Road to Independence

1765- Stamp Act

1770- Boston Massacre

(the ride of Paul Revere)

1773- Boston Tea Party

1775- "The shot heard 'round the world" (Schoolhouse Rock)　(link to text) The Revolutionary War! 1776- Declaration of Independence

          =4th of July

1778- France sides with the United States (Lafayette) 1779- John Paul Jones "I have not yet begun to fight." 1781- British surrender at Yorktown 1783- Treaty of Paris ends the Revolution

 Beginning of the new Government

1787- Constitutional Convention 1789- George Washington's Inauguration as president 1791- Bill of Rights adopted

So, that is how the United States began to be a country. Next week, we will see how it became the country it is today. See you next week!

History 2 Expansion, Abolition and Industrialization