Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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Boston Massacre, 1770
A “massacre” of civilians in Boston by British troops fueled colonial resentment of British rule
Event
Boston Tea Party, 1773
Colonial tax protest in which American patriots dumped British tea into Boston Harbor
Event
First Continental Congress, 1774
A gathering of American colonial delegates in Philadelphia to address grievances against British rule and advocate for colonial rights
Event
Battles of Lexington and Concord, 1775
The first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War in 1775—marked by confrontations between colonial militia and British troops
Event
New York and New Jersey Campaigns, 1776
A series of Revolutionary War military actions in which British forces gained control over New York and New Jersey
Event
Winter at Valley Forge, 1777–1778
The Continental Army faced extreme hardships at Valley Forge during the harsh winter of 1777–1778—strengthening their resilience and unity
Event
Battle of Yorktown, 1781
A decisive victory of American and French forces that led to British surrender and American independence
Event
Shays’ Rebellion, 1786
An armed uprising by indebted Massachusetts farmers protesting economic injustice and demanding debt relief
Event
Whiskey Rebellion, 1794
Pennsylvania farmers violently resisted a federal whiskey tax—illustrating the tensions between frontiersmen and the new government’s authority
Event
Hamilton-Burr Duel, 1804
A fatal confrontation between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr that stemmed from political and personal animosities and shaped American political history
Event