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
Declaration of the Causes and Necessity for Taking Up Arms, 1775
An address listing the colonists’ grievances and asserting the right to self-defense
Key Document
Olive Branch Petition, 1775
The Continental Congress’s last major attempt to avoid war with Great Britain
Key Document
Patrick Henry’s Speech to Second Virginia Convention, 1775
An impassioned call to arms, advocating for colonial resistance against British oppression, and famously declaring, "Give me liberty or give me death!"
Key Document
The Farmer Refuted, 1775
A defense of American colonial rights against British tyranny secretly written by Alexander Hamilton—fueling revolutionary sentiment
Key Document
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