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The 13 Colonies

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Foundation of early American society, each with its own cultural and economic identity. Shared experiences like self-governance and economic interdependence helped shape a collective identity, setting the stage for ideals of liberty and democracy.

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The Great Awakening

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A religious revival with leaders like George Whitefield preaching spiritual equality and personal salvation. It fostered a spirit of questioning authority, crucial in the push against British rule.

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French and Indian War

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Colonies and Britain fought against French forces and Native allies, creating unity through common struggle. The war's outcome expanded British control but led to new taxes on colonies, sparking resentment.

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Stamp Act Riots and Boycott

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British imposed a direct tax on printed materials, causing anger over taxation without representation. Protests and boycotts marked the beginning of coordinated resistance to British policies.

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Townshend Acts

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New taxes on goods like tea, glass, and paper deepened colonial resentment. Protests and boycotts spread, leading to more coordinated resistance against British rule.

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Boston Tea Party

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Colonists dumped British tea into Boston Harbor in protest of taxation without representation, prompting harsher British measures.

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Intolerable Acts

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Punitive laws passed by Britain in retaliation for the Boston Tea Party, uniting colonies in support of Massachusetts and shifting toward intercolonial solidarity.

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First Continental Congress

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Representatives from twelve colonies gathered to form the Continental Association, organizing widespread boycotts of British goods and marking growing political unity.

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Declaration of Independence

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Colonies severed ties with Britain, asserting their right to self-governance and encouraging greater self-reliance.

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U.S. Constitution

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Established a new framework for governance with principles of federalism, checks and balances, and individual rights, creating a unified system for the new nation.