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By the time the Declaration of Independence was adopted in July 1776, the Thirteen Colonies and Great Britain had been at war for more than a year. Relations between the colonies and the mother country had been deteriorating since the end of the Seven Years' War in 1763. The war had plunged the British government deep into debt, and so Parliament enacted a series of measures to increase tax revenue from the colonies. Parliament believed that these acts, such as the Stamp Act of 1765 and the Townshend Acts of 1767, were a legitimate means of having the colonies pay their fair share of the costs to keep the colonies in the British Empire.[6]

Young Adams went to Harvard College at age sixteen in 1751.[7] His father expected him to become a minister, but Adams had doubts. After graduating in 1755, he taught school for a few years in Worcester, allowing himself time to think about his career choice

Adams was not a popular leader like his second cousin, Samuel Adams. Instead, his influence emerged through his work as a constitutional lawyer and his intense analysis of historical examples,

(October 30, 1735  – July 4, 1826

Adams' revolutionary credentials secured him two terms as George Washington's vice president and his own election as the second president of the United States.

He served more than two years in the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, and as president of Congress was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence.

At the time of the war Britain had seven other colonies on the Atlantic coast of North America

Hudson Bay), Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, East Florida, West Florida

Newfoundland, Rupert's Land

Province of Quebec

here were other colonies in the Americas as well, largely in the British West Indies. These colonies remained loyal to the crown through the war

one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. A noted polymath, Franklin was a leading author and printer, satirist, political theorist, politician, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, soldier,[2] and diplomat. As a scientist, he was a major figure in the American Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity

eldest brother.[

Lawrence

Washington worked as a surveyor

George Washington

The Continental Congress appointed Washington commander-in-chief of the American revolutionary forces in 1775. The following year, he forced the British out of Boston, lost New York City, and crossed the Delaware River in New Jersey, defeating the surprised enemy units later that year. Because

He presided over the Philadelphia Convention that drafted the United States Constitution in 1787 because of general dissatisfaction with the Articles of Confederation. Washington became President of the United States in 1789 and established many of the customs and usages of the new government's executive department. He sought to create a nation capable of surviving in a world torn asunder by war between Britain and France. His unilateral Proclamation of Neutrality of 1793 provided a basis for avoiding any involvement in foreign conflicts. He supported plans to build a strong central government by funding the national debt, implementing an effective tax system, and creating a national bank. Washington avoided the temptation of war and a decade of peace with Britain began with the Jay Treaty in 1795;

Washington died in 1799. Henry Lee, delivering the funeral oration, declared Washington "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen".[11] Historical scholars consistently rank him as one of the greatest United States presidents.

George Washington had a close relationship with his nephew and heir Bushrod Washington, son of George's younger brother John Augustine Washington.

A popular myth is that he wore a wig, as was the fashion among some at the time. Washington did not wear a wig; instead, he powdered his hair,

Washington lived an aristocratic lifestyle—fox hunting was a favorite leisure activity.

Washington's marriage to Martha, a wealthy widow, greatly increased his property holdings and social standing. He acquired one-third of the 18,000 acre (73 km²) Custis estate upon his marriage, and managed the remainder on behalf of Martha's children

Washington was then appointed Major General and elected by Congress to be Commander-in-chief.

He died on the 17th of April in 1790