Major Events

Washington inaugurated as first President

1789

Judiciary Act of 1789 organizes the federal courts

1789

Bill of Rights ratified

1791

Hamilton's excise tax on whiskey

1791

Bank of the United States chartered

1791

Whiskey Rebellion

1794

Political parties emerge: Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans

1792-1794

Washington's Neutrality Proclamation

1793

Battle of Fallen Timbers

1794

Jay's Treaty negotiated with Britain

1794

Washington's Farewell Address

1796

XYZ Affair

1797

Alien and Sedition Acts

1798

Convention of 1800 ends the Quasi-War

1800