What Happened This Year 1775

Historical Events from This Year 1775

Politics & Government

Olive Branch Petition Adopted by Congress

July 5th, 1775 249 years ago

The Second Continental Congress adopted the Olive Branch Petition as a final attempt to avoid a break from Great Britain. Drafted primarily by John Dickinson and signed by Congress members, the petition asserted loyalty to the Crown and called for peaceful resolution of conflicts. The petition was sent to King George III in hopes of reconciliation amid rising tensions from the American Revolutionary War. Congress sought to appease the king and prevent further escalation of violent conflict.

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Politics & Government

Olive Branch Petition Signed by Congress

July 8th, 1775 249 years ago

In July 1775, the Continental Congress signed the Olive Branch Petition, a document aimed at reconciling with King George III. Delegates expressed their desire for peace and loyalty to the Crown while addressing grievances against British rule. The petition, symbolizing hope for a resolution, sought to avoid conflict and restore harmonious relations. The signing occurred in Philadelphia, where the Continental Congress convened amid rising tensions between the American colonies and Britain.

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Politics & Government

Establishment of the Post Office Department

July 26th, 1775 249 years ago

The Second Continental Congress established the United States Post Office Department, appointing Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General. This pivotal move aimed to create an organized postal system to enhance communication among the American colonies during a time of growing tension with Great Britain. Franklin’s extensive experience with postal services in Philadelphia equipped him for this role, as he sought to unify the colonies through improved correspondence and logistics.

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Health & Medicine

Establishment of U.S. Army Medical Department

July 27th, 1775 249 years ago

The Second Continental Congress passed legislation establishing a medical department to support the Continental Army, aimed at providing necessary healthcare for an army consisting of 20,000 men. This decision underscored the importance of medical care during wartime and was pivotal in organizing military health services.

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Politics & Government

Establishment of Judge Advocate General's Corps

July 29th, 1775 249 years ago

General George Washington appointed William Tudor as the Judge Advocate of the Continental Army. This marked the formal recognition of a legal officer's role within the military framework, ensuring that the army would be governed by established legal standards. The appointment aimed to support military justice and provide legal guidance during a time of conflict as the Continental Army organized to face British forces.

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Military & Warfare

Spanish Establish Presidio in Tucson Region

August 20th, 1775 249 years ago

The Presidio San Augustin del Tucson was established to secure Spanish interests in the area, serving as a military garrison against potential threats from Native American tribes and foreign powers. Located in present-day Tucson, Arizona, this site became crucial for controlling trade routes and expanding Spanish influence in the southwest. The construction represented a strategic move during an era of expansion and colonization.

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Politics & Government

King George III's Proclamation of Rebellion

August 23rd, 1775 249 years ago

King George III formally declared the American colonies in a state of rebellion against British rule. Addressing the Court of St James's, he emphasized the severity of the situation and outlined the escalating tensions between the colonies and the Crown. This proclamation marked a significant turning point in Britain's approach to the American Revolution, as it discursively framed the colonial resistance as a major insurrection.

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Politics & Government

Failed Priest-led Uprising in Malta

September 8th, 1775 249 years ago

A coalition of Maltese priests, unhappy with British rule, attempted to stage a rebellion against the colonial government led by Grandmaster Manuel de Vilhena. The uprising intended to restore the power of the Church and prevent further secular encroachment. However, the revolt was poorly organized, leading to its swift suppression by the British authorities. Many priests were arrested, and their efforts were quashed quickly.

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Military & Warfare

Benedict Arnold's Quebec Expedition Departed

September 11th, 1775 249 years ago

Benedict Arnold led an expedition from Cambridge, Massachusetts, intending to capture Quebec and secure colonial control. Organized by the Continental Congress, Arnold's mission sought to demonstrate military resolve and disrupt British supply lines to Canada. The expedition consisted of over a thousand troops who faced treacherous terrain and harsh weather as they aimed for Quebec, a strategically vital location.

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