[Footnote: The new constitution met with the most violent opposition. The people were divided into two parties--the _Federalists_ and the _anti-Federalists_. The former favored the constitution and sought to increase the powers of the national government, and thus strengthen the Union at home and abroad. The latter wished the authority to rest with the States, opposed the constitution, were jealous of Congress, and feared too much national power lest a monarchy might be established. The nation was agitated by the most earnest and thoughtful as well as the most virulent speeches on both sides. Within the year (1788) nine States had ratified the constitution. This was the number necessary to make it binding. Rhode Inland was not represented in the convention, and did not accept the constitution until 1790.] During the next Epoch we shall notice the growth of the country under the wise provisions of this constitution. Summary of the History of the Third Epoch, arranged in Chronological Order. 1765. The Stamp Act passed, March 8, 1766. The Stamp Act repealed by Parliament, March 18, 1767. A tax imposed on tea, &c., June 29, 1768. The British troops arrived at Boston, September 27, 1770. Boston Massacre, March 5, All duties except on tea repealed, April 12, 1773. The tea thrown overboard in Boston Harbor, Dec. 16, 1774. "Boston Port Bill" passed, March 31, First Continental Congress met at Philadelphia, Sept. 5, 1775. Battle of Lexington, April 19, Ticonderoga taken by Allen and Arnold, May 10, Crown Point taken, May 12, Washington elected commander-in-chief, June 15, Battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, Washington took command of the troops before Boston, July 2, Montreal surrendered to Montgomery, November 13, Battle of Quebec--Montgomery killed, December 31, 1776. Boston evacuated by the British troops under Lord Howe, March 17, Attack on Fort Moultrie, June 28, Declaration of Independence, July 4, Battle of Long Island, August 27, Battle of White Plains, October 28, Fort Washington taken, November 16, Washington's retreat through New Jersey, November and December, Battle of Trenton, December 26, 1777. Battle of Princeton, January 3, Murder of Miss McCrea, July 27, Battle of Bennington, August 16, Battle of Brandywine, September 11, First battle of Saratoga, September 19, Philadelphia captured by the British, September 25, Battle of Germantown, October 4, Second battle of Saratoga, October 7, Surrender of Burgoyne, October 17, 1778. American Independence acknowledged by France, Feb. 6 Battle of Monmouth, June 28 Massacre of Wyoming, July 3 French fleet arrived in Narraganset Bay, July 29 British captured Savannah, Ga., December 29 1779. Stony Point captured by General Wayne, July 15 Sullivan defeated the tories and Indians near Elmira, N.