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  Government and politics at the National Archives
 First Continental Congress 1774
 
 Shot fired at Lexington 1775
 
 Washington is American commander 1775
 
American colonists make a final bid for peace 1775 The Olive Branch Petition of 1775
National Archives, Kew
Enlarge on linked site
 
 American colonies vote for independence 1776
 
 Jefferson's Declaration adopted 1776
 
 Hancock signs first 1776 The American Declaration of Independence in 1776
National Archives, Kew
 
 Easter Rising in Dublin 1916
 
Michael Collins is shown his British police file c. 1919 Police file on Michael Collins
National Archives, Kew
 
 Collins defeats de Valera 1922
 
 Collins killed in ambush 1922
 
 Edward VIII is British king 1936
 
 Edward VIII plans to wed 1936
 
 Edward gives up crown for love 1936 Edward VIII's letter of abdication in 1936
National Archives, Kew
 
 George VI inherits brother's throne 1936
 
 Britain signs Treaty of Rome to join EC c. 1972 Treaty of Rome, 1972
National Archives, Kew
 
 Britain finally joins EC 1973
 
 Thatcher first woman in Downing Street 1979 Margaret Thatcher's election returns and writs in 1979
National Archives, Kew