1776
The Second Provincial Congress of New Jersey convened on January 31, 1776, at the White Hall Tavern in New Brunswick. The session was delayed because not enough members arrived to form a quorum. The delegates did not officially begin business until the following day. This body was deeply divided over whether to pursue an outright break from England. Despite the hesitation, they eventually passed legislation that forms the basis of New Jersey’s modern judicial system.
1778
The Treaty of Amity and Commerce between the United States and France was formally signed in Paris. This was the first time a foreign nation officially recognized the United States as an independent and sovereign nation. The signing, primarily brokered by Benjamin Franklin, was a diplomatic coup for the Americans. It paved the way for the separate Treaty of Alliance, securing vital military aid and financial support that proved essential to winning the war.