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Jun 15, 1215
King John signing the Magna Carta in 1215
The Magna Carta provided the basis for the principle of limited government, in which it provided protection against unjust punishment and the loss of life, liberty, and property. This document was used to gain more political liberties and support for the idea of constitutional government. -
The Establishment of Jamestown in 1607
People from many regions such as England, Spain, France, Germany, Sweden, and West Affrica came to North America and settled here. The English colonist brought ideas about government (limited & representative government) that had been developing in England. -
The Glorius Revolution of 1688
Parliament removed James II from the throne and crowned William III and Mary II. Parliament made the King and Queen follow the English Bill of Rights, which set limits on what a ruler could and couldnt do. -
"Two Treatises of Governemnet" in 1690
John Locke's book, Two Treatises of Government, was published in 1690 to show that he believed people should contract among themselves to form governments. In Locke's writings, he reasoned that in a state of nature, all people were born to be free, equal, and independent, which influenced the views of people in both Europe and America. -
The French and Indian War (1754-1763)
The war started as a struggle between the French and the British over lands in western Pennyslvania and Ohio, then other European countries became involved as well. The French and Indian War solified Britains hold on North America, which would eventaully cause a series of chain reactions. -
Great Britain wins The French and Indian War 1763
Great Britain gained complete control of the eastern third of the continent. The war left the British with a large debt that they expected the colonies to pay. -
Stamp Act of 1765
To help pay for the war, the king and his ministers levied taxes on tea, sugar, glass, paper, and other products. The colonist grew resentful of Britain, which caused retaliation through political protest and the refusal to buy british goods. -
Boston Tea Party 1773
A group of colonist, dressed as Mohawk Indians, dumped 342 chests of British tea into Boston Harbor. This even angered Parliament and caused the British to pass harsh policies, including the Intolerable Acts. -
The First Continental Congress 1774
The Intolerable Acts prompted Virginia and Massachusetts to call a general meeting in Philadephia to discuss their relationship with Great Britain.This meeting led to the decision to impose an embargo on Great Britain which caused the British to adopt stronger measures. -
The "shot heard 'round the world"
British Redcoats clashed with colonial minutemen at Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts. This was the first battle of the Revolutionary war and also caused America to declare its independence -
THE DECLARATION OF INDPENDENCE