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Congress approves the Declaration of Independance
The United States Declaration of Independence is a document signed by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, which said the colonies were independent states and no longer part of Great Britain. -
First State Abolishes Slavery
Pennsylvania became the first state to abolish slavery (for babies). It was followed by Connecticut and Rhode Island in 1784, New York in 1785, and New Jersey in 1786. -
Shays' Rebellion
The people who rebelled were poor farmers who believed they were fighting in the spirit of the Revolution. They were angry because of their rising debt and taxes. -
Constitution is Ratified
When the U.S. Constitution was ratified, many of the delegates were concerned that individual state loss all power to the federal government. Twelve amendments were written for the people, later called the Bill of Rights, were added on December 15, 1791. -
Tennessee becomes the 16th State
Tennessee was the first state created from territory U.S. government. Other the original thirteen colonies only Vermont and Kentucky were established before Tennessee.
