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Jan 1, 1215
Magna Carta
An English charter that required King John to proclaim certain rights to citizens and limited the abuse he had on his power. Some clauses included are still in force today. -
Period: Jan 1, 1215 to
Conventional Timeline
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Two Treatisises of Government
A political philosopy by John Locke. Attacked patriarchalism and explained how a more civilized society should be based on natural rights and contract theory. Influenced Thomas Jefferson in his writing. -
French and Indian War
a war between the Bristish America and New France. Began over dispute of Allegheny and Monoganeia Rivers. British won and France was forced to give up all claims to Canada and east of the Mississippi. -
George III Becomes Britsh King
Early in his reign, Britain beat France in Seven Years' war. King during the time of British Taxes and other events that lead up to the American Revolution. -
British Taxes on Colonists
Britain was taxing the colonists unfairly and illegally, including the Stamp Act and the Sugar Act. Lead to events such as the Boston Tea Party and was identified taxation without representation. -
Revolutionary War
The American Revolution, where the colonies, with help from Spain, France, and the Netherlands, fought against Britain and won their freedom. -
Common Sense
A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine at the beginning of teh American Revolution. Was used to convince colonists still unsure about the revolution that independence from Britain was needed. -
Declaration of Independence
A statement adopted by the Continental Congress that stated the 13 colonies considered themselves independent states and no longer under Britain's rule. -
Articles of Confederation
An agreement among the 13 colonies. Served as the first Constitution. Created a weak government and was later replaced by the Constitution. -
Shay's Rebellion
An armed uprising in Massachusetts. Named after one of the rebel leaders, Daniel Shay. Caused by the problems of weak government due to the Articles of Confederation. -
Federalist Papers
A series of 85 articles and essays trying to convince the colonists to ratify the Constitution. Was written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay. -
Constitution
Was ratified by all 13 colonies. Is now supreme law and established Seperation of Powers, Checks and Balances, and the 3 branches of government. -
Marbury v. Madison
Supreme court case when the court came up with the basis of the exercise of judicial review in the U.S. under Article III of the Constitution. -
Philadelphia Convention
Started as a meeting to revise the Articles of Confederation, but the delegates that joined there ende up just creating something new, which was the Constitution. -
First Continental Congress
Convention of delegates from twelve colonies in repsonse to the Intolerable Acts. The delegates talked about boycotting British Trade and rights and grievances. -
Bill of Rights adopted
First ten amendments of the Constitution. Used to set limits on government actions and defined citizens' rights.
