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Virginia Slave Codes
Virginia General Assembly instituted the Virginia Slave Codes to define the relationship between slaves and free people. The code defined the slaves as property to be treated as real estate. This changed how the colonies viewed and used slaves. This code became the model for other Colonies. This was put into place because of the increasing population of Slaves in the Colonies. Colonists were becoming more fearful of a potential rebellion by the slaves. -
The Great Awakening
A religious movement that set into motion American Christianity and Evangelical style sermons. A new era of individual relationship with God. The formation of different religions that went against the views of the Church of England and Puritanism. Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield are two of the prominent figures in the Great Awakening. Edwards for his “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon. Whitefield for delivering sermons with passion. At times he would cry and shake with emotion. -
Treaty of Paris 1763
The Treaty of Paris ends the French and Indian War. British gain victory over the French. The French no longer have lands in North America, with the exception of New Orleans. Great Britain gained Canada, Florida and the territory east of the Mississippi. Spain gained the territory west of the Mississippi. This effectively removed the threat of the French for the Colonists and lead to greater expansion westward over the Appalachians into the Frontier -
The Royal Proclamation of 1763
British proclamation forbidding expansion of the colonists to settle beyond the Appalachians. British did not want further conflict with the French settlers and Indian allies in the area. The British did not have the resources for any potential conflict. The colonists were angered by this and saw it as another way for the Crown to have control over them. The colonists fought with the Crown to gain those lands and felt they deserved the right to settle on those lands. -
The Intolerable Acts/Coercive Acts of 1774
British Parliament response to the colonies rebellion and protests against The Sugar Act, The Stamp Act, and the Boston Tea Party. Parliament created 5 acts to close the port of Boston, forbidding town meetings without approval, British officials would be charged in Britain and not in the colonies, colonies required to house British Troops and gave Ohio Valley fur trade to Quebec. Quebec, an appointed council, would make the decisions for the colonies. -
Treaty of Paris 1783
Officially ended Revolutionary War. Treaty brought peace between Great Britain and America. It contained 10 articles recognizing America as independent, reflecting the boundaries granted to America, permission to fish the Grand Banks, all private debts were to be paid, seized property to be returned, no more confiscations of land, free any war prisoners, and Mississippi River open to both Great Britain and America. The treaty had to be finalized within 6 months. A great victory for America. -
U.S. Constitution
Document created to establish and describe the relationship between the government and the people. It defines how the government will be run and what branch of the government is responsible for what. It provides verbiage in a way that no one branch of the government can obtain complete control. Clearly defines how amendments can be added and the process by which to achieve it. The U.S. Constitution becomes the supreme law of the land.
