Events Leading up to U.S Constitution

Athens Crates Democracy

100

550 B.C. Athens establishes first deocracy.

Rome Establishes Republic.

100

509 B.C. Rome Establishes Republic.
Founding fathers took ideas from Rome, adopted a Republic.

Magna Carta

Jun 15, 1215

Magna Carta signed. It meant the King must abide by the laws and people cannot be drpirved of their life, liberty, or property. Except by law.

Columbus Lands in America

Oct 12, 1492

Christopher Columbus lands in America. Europeans now had a route to the new world.

Mayflower Lands at Plymouth

Nov 9, 1620

The Mayflower ship lands in plymouth.

Mayflower compact signed

Nov 10, 1620

First document sighned in the U.S. established self government for the pioneers.

John Locke Born

Aug 29, 1632

Idea of Social Contract came from this enlightenment thinker.

King Williams War Begins

May 12, 1689

War between New France and New England.

Enligh Bill of Rights

Dec 16, 1689

Gave the people more rights, took away some power from the King.

Peace of Ryswick

Sep 30, 1697

King Williams war ends. Resulting in status quo ante bellum. The borders went back to the way they were before the war.
However, peace only lasted five years.

Queen Anne's War Begins

May 4, 1702

Second in a series of French and Indian Wars. Spainish were also involved.

Peace of Utrecht

Apr 11, 1713

Queen Anne's War ends.

King Georges War Begins

Mar 5, 1744

3rd french indian war. Fought in New York, Massachusetts Bay, Nova Scotia, New Hampshire.
Great Britain and British American Iroquois Confederation.
v.
France and New France.

Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle

Oct 8, 1748

King George's War ends.

7 years war begins

Jul 3, 1754

Massive war fought in North America, Europe, and India.
involved France, Great Britain, Prussia, Spainish Empire, Sweeden, Portugal, Iroquois, Mughal Empire. Great Britain won control over American Conlonies. Became in debt from the war. Increased taxes on the colonies. Lead to increased conflict between Great Britain and the Colonies.

The Treaty of Paris

Feb 10, 1763

Ends 7 years war.

Sugar Act

Apr 5, 1764

increased taxes on imported Sugar and Molasses.

Currency Act

Sep 1, 1764

Parliament creates Currency Act due to shortage of bills in the Colonies.

Stamp Act

Mar 22, 1765

Put tax on Stamps. Infurtiated colonist.

Patrick Henry

May 29, 1765

Patrick Henry gives "If this be treason, make the most of it" speech.

Declatory Act

Mar 18, 1766

Repeal of Stamp Act. Boycotts hurt British trade,

Boston Massacre

Mar 5, 1770

During a protest, Red Coats killed 5 civilian men.

Boston Tea Party

Dec 16, 1773

Colonist detroy tea by throwing the barrels into the Boston Harbor.

Boston Port Act

Mar 31, 1774

An Act tmade to discontinue the import of products into Boston.
Cause greater unrest in the colonies.

Quartering Act

Jun 2, 1774

Made it the law that Colonist shall house Britsh troops without question.
*Intolerable Act.
Angered the colonists.

Patrick Henry "Give me liberty, or give me death" speech

Mar 23, 1775

Motivated the colonists to revolt against the Monarchy.

Paul Revere And William Dawes famous ride

Apr 18, 1775

Warned Samual Hancock and John Hancock that British troops were coming by sea. The Lexington battle resulted from the British attack.

The shot heard round the world

Apr 19, 1775

Minutemen and Redcoats clash at Lexington and concord.
Official start of Revolutionary War.

Declaration of Independence adopted

Jul 4, 1776

American Colonies not ruled by Great Britain.

Revolutionary War ends

Jul 14, 1784

America is now free from Great Britain.

Constitutional Convention opens

May 25, 1787

Convention held to discuss Constitution.

Constitution Ratified

Jun 21, 1787

Consitution becomes valid.

Constitution Signed

Sep 17, 1787

Constitution signed by 40 men.

Constitution goes into effect

Mar 4, 1789

Establishes rules for the government.