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Jan 1, 1215
Magna Carta
King John of England forced to sign because it significantly reduced power of the King. Also allowed creation of Parliament and became basis for English citizens' rights -
Jamestown settled
First settlement of America, 13 years BEFORE pilgrims came. 104 Englishmen and boys settled on Virginia's James River and were sponsored by London in hopes to find valuable resources and make money -
Mayflower Compact
Attempted to temporarily establish government when Pilgrims first settled. Bound people to remain within colony and supply their labor. Was said to be an early Consititution. -
Petition of Right
Statement of civil liberties sent by Parliament to Charles I, calling him out for infringing upon their rights. Four principles: no taxes levied w/out consent of Parliament, right of habeas corpus, no soldiers may be quarted upon citizenry, martial law may not be used in times of peace -
English Bill of Rights
Enacted by English Parliament to guarantee specific freedoms and unalienable rights. Produced a revolution that caused monarchy's power to give way -
Albany Plan of Union
Written by Benjamin Franklin in response to strains of French and Indian War. Under plan, each colonial legislature would elect delegates to an American continental assembly presided over by a royal governor -
Stamp Act
Tax imposed on colonists by Parliament that required them to pay tax for every piece of printed paper they used. Offended colonists because money supported British. -
Boston Massacre
British passed act suspending New York for not housing Bristish troops. Massachusetts Gov. requested British troops to prevent rebellion of colonists. Angry mob clashed with British, 5 colonists killed. -
American Revolution begins
First shot at Battle of Lexington and Concord, a minutemen (American colonist) victory. Battle initiated a redoubling of revolution efforts and triggered a chain of events against British. -
Boston Tea Party
American colonists were angered at trade monopoly on imported tea caused by Tea Act. Dressed as Indians, they boarded ships and dumped all tea in Boston Harbor; symbolized rebellion against English rule -
Intolerable Acts
Passed by British Parliament, a.k.a. Coercive Acts. Shut down Boston Harbor until British East India Company was reimbursed for the tea destroyed at Boston Tea Party -
First Continental Congress
Met to protest Intolerable Acts passed by Parliament. Petitioned to repeal acts and restore friendly relations with England (they declined). Decided to ban all British goods in colonies. -
Second Continental Congress
Body of representatives that adopted Declaration of Independence and Articles of Confederation. Met to discuss options for going to war with England. Created Olive Branch Petition as a peace offering but King declined and declared colonies in state of rebellion -
Declaration of Independence
Founding document of American Independence from British rule written by Thomas Jefferson; America's "Birth Certificate." Blames King for taking away rights and committing many other offfenses, and outlines our rights of country separate from England. -
Articles of Confederation
Ratified 1781, articles created a confederacy, outlining state sovereignty/rights (states had ultimate power to govern). Also established a Congress who has specific authority over states but limited power over decisions -
Shay's Rebellion
Led by Daniel Shay against our newly established government, post-american revolution. Farmers were frustrated with post-war financial issues and heavy land taxes. State governments only enacted minor reforms that didn't help, which angered farmers into rebellion -
Connecticut Compromise
Settlement of dispute between Virginia and New Jersey plan. Said that lower house would have representatives of population of each state and upper house would always have 2 members from each state, regardless of population -
Philadelphia Convention
Initial goal was to revise Articles of Confederation, but focus was turned to how a new government should be formed. Eventually establish the U.S. Constitution -
Constitutional Convention
Final draft of Constitution was signed. Goal of "promoting lasting welfare of that country dear to us all, and secure her freedom and happiness" -George Washington, leader of Convention
