Important Documents Timeline By loreceharris Period: Jul 1, 1775 to Jul 1, 1790 1775-1790 Jul 8, 1775 The Olive Branch Petition is approved by Congress. Jan 9, 1776 Common Sense is published. Jul 4, 1776 The Declaration of Indpendence is adopted by the thirteen colonies. Dec 23, 1776 The first book of The American Crisis is published. Mar 1, 1781 The Articles of Confederation are put into action. Sep 3, 1783 The Treaty of Paris is signed. Jul 13, 1787 The Northwest Ordinance is written. Jun 21, 1788 The U.S. Constitution is ratified and adopted. Sep 25, 1789 Congress proposes the Bill of Rights.