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Virginia Declaration of Rights
This document noted the inalienable rights of men in the United States and gave them the power to get rid of any unjust government. It laid the foundation for critic documents including the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights. -
Ratification of the Articles of Confederation
The Continental Congress ratified the Articles of Confederation in 1777 creating the first US government. It is significant because although the government was weak and somewhat unsuccessful,it laid the foundation for the Constitution later on. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris was the compilation of several treaties between the US, France, Spain and Britain. It is significant because it made America's sovereignty internationally recognized. -
Land Ordinance of 1785
This Ordinance allowed western lands tobe sold and surveyed. It resolved conflict between the states over unclaimed lands in the west. It also was significant because it forced the Iroquois and Ohio Indians out of some of their lands. -
Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom
Thomas Jefferson began drafting this document in 1777 and established freedom of religion in the state of Virginia. Jefferson's ideas were adopted in the Bill of Rights in the first amendment and apply to this day. -
Shays' Rebellion
Daniel Shays led 4,000 rebels in this act against tax collection and infringement upon civil rights. They felt that an arbitrary government in Boston was taxing them without their consent, and decided to act out in a violent manner. Their acts forced George Washington out of retirement and contributed to his eventual role as President of the United States -
Constitutional Convention
The Convention took place in Philadelphia with the intention of revising the Articles of Confederation. Federalists like Madison and Hamilton pushed for the creation of a new government after the failure created by the Articles. Washington was chosen to preside over the Convention and his leadership allowed him to be the unanimous choice for the leader of the new country. This convention was one of the most crucial parts of history, as it created the document that governs our nation today. -
Northwest Ordinance of 1787
This ordinance established a government for the land in the Northwest. it set the prmises for governance and regulation of slavery. Its importanace can be seen in the United States tody because these western territories are now part ofth United States. -
Ratification of the Constitution
The ratification was a long process because it required 9 of the 13 states in order to be enacted. The Bill of Rights and The Great Compromise were conditions for the Federalists and Anti-Federalists to both approve of the documents. Today the Bill of Rights is a critical part of the United states lifestyle and governing and has set the standard for American freedom for hundreds of years. -
George Washington Inauguration
Washington's overwhelming popularity and success in the war made him the unanimous pick for the first President of the new nation. He was worn in along with the first VP John Adams. He served two four year terms, thereby setting the standard for presidential servitude. -
French Revolution
The French were involved in multiple European conflicts, namely with Britain, known as the French Revolution. Because they aided the US in the Revolutionary war, they expected US aid. This angered the French as the United States remained in a position of neutrality in order to maintain ties with Britain. Our abstinence from the war was crucial to keeping ties with Britain and remaining stable after many years of our own conflict. -
Whiskey Rebellion
The whiskey rebellion was the result of Hamilton's tax on Whiskey and other spirits during the Washington Presidency. Such an extreme reaction was produced because it was the first tax on commodities enacted by the new government in an attempt to pay off the amassed debt. Protestors did all that they could to prevent the tax from being collected. This insurrection was ultimately shut down by President Washington and was significant because it showed the people the authority of the government. -
Treaty of Greenville
This document was signed in order to end war in the Ohio Country with the Indians. It created the Greenville Treaty Line that divided land open to US citizens and Native American territory. This agreement postponed Native American conflicts and ended the Northwest Indian War. -
Pinckney Treaty
This treaty established friendly relations between the United States and Spain and set borders for US territory and Spanish colonies. This treaty was crucial because it allowed the US reassurance that they would not go to war with Spain in their weakened state after just having defeated the British. -
Jay Treaty
This treaty was created in order to avoid war between the US and Great Britain but heavily favored the British. It forced British inhabitants to gradually leave the United States and gave Britain favor on US goods, but did not give the US first favor on British goods. This treaty avoided a potentially devastating war and kept the new nation intact. -
Washington Farewell
Washington gave his Farewell Adress to announce his retirement from POTUS, after serving two terms. He wished to get away from all of the negative opinions that were beginning to form towards him. He wanted to retire to private life with his wife Martha. In the Address he gave many recommendations and views about the future nation. This was significant because it set goals for presidents that followed him and also is the reason presidents serve two year terms today. -
Election of 1796
After Washington's retirement, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams (former VP) were the next most popular choices, on opposing sides. Adams ended up winning the election even though neither candidate campaigned for the position. This was the first election where party began to matter and set the stage of later elections between opposing parties. -
Alien and Sedition Acts
hese four bills were passed during the Adams presidency. The Alien acts tightened immigration laws and gave the government the authority to deport any potentially dangerous foreigners. The sedition acts made it illegal to make false negative claims about the government publicly. Together these acts made the US a more legitimate power and provided a safe environment that is still applicable today. -
XYZ Affair
Named to secure the identities of the three French diplomats, this incident between the French and American diplomats was caused by US neutrality despite previous alliances. It resulted in the "Quasi- War" and caused strained relations between France and America for centuries. -
Quasi War
The French were angry that the US refused to get involved in European affairs and would not pay off their war debts to France. They attacked US commercial ships and began an undeclared "Quasi War". This conflicts ultimately beneficial to the US as it prevented further debts and fatalities caused by war and made the US a more legitimate power abroad. It was ended at the Convention of 1800. -
Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions
The VA and KY state legislatures ruled that the Alien and Sedition Acts were unconstitutional. Ultimately, they established state's rights and the ability to challenge the federal government, a crucial part of federalism. -
Election of 1800
Thomas Jefferson won this election, beginning the era of Democratic-Republicanism. This presidency led to the destruction of the Federalist party and a new ear of political parties.
