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Virginia Declaration of Rights
link This was a document primarily written by George Mason, which outlined the Virginian plan for state government and rights, and became important because it would later function as the basis for the Declaration of Independence, as well as the Bill of Rights. -
Ratification of the Articles of the Confederation
Though Congress approved the Articles in 1777, the document was not approved until 1781 because it needed approval of all of the states before ratification. Connecticut was the first state to ratify and Maryland was the last. This event is significant because it laid the foundation for the government of the new nation, as well as laying the framework for what would later become the Constitution. Link text -
Treaty of Paris (1783)
link This document was negotiated between the British and the French and formally declared the end Revolutionary War. John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay participated in the negotiations on the American side. There were cessions on both sides, and the document was significant in that it officially confirmed the independence of this new nation and insured no further disagreement with the British. -
Land Ordinance of 1785
link This document was written by Thomas Jefferson and outlined the sale of the U.S. territory west of the Appalachians, and the territory was divided up evenly for sale, which would make government easier on all levels as well as preparing them for when they would become states. This document is important because it laid the foundation for westward expansion. -
Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom
link This document, written by Thomas Jefferson, essentially stated that man has the right to practice any religion (under the umbrella of Christianity) that they wish, and they cannot be persecuted for this practice nor compelled to follow another religion. This document is of great importance because it contained the idea that would later influence the First Amendment. -
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Shays' Rebellion
link Shays' Rebellion was a series of protests in response to taxation that primarily affected poor farmers. The uprising spread throughout the colonies and gave lawmakers a cause to look into political reform. This was important in that it influenced some of what would be considered important in the Constitution that was looked over in the Articles of the Confederation. -
Constitutional Convention
link At the Convention, those present worked on outlining a new form of government, where Madison proposed the Virginia Plan, Patterson proposed the New Jersey plan, and Hamilton proposed another. The Connecticut Compromise of Madison and Patterson's plans was decided on, and laid the framework of the new government. This event is important because it decided the government system we have to this day -
Ratification of the Constitution
link For the constitution to be ratified, 9 of the states had to ratify it in state conventions so that the public would be aware of the provisions made within the document, as well as serving as forums for debate over the document. This was important because it allowed for a sense of involvement from the people as well as respecting states' rights the way the Articles of the Confederation. -
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French Revolution
link The French Revolution was important to the United States in that the U.S. received a great deal of French aid during the Revolutionary War in terms of supplies and troops, but decided to take a neutral stance during the French revolution, one of the main reasons being that the U.S. did not have the funds to enter another war. This was important in that in worsened American and French relations. -
George Washington's Inauguration
link This took place in April because enough delegates had to be present to tally ballots and were unable to make it in the harsh weather of the early months of the year, then Washington took his oath on April 30th. This event is significant because it hallmarked the way in which inaugurations, even down to the original idea to have them later on in the year, are done to this day. -
Northwest Ordinance of 1787
link This document decided on a government for the northwest territories, how many states the territory was to be divided into, and outlined political steps to be taken when the population reached a certain amount, as well as giving the territories a bill of rights.This is important because it set the standard for westward expansion. -
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Whiskey Rebellion
link The Whiskey Rebellion was a series of uprisings in response to a tax on distilled spirits. Those on the western Pennsylvania frontier protested vehemently, and refused to pay the tax. Washington eventually had to lead the militia to quash the rebellion himself. The rebellion was important because it reflected the attitude of the citizens towards government. -
Jay Treaty
link This treaty was written by John Jay, and written in the hopes to settle any other disputes between England and the newly formed United States. The treaty, though wildly unpopular with the citizens -
Treaty of Greenville
link This treaty ended conflicts between the U.S. and an Indian confederation led by Little Turtle, and with this treaty they ceded several western territories. They also redefined borders, which gave the U.S. even more land. This event's importance lies in the fact that the treaty allowed for the acquisition of more western land that would eventually become states. -
Pinckney Treaty
link This treaty, written by Thomas Pinckney settled disputes between Spain and the United States, as well as resolving issues over territories and allowing American ships permission to be in the Mississippi and free transport through the New Orleans port. This treaty signified the establishment of relationships with foreign nations besides the primary ones with France and England, as well as the possibility to gain land. -
Washington's Farewell Address
link This document was written by George Washington with the assistance of Alexander Hamilton and Washington urged citizens not to take part in partisan conflicts, or to become involved in long term agreements with foreign nations. This document dictated the two term system we have in effect for this day, which provided a contrast to the lifetime terms of aristocracy and prime ministers in England. -
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Election of 1796
link This was the race between John Adams, who was Washington's vice president, Thomas Pinckney, who Hamilton supported, and Thomas Jefferson, who became vice president. This election highlighted the idea a president only served a maximum of two terms in office, emphasizing the difference between a monarchy and a republic. -
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XYZ Affair and Quasi War
link These events had a direct correlation, in which the XYZ affair caused the Quasi War. The XYZ Affair was an instance in which three French diplomats, known as X, Y, and Z were supposed to be conducting negotiations with the Americans but instead demanded loans and bribes. This caused undeclared war in which the U.S. fought with Toussaint L'Ouverture against the French, and eventually peace negotiations were reached. -
Alien and Sedition Acts
link These acts were passed by a Federalist Congress and signed by John Adams. They were a series of acts that: did not allow immigrants into the country, made it harder for immigrants to vote or receive citizenship, banned protesting the government, and the ability to jail lawmakers. These acts were passed in response to the French threat, but deeply dissatisfied American citizens. This was important due to the extremist changes it had on government. -
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Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions
link These were a series of resolutions in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts that stated that Congress was acting outside of its powers, as well as that the states could nullify unconstitutional laws. These resolutions were written by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, and highlighted the dissent with the government. -
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The Election of 1800
link This was the election between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson and highlighted the differences between the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans. The election ended up being between Aaron Burr and Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton's support of Jefferson decided the outcome.
