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Virginia Declaration of Rights
This document included "the rights of men" and made it clear that since the sovereignty of the government rests with the people, the people could abolish a government if they viewed it necessary. This resulted in a republican foundation, which as of yet hasn't been changed. -
Ratification of Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation were finally ratified despite the delay caused by land disagreements involving Virginia and Maryland. This resulted in a sense of political unity vital for the young nation. -
Treaty of Paris (1783)
This treaty ended the revolutionary war and the colonies were granted independence -with conditions on both sides. This is an important moment in history, as it allowed both countries to split and move forward, and it gave the US international legitimacy. -
Land Ordinance of 1785
This was a fundraiser to raise money by dividing land to sell to settlers; it was part of articles of confederation. This ultimately allowed the consolidation of more funds. -
Shays’ Rebellion
Farmers in MA had an uprising, Which the union overreacted to. It was used as a moment to show the unions power and the financial discomfort of the poor farmers. -
Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom
This put an emphasis on the separation of church and state, which can be seen today though our modern, yet secular government. Freedom to practice your beleifs was first officially included here. -
Northwest Ordinance of 1787
these 3 laws aided the addition of new states to the union- specifically the northern ones. This impacted the span of the US's territory in the long run. -
Constitutional convention
The delegates at the Constitutional convention made and approved the constitution of the USA. They also redesigned the country's government resulting in a stronger federal government. This led to the creation of the bicameral/ 3 branched government we have today. -
Ratification of Constitution
This was a long process, as the first 9 states ended up taking 10 months to agree to it. The fact that it took so long is important, as it shows not everyone was always in agreement. -
George Washington Inauguration
George Washington, the first president was sworn in. This took place in New York. This was significant because George Washington is one of the most well known presidents we have ever had. -
French Revolution
This uprising in France led them to ask for US assistance, ultimately leading to the US Neutrality Proclamation, which was made by George Washington. -
Whiskey Rebellion
This rebellion was caused by the exise tax, and Washington used it as a PR stunt to reinforce the military might of the new government. -
Jay Treaty
This treaty (aka the treaty of Amity) was designed to get the British to remove their troops form the northern areas. It was designed by Hamilton and negotiated by John Jay. Without this treaty, its possible that the countries would have tarted another war. -
Treaty of Greenville
This treaty limited the parceling of land (specifically in the north and west. It was made between the Indians and USA, and ended the NW Indian War, and was signed in Ft. Greenville (ohio). This marked one of the last major deals with the native americans in that area. -
Pinckney Treaty
This treaty determined the friendly nature of the US and Spain's relationship. It ensured that no major (war level) conflicts ravaged either country. -
Election of 1796
John Adams (MA) beat Thomas Jefferson (VA), and the president and VP were on opposing tickets. This was the first competitive presidential election. -
Washington Farewell
Washington's Farewell Address set the precedent for the amount of terms a president should serve, condemned parties, and promoted isolation and neutrality in political events in Europe. These values played a large role in political policy many years down the road (other than the one about not having parties) -
XYZ affair
US ambassadors were sent to France. The french tried to bribe them, but the US ambassadors claimed they'd rather go to war than take a bribe. This ultimately set the standard for the integrity of American diplomacy for the future. -
Quasi War
*see xyz affair -
Alien and Sedition Acts
This made citizenship stricter. People could be deported with more ease than before. Also, People weren't allowed to say or publish negative things about the government, which violates freedom of speech. This was later ruled unconstitutional, and showed the importance of checks and balances. -
Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions
Legislation ruled the Alien and Sedition Acts as unconstitutional in Virginia and Kentucky. This highlighted the importance and power of checks and balances. -
Election of 1800
Thomas Jefferson beat John Adam. This event is also known as the Revolution of 1800. This was important, as Thomas Jefferson's ideas played an important role in the politics of that era.
