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The French and Indian War
The French and Indian War, a colonial extension of the Seven Years War that ravaged Europe from 1756 to 1763, was the bloodiest American war in the 18th century. It took more lives than the American Revolution, involved people on three continents, including the Caribbean. The war was the product of an imperial struggle, a clash between the French and English over colonial territory and wealth. Within these global forces, the war can also be seen as a product of the localized rivalry between Brit -
the Proclamation of 1763
Britain's need for revenue continued even after France was ejected from North America, primarily because of continuing struggles with the Native Americans. The conflict between the French and British had kept each side trying to gain the Indians' loyalty through gifts and concessions. However, once France left North America the British stopped giving these gifts to the tribes, and squatters from the colonies began to settle on Indian lands. The Native Americans, in turn, feared the British would -
The Stamp Act
Despite the revenue raised by the Sugar Act, Britain's financial situation continued to spiral out of control. In 1765, the average taxpayer in England paid26 shillings per year in taxes, while the average colonist paid only one- half to one and a half shillings. Prime Minister Grenville thought that the American colonists should bear a heavier tax load. To this end, Parliament passed the Stamp Act in March 1765. The act required Americans to buy special watermarked paper for newspapers and all -
Boston Massacre
As a consequence of continued violence in Massachusetts, 1700 British troops landed in Boston during the six weeks following October 1, 1768. Relations between the soldiers and civilians were not friendly, but 1769 passed without excessive conflict. However, passions were stirred when on February 22, 1770 a customs informer fired birdshot at a group of children pelting his house with stones, killing an eleven year-old German boy. Although the troops were not involved in the death, they were the -
Boston Tea Party
In response to the unpopular act, tea agents in many American cities resigned or canceled orders, and merchants refused consignments. In Boston, however, Governor Thomas Hutchinson resolved to uphold the law and ordered that three ships arriving in Boston Harbor be allowed to despite their cargoes and that appropriate payment be made for the goods. This policy prompted about sixty men, including some members of the Sons of Liberty (PATRIOTS), to board the ships on the night of December 16, 1773 -
The Intolerable Acts
King George III differed from the other Hanover monarchs in that he wanted to be a strong ruler over all British territory. During the French and Indian War, George III gained control over the region between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River. He also gained the perfect opportunity to finally control colonial activity. George III did not want his colonies to become rich off their trade with other countries. He believed that the profits of the colonies belonged to the Mother Coun -
First Continental Congress.
In September 1774 50 leaders from 12 colonies met in Philadelphia. They decided to send a message to king George to consider their complaint's and recognize their rights. They called for a new boycott of British goods Itolerable Acts. They also said they would follow up in May if the boycott didn't work. -
Revolutionary War
Americans were motivated by ther hatred for Britain France secretely helped the Americans. Few colonists were still loyalist to Britain. -
Second Continental Congress
George Washington was elected to unite and lead the continental army -
Declaration of Independence
Congress sent The Olive Branch petition to King George III asking him to stop the quarrel. Instead the king ordered the traitors to be brought to justice. In 1776 Thomas Paine puplished the "Common Sense" pamphlet he urged people to oppose tryanny and the tyrant. Thomos Jefferson was chosen to explain why the colonies chose to separate from Britain. They called this The Declaration Of Independence. John Locke believed in the right of liberty and equality. -
Articles of confederation
The articles created a firm league of friendship between the states so that each state could retain it's sovereignty, freedom and independence. 13 states cooperated for common purposes. It was run by congress and each state had one vote. -
Treaty of Paris
The United States and Britain signed a peace treaty in Paris. Britain agreed to recognize the U.S. as an independant nation. Britain gave up all lands and the U.S. agreed to return all property to the LOYALISTS. -
Northwest Ordinance
This law divided the Northwest territory into smaller territories, each with its own governor. As soon as a territory had 5,000 free adult males it could elect its own legislature. When the population reached 60,000 then the could apply to become a state. -
Shay's Rebellion
Daniel Shay led Massachusetts farmers to rebel against a judges order to sell their land and live stock to pay off their debts. no one could agree on what Currency was worth. -
Constitutional Convention
55 Delegates from twelve states attended the convention. Rodger Sherman proposed a two house congress. A House Of Representatives would represent the people and the Senate would represent the states. This was called the GREAT COMPROMISE. THREE-FIFTHS COMPROMISE, when determining a states population states counted slaves as three-fifths of a person. The ELECTORAL COLLEGE would elect the governments leaders -
Constitution
JAMES MADISON said that delegates, elected by the people, should ratify the constitution. Supporters of the Constitution called themselves federalist. JAMES MADISON, ALEXANDER HAMILTON, and John Jay published the FEDERALIST PAPERS. This explained the government to the people. ANTI-FEDERALIST opposed the new constitution. The PREAMBLE tells the goals of the government. -
Bill Of Rights
The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the constitution. They guarantee specific rights to citizens.
In 1215 king John signed the MAGNA CARTA. This agreement astablished the idea that the power of the ruler was limited.
RATIFICATION simply means to formally approve a plan or agreement.
