-
Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
Magna Carta The Magna Carta was the first legal document limiting an English king on his powers, while also giving protection to his subjects.It was signed on June 15, 1215 in England by Pope Innocent III and the barons of Medieval England. The document stated that the Feudal Law was to be abided by King John, and his treatment of the barons was to be less harsh. It also gave rights for the English Church to be free -
Mayflower Compact
The Mayflower Compact was written by English Separatists in 1620 to form a coherent government in America. The document was made to prevent fighting among the Pilgrims (Separatists) and those who had not separated form the Church of England (Puratins), as well as to build a civil society. -
Petiton of Right
The Petition of Right was a document, signed by Charles I, that gave specific rights to the subject of the King. Included were: 1. no freeman should be forced to pay any tax, loan, or benevolence, unless in accordance with an act of parliament; 2. no freeman should be imprisoned contrary to the laws of the land; 3. soldiers and sailors should not be billeted on private person; and 4.commissions to punish soldiers and sailors by martial law should be abolished. -
English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights was enacted in England by King William III. The document limited the powers of the monarchy and gave specific rights to Parliament (freedom of speech, regular elections, etc.). The Bill of Rights also gave people the right to petition the King and the right for Protestants to bare arms. -
Albany Plan of Union
The Albany Plan of Union was created by Benjamin Franklin in July of 1754 to unite the 13 Colonies under one central government; however, the plan was never carried out. The cartoon that is often associated with the meeting is "Join or Die." -
French and Indian War
French and Indian War The French and Indian War spanned between 1754 and 1763, as it began over a fight to control Allegheny and Monongahela rivers and Fort Duquesne. The French, allied with American Indians, fought against the English to gain territory through battles such as the Battle of Quebec, the British defeat at Ft. Duquesne, and the French surrender at Montreal. -
French & Indian War Pt. II
Ultimately, Great Britian won the war against France; however, the American colonies became resentful of Great Britain, which ultimately led to the American Revolutionary War. -
King George III takes power
King George III took power of Great Britain on October 25, 1760. At the time, he served as the longest British ruler in history. After the French and Indian War, the relationship between the British and the colonies changed for the worst; the British government raised taxes heavily on the colonists, which led to the colonists' resentment and ultimate rebellion against Great Britain. -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act of 1765 was a tax against American colonies by Great Britain. The Act imposed a tax against many printed materials, including, but not limited to: attorney licenses, land grants under 100 acres, cards, newspapers, pamphlets, and legal documents. The colonists reacted with great resistance because they thought it was wrong of them to be taxed without consent. This lead to riots and protests in the streets. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre occured on March 5, 1770 in Boston, Massachusetts when the British Army violently attacked the civillains when they became provoked. Only 5 men were killed, but six others were injured. At the time, the colonists were being forced into paying high taxes based on the Townshed Acts. This ultimately led to their rebellion and the Boston Massacre response of the British. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party occurred on December 16, 1773 in Boston Massachusetts. At this time, Massachusetts Patriots, in rebellion against British importation taxes, dressed Native Americans paint and attire, threw 342 chests of tea overboard 3 British vessels. The British responded by eliciting the Coercive Acts against the colonists. -
Intolerable Acts
The Intolerable Acts were a series of laws set in place by Great Britain in response to the Boston Tea Party. In this set was The Boston Port Act, The Massachusetts Government Act, The Administration of Justice Act, The Quartering Act. These four acts included the closing of the Boston Port until the destoryed tea had been paid for, putting the British government back under control in Massachusetts, and using more effective means of the British Army in the colonies, among other things. -
First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress was a meeting held at Carpenters Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 5, 1774 in response to the Intolerable Acts set in place by Great Britain. In attendence were Patrick Henry and Joseph Galloway, among others. Through this meeting, the colonists decided to organize a boycott against British goods. -
Lexington and Concord
The Battles of Lexington and Concord occurred on April 19, 1775 in Massachusetts, serving as the first military battles in the American Revolutionary War. The battle ultimately was won by the Province of Massachusetts Bay, led by Captain John Parker and General Gage, against Great Britain, led by Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith. Paul Revere was the one who alerted the colonists that the British were approaching. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress took place at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphial, Pennsylvania beginning on May 10, 1775, and running through March of 1781. Among those attending, well known colonists John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and Thomas Jefferson served as leaders. Throughout their meetings, they decided that Continental Army was to be created, money would be printed, and they appointed a comittee of foreign relations. -
Second Continental Congress Pt. II
The Olive Branch Petition was also enacted, which was a direct appeal to the King. -
Declaration of Independence
Bet You Didn't Know: Independence DayThe Declaration of Independence is a formal document adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The statement announced that the 13 colonies of America were no longer part of Great Britain, and were from that point forward Independent. -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation was the first constiution set forth by the 13 founding states of the United States of America. In it, it stated that the first President of the United States was to be John Hanson. -
Start of the Constitutional Convention
The Constituional Convention began meeting in May of 1787 with the intention of revising the Articles of Confederation; however, many of its attendees wished to create an entirely new government. George Washington was electecd to lead the Confederation, and at its conclusion, the United States Constitution was created.
