-
The Great Awakening of 1730
As the British came to America,they brought with them their religion of the Church of England.Many, in search to practice their own religion,turned to the New World for more opportunities. "The Great Awakening caused a split between those who followed the evangelical message, and those who rejected it.(p. 110)1" This revival allowed those with different beliefs to practice their religion and not be censored by the British. Through this religious movement they showed separation from England. -
The Stono Rebellion
The Stono Rebellion was an uprise of the slaves that started in North Carolina. The slaves had heard of the new Security Act that wanted to be established, which would require white men to carry weapons at all times. The slaves revolted and on the 9th of September, burnt 7 plantations and killed 20 whites. The slaves had gotten word that the Spanish were going to reward them with freedom and decided to revolt. The result ended in the rebels being decapitated and having their heads displayed. -
The French and Indian War 1754-1763
During this war, the French and the British were fighting for the lands in the Ohio River Basin. The British wanted to expand their land in order to produce more tobacco. The French just wanted claims to the land of the Ohio Company. The French, with the assistance of Indian tribes attacked the British, which in turn opened their eyes to build a bigger force and fight back, ultimately defeating the French and taking their land. -
The Proclamation of 1763
After the Seven Years War,Britain was looking at a high debt. In the U.S, the Pontiac and the Indians were attempting to take over forts between Virginia and Pennsylvania. Britain, trying to avoid another costly war, decided to issue the Proclamation of 1763,"which forbade white settlement west of the Proclamation Line(p.128)"2 This line ran along the Appalachian Mountains. By doing this, it allowed the British to focus on getting out of debt and avoid the additional cost a war would bring them. -
The Stamp Act
After the French and Indian war, Britain had to come up with something in order to bring revenues to pay for the war. They came up with the Stamp act that would place a tax on anything printed on paper. This tax was being placed on North America in order to take care of the British Soldiers in North America, North Americans saw this unfair and decided to protest against this policy. This resulted in North Americans starting to revolt against Britain and start making decisions on their own. -
The Declaration of Independence
Wanting to win their freedom from the British, the Continental Congress decided to draft a document stating the rights and intentions of the colonies away from British rule. Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams along with two others got together to write the Declaration of independence. In this they state that they,"solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States."3 This was the beginning of the United States. -
The Treaty of Paris in 1783
After the Revolutionary War, Great Britain and the United States began negotiations. A United States representative met up with a representative for Prince George the Third to sign this document. Within the document it states: "(Great Britain and the U.S) to forget all past misunderstandings and differences that have unhappily interrupted the good correspondence and friendship which they mutually wish to restore."4 This treaty ultimately helped recognize that the U.S was independent. -
The Constitution of the United States
During the Philadelphia convention in 1787,the plan was to go over the Articles of Confederation and make changes to them since things had changed since they were made. Instead of making changes,they opted to write the United States Constitution which states: " We the People of the United State in order to form a more perfect union...do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." 6 This Constitution helped establish laws and guarantee rights to citizens. -
The Passing of the Bill of Rights
After having established the Constitution of the United States, Anti-Federalists demanded that the rights of the individual be placed in the Constitution. James Madison, decided to read over the Constitution and write out the Bill of Rights, which was catered to individual rights. Within the Bill of Rights, it gave the government limits as to what powers they have over individuals. It is now known as the first 10 Amendments of the Constitution. -
The War of 1812
The US continued to attempt to make peace with the British, but to no avail. "But Great Britain...still persisted in violating the just rights of the American's..."7 The Americans decided to declare war in order to gain full independence to the British that continued to try and regain land. This war ultimately was a minor war, yet ended in 1814 with the American Flag being displayed and the "The Star Spangled Banner" to be written by Francis Scott Key.
