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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was a series of written promises between King John and his subjects. It was signed in England by King John and the people. It gave the people more freedom and preserved their basic right by stopping King John from abusing his power. -
Mayflower Compact
Information
The Mayflower Compact was the first framework of government in the US. Its purpose was to prevent the difference of opinion of the Puritans and the non-separist Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth. -
Petition of Rights
The Petition of Rights was written to try and give back rights to the citizens. It was signed by King Charles I. The Petition of RIghts state that Englishmen have the right to protection from unjust seizure of property or imprisonment, righ to a trail by jury, and protection from unjust punishment or fines. -
English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights was an act of Parliament which was a precursor to the Consitution along with the Magna Carta and more. King and Queen William and Mary of Orange signed this docutment with Parliament. It gave the people many rights such as freedom of speech in Parliament, requirements to regular elections to Parliament, the right to petition the Monarch without fear of retribution and it reestablished the liberty of the Protestants to have arms for their defense within the rule of law. -
Albany Plan of Union
The Albany Plan of Union was the plan to put the British North American colonies under a more centralized government. Benjamin Franklin suggested this plan, but it never happened. Benjamin Franklin's cartoon/poster of "Join or Die" and the cut of peices of the snake (the colonies), which was fisrt scene in the Pennsylvania Gazette, is associated with the Albany Congress meeting. -
French and Indian War
The French and Indian War was the battle of land in North America. It involved the French and the Native Americans who fought against Britain and the colonies. Some of the major battles were the Battle at Fort Louisburg, Battle at Fort Necessity, Battle of the Wilderness, Battle at Oswego, Massacre at Fort William Henry, and the Capture of Quebec. In the end, Britain and the colonies won, but after this war, the colonies got cocky with their win and planned to fight Britain for independence. -
King George III takes power
King George succeeded his grandfather, George II, to become the King of England. After the French and Indian War, Britain was in debt, so he passed taxation without representation in the colonies. -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was a way of collecting money to pay for defending and protecting the American Fronteir. Britian taxed all paper including; ship papers, legal documents, newspapers, and playing cards. Patrick Henry from Virginia created the Stamp Act Resolves. It stated that they would not pay taxes unless approved by the Virginia House of Burgesses. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was the killing of British colonists by 9 British soldiers during a riot by the colonists. 5 British colonists were killed in this. The Townshend Acts and the Stamp Act, which placed duties on paper, lead, paint, the royal stamps on objects, and tea imported into the colonies, led up to this. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was the event when Massachussetts patriots dressed up as Mohawk Indians, siezed 342 chests of tea from 3 tea ships at midnight, and threw them into the Boston Harbor becasue they were angry that they had to pay taxes for it. The Sons of Liberty organized this. The British responded by passing the Intolerable Acts, closing the Port of Boston a few months later. -
Intolerable Act
The Intolerable Acts were multiple acts passed to punish the colonists. They were caused by the Boston Tea Party. The acts included the Boston Port Bill, The Quartering Act, The Administration of Justice Act, Massachusetts Government Act, and the Quebec Act. -
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First Continental Congress
First Continental Congress video
The First Continental Congress was formed because the colonists were upset about the Intolerable Acts. Patrick Randolph became president of the First Continental Congress. At this meeting they established that they would boycott British goods. The First Continental Congress was held in Philadelphia, PA. -
Lexington and Concord
Lexington and Concord were the first official battle between Great Britian and the colonists. These conflicts resulted in the start of the Revolutionary War. Captain John Parker led the colonists and General Gage led the British. Paul Revere was a spy and warned the minutemen(colonists) that the Britsh were coming to attack. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress met to discuss the issues concerning Great Britisn. It took place in Philadelphia. They decided that they would establish a continental army, print money, and form a committee to conduct relations with foreign governments. George Washington was elected Supreme Commander of the continental army. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was written to declare the colonists independence from Great Britian. Thomas Jefferson was the main writer, but he was helped by a committee of 4 others. 56 members of Congress signed the Declaration of Independence. -
Articles of Confederation
Aricles of Confedertion Link
The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States. It created a loose confederation of states. John Hanson was the first president under the Articles of Confederation. -
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Start of Constitutional Convention
The Constitutional Convention was established because of severe economic troubles. They realized they needed a stronger central government, thus forming the constitution.
