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Virginia Declaration of Rights
Written by George Mason, this document proclaimed the rights of men, including right to reform or abolish "inadequacy government", an important futre aspect of the United States government -
Ratification of the AOC
This is the date all of the 13 states ratified the first document of government in the US. The principal writer of it was John Dickson and it was important because it allowed the states to see the weaknesses of having a weak national government. -
Treaty of Paris
This was the treaty signed by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Laurens that ended the revolutionary war between America and Great Britain, important because it officially recognized American independence -
Land Ordinance of 1785
This was the Ordinance that set up standardized system in where settlers could effectively purchase land starting westward. This was important because it allowed the US country to expand westward and gave settlers farmland. -
Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom
This was a bill written by Thomas Jefferson in Virginia, not passed by the state legislature in 1786. The bill argued for separation of religion and state. This document was very important because it gave Jefferson more prominence in the states and it also allowed for freedom of religion in the country, something that eventually became part of the first amendment. -
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Shays' Rebellion
Between these dates, a series of rebellions took place in where protesters sided against state and local enforcement of tax collections and judgement for debt. Led by Daniel Shay, this rebellion proved effective as it prompted governmental leaders to call for a stronger national government to quell rebellions. -
Constitutional Convention
This is where delegates from five states (chief were James Madison and Alexander Hamilton) in where the AOC was practically scrapped and the official Constitution of the United States was drafted. With George Washington presiding of the convention, it is very important because it established our current form of government, giving power to the national government. -
Northwest Ordinance of 1787
This ordinance created the first organized territory in the US in the Northwest in response to pressures being encountered during westward expansion. Important because it established the precedent by which Congress would be sovereign. -
Ratification of the Constitution
This was the date that the first state (Delaware) ratified the Constitution, the document of new government in the United States effectively replacing the AOC. The ratification process included all of the 13 states and the Federalists and Anti-Federalists in them deciding whether to ratify the Constitution in their states or not. The ratification of the Constitution is important because it helped the document become of prominence and establish the strong national government we have today. -
George Washington Inauguration
Established George Washington as the first president of the United States, he was a hard worker to adhere the Constitution, a nationalist who understood the importance of national unity. His inauguration proved important because his leadership guaranteed the survival of the nation as a powerful, yet independent one. -
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French Revolution and U.S. Involvement
The US had desire to stay neutral in conflicts arising in foreign nations, especially when it came to the French Revolution. Jay's Treaty declared this neutrality and re-established relations with the British which enraged the French, prompting them to suspend other relations with the US. This event was important to the US because it divided American opinion. -
Whisky Rebellion
A tax revolt beginning in the summer of 1794 in where discontented farmers protested against the tax on the distillation of whiskey, an act that seemed to counter the ideals presented after the Revolution. Important because the actions against it showed Washington's commitment to the preservation of the Union. -
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Jay's Treaty
To settle disputes with the British, John Jay was dispached in 1794 to negotiate with them in order to establish a mutual relationship between them, which resulted in this treaty, establishing neutrality with them during the war they had with France. This is important because it limited the amount of conflict the US had with the British as well as increased the amount of discontent with the French -
Treaty of Greenville
This was the treaty signed after general Anthony Wayne defeated Indians to reclaim Northern lands during the Battle of Fallen Timbers of the Indian War in the Ohio Country. Important because it caused Indians to cede their lands in the north and diminished their life somewhat because of expanding settlers. -
Pinckney Treaty
This treaty was negotiated by Thomas Pickney after Spain lost their war with the French, diminishing their trading power with the US. This treaty opened up the Mississippi River to American shipping the following year the treaty was published. This was important because it established American sovereignty in the West and opened American commerce to a vast market. -
Washington Farewell
This was the letter published by George Washington announced his resignation as president. He argued for American disinterest in European affairs, paraphrased as "peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations." This address was important because he set the standard for all future presidents to follow. -
Election of 1796
This election took place between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson in 1796. This entire year leading up to the election showed the shifting political factions and coalitions which ultimately led to the Federalists and Republican political parties. Important because it marked the beginning of the Adams' presidency, one that was deemed more difficult than Washington's. -
XYZ Affair
This was the name of an event involving the French and delegated from them attempted to bribe American delegates as a condition to settle disputes between them. The document about this was written by John Adams, which condemned the fact of bribery to enforce decision making. This, in turn, increased his popularity. -
Alien & Sedition Acts
These acts were 4 passed by Congress in an attempt to defeat Jeffersonian Republicans. These were acts that curtailed freedom of speech and the liberty of foreign residents in the United States. The acts are important because they eventually caused the Federalists to become divided. -
Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions
In response to the Alien and Sedition Acts passed, these resolves said that the acts were deemed unconstitutional by the states. Being secretly written by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, they argued for the rights of states and the enforcement of the Constitution. -
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Quasi War
This was the result of the Jay Treaty establishing neutrality with both the British and French during their times of conflict. The fact that they did this to the French enraged them, ultimately leading to them having a Quasi-War (undeclared naval war). This was important because it led up to the XYZ affair, thus showing how desperate the French were to reestablish relations with the US. -
Election of 1800
This was the election between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, marking the first presidential election with two opposing parties. the Jeffersonian Republicans desired to have states' rights whereas the Federalists desired a strong central government. In the end, VP Thomas Jefferson was victorious. This election was important because it set the standard for Democrats v. Republicans in future elections and increased the amount of suffrage throughout the country.
