-
Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
This was a document signed by King John stated that his power is limited. In other words, it gave the people more power and the king, less power. This document was one of the first to display freedom from oppression and helped shape many decisions and documents made in America. -
Formation of the Colonies
13 colonies started to form in America during the year 1607. The colonies were created because England wanted to grow their empire and their wealth. Although, each colony was founded differently. Some of the colonies were founded for religious freedoms, while others were founded for trade opportunities. -
Mayflower Compact
This agreement was made to keep the Pilgrims together when they first arrived in New England. This document was said to have influenced the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence because the people agreed to cooperate for social benefits and not just for themselves. -
Period: to
General Fundamentals of Plymouth
During this time period, Plymouth created a set of laws that demanded individual rights. It was one of the earliest forms of request for freedom. Later on in the year 1671, the laws were compiled into a declaration -
Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut laid out a new system of government. This document allowed people to elect their leaders. It also allowed those leaders to make and enforce laws. It created a representative government for the people within the colonies. -
Bill of Rights
This document was written by James Madison. It later made up the first 10 amendments of the Constitution. It outlines the colonists individual rights. It also limits the power of government. -
Period: to
French and Indian War
This major war was fought in the American colonies between the British and the French. Both sides also had American Indian allies. After a long seven years of fighting a treaty was signed and the French lost all of their American territory to the British. -
Sugar Act
This event raised taxes on sugar and molasses imported into the colonies. The British Parliament implanted this rule, upsetting the colonists. The colonists didn't have representation in this decision. Thus the phrase; no taxation without representation. -
Sons of Liberty
The Sons of Liberty was a group created in protest of the new taxes put in place, especially the Stamp Act. It was a secret society that included several recognized people such as Samuel Adams and John Hancock. Their main focus was to keep the colonists individual rights, so their motto became taxation without representation. -
Stamp Act
The British Parliament placed another tax on many of the colonists printed materials. The act required the colonies printed paper to be produced on stamped paper with an embossed revenue stamp. The purpose of this tax was to help pay for the troops after the French and Indian War. The colonists were again upset because of taxation without representation, so many protests and petitions began. -
Quartering Act
This act required the colonists to provide food and housing to the soldiers who stayed in America after the French and Indian War. The colonists were upset about this decision and felt that it was going against the Bill of Rights. -
Declaratory Act
The British Parliament released this act that stated, their authority is the same in America as it is in Britain. It accompanied the repeal of the Stamp Act which at the same time. The act was passed because of the months of protests from the colonists. -
Boston Massacre
This famous incident took place on King Street on March 5 of 1770. A mob of protesters were taunting the British soldiers on guard that day and throwing objects, such as snowballs, at them. A shot from one of the soldiers rifles went off and after the event ended, 5 colonists were dead. Many patriots used this event to show other colonists the issue of British rule within America. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was an act of protest orchestrated by the Sons of Liberty. The protesters boarded the ships filled with chests of tea and threw the cargo into the Boston Harbor. Some of participants even dressed as American Indians. This iconic event in American history led to the American Revolution. -
Intolerable Acts
These acts were passed by the British Parliament to punish the colonists for the Boston Tea Party. Trade was reduced, town meetings were banned, etc., the British were outraged by this action and wanted the colonists to pay. But their attempt to enforce British rule came too late. Instead, it led the colonists to have the First Continental Congress. -
First Continental Congress
This was a meeting between twelve of the thirteen colonies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The meeting was called to discuss the Intolerable Acts given by the British Parliament. They petitioned for King George III to stop enforcing the Intolerable Acts. -
Period: to
American Revolution
This was a war that took place because of several events leading up to it that involved the colonist's independence. The American Patriots ended up winning their independence from the Great Britain. -
Second Continental Congress
This meeting followed the First Continental Congress because the king did not respond to the petition the members sent out. During this meeting, the members discussed war efforts they would take against the British. But most importantly, they created the Declaration of Independence during this meeting. -
Olive Branch Petition
This petition was created during the Second Continental Congress to prevent a war from breaking out. But Great Britain denied the petition and the king refused to even read it. -
Common Sense
Common Sense was a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine. It went against the British government power and challenged their authority. This piece encouraged the colonists to fight for their independence and go against the British. -
Declaration of Independence
This document was created by several great leaders of America. It stated that the thirteen colonies were now independent and not under any control of Great Britain. The United States of America was created on this day and is celebrated as a national holiday today. -
Period: to
Battle of Saratoga
This battle took place during the American Revolutionary War. It was a turning point for the Americans and helped them win the war. Two battles took place on at the same place, just south of Saratoga, New York. A British invasion, led by John Burgoyne, failed both times and on October 17, he retreated to Saratoga, New York and surrender his troops. -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation was the United States first draft of a constitution. The Articles main focus was to keep the states independence but the way it was played out, created problems. It included a form of congress but congress didn't have the power to do many things. But they were also expected to settle arguments between states. This document created many issues which pushed the colonists to create the constitution. -
Treaty of Paris
This document, signed on September 3, 1783, marked the end of the Revolutionary War. It was signed by King George III and several representatives of the United States. The first article declares the United States, free sovereign and independent states. -
Period: to
Shay's Rebellion
This event was a rebellion that took place in Massachusetts. A Revolutionary War Veteran named Daniel Shay, led an uprising of four thousand people against the government. They were unhappy with the countries rights. This rebellion helped influence decisions made during the writing of the constitution.
