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Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was a very important man in the building of our nation. He wrote the Declaration of Independence, was governor of Virginia, Vice President under John Adams, and was the U.S. president. These are just some of the many things he did to bring our nation to its current position. He is significant because of these things and the role he played in the Revolutionary War. -
Proclamation of 1763
At the end of the French and Indian War, England made a proclamation prohibiting people from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains. The proclamation was intended to protect the Indian lands, but it made the settlers mad. This was land they had fought for during the war and they believed they had a right to it now. This event is significant because it was one of the first events leading to the Revolutionary War. -
Sons of Liberty
The Sons of Liberty was the organization of Patriots responsible for the Boston Tea Party. The origins of the group are not clear, but they are first mentioned in print in 1765 by Samuel Adams. This organization is significant because they are responsible for events such as the Boston Tea Party, which is a well-known event during the war. -
Stamp Act Congress
The Stamp Act Congress was the first meeting held to oppose British tax laws placed on the colonies. The goal was to organize a unified protest against the taxes. This meeting was the forerunner of the Continental Congresses that would be held during the Revolutionary War. This meeting was significant because it was the first unified front against the British taxes. Actions taken during the Congress would eventually lead to the Revolutionary War. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was a fight between a squadron of British soldiers and a group of American colonists. The soldiers had come to support a guard who was being bothered by a snowball-throwing crowd. The crowd persisted and eventually the soldiers began firing into the crowd. A total of 5 people died as a result of the massacre. This event was significant because it rallied people to the cause of the patriots. -
First Continental Congress
In response to the Coercive Acts, 56 delegates from all the colonies except Georgia met in Philadelphia for the First Continental Congress. These delegates drafted a declaration of rights and grievances. Several important people were among the delegates to the convention. This is important because it was the first effort for a united American resistance against the English. -
Declaration of Rights and Grievances
Congress sent a respectful petition to the English king, telling him if it weren't for the taxations and other acts against the colonists they would still stand behind him as their ruler. The list of grievances laid out everything the king had done that the colonists found oppressive. The king did not respond to this declaration and so the colonists began taking other actions. This is significant because it was one of the last events before the Revolution officially began. -
Lexington and Concord
The battles of Lexington and Concord kicked off the American Revolution. A confrontation on the Lexington Green was where the first gunshot of the Revolution occurred. These battles are significant because they are the first official events of the Revolution. -
Second Continental Congress
When the First Continental Congress came to close the delegates agreed to meet again on May 5, 1775; they continued to meet throughout the war. Many important decisions were made during this second convention and the Olive Branch Petition was an outcome of the colonists wanting to reconcile with England. This was significant because many important people came and together they played a large role in the winning of independence and developing of the new country. -
Olive Branch Petition
The Continental Congress adopts the Olive Branch petition, written by John Dickinson. The petition directly appeals to the king and expresses hope for a reconciliation between England and the colonies. This is important because it shows the colonists still wanted to remain under English rule, but without the taxes and other oppression. -
Common Sense by Thomas Paine
Common Sense was a pamphlet written by patriot Thomas Paine. It set forth his reasoning for his belief in American independence and was widely read throughout the colonies. It is significant because of the role it played in turning a colonial disagreement into the Revolution. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson, was adopted on July 4, 1776. The delegates to the Continental Congress voted then adopted the document. This was significant because it was how America declared its independence. July 4 is now celebrated each year as independence day. -
French Alliance
The Treaty of Alliance was an agreement between the America and France. France agreed to help America in their fight against the British, After the war was over, the treaty required the nations to work together on any peace agreement. This is significant because France played a big role in the outcome of the war. -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation was the first written constitution of the United States. These articles gave states the power to remain independent and in control of their affairs, and Congress was a last resort for solving disputes. This document was important because it was the first written constitution of the United States. -
Yorktown
On this day, General Washington begins the siege on British troops known as the Battle of Yorktown. A french naval fleet blocked British ships from bringing aid while Washington's troops kept the British from leaving Yorktown. This is significant because it was the last battle of the Revolutionary War. British General Cornwallis surrendered to General Washington on October 17, 1781. -
Treaty of Paris of 1783
The Revolution officially came to an end with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783. This is important because it was the beginning of the new America. -
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Shays' Rebellion
Shays' Rebellion was a series of uprisings by colonists who were not happy being charged taxes by their state and local governments. While this rebellion did not threaten the United States, it did cause concern among politicians and congressmen. This is significant because it made the central government realize it needed to be stronger and have more control over state affairs, leading to the Constitution. -
Three-Fifths Compromise
Representation in the House of Representatives was based on a state's population. This brought up the issue of slaves, how should they be counted? The solution was for each slave to be counted as 3/5 of a person. Even after the importing of slaves was made illegal the southern states increased their political status by continuing to illegally breed slaves. This is significant because it showed how colonists viewed slaves and later affected the slavery levels in the south. -
The Connecticut Compromise/The Great Compromise
The Virginia Plan proposed congressmen be elected by population, favoring large states. The New Jersey Plan suggested each state have the same number of congressmen, leveling the playing field for states. The Connecticut Plan, suggested by Roger Sherman and Oliver Ellsworth, created a compromise. Each state's representatives in the House of Representatives would be based on population and each state would have two Senators in the Senate. This is significant because we still use this plan today. -
Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights were the first ten amendments to the Constitution. They were ratified in December of 1791 when Virginia approved them. These are significant because they are an important part of the Constitution, having this bill in the Constitution prevents anyone from taking away another person's natural rights.