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Virginia Declaration of Rights
It established the inherent rights of men and, more specifically, the abolishment of inadequate government. This is important because these values are going to become universal rights and the basis for government. -
Ratification of the Articles of the Confederation
The day the thirteen colonies all agreed to the adoption of the Articles of Confederation and established the national government before the war for independence. -
Treaty of Paris
It was a treaty between Great Britain and America that signaled the end of the war. This is important because it solidified America's sovereignty on a national level. -
Land Ordinance
It was a law passed by Congress that allowed for the sales of land in the Northwest Territory. This is important because it set up standards for land accumulation. -
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Shay's Rebellion
It was a rebellion by American farmers against taxes and the collection of debt. This is important because it drew attention to the excessive tariffs that would lead to the Annapolis Conference and the subsequent Philadelphia Conference. -
Northwest Ordinance
It was a law that created the structure for the settlement of the Northwestern territory. This is important because it created the policy for adding new states and stopped states' competing for a claim to western territory. -
Constitutional Convention
The convention stemmed from the intense rebellion Americans were waging, like Shay's Rebellion, and they met to confront the problems of the weak government. This is important because it set the precedence for a strong national government.