-
Land Ordinance of 1785
The Land Ordinance of 1785 set forth how the government of the United States would measure, divide and distribute the land it had acquired from Great Britain north and west of the Ohio River at the end of the American Revolution. It was important because it helped organize the sale of western lands. It also generated revenue for the government. We can still see these lines today in western Pennsylvania. -
Shay's Rebellion
Shays's Rebellion was a rebellion among farmers in Massachusetts that began in 1786. The rebellion is important because it is seen as one of the major factors that led to the writing of the new Constitution. It convinced people that the Articles of Confederation was inadequate. Led to the creation of a stronger government. -
George Washington's Presidency
George Washington won the first election in 1789, becoming America's first president. Washington significantly influenced the path for the presidency moving forward, setting standards in all aspects, including political power, military practice, and economic policy. His actions in office set a precedent for a strong executive branch and a strong central government. -
Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments of the U.S. Constitution protecting the rights of U.S. citizens. Since then, we have been using the Bill of Rights to protect the basic principles of human liberty--such as the right to free speech, the right to bear arms, and the right to a fair trial, as well as protecting the role of the states in American government. -
The Slave Trade Act
The Slave Trade Act of 1794 was a law passed by the United States Congress that limited American involvement in the trade of human cargo. Americans could no longer invest in the transatlantic slave trade, even if carried on legally by non-U.S. ships. This was the first of several Acts of Congress that eventually outlawed the importation of slaves to the United States.
