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Virginia House of Burgesses
The Virginia House of Burgesses was the first electected assembly in the thirteen colonies . They debated issues that were going on in each colony. This showed the founding fathers what legislation was like and how a parlimentary system isn't the only option. "I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" -
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Mayflower Compact
The Mayflower Compact was a historic document named after the Mayflower that the English colonists came over on. It laid down a foundation for the Consitution. "...And by Virtue hereof do enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions, and Officers, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general Good of the Colony." -
French and Indian War
In the French and Indian War, the British fought angainst the French and the Indians. The British won and gained Canada and the Ohio Valley. "The definitive Treaty of Peace and Friendship between his Britannick Majesty, the Most Christian King, and the King of Spain. Concluded at Paris the 10th day of February, 1763. To which the King of Portugal acceded on the same day." -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was passed required Americans to have their printed materials produced on stamped paper. This was a form of taxation which infuriated the colonist that the British were taxing them.
"...after the first day of November, one thousand seven hundred and sixty five, there shall be raised, levied, collected, and paid unto his Majesty, his heirs, and successors, throughout the colonies and plantations in America ..." -
Tea Act
The Tea Act was when Britain tried to get rid of their over stock of tes by selling it for a bargain in the U.S. This act made merchants made beause they had dropped the price of tea dramatically, causing some of them to go out of business. "...that whether the duties on tea, imposed by this Act, be paid in Great Britain or in America, our liberties are equally affected." -
Boston Tea Party
The tea was being taxed by the British so as a result American Colonists dressed up as Indians and dumped the tea in the Boston harbor which added up to 342 crates. The tea was eventually boycotted throughout the colonies. "... that the said tea never should be landed in this province, or pay one farthing of duty." -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
This was the begin of the American revolution. The British invaded and American Minutemen were ready to fight for their leaders of the Patriot Movement. The two main leaders, Samuel Adams and John Hancock were supposed to be arrest and American materials were to be destroyed.
"...1200 men, landed at Phipp's farm at Cambridge and marched to Lexington, where they found a company of our militia in arms, upon whom they fired..." -
Declaration of Independence
The declaration stated the thirteen colonies were independent colonies. This wasn't the end of British's reign which lasted seven more years, but it was a pathway to freedom.
"He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies, without the consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the military independent of, and superior to, the civil power"
