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Stono Rebellion
A group of slaves rose up to gain freedom from the colonists. -
French and Indian War
The French and Indian War was a conflict between Britain and France. The war was over the control of North America, mainly the Ohio River Valley. Britain won the War and gained a lot of territory, but it was too expensive which caused taxing. -
Stamp Act
Any paper purchased in the colonies had a tax on it that the colonists were expected to pay. -
Boston Massacre
A little argument that turned into shots being fired, and some even dying in the middle of a street in Boston. -
Thomas Paine publishes Common Sense
Author Thomas Paine writes this essay for colonists to read. It encourages the communities to come together and fight for freedom and independence. -
Ratification of the Articles of Confederation
Although it the articles created a loose confederation of the states and a weak central government(giving most of the power to the states), the articles served as the Unites States first government and constitution. Even when the articles were first ratified in 1777, it didn't take effect until 1781 because some of the southern colonies refused to sign it for years. -
Shay's Rebellion
Former veterans in the Revolutionary War were protesting for lower taxes since their farms were going to be taken up for their mountain of debt, this was after the Massachusetts legislature refused to lower taxes or issue more paper money. -
Constitutional Convention
A meeting to discuss the problems with the weak central government under the Articles of Confederation. However, it was agreed to create a whole new system of government rather than fix the current one. Two main plans: the Virginia Plan(suggested a strong central government with three branches: legislature, judicial, and executive) and the New Jersey Plan(similar to the Articles of Confederation, however, it would limit the states to one vote in Congress).The outcome was a combination of both. -
Bill of Rights is ratified
Congress approved 12 amendments in September 1789.By the end of 1791, the necessary three-fourths of the states had approved 10 of the 12 proposed amendments, now known as the Bill of Rights.The Bill of Rights provided safeguards for individual rights. -
Thomas Jefferson is Elected President
Thomas Jefferson was voted for over his competitor Burr.