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Great Awakening
The Great Awakening was a religious revival, fostered by preachers like Jonathan Edwards. While the best starting date of America's Great Awakening is up for date, it is undeniable that it has impacted religious values in the early British colonies. -
Stono Rebellion
The Stono Rebellion was a minor slave revolt in the then-British colony of South Carolina. As expected, it failed, but its motivations would echo throughout much of later American history. -
Stamp Act Passed
The Stamp Act was a notorious law which required those in British colonies to have a British stamp on all printed documents. As such, it was akin to a form of taxation. This was one of the issues that lead up to the revolution. It was eventually repealed. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was given, kickstarting the American Revolution, which was eventually won by the United States. Key grievances in the declaration included freedom, taxation, and representation. -
Articles of Confederation Ratified
With the conclusion of the American Revolution, the United States Continental Congress ratified the Articles of Confederation, which served as the first framework for government before the Constitution was drafted. -
Shays' Rebellion
Lead by Daniel Shay, a group of farmers and/or veterans who were in large amounts of debt post-revolution began a revolt. They eventually were captured and some were sentenced to death, though Shay (among others) received pardons. -
First US Bank
Authorized by George Washington, the United States authorized the first US Bank. Unlike the bank that exists today, this was a temporary charter. This allowed the United States to expand its federal government economically. -
Alien and Sedition Acts
The Alien and Sedition Acts, passed in 1978, were extremely controversial. They limited the public's freedom of speech as well as made life very difficult for immigrants and foreigners.