America's Early Democratic Influences

Magna Carta

Jun 30, 1215

One of the first records of English democracy. Angry barons, like the ones shown here, forced King Henry to sign the charter.

Jamestown

May 14, 1607

The first permanent British colony on the North American continent, Jamestown established Great Britain's hold on the East Coast.

Mayflower Compact

Nov 11, 1620

established socially acceptable behavior, as defined by the Compact. It was signed to ensure the colonists safety and survival.

Petition of Right

Jun 7, 1628

Set more strictures on England's monarchs. Most notably the writ of habeas corpus, and parliament's (Ace of England) sole right to levie taxes.

English Bill of Rights

Dec 16, 1689

set guidelines for English democracy, such as parlament's right to petition the king without retribution and requirement to regular election in parliament. Figuratively lit a fire under the monarchy. To reiterate, figuratively.

Albany Plan of Union

Jun 30, 1754

an early sign of Colonist's desire for sovereignity. Was proposed by Benjamin Franklin.

Stamp Act

Mar 22, 1765

The first widely noted instance of America's cry of "taxation without representation". Required most legal documents and publications to be written on stamped British revenue paper. Maybe the U.S.P.S. should take some notes...

Boston Massacre

Mar 5, 1770

5 unarmed colonists were shot during a riot. 2 soldiers were charged with manslaughter and given reduced sentences.

Boston Tea Party

Dec 16, 1773

A direct act of defiance against the colony's ruler. Tea taxes rose exponentially and colonists reacted. The ramifications were wide spread, as evidenced by the visual aid.

Intolerable Acts

Jun 30, 1774

included the Boston Port Act, Massachusetts Government Act, Administration of Justice Act, and Quartering Act. Parliament intended to quell colonial revolt by using Massachusetts as an example. Yeah, that worked out well... This guy knows what I'm talking about.

First Continental Congress

Sep 5, 1774

delegates from every colony, excluding Georgia, convene to discuss just what to do about that bully, Kign George III, and his intolerable acts.

American Revolutionary War

Apr 19, 1775

Colonists decide to dissociate from England, engaging in a war they were unlikely to win. Many European powers were involved by the time it ended in 1783. It was so momentous, Optimus Prime just had to be involved. Somehow. Right?

Second Continental Congress

May 10, 1775

Acted as de facto national government during the American Revolution. Raised armies, appointed diplomats and made formal treaties.

Declaration of Independence

Jul 4, 1776

Formally declared that the American colonies considered themselves independent and entirely separated from the British empire. Thomas Jefferson was chosen to draft the document (thankfully).

Articles of Confederation

Mar 1, 1781

The first written agreement to institute a federal government in the United States. State's retained many rights to individual rule according to this document.

Shays' Rebellion

Aug 29, 1786

a revolt led by farmhand Daniel Shays. After he returned from serving in the American Revolution, he found himself in court, unable to pay his debtors. Five Americans were killed in the altercations. Fed the popular opinion that the Articles of Confederation were not legitimate enough to maintain societal order.

Philadelphia Convention

May 14, 1787

originally intended to simply revise the Articles of Confederation, the Philadelphia Convnention eventually yielded America's constitution and hundreds of paintings depicting George Washington as the man. Seriously, they loved this guy.

Connecticut Compromise

Jun 30, 1787

Established the bicameral legislature that is in place today. Compromised the Virginia and New Jersey Plans.

timeline finished

Sep 20, 2011

an indominable patriot, David C. Feigel, stays up until 2:30 a.m to create this timeline and provide comedic relief in AP Government.