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Battle of Lexington and Concord
Tensions between America and Britain had been buiding for years. This battle was the start of the Revolutionary War. On the night of the 18th, British soldiers march into concord to seize the colonies' arms. People like PAul Revere aunounced the coming of the Red Coats. Followed by a confrentation at Lexington, where the British retreated. -
Thomas Paine's Common Sense
a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that criticized and convinced many American colonists of the need to break away from Britain -
Declaration of Independence
Formal pronouncement of independence drafted by Thomas Jefferson and approved by Congress. The declaration allowed Americans to appeal for foreign aid and served as an inspiration for later revolutionary movements worldwide. -
Articles of Confedration
The first written constition of United States.der these articles, the states remained sovereign and independent, with Congress serving as the last resort on appeal of disputes. Congress was also given the authority to make treaties and alliances, maintain armed forces and coin money. However, the central government lacked the ability to levy taxes and regulate commerce, issues that led to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 for the creation of new federal laws. -
New Constitution
Following the failure of the Articles of Confedration, delegates met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles, but secretly decided to throw it all out and start a brand new Constitution. This new goverment planned a tronger federal government with three branches–executive, legislative and judicial–along with a system of checks and balances to ensure no single branch would have too much power. In total there is 27 amendments -
Alien and Sedition Acts
Four bills that were passed by the federalist in the 5th United States Congress. These acts included the Naturalization act which increased American Citizenship from 5 to 14 years. The Alien Friends Act allowed the president to imprison or deport aliens considered "dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States" and the Alien Enemies Act authorized the president to do the same to any male citizen of a hostile nation, above the age of 14. Also a restriction on Speech
