Changes to American Society and Culture from 1700 to 1812 - Important documents and treaties that changed the cultural and social foundation of America (DEC)
By dave_02842
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Poor Richard’s Almanack
Poor Richard's Almanack (sometimes (Almanac) was a series that was published in the Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia, Pa.) newspaper by Benjamin Franklin. The collection amounted to over 25 years of information that was often humorous, entertaining, practical and enlightening for everyday readers. Although these documented writings were not formal agreements, laws, policies or treaties, they served instrumental in explaining the culture of colonial society around this timeframe. -
The Treaty of Lancaster
The treaty, much like the other treaties with American Indians and Colonist, provided protection for parts of Indian lands. These treaties were a constant roller coaster in which lands would be taken or either sold. Although these treaties were to keep ties with the Natives and collect reinforcements, colonists often had breaches of contract, as settlers searched for land. This particular part was located in the Shenandoah Valley and was between the Iroquois and Alexander Spotswood. -
The Albany Plan of Union
In 1754, a meeting took place in Albany, New York in which men from different colonies came together to discuss threats from the French and American Indians. This important date was the first attempt, led by Benjamin Franklin, to establish a unified government for all the colonies. The plan was rejected as the British government feared that it would provide too much power for the colonist. This document could have changed the revolution and possibly made the war unnecessary. -
The Declaration of Independence
As one of the charters of freedom documents, this document speaks about the value of social change. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."1 1Thomas Jefferson, "Declaration Of Independence". 1776. National Archives. Accessed June 25, 2017. https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript. -
The Articles of Confederation
Drafted by the Second Continental Congress in 1777, was the make-up the United States first Constitution. The view from society at the time was governmental power should come from the states and not nationally. The articles lacked judicial and executive branches of government and was viewed as lacking and would lead to the United States not being able to enact centralized government. -
The Treaty of Fort Pitt
The Treaty of Fort Pitt was the first written document between the United States and the American Indians. This treaty served two purposes. First, it allowed the United States to travel through Delaware safely and secondly and maybe even more important, allowed American troops to call on the aid of Delaware's Indians when fighting the British. As for cultural change, this union fortified relations with the American Indians in this area as they became allies of the colonists. -
The Constitution of the United States
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." 2"The Constitution Of The United States". 2015. National Archives. Accessed June 25, 2017. https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution. -
The Bill of Rights
The first part of the U.S. Constitution, The Bill of Rights is one of the most recognizable documents in America. Essentially, this list of rules and rights for all mankind set the table for freedom within the country. This was essential to the new government with many of these rights in place to keep judicial powers in check when interpreting the law.3 3 Madison, James "The Bill Of Rights". 2015. National Archives. Accessed June 25, 2017. https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-of-rights.
