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First continental congress
The First Continental Congress, held in 1774, was a gathering of delegates from 12 of the 13 American colonies excluding Georgia to discuss and coordinate a response to British colonial policies, particularly the Intolerable Acts. It marked a significant step toward uniting the colonies in opposition to British rule, setting the stage for future revolutionary action. -
Boston tea party
The boston tea party was a significant event that helped accelerate and intensify colonial support for the American revolution. parliament responded in 1774 with the intolerable acts, or coercive Acts, which, among other provisions, ended local self-government in massechusetts. -
American Revolution
The American Revolution (1775–1783) was a conflict between the thirteen American colonies and Great Britain, in which the colonies fought for and gained their independence. It culminated in the establishment of the United States, driven by the desire for self-governance and resistance to British taxation and control. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress, convened in 1775, managed the colonial war effort during the American Revolution and ultimately declared independence from Britain by adopting the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It acted as the de facto national government of the United States throughout the war, overseeing military strategy, foreign diplomacy, and the formation of new governing structures. -
Ben Franklin Presents a Plan for Confederation
In 1775, Benjamin Franklin proposed the "Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union," a plan for a unified colonial government aimed at organizing cooperation among the colonies during the American Revolution. Although Franklin's draft was not adopted immediately, it laid the groundwork for the Articles of Confederation, which were later ratified in 1781 as the first constitution of the United State -
Decleration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, officially proclaiming the thirteen American colonies' separation from Great Britain. Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the document outlined the colonies' grievances against King George III and asserted their right to self-governance based on the principles of liberty and equality. -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation, ratified in 1781, served as the first constitution of the United States, establishing a confederation of sovereign states with a weak central government. Although it provided a framework for governance, the Articles ultimately proved ineffective due to the lack of federal authority to levy taxes, regulate commerce, or enforce laws, leading to calls for a stronger national government and the subsequent drafting of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. -
Shay's Rebellion Begins
Shays' Rebellion, which took place in 1786-1787, was an armed uprising led by Daniel Shays in western Massachusetts, protesting economic injustices and the inability of farmers to pay debts and taxes. The rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, prompting calls for a stronger federal government to maintain order and address the economic grievances of the citizens. -
Annapolis Convention adjourns
The Annapolis Convention, held in 1786, was a meeting of delegates from five states to discuss and address issues related to trade and commerce under the weak Articles of Confederation. Though attendance was limited, the convention led to the call for a broader meeting, ultimately resulting in the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where the U.S. Constitution was drafted. -
Constitution Ratified
The United States Constitution was ratified on June 21, 1788, after New Hampshire became the ninth state to approve it, achieving the necessary threshold for enactment. The ratification process sparked intense debate between Federalists, who supported a strong central government, and Anti-Federalists, who advocated for states' rights and individual liberties, ultimately leading to the inclusion of the Bill of Rights in 1791 to address concerns about protecting personal freedoms. -
Amendments 1-10 the bill of rights
The Bill of Rights, comprising the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, was ratified in 1791 to protect individual liberties and limit government power. These amendments guarantee fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly (1st), the right to bear arms (2nd), protection from unreasonable searches and seizures (4th), and the right to due process and a fair trial (5th and 6th), among others, ensuring a framework for civil liberties. -
Amendment 11
The Eleventh Amendment, ratified in 1795, establishes that federal courts cannot hear cases in which a state is sued by an individual from another state or a foreign country, thus affirming state sovereignty and limiting the jurisdiction of federal courts. This amendment was a response to the Supreme Court's decision in Chisholm v. Georgia (1793), which allowed individuals to sue states in federal court, leading to concerns about state immunity.