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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
Barons force King John to sign the Magna Carta at Runnymede. The Magna Carta requires trial by a jury, due process, and the right to property. -
Mayflower Compact
The Pilgrims decided they would rule themselves. This led to town meetings and election of town legislatures. -
Petition of Right
The Petition bans taxing any free man without consent of Parliament, jailing any free man against the law of the land, and martial law. -
English Bill of Rights
William and Mary signed the English Bill of Rights as a condition of their rule. The monarch could no longer establish their own court or be judges themselves without the permission of Parliament, prevent protestants from bearing arms, create a standing army, or impose cruel or unusual punishment. -
Albany Plan of Union
After the French and Indian War, the British and the colonies sought out a union. The British did not pursue though, because they believed it would make the colonies too powerful. -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act requires all legal documents to be printed on apecial stamp paper as proof of purchase. The angry colonists boycotted British goods. -
Stamp Act Congress
After attempts to appeal to Parliament individually the first intercolonial meeting was held. The biggest accomplishment was realizing that the colonies had more in common than they thought. -
Boston Tea Party
Colonists who were upset about the new tea tax dressed up like native americans and dumped over 300 chests of tea into the harbor. -
Intolerable Acts
In response to the Boston Tea Party Parliament issued what they called the coercive acts. Only food and firewood were permitted into the Boston Harbor. Town meetings were banned and the autority of the royal governor was increased. -
First Continental Congress
In protest of the Intolerable Acts the leaders of the colonies had a meeting. A declaration of colonial rights was issued and sent to London. Another meeting was scheduled for May 1775 if Parliament ignored the congress. -
Declaration of Rights and Grievances
The First Continental Congress drafted the Declaration of Rights and Grievances. The Declaration of Rights and Grievances outlined the inalienable rights the colonists have and specific examples of when their rights were infringed. -
Second Continental Congress
A group of men met to discuss war with Britain. They authorized the printing of money. They issued the Olive Branch Petition to try to gain peace with Britain. In response the King declares the colonies in a state of rebellion. -
Declaration on Independence
The Declaration of Independence served many purposes. It was used as a tool to get foreign aid, persuade the British to urge against war, and to gain full support from the colonies.
