-
Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
A peace treaty written in England. Many elements of this document were used later on to write the United States Constitution. -
Jamestown settled
Located in Virginia. First successful English settlement. -
Mayflower Compact
Written onboard the Mayflower. The first Pilgrims coming to America wrote this document to establish a temporary government. -
Petition of Right
An English document defining the rights of the citizens which the king may no infringe upon. Restrictions include use of martial law and imprisonment without cause. -
English Bill of Rights
Act passed by the English Parliament. Creates separation of powers, freedom of speech, and enhances democracy. -
Albany Plan of Union
A plan to place the thirteen British colonies under a more centralized government. The first attempt at unionizing the colonies. -
Stamp Act
An act passed by Britain taxing paper materials and requiring all paper to be from London. This included newspapers, magainzes, legal documents, and playing cards. -
Boston Massacre
After fighting between British soldiers and American colonists, the soldiers opened fire on a group of men, killing five and wounding others. This led to increasing tension between the colonists and the soldiers. -
Boston Tea Party
To protest against the Tea Act created by Britain to increase tea prices, a group of protestors boarded the ships carrying tea and dumped it into the harbor. The reason for the protest was because the colonists believed they were victim of taxation without representation. -
Intolerable Acts
After the Boston Tea Party, Britain created a new set of laws to punish the colonists who dumped the tea in the river. Acts included shutting down the port of Boston and allowing British troops to stay in private homes. -
Period: to
First Continental Congress
First big meeting between representatives from each colony (minus Georgia). Purpose of meeting was to let Parliament know of the colonies' grievances. -
American Revolution Begins
Early in the morning, British troops on a mission to seize part of an American arsenal were met by American minutemen. The first shot of the American Revolution was fired, and eight Americans were killed. -
Period: to
Second Continental Congress
Convention of delegates from all thirteen colonies. Came together to manage war efforts against Britain, adopted the Declaration of Independence, and create the United States of America. -
Declaration of Independence
Document announcing the thirteen American colnies' independence from Great Britain. Signed by 56 members. -
Articles of Confederation
The first written constitution of the United States. With the Articles of Confederation, each of the states remained mostly independent and did not rely on the federal government. The Articles required the states to get along with and trust one another. -
Period: to
Shay's Rebellion
Armed rebellion led by Daniel Shay. Protested against high taxes, and led to the replacement of the Articles of Confederation. -
Connecticut Compromise
Helped to define legistlative structure and representation of each state under the Constitution. -
Period: to
Philadelphia Convention
Originally intended to revise the Articles of Confederation, but led to the creation of the United States Constitution. George Washington presided over the convention. -
Period: to
Constitution Convention
Also known as the Philadelphia Convention.
