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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta is drafted
This document was signed in June of 1215. This was between the events of the "Medieval England" and "King John". "Magna Carta" means Great Charter in Latin. This was one of the most important documents of Medieval England. It was a series of written promises between the King and England. The barons wrote the Magna Carta to stop a King at the time. -
Petition of Right is drafted
This document was drafted in June of 1628. It was a statement of liberties sent by the English Parliament to Charles I. The Parliament refused to finance the King's unpopular foreign policy which caused the government to force loans and quarter troops. The Petition of Right was initiated by "Sir Edward Coke". It stated that no soldiers may be quartered upon the citizenry. Charles was then granted subsidies. -
English Bill of Rights
This event took place on December of 1689. Around this time period, it was said that English people drove King James from the throne in the "Glorious Revolution". -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was approved from the British Parliament on March of 1765. George Grenville offered the "fifty five resolutions" on February 6th of 1765. This act had a lot to do with taxing on things. Everything from ship papers, licenses, legal documents, playing cards, and newspapers were taxed as well. The people got mad because the act was considered to "raise money" instead of meeting measures to regulate commerce. This act was very effective. -
Townshend Duties
This was passed on July of 1767. It was originated by Charles Townshend, explaining why its called "Townshend Duties". The Townshend Duties were passed shortly after the Stamp Act. This was designed to put colonists of America on duties of importing glass, lead and paint. John Dickinson and Samuel Adams were even part of the protest against these taxes. British troops were sent to enforce these laws and keep peace within the people and this act. -
Boston Massacre
This event was a "street fight" that occured March of 1770. The fight was between a "Patriot Mob" who threw snowballs, sticks, and stone, which consisted of British soldiers. The presence of these British soldiers became unwanted over time. This fight began with about 50 people attacking a British sentinel.The British officer Thomas Preston called back up and they as well were attacked. The Boston Massacre eventually led to the beginning of the Revolutionary War. -
Tea Act
The Tea Act was passed on May of 1773. This event launched the final spark to the revolutionary movement in Boston. This act didn't raise nor impose any new taxes. In this event, there was 18 million pounds of unsold tea dumped into the Boston Harbor. All the tea was suppose to be shipped to colonies, then sold for a bargain but didn't make it. This is what led to the Boston Tea Party. -
1st Continental Congress
The first Continental Congress was adressed on September of 1774. This was made to protest against the Intolerable Acts. Many representatives came from all colonies but Georgia. The leaders who influenced this the most were Samuel and John Adams of Massachusetts and George Washington and Patrick Henry of Virginia. Congress voted to abolish colonial trade with Great Britain. This was an important event for the people of that time and even today. -
2nd Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress began on May of 1775. The purpose was to gather the 13 colonies in Philadelphia to discuss the nation's next steps. There were several key people in the meeting that took place this day. This meeting took place after the American Revolutionary War had begun. People such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and John Hancock were in this meeting. This event later led to the Declaration of Independence. -
"Common Sense" by Thomas Paine
This work by Thomas Paine was published the beginning of 1776. In this work of his, he argues for American Independence. He starts with distinguishing between government and society. He then states that society is everything constructive and good that people combine as one to do. He also says that government is an institution whose sole purpose is to protect us from our own vices. Paine states that government's sole purpose is to protect life, liberty and property. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was signed on July fourth of 1776. This was drafted by Thomas Jefferson himself. We celebrate this day today using fireworks. The Declaration of Independence is the most cherished symbol of liberty. This is what announced the thirteen colonies as independent states for the first time. This is one of the most important days in U.S. history.