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Jun 12, 1215
Magna Carta
The document that denounced the king is not higher than the law. Under the rule of King John this was passed due to the frowing sentiment of unfair ruling. The Magna Carta stated that -
Petition of Right is Drafted
King Charles I was the author of this petition. The petition of right focused on four principles. NO taxation without the consent of Parliament could be imposed. The no imprisonment without cause clause was one of the four principles. This gave English citizens the ability to rject housing soldiers. Lastly, no army was allowed in pacific periods. This document is only second to the Magna Carta. -
English Bill of Rights Drafted
The rights of the citizens of England were protected against the rule of the king. The king was kept under control with the specific rules that were to be fulfilled complete. The king could not mistreat a British citizen or create outrageous taxes. This gave the citizens of England a balance and security from the kings ruling. The document transformed the monarchy into a constitutional monarchy. This gave less power to the king and protected English citizens. -
Stamp Act
The British Parliament enacted a taxation on a written documnents or seals without the consent of the British colonies in America. This in turn caused the enragement and disapproval of the colonists. The colonies soon spoke of revolting such act due to the lack of representation within the British Parliament. This act represented a firm, constrainting hold on the British colonies. The colonies in result of the Stamp Act soon were planning boycotts and revolts. The colonies spoke of war. -
Townshend Acts
This was a series of acts that taxed multiple products. Parliament wanted to control the colonies with tough acts that would be detrimental and would soon contain the colonists. This however enraged even more local colonial leaders. The colonists soon took forceful action to stop the acts in tarring and feathering royal messengers. The acts lasted until JUly 2, 1767. This was another step of sentiment towards independence. -
Boston Massacre
A scuffle between British soldiers and Boston residents that was the tipping point of independence and revolution. The Boston residents were unarmed and shoot at by British soldiers. Three were killed on impact and eight others were wounded. A town meeting was called finding the British soldiers guilty of manslaughter. The colonies soon took arms to protect themselves against the red coats. British troops were now unwelcomed in colonial territory. -
Tea Act
An act passed by parliament to tax all imported tea products. The colonists were soon boycotting and revolting against this law dumping tea or turning ships back to Britain.This led to the Boston Tea Party. The revolution acts were in action when the Townshend Duties were in place. The colonies never saw the purpose to this act as it was not beneficial to them. -
1st Continental Congress
The Delegates met up until October 26, 1774 to discuss the unfair ruling of Grea Britain. The sentiment of action was common but the way to do something was different among the colonies. The direction of the convention was full of uncertainty. The colonies however set a plan to meet every year that the King was unfair to them in ruling with no consent of what the colonies wanted. The colonies establish common rules that were to be followed by all colonies. The delegates were mostly divided. -
2nd Continental Congress
The 13 Delegates met in Philadelphia. The threat being the British Army hostility against colonial leaders. The convention wanted no revolution yet but agreed on a Continental Army to defend their lifes. The delegates appointed George Washington to be the supreme commander. The cost of building an army was made possible by the approved printed of money. -
Common Sense
This was a written pamplet by Thomas Paine persuading a need for independence from British rule. The author criticized the monarchy and challenged the status quo. This gave the colonies a sense of faith that it was attainable to be independent. Thomas Paine pushed for a revolution as he saw the unnecessary British rule hindering the growth of the colonies.He deemed the overseas ruling as not right. -
Declaration of Independence Signed
The official document that eradicates all link up to British ruling over the thirthteen colonies. Thomas Jefferson framed the declaration of independence. The document was the birth of the United States of America. The delegates of the Continental Congress all signed to approve of the action. The independence came through various events of grievances. This however was the majority rule of a new nation without the help of Great Britain.
