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The Convention of the First Continental Congress
The Congress was the government of the colonies of America. They were a group of delegates who met up in Philadelphia to form a resistance against the British Parliament's Coercive Acts (History.com Editors, 2010). They did not agree that the British Parliament had the right to tax them, but they agreed to affirm their loyalty to the crown if their grievances from the Declaration of Rights were met (History.com Editors, 2010). They disbanded in 1774, saying they would reconvene if need be. -
The Creation of the Olive Branch Petition
This petition was the last attempt of the colonies to avoid getting into a full-scale war with Britain during the American Revolution. The Congress appealed to the King of Great Britain to see if he would aid them in solving the issues between the colonists and the British crown (History.com Editors, 2010). King George only dismissed the petition, which led to the making of the Declaration of Independence. From this point on, they wanted their freedom from Britain. -
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The Re-convention of the Second Continental Congress
After the start of the American Revolutionary War, the Second Continental Congress reconvened. They formed the Continental Army who fought against the British for independence (History.com Editors, 2010). The Congress took steps towards gaining the colonies' independence, including creating the Declaration of Independence. The Articles of Confederation was ratified as well to define the government's role and powers (History.com Editors, 2010). They adjourned after the Constitution was enacted. -
The Signing of the Declaration of Independence
This document, written by Thomas Jefferson, stood for America's independence from Britain (Krutz, Waskiewicz, et al., 2016). It stated the people had the right to choose their own government. It included the reasoning behind their rebellion and the abuse of power by the British monarch (Krutz, Waskiewicz, et al., 2016). The people believed the basic rights given by God, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, were denied by the British (Krutz, Waskiewicz, et al., 2016). -
The Signing of The Treaty of Alliance
Induction of the Declaration of Independence allowed Congress to gain allies with foreign countries (History.com Editors, 2010). After Benjamin Franklin got the treaty signed by France, they became trade partners and gained the support of France, a powerful ally (Ben Franklin Historical Society, 2014). France gave the U.S. soldiers, military equipment, sailors, and money (Ben Franklin Historical Society, 2014). Without France, the war may not have been won because the U.S. had a bad economy. -
The Ratification of the Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution, drafted in 1777, lasting to 1787. It established the structure and powers of Congress. It stated, the U.S was a confederation of sovereign states, all with an equal voice in Congress (History.com Editors, 2010). They set up a weak national government and strong state governments. This proved inefficient because the national government was too weak to pay for defense, regulate trade, or raise an army (Krutz, Waskiewicz, et al., 2016). -
The Battle of Yorktown
This was the last battle of the American Revolutionary War. The British commander went to rest at the Yorktown peninsula and general Washington was there with a large French army preparing for an attack (History.com Editors, 2009). After three days of heavy fire and lack of weaponry tough enough to match France's, Cornwallis and his men surrendered and the war was over (History.com Editors, 2009). -
The Negotiation of The Treaty of Paris
This peace treaty was negotiated by Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay. They negotiated with representatives of King George in Great Britain. This treaty ended the Revolutionary War by having the British acknowledge American independence (History.com Editors, 2010). The British had to agree to giving their northwest territory to America, resolving issues with American debts owed, and giving American British supporters fair treatment (Hickman,2019). -
Shays' Rebellion
A rebellion of poor Massachusetts farmers who sought compensation from Congress for fighting in the war (Krutz, Waskiewicz, et al., 2016). The government imposed taxes on them to cover the colonies' war debts. The farmers were refused relief and fought. The national government was called to send help, but there was none to give (Krutz, Waskiewicz, et al., 2016. The rebellion proved that a weak national government and powerful state governments was not practical, especially economically. -
The Constitutional Convention
Delegates from the colonies got together in Maryland to create a new government. They wanted to strengthen the central government without taking away state autonomy (Krutz, Waskiewicz, et al., 2016). They wanted to uphold law and order without giving way to the demands of ones liberty (Krutz, Waskiewicz, et al., 2016). They wanted equal rights and representation for all. Slavery was heavily debated as well. George Washington was elected president of the convention.
