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John Locke writes the Two treatises of government
In this piece, the philosophe argues that governments should protect the people's natural rights and should have limited power. Later, this was one of the driving influences for the Declaration of Independence. -
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Baron de Montesquieu Writes The Spirit of the Laws
In this work, Montesquieu states that the power of the government should be separated into three branches: the legislative, executive and judicial. The idea of separation of powers can be observed in the Constitution. -
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Denis Diderot publishes the Encyclopedia
The philosophe published the Encyclopedia, which contained articles supporting the freedom of speech and education for all and condemning slavery. Some of these notions can be found in the Declaration of Independence -
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Rousseau produces The Social Contract
In The Social Contract, the philosophe stressed that society should place only minimal restrictions on the people's behavior. Furthermore, he argued that only a freely elected government is fit to enforce these limitations.These notions echo through the Declaration of Independence -
The Sugar Act Goes Into Effect
The act placed taxes on imported items, such as coffee and textiles. -
The Parliament Passess the Stamp Act
The act enforced taxes on products such as newspapers and booklets. The colonists were not content with this, dude to them not being represented in the Parliament. -
The Quartering Act is issued
The act requires residents to supply housing for British troops. -
The Declaratory Act is passed
Immediatly after the Stamp act was repealed, the Declaratory Act was issued. It stated that the Parliament has complete absolute authority of the colonists. -
The Boston Massacre takes place
British troops opened fire on discontent colonists that were throwing snowballs and stones at them. This was utilized as propaganda against the British -
The tea act is issued
The act imposed taxes on British tea. -
The Boston Tea Party Occurs
Unhappy with the previously issued Tea act, a group of colonists hurled 342 casks of newly arrived tea into the harbor. -
The first Continental Congress is assembled.
Delegates from all of the colonies assemble in Philadelphia to decide how to resist British rule.
