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First Continental Congress
A meeting of delegates from 12 of the 13 British colonies that soon became the United States. -
Second Continental Congress
A meeting of delegates from the thirteen colonies in America that united in the American Revolutionary war. -
Declaration of Independence
This was the first formal statement by a nation's people declaring their right to choose their own government. This document was written largely by Thomas Jefferson and was signed in Philadelphia on July 4, now a nationally celebrated holiday in America. -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation served as the first Constitution, declaring that the confederacy of the former 13 colonies would be called "The United States of America." -
Shays' Rebellion
Shays' Rebellion was an uprising in Western Massachusetts in opposition to high taxes and strict economic conditions. Daniel Shays and other local leaders led several hundred men in forcing the Supreme Court in Springfield to adjourn. This event started in August 1786 and ended in February of 1787. -
Ratification of the Constitution
The Constitution became the official framework of the government of the United States of America when New Hampshire became the ninth of 13 states to ratify it. -
Bill of Rights
The U.S. Bill of Rights is comprised of the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution.