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First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress took place in Philadelphia where the delegates sent a document known as the Deceleration and resolves. This demanded a real of Intolerable acts, end to British Military occupation and colonies to have their own tax laws. The British rejected the colonists demands. -
The Second Continental Congress
The congress's first of few actions was to organize the ragtag militia into an official Congenital army and George Washington was voted the commander. with the revolutionary war starting the congress assumed the role of a government without legal grounds. This declared the colonies independent from Britain. -
Publication of Common Sense
A 47 page pamphlet called "Common Sense" was written by Thomas Paine. He argued that " a thirst for absolute power is the natural disease of monarchy." To Paine, Independence was the only common sense action to take. -
Signing the Deceleration of Independence
Richard Henry Lee stood before the congress and proposed a resolution to officially declare Independence. The delegates passed this on July 2nd. A committee of 5 was created to write a formal statement for independence. Thomas Jefferson wrote most of the document. -
Articles of Confederation
The congress adopted the nations first constitutions, The articles of Confederation which has to be ratified by all states. Delays in the ratification had occurred over western lands. Congress is now in power of admitting new states, settle disputes, organize postal services, raise an army, declare war, and make peace. The states now have power over the collection of taxes, and enforce national laws. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris secured the United States independence from Britain. Five members negotiated the treaty and were selected by the Continental Congress. This treaty ended the American Revolutionary war. -
Shays Rebellion
Massachusetts farmers led by Daniel Shays rebelled at the prospect of losing their land. They attacked courthouses to prevent judges from foreclosing on farms. in 1787 the small amount of farmers rebelling increased to nearly 2,500. The congress was unable to help Massachusetts because they did not have the money or forces. -
Constitutional Convention
Over four months, delegates at the convention worked together to draft framework for a new government. The fifty five delegates who attended are known as the framers of the constitution. The Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan were two rival ideas of creating a new government until Roger Sherman presented the Great Compromise. This included elements from both other plans. The delegates of the convention approved the compromise but still had work to do. -
Federalist Papers
Three men teamed up to write a series of articles defending the constitution for New York newspapers. The Federalist Papers is the name given to the essays written. The Federal Farmer created by Anti federalists was written in concern of protecting liberty. -
Ratification of the Constitution
A fight for ratification began between the Federalsits and the Antifederalists. The Federalists were well prepared compared to their opponents. Smaller states were quicker to ratify then larger states including Massachusetts, Virginia, and New York. The large states were difficult because strong leaders weighed in on both sides. The Federalists secured victory in February of 1788 with a close vote 89 to 79. -
Bill of Rights
James Madison suggested creating a Bill of Rights to protect a number of rights in the amendments. The congress proposed 12 amendments to the states to ratify which 10 out of 12 were then ratified. Now under the Bill of Rights, freedom of speech, religion, and press were protected.
