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Period: Jan 1, 1200 to
Important Events
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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was a charter issued by King John of England. It was first drafted by the archbishop of canterbury to make peace between the unpopular king and a group of rebel barons. -
Petition of Right
The petition of right was a document that set out specific liberties that the king could not infringe. It contained restrictions on non-Parliamentary taxation, forced billeting of soldiers, imprisonment without cause, and the use of martial law. -
English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights was an English precursor to the constitution. It limited the power of the English soverign and was written as an act of Parliament. -
Albany Plan of Union
A proposal to create a unified government of the 13 colonies. It was suggested by Benjamin Franklin at age 48. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was the execution of 5 colonists by British regulars. This was an act of retaliation by the colonists caused by the growing tensions since the royal troops first apperared in Massachusetts causing the troops to kill the colonists. -
Boston Tea party
The Boston Tea Party was a protest on the taxes that had been set on tea by the king. Nearly 100 colonists dumped over 45 tons of tea into the Boston harbor. This would be about $1,000,000 in today's money. -
First Continental Congress
Was a meeting of delegates of 12 of the 13 colonies. The congress was called in response to the british parliament. The congress discussed options including an economic boycott of english trade. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress was the convention of delegates from the 13 colonies. It managed the war effort and moved towards independence. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was drafted by Thomas Jefferson on June 28, 1776. It was taken in by congress on July 4, 1776. This document declared that the 13 colonies of America were now independent and free from Britain. They would be declared as indepent soverign stats, under on nation called the United States of America. -
Articles of Confederation
The articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States. Ratification of the articles did not occur until March 1, 1781. -
Shay's Rebellion
Shay's rebellion was an armed uprising that took place in Massachusettes. The uprising was fuled by economic terrorism. -
Virginia Plan
The Virginia Plan was a proposal to split the legislative branch into two different parts. The plan was drafted by James Madison. -
Philadelphia Convention
The Philadelphia convention was called to revise the Artivles of Confederation. They wanted to develop a more unified constitution. -
New Jersey Plan
The New Jersey Plan was a aproposal for the structure of government. The proposal was to have two different houses of congress. This plan also proposed that the Articles of Confederation should be amended.
