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Independence to Establishment
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Thomas Jefferson and the Declartion of Independence
Thomas Jefferson was a shy, awkward Southern surrounded by Northerners at the Continental Congress. He was one of the Committee of Five that was chosen to draft the declaration but was specifically requested to do the writing. His writing skills and dedication to independence was his action that helped to shape the new country. His ideas of “all men are created equal” and the “pursuit of happiness” are still important to us today. -
Washington's Crossing of the Deleware
George Washington’s crossing of the Potomac on Christmas 1776 was a surprise attack on the Hessians that was the first real victory for the Continental Army. His actions during this battle were important to the moral of both the army and the country because the army really needed a win. If this had failed things could have turned out much differently for Washington and the country. Luckily it worked out and Washington was able to set the country on the path to independence. -
Benjamin Franklin and the Treaty of Paris, 1783
Benjamin Franklin was one of the first colonists to push for independence from England in 1754. He became a diplomat and traveled to France to convince King Louis XV to finally back the colonies. He would not back down when the British said they would give partial independence and in 1783 the Treaty of Paris was signed which gave the colonies full independence. His actions made a big impact on this country because he would not compromise with the idea of true independence. -
Shays' Rebellion
Daniel Shays was a Revolutionary War veteran who led a group of farmers who had a lot of debt, some lost their farms because debt and overdue taxes and some were threatened with debtor’s prison. Although the rebellion failed it made a big impact on tax and debt laws. Shays’ actions helped his fellow farmers in the long run and showed the government how bad the economy really and how bad the tax and debt were for most people. -
James Madison and the Bill of Rights
James Madison was not convinced at first that a list of rights was needed in the Constitution. Later he decided that a list of rights was important educationally and to protect individuals from a potentially unfair government. He took it upon himself to draft these rights which would become ten amendments to the Constitution. His actions still impact Americans today because we always refer to the Bill of Rights which has helped to protect individuals. -
Alexander Hamilton and the Bank of the United States
As Secretary of Treasury under President Washington, Alexander Hamilton wrote the charter for the first Bank of the United States. He felt that it was very important to help the new American economy and that it was allowed under the Constitution. His belief in the bank and his willingness to fight for it allowed the new American economy and governmental become more secure and able to grow. -
Eli Whitney and the Invention of the Cotton Gin
Eli Whitney revolutionized the way cotton was produced allowing more cotton to be processed. This changed the way cotton was separated and cleaned and with less labor profits were increased. Whitney’s invention introduced industrial ideas to the more farming centered areas of the country which made a big impact on the slave culture in the south. -
Gabriel's Rebellion
Gabriel was a slave in VA who would hire out which gave him more freedom than most slaves usually got. He was around people who talked about the ideals of the American Revolution, he learned about the Haiti revolution, and he saw the successes of free blacks. All of this caused him to start a rebellion with other slaves which failed because a few slaves turned them in and the weather. His actions changed the way some slaveholders treated their slaves so that another rebellion could not happen. -
James Monroe and Francis Robert Livingston-The Louisiana Purchase
James Monroe and Francis Robert Livingston were sent by Jefferson to negotiate the purchase of New Orleans and Florida for $10 million or at least access to the Mississippi River and the port in New Orleans. Instead of doing this they decided that they would by the entire Louisiana Territory for $15 million. By going beyond their authority they doubled the size of the US and this action changed the course of US history. -
Andrew Jackson and the Battle of New Orleans
Andrew Jackson led his soldiers to a victory in New Orleans in the War of 1812. This was important because it proved the Unites States could defend themselves against the best force in the world and led to renewed patriotism. Jackson’s actions made a big impact on the nation because he helped to prove that US deserved it’s independence and helped lead the nation into the next phase.
