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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta greatly limited King John's power, causing him to renounce certain rights of his and respect some legal procedures. -
Jamestown Settled
Colonists landed at the site of Jamestown where they built a fort on the James River in Virginia and created their first settlement. -
Mayflower Compact Written
The first governing document of the Plymouth Colony. The colonists knew this was needed because the earlier settlers failed because of a lack of government. It included fair and equal laws for the good of the settlers. -
Petition of Right
A statement of civil liberties sent by the English Parliament to Charles I. -
English Bill of Rights
A law passed by the Parliament in 1689 to limit the power of the Monarch. -
Albany Plan of Union
The exact date is unknown. The Albany Plan of Union was proposed by Benjamin Franklin in hopes to unify the 13 colonies under one government. However, it didn't pass. -
Stamp Act
A law passed by the British government that placed a tax on every printed paper used by colonists. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was a riot on March 15, 1770 during which British soldiers killed 5 civilians. The riot helped spark the rebellion of the colonies. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was an act of the colonists against the British government in Boston. The British government controlled the tea that came into the colonies. After officials refused to return 3 shiploads of taxed tea, a group of colonists boarded the ship and destroyed it by throwing it into the Boston Harbor. -
Intolerable Acts
Punishments and laws created by King George III to punish the colonists for the Boston Tea Party. -
First Continental Congress
Lasted until October 26, 1774. The colonists were very upset about the Intolerable Acts and the taxes. Was held to discuss unfair treatment by Britain, the relationship with Britain, and the colonists' rights. -
American Revolution Begins
The American revolution began because the colnies broke free from the British and combined to create the United States of America. Began with a single shot in Lexington, which is often know as "the shot heard 'round the world." -
Second Continental Congress
held at State House in Philadelphia. Established militia as the Continental Army to represent the 13 states. George Washington was elected as Commander in Chief of the Army. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of independence was a document passed by the colonies to declare their independence from the British. -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation were passed November 15, 1777 and were in effect as of March 1, 1781. It is considered the original constitution of the United States of America and was later replaced by the U.S. Constitution in 1789. -
Shay's Rebellion
Rebellion led by Daniel Shay because of the denial to use paper money to prevent the foreclosure of lands of the hardworking farmers. Lasted until 1787. -
Connecticut Compromise
Led by Roger Sherman to address the issues of representation and slavery. Established the House of Representatives and the Senate. -
Philadelphia Convention
Meeting held to create a new government for the colonies. At the time the government was still operating under the Articles of Confederation, but during this meeting, the U.S. Constitution was established. -
Constitutional Convention
Also known as the Philadelphia Convention. The U.S. Constitution was written and signed.
