Major Events of Early American Government

Magna Carta

Jan 1, 1215

This was the first document given to King John of England in an attempt to limit his powers. First document to ever fight for peoples' rights.

Jamestown Settled

May 13, 1607

First successful English settlement in America, named after King James of England. Served as capital of Virginia.

Mayflower Compact Written

Nov 11, 1620

Signed aboard the Mayflower. Written by the Separatists, or Pilgrims, as the first governing document of Plymouth Colony. 41 of the ships 101 passengers signed.

Petition of Right

May 8, 1628

English constitutional document that named specific liberties of which the king may not infringe upon. This document was very influential in the fight for peoples' rights.

English Bill of Rights

Dec 16, 1689

A restatement of the Declaration of Right. This gave limits on the powers of the king and Parliament. Greatly reflected the thoughts of John Locke.

Albany Plan of Union

Jul 1, 1754

Meeting suggested by Ben Franklin. Proposal to create a single united government between the 13 states.

Stamp Act

Jan 1, 1765

This act imposed a direct tax on all printed materials produced in the colonies. These taxes had to be paid in British currench rather than colonial paper money.

Boston Massacre

Mar 5, 1770

Incident in which British soldiers killed five mobbing colonial civilians and injured six more. Eight soldiers, one officer, and four civilians were arrested and charged with murder.

Boston Tea Party

Dec 16, 1773

A political protest done by the Sons of Liberty in Boston. Protesting against taxes placed by British government and East India Company.

Intolerable Acts

Jan 1, 1774

Laws passed by British government that drastically affected the lives of colonists in a negative way. These acts were the colonists' punishment for the Boston Tea Party. These acts took away Massachusetts' right to govern themselves.

First Continental Congress

Sep 5, 1774

56 delegates from 12 colonies that met in Philadelphia to respond to the passing of the Intolerable Acts. Met later for the Second Continental Congress once Revolutionary War had begun.

American Revolution Begins

Apr 19, 1775

British armies invade the colonies as their navy blockades the coast. The British lost control of Boston to the colonists but they captured and held control of New York City.

Second Continental Congress

May 10, 1775

Met soon after Revolutionary War started. Discussed defensive war strategies and moved closer to independence by constructing armies and strengthening defenses.

Declaration of Independence

Jul 4, 1776

Document created by the Continental Congress that formally announced the 13 colonies to be independent of the British Empire. Created by Thomas Jefferson and 55 other delegates from the colonies.

Articles of Confederation

Nov 15, 1777

The United States' first constitution which will later be replaced by the Constitution. It was an agreement between the 13 colonies to establish the United States as a confederation of sovereign states.

Connecticut Compromise

Jan 1, 1787

Agreement made between the large and small states on the design of the legislative structure and representation of each state. Gave bicameral structure.

Philadelphia Convention

May 25, 1787

Convention that addressed issues with self-governing in America. It was intended to revise the Articles of Confederation which then led to the creation of the Constitution.

Shay's Rebellion

Aug 1, 1787

Armed rebellions in Massachusetts led by Revolutionary War Veteran Daniel Shay due to aggressive taxation and debt collection by the British. Started consideration for new constitution.