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The Virginia Declaration of Rights
The Virginia Declaration of rights was a document made to declare that all men are by nature equally free, independent, and have certain inherent rights such as life, liberty, property. It also emphasizes the right to reform or abolishh inadequate government. This was important because it was the first constitutional protection of individual rights. /happinesshttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Virginia-Declaration-of-Rights
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_Declaration_of_Rights#Influence -
Ratification of the Articles of Confederation
The first constitution of the United States regarding functions of national government post independence. All thirteen states had to comply, which dragged out the process because landed states did not want to give up western lands
https://history.state.gov/milestones/1776-1783/articles
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Articles_of_Confederation#Ratification -
Treaty of Paris (1783)
Negotiation between British and US to end revolutionary war and recognize american independence conducted by Adams, Franklin, and Jay. It was ratified by Continental Congress early 1784 -
Land Ordinance of 1785
The Land Ordinance of 1785 was a system under the Articles of Confederation in which settlers were able to purchase undeveloped farmland in the west. This is important because Congress did not have the power to raise revenue through taxes so they turned towards land sales. It was also significant for funding public education and the maintenance of public schools. -
Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom
The Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom was drafted by Jefferson in 1777 but not passed until 1779 into state law. This statute brought down the Church of England and brought forth the idea of religious freedom, a precursor to the first amendment to the Constitution -
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Shay's Rebellion
Shay's Rebellion was a series of armed uprisings by farmers led by Daniel Shay in Massachusetts from 1786-1787. Farmers were charged with high taxes and received low wages putting them in debt traps. This was important because it served as one of the leading factors to write a new constitution. -
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Constitutional Convention
Discussion on possible improvements to the Articles of Confederation that resulted in the creation of the United States Constitution, a whole new government rather than improvement. -
Northwest Ordinance of 1787
The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 chartered a government for the Northwest Territory which provided a method to admit new states to the union with a bill of rights guaranteed
https://ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=true&doc=8 -
George Washington Inauguration
The George Washington Inauguration was the event of Washington taking oath as the first president of the United States. Marked beginning of new government operations under new Constitution.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_inauguration_of_George_Washington -
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French Revolution
period of political and social upheaval in france in which Americans were at first largely supportive of it. Federalists were with britain for strong trade relationships while Republicans were with France, to go against Britain. Soon enough both parties realized the political turmoil in getting involved and decided to stay neutral. The revolution was also the inspiration for the Alien and Sedition acts -
Ratification of the Constitution
on May 29th, 1790, Rhode Island, the last of the thirteen colonies voted to ratify the US Constitution -
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Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey Rebellion was a mean of demonstrating American individuality against unjust taxation on the purchase of whiskey. Its significance came from demonstrating the US governments's ability to suppress the opposition as opposed to the little power the central government had with the articles of confederation
http://tax.laws.com/consumption-taxes/whiskey-rebellion -
Jay Treaty
Sought to settle disputes between US and Great Britain in which British were asked to repay stolen american ships, get rid of their troops in Ohio River Valley and Americans asked to pay debts pre revolution. Peaceful trade in midst of French Revolutions
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Treaty -
Treatyof Greenville
American Indians give up land in Ohio River Valley in exchange for protection of remaining lands and ended northwest indian war. Its significance was that this was the first time the US government had control over their land in which this treaty was able to set clear boundaries between indian and settlement lands
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Greenville -
Pinckney Treaty
The Pinckney Treaty established friendship between the US and Spain in which it guaranteed US navigation rights on the Mississippi River, encouraging westward expansion. It also defined the boundaries between the US and Spanish colonies -
Washington's Farewell
Washington did not want to be seen as a monarch or a king and decided to let america rule itself. Only said to keep foreign neutrality as well as political neutrality to keep nation together as a whole. -
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Election of 1796
First presidential election in which John Adams ran against Thomas Jefferson. In this time, the winner was president and the other was vice president so Adams won president while opposite party republican Jefferson was vice president, causing disputes between the two. This soon leads to the birth of the 12th amendment which clears up the political election process -
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XYZ Affair
Diplomatic incident between america and france in which Adams sent three representatives to talk out problems with France who was attacking american ships. The French refused all negotitations without a bribe, sparking anger in Americans who now wanted war (Quasi War) -
Alien and Sedition Acts
The Alien and Sedition Acts was a series of laws passed by the Federalist Congress by Adams which gave powers to deport foreigners since they were seen as a threat to American security. This also made it harder for immigrants to vote. The significance of this was that it was passed in preparation for an anticipated war with france and was used by the federalists to stop the growth of the democratic republican party
http://www.ushistory.org/us/19e.asp -
Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions
The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions of 1798 were passed in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798. It argued that the federal government did not have the authority to exercise power not specifically delegated in the constitution. Significance in recognizing that the sates decided the constitutionality of laws passed by congress.
http://billofrightsinstitute.org/founding-documents/primary-source-documents/virginia-and-kentucky-resolutions/ -
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Quasi War
undeclared sea war between US and French Republic from 1798-1800. Adams avoids real war because it would divide nation and cause civil war. Adams eventually sends another delegation who negotiates to peaceful end. Shows the sensitivity of politics in which the federalists were pro british and republicans for france. Outside forces can cause havoc in an area -
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Election of 1800
This election was most controversial due to the switch in the faction that took over (jefferson, republicans). The switch in power was emphasized because it showed how power could be lost without civil war demonstrating the flexibility of American government. The switch in power to Jefferson also made the US more democratic in which Jefferson had a more personal style rather than elitist like Federalists.
http://www.enotes.com/homework-help/why-was-election-1800-such-major-turning-point-107461
