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Virginia Declaration of Rights
This declaration, drafted in 1776, explicitly stated the inalienable rights of men, and the people's power to reform government. With its creation by George Mason, other states followed suit with similar proclamations. This declaration is especially important because it served as inspiration for the official Declaration, written by Jefferson. -
Ratification of the Articles of Confederation
The Articles were adopted by Congress in early 1777, but were not finalized (ratified) until late 1778, when all states ceded their western territories. The Articles were important because they served as the first Constitution of the newly created United States of America, and therefore show the early organization of the country. Benjamin Franklin and John Dickinson were both important figures in the drafting and ratification processes of the Articles. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris, negotiated primarily by Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay, signifies the formal end to the American Revolution. In the Treaty, Britain grants America recognition as a country, among other sanctions. This treaty is important because it represents the absolute victory of the Patriots and the sovereignty of the US. -
Land Ordinance of 1785
This ordinance created a grid system of surveying and selling undeveloped land, particularly in the west. Thomas Jefferson, a member of the committee managing the distribution of the western lands, was a important figure in the creation of this legislation. This is an important ordinance because it defined the geography of the west. -
Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom
Created by Thomas Jefferson for the state of Virginia, this bill argued for religious toleration and separation of church and state. This bill is important because it not only shows Jefferson's importance in the politics of VA, but also shows how his work inspired the religious clauses of the first amendment. -
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Shay's Rebellion
This uprising, led by war veteran Daniel Shays, served to prevent courts from foreclosing on farms of colonists who could not pay taxes. The government under the Articles of Confederation did not have the authority to suppress the rebellion with force, explaining the absurd length of the rebellion. This showed the ineffective nature of the government under the articles and called for change. -
Northwest Ordinance of 1787
This piece of legislation created a system of government for newly-created NW lands and defined the process of state admittance into the country. Thomas Jefferson served an important role in the creation and passing of this ordinance. This legislation is important because it organized the NW and shows the influence of Jefferson. -
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Constitutional Convention
Created by James Madison, the Constitutional Convention was a meeting of state delegates in Philadelphia, PA to discuss the revision of the ineffective Articles of Confederation. This is important because led by significant government figures such as Hamilton, Washington, and Franklin, the delegates did not only revise the Articles, but devised an entirely new plan of government - the government that still exists and serves the US well today. -
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Ratification of the Constitution
The ratification was a multiple-month process throughout the United States in which Federalists (Hamilton, Adams) encouraged the states to support the Constitution. Antifederalists such as Patrick Henry refused to endorse the document without the Bill of Rights (first 10 amendments to the constitution). The ratification is important because it was the first step in the Founders' plan for a stronger national government. -
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French Revolution
The French Revolution was an extremely violent movement in France in which radicals (led by Napoleon) toppled the monarchy and instituted a republic. Some significant US figured such as Thomas Jefferson wished to aid the French in their revolutionary struggles, but others, most importantly Washington, argued that the US was too weak of a nation to get involved. This is important because it created a political chasm between Jefferson and Washington, and caused Jefferson to resign. -
George Washington Inauguration
George Washington's Inauguration at Federal Hall in New York City was the formal start to Washington's leadership as the President of the United States. This event is important because it marks the beginning of American successive leadership and Washington's legendary Presidency. -
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Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey Rebellion, taking place for a series of years in (specifically) PA and led by farmers, was in response to Washington's domestic tax on whiskey products intended to diminish war debt. Washington's impressive response to this rebellion (13,000 troops) showed the strength and power of the new national government. This ensured future constituent compliance with government mandates. -
Jay Treaty
The Jay Treaty, negotiated by John Jay, American Supreme Court Chief Justice, and signed by King George III in London, sought to ease the relationship between the US and Britain. This treaty of extensive compromise is important because it averted war with Britain - a war the US surely would have lost, and caused criticism of the Washington administration. -
Treaty of Greenville
The Treaty of Greenville, signed at Fort Greenville in present day Ohio by General Wayne and a slew of Native American chiefs, forced the natives to cede their NW territory to the US. This event is important because it gave the US a substantial amount of land and allowed for subordination of natives. -
Election of 1796
The Election of 1796, taking place across the US, was the election that determined the second President of the United States. The primary figures running for office were John Adams (Federalist), Thomas Jefferson (Democratic-Republican), and Thomas Pinckney (Federalist). With Adams emerging victorious, this election is important because it created a distinct party distinction - one that continues today. -
Pinckney Treaty
The Pinckney Treaty, signed in Madrid, Spain, served to establish positive relations between Spain and the US while also defining colonial boundaries and allowing the US (previously denied) access to the Mississippi River. The Us was represented by the treaty's namesake, Thomas Pinckney, whereas Spain was represented by de Godoy. This treaty is important because the US avoided further foreign conflict and American settlers were able to use the Mississippi for trade and communication. -
Washington's Farewell Address
Washington's Farewell Address, published in the US in 1796, served to inform the public on George Washington's decision not to pursue a third term in office and on how to handle foreign and domestic relationships. This was important because it defined the maximum terms of presidency to come (until FDR), and fostered American identity. -
XYZ Affair
Adams sent American delegates to Paris to negotiate with the French government concerning their seizing of American merchant ships. Three French diplomats "X, Y, and Z" demanded bribes before entering negotiations. This is important because it fostered a nationalistic sentiment in the heart of America. Many wanted to enter war, but Adams made the (highly criticized) decision to withhold action. -
Alien and Sedition Acts
The highly criticized Alien and Sedition Acts created by John Adams made becoming a citizen more difficult and forbade slander against the government, respectively. These acts, in effect throughout the United States, were important because they caused government-constituent tension. Many citizens believed this limited free speech and discouraged immigration. -
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Quasi War
The Quasi War was an unofficial naval war between France and America during the John Adams presidency fought throughout the Atlantic. This war was important because it ended in the neutrality of America and France's promise not to attack more American ships. -
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Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions
These resolutions, written by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison and agreed on by the legislatures of VA and KY, respectively, declared the Alien and Sedition Acts of the Adam's Presidency unconstitutional. These Resolutions are important because they showed the power of the states to question and protest against government decisions. -
Election of 1800
The Election of 1800 took place throughout the US and was a dramatic battle fought between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr (Democratic Republicans) against John Adams (Federalist). This election was important because it showed that despite political differences, the government could achieve peaceful transitions of power, further exemplifying the dynamic nature of the US. This election also solidified the two political party variations that (more or less) continue to exist today.