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Declaration of Rights
Over the years, the Constitution went through many changes, including the Declaration of Rights. It restated and enlarged William Penn’s beliefs. -
The Articles of Confederation
The national Articles of Confederation was finally adopted by the states in 1781. The purpose of the Articles was to create a union among the states that gave the most of the power to the states themselves. -
Political Parties Discovery
At first, there was no Political parties in the new country, although, people still had strong feelings about how much power the Federal government should have, so the political parties were formed. The Federalists wanted the government controlled by “the rich, the able, and the well born”, but the Democratic-Republicans believed that the government should be small and that all powers not specifically granted to the federal government should be left to the states. -
Constitution
Members met in Philadelphia PA to strengthen the Federal Government. The new Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation -
Fries Rebellion
German Americans do eastern Pennsylvania rose to protest another direct tax, so, in anger, citizens poured boiling water on tax collectors, harassed them, and seized their records and of course went to jail. John Fries went and broke them out of jail, but was caught and was sentenced to death, but then President John Adams pardoned him of death. -
Bill of Rights
The Constitution was voted for by 46 people and voted against by 23. Many did not want to sign it until a Bill of Rights was added, so several years later, The Bill of Rights was approved. -
Whiskey Rebellion
The government made a whiskey tax, but farmers were upset because the government ignored the fact that farmers had no cash and so they could not pay the tax. They were so upset, that they rebelled against the government. -
Battle of Lake Erie
Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry was put in charge of naval forces on Lake Erie. Their ship had heavy damage, and had to surrender, but when they fled and joined other American ships, including the Niagara, they defeated the British. -
The Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent ended the War of 1812. It was a peace treaty between the States and Great Britain. -
Battle of New Orleans
News of a peace treaty had not reached the British yet, so they attacked New Orleans. General Andrew Jackson defeated them and became a hero, and was later elected President of the United States.
