Orgins of America

By delaneyjohnson
  • Jun 15, 1215

    The Magna Carta

    Enforced on King John. Limited King John's power and gave more rights to the people.

  • House of Burgesses

    The people of Virginia wanted their own representative assembly. It allowed them to levy taxes, enact laws, and take care of their own local affairs. Jamestown, Virginia. The state of Virginia was involved.

  • Social Contract Theory

    Written by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Goes against the laws already made and argues for human rights. Location; Paris. People involved; Jean-Jack Rousseau, John Locke, and Hobbs.

  • Albany Plan

    Was a plan to place the British North American colonies under a more centralized government. Location; Albany, New York. People involved; Ben Franklin and Representatives of the northern Colonies.

  • Stamp Act

    American colonists were required to pay taxes on any paper that they used. This angered the colonists. They only wanted to pay taxes to their representatives.The British Parliament was also involved.

  • Declaration of Independence

    The 13 colonies declared themselves an independent state. Now called The United State of America and was no longer part of the British Empire. Location; Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

  • The American Revolution

    Fought between 1775 and 1783. 13 of Great Britain's North American colonies threw off British rule and established the United States of America. One main cause was salutary neglect.

  • Articles of Confederation

    Was the start of a real government. The colonies were to go by these rules, but there was no one to enforce them. Was set in place to stop the colonies from making their own laws. It was weak and eventually was changed. Location; National Archives. Those involved; The 13 Colonies.

  • Treaty of Paris

    Ended the the conflict between America and Great Britain. The signing of the Treaty finally allowed america to be its own country. Involved; Great Britain, Ben Franklin, John Hay, Henry Laurens, and John Adams.

  • The Federalist Papers

    Written by Hamilton in New York to list the pros of the Constitution. Tried to convince the people to ratify the Constitution.

  • Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise

    Slave trading was a huge issue during the 1780's. This compromise allowed the importation and taxation of slaves (only imported). Prohibited changes to regulate slave trade until 1808. The compromise protected the interests of slave owners and slave trade.

  • The Great Compromise

    During this meeting, the representatives met to discuss and create the separation of powers in The United States. This is the government we have today. Location; Independence Hall. People involved; U.S Representatives and the U.S Senate.

  • The Boston Tea Party

    Because of the Sugar Act, taxes were high. The colonists boycotted tea. The Sons of Liberty dressed up as Native Americans and threw boxes of tea in the harbor. This influenced more colonies to resist the King too. One of the contributions to The American Revolution. Location; Boston, Massachusetts. People involved; Sons of Liberty and England.

  • Ratification of the Constitution

    Thanks to the Federalist Papers, the Constitution was ratified. It established the basic rights of the individuals. Each state signed the Constitution, agreeing to the terms that were ratified by the 13 states. This gave the country rules and regulations. We still go off these rules today.

  • Bill of Rights

    The Bill of Rights built on the foundation of democracy and individual rights, such as freedom of speech and due process of law. It limited the actions of the federal government. Was later added to the Constitution to protect the people from the national government having too much power. It also helped convince people to ratify the Constitution. This was all in the US. The first Congress in 1789, Thomas Jefferson, and The states took part.

  • The Monroe Doctrine

    According to this policy, The United States would stay out of foreign affairs and it also wouldn't tolerate further European Colonization in America.

  • Plessy v. Ferguson

    US Supreme Court ruled "Separate but equal". Made segregation illegal. People involved; Homer Plessy, John Ferguson, and the Supreme Court. Location; Louisiana.

  • The Great Depression

    Worldwide economic downturn took place. Lasted until about 1939. Was the longest economic depression ever recorded. Sparked drastic declines in an output in goods, severe unemployment, and acute deflation.

  • The Watergate Scandal

    Richard Nixon resigned after facing possible impeachment due to his role in covering up the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate community. This scandal caused great mistrust in the government.

  • September 11 Attacks

    Islamist terrorist hijacked and crashed planes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. US president at the time, George Bush declared a global "War on Terrorism". This was extremely devastating. Over 3,000 lives were lost. Congress quickly passed the USA Patriot Act, which tighten security, and the Department of Homeland Security was created. Location; New York. People involved; the U.S and Osama bin Laden with the terrorist group al-Qaeda.