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Jun 12, 1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was the first power-limiting document written in order to preserve the English people's natural rights. It became a basis for many of the Constitution’s principles. -
Mayflower Compact
This document was signed by 41 men and established self-government for the colonies. -
English Bill of Rights
Established a Constitutional Monarchy in England and influenced the future United States. It protected the rights and liberties of the English under law. -
French and Indian War Begins
The resolution of this war lead to strengthened colonies. They no longer had European enemies north and south of them and were now able to expand westward past the Mississippi Valley. -
Sugar Act
Placed a heavy tax on refined sugar and caused slight resentment by the colonists. -
Stamp Act
Directly taxed the colonists which lead to outrage. The beginning of taxation without representation. -
Declaration of Rights is Passed
This unanimously accepted declaration bestowed the colonies ultimate power to alter or abolish any oppressive rule. -
Boston Massacre
British soldiers opened fire on a crowd killing 5 people. They were there to enforce the Townshend acts, and the violence caused uproar among the colonists. -
Boston Tea Party
342 boxes of tea were seized and thrown into the Boston Harbor in protest of the monopoly on imported tea. This act of defiance led to the passing of the Coercive Acts by Parliament -
Quartering Act Passed
Allowed Redcoats to stay in any private homes without reason. This was partly to punish the colonists for the Boston Tea Party, and it caused outrage. -
First Continental Congress
56 delegates from the colonies convened in Philadelphia to draft the declaration of Rights and Grievances. -
Quebec Act Passed
Allowed Canadian Catholics to worship freely on colonial soil. This angered Protestant colonists. -
Declaration of Rights and Grievances Passed
This was drafted at the first Continental Congress and voiced the colonists' feelings towards the oppressive acts passed by Parliament. -
American Revolution Begins
The first shots of the War were fired at Lexington and Concord. This was the beginning of the war for independence. -
Second Continental Congress
The second Congress met after the start of the War. Its goal was to figure out how to run the rebel troops as a continental army. -
Signing of The Declaration of Independence
Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, this is the document that officially cut the cord between the Colonies and England. The Declaration would be the foundation of American beliefs. -
Articles of Confederation Proposed
The Articles outlined the basic governing laws that the new states would follow. They were a precursor to the Constitution. -
Ratification of Articles of Confederation
This ratification is important because it was the first attempt at a governing document for the United States -
Revolutionary War Ends
This was when the Treaty of Paris was signed. It officially declared the United States as a separate entity of England. -
Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
Proposed by Thomas Jefferson, this was a precursor to the First Amendment. It protected peoples’ right to worship freely. -
Shays' Rebellion
This was a relatively small dispute caused by farmers and high taxes imposed on them. It startled the country and made them realize that a more powerful Constitution would be required in place of the Articles of Confederation. -
Annapolis Convention
This was called in order to discuss provisions that would strengthen the Federal Government. -
Constitutional Convention Begins
Delegates from every state except Rhode Island convened in Philadelphia in order to discuss a new Constitution. The result was a bicameral legislative system that was controlled by intricate checks and balances. -
Signing of the Constitution
38 of the 41 delegates signed the Constitution which would replace the Articles of Confederation. -
Final Draft of Constitution Sent to Congress
That day the final draft was sent to Congress for ratification. -
Constitution is Ratified
New Hampshire became the 9th state to ratify the document which made it official. -
Constitution Goes Into Effect
This was the agreed date that the Constitution would begin its effectiveness.
