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The colonization of America
The Europeans came to North America looking for religious freedom. They colonized for God, gold, and glory. They created 13 colonies on the East Coast. Hints why the old American flag has 13 stars, which now the flag has 13 strips representing the 13 colonies there once were. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence states: God made all men equal and gave them the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Declaration of Independence was made to seek independence. It was written in June 1776 by Thomas Jefferson. After the Constitution was signed on July 2, 1776; Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence two days later on July 4, 1776. -
French & Indian War
The French and Indian War was a 7 year war. It started May 28, 1754 and ended February 10, 1763. France gave up all its territories in North America, which ended any military threat to the British colonies there. It lead to the freedom of the colonies and started the formation of the United States of America. -
The Stamp Act
This act required colonist to pay a tax represented by a stamp. It required colonist to pay taxes for any printed paper they used, playing card, newspaper, and documents. It was the first direct tax imposed on American colonists. The colonists would protest that there should be "no taxation without representation". -
Boston Tea Party
On December 16, 1773, 342 chest of East India Company tea were thrown from ships into the Boston Harbor. American patriots disguised as Mohawk Indians were the ones who throw the tea in the Boston Harbor. They were protesting tax on tea and the monopoly of the East India Company. -
American Revolutionary war
The American Revolutionary War was an insurrection by Patriots in the 13 colonies against British rule. This is resulting in American independence. It was a growing tensions between residents of Great Britain's, 13 American colonies, and the colonial government. France entered the American Revolution in 1778 on the the colonists side. -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation is the written document that established the functions of the government of the U.S.. It was also known as the U.S. first constitution. It was declared independence from Great Britain. It was a weak government and placed most powers for the states. Therefore, the Articles failed. -
Ratification of Constitution
This is the process of the Constitution. The Constitution would take effect once it was ratified by 9 of 13 State legislatures. North Carolina and Rhode Island, both refused to ratify the new plan known as the Constitution. New Hampshire was the 9th state to approve the Constitution. Therefore, after New Hampshire approve the Constitution it became official. -
Virginia Plan
James Madison introduced the Virginia Plan. This plan proposed the 3 branches of the government; legislative, executive, and judicial. The Virginia Plan set the agenda for the conventions. Smaller states didn't like James Madison plan and presented their own plan. -
New Jersey Plan
This plan was presented by the smaller states that didn't like the Virginia plan. William Patterson introduced the New Jersey plan. Each state would be equal because of the New Jersey plan. It was called for a unicameral legislature.