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The 2nd Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress, starting in 1775, played a crucial role in organizing the Continental Army, appointing George Washington as its commander, and drafting the Declaration of Independence in 1776. As the war progressed, it transitioned into the Confederation Congress under the Articles of Confederation, which served as the governing body until the U.S. Constitution was adopted in 1789. -
The 4th of July
The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This day marks the formal assertion of American colonies' independence from British rule. -
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The Articles of Confederation
The first constitution of the United States and established a loose confederation of sovereign states with a weak central government. Under the Articles, the national government lacked the power to levy taxes or regulate interstate commerce, leading to significant economic and political challenges. -
The Great Compromise
The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was reached during the 1787 Constitutional Convention and established a bicameral legislature with a Senate and a House of Representatives. This agreement blended the Virginia Plan's representation based on population with the New Jersey Plan's equal representation for states, creating a balanced system that satisfied both large and small states. -
3/5ths Compromise
The 3/5ths Compromise, reached during the Constitutional Convention, counted each enslaved person as three-fifths of a person for purposes of representation and taxation. This compromise was a contentious solution to the dispute between Northern and Southern states over how to apportion congressional seats and taxes.
"Three-Fifths Compromise." National Archives, National Archives and Records Administration, www.archives.gov/exhibits/american_originals/threefifths.html. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024. -
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The Constitutional Convention
The Constitutional Convention, held in Philadelphia in 1787, was convened to address the deficiencies of the Articles of Confederation and ultimately led to the drafting of a new U.S. Constitution. Delegates at the convention debated and compromised on various issues, resulting in a stronger federal government with a system of checks and balances that still governs the United States today. -
The Constitution Ratification
The Constitution ratification process required approval from nine of the thirteen states, leading to vigorous debates between Federalists, who supported the new framework, and Anti-Federalists, who feared it granted too much power to the central government. The Constitution was ultimately ratified on June 21, 1788, after key states like New York and Virginia agreed to its adoption, leading to its implementation in 1789. -
The Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791, consists of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution and guarantees fundamental individual freedoms and protections, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press. These amendments were added to address concerns about potential overreach by the federal government and to secure broader support for the Constitution's ratification. -
The Election of 1860
*Democrats nominated John C. Breckinridge of Kentucky.
*Republicans nominated Abraham Lincoln.
*Lincoln won. -
Fort Sumter falls
Confederates attacked the fort 33 hours until surrender.
Started the civil war. -
The Upper South Secedes.
Virginia passed Ordinance secession.
By June 1861, Arkansas, north Carolina, and Tennessee had also secceded. -
The Siege of Vicksburg.
Foraging as they marched grant's troops headed east marching 180 miles in 17 days fighting five battles and inflicting 7.2k casualties on the confederates.
The march ended by driving the Confederate forces back into their defenses at Vicksburg. -
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Farragut Seizes New Orleans
David G Farragut took command of the Union force comprised of 42 warships and 15k soldiers led by general Benjamin Butler.
In Early April his fleet began bombarding Confederate forts on the lower Mississippi River. -
The Emancipation Proclamation.
Slavery became heart of Union effort.
Executive Government of the US will recognize and maintain freedom of former slaves. -
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Battle of Gettysburg.
Lee decided to invade the Union forces again.
He marched into Pennsylvania where his troops seized livestock, food and clothing.