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Period: Jan 1, 1200 to
Years
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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta assertedthat the nobles had certain rights. It also made it clear that the monarch must obey the law. -
Petition of Right
This is a major English document that specifies certain things. Among these, it says that kings have to follow laws too. -
English Bill of Rights
This is an English precursor of the Constitution, along with the Magna Carta and the Petition of Right. It limited the power of the English sovereign and was written as an act of Parliament. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre occured when British soldiers opened fire on a crowd that was pelting them with stones and snowballs. It resulted in the death of five protestors. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was caused by the British putting a very high tax on tea. It resulted in American colonists hurling a fresh shipment of tea into the Boston Harbor. -
First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress was a meeting between leaders of 12 of the 13 colonies. They met at Carperners' Hall in Pennsylvanis. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress was when the leaders of the colonies voted to declare independence from Britain. It wasalso when they drafted the Declaration of Independence. -
Declaration of Independence
This was drafted by Thomas Jefferson, it was at once the nation's most cherished symbol of liberty. He summarized philosophy in "self-evident truths". -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation was the nation's first constitution. However, proving too weak to rule the new United States, it was redrafted in 1787. -
Shay's Rebellion
This was an armed uprising that took place in Massachusets. Some hhistorians believe that it "fundamentally altered the course of history". -
Philadelphia Convention
In total, 55 delegates from 12 states were present. The Great Compromise, and the Three-Fifths Compromise occurred here. -
Virginia Plan
This was also known as the Rudolph Plan. It was a proposal by Virginia delegates for a bicameral legislative branch. -
New Jersey Plan
This was also known as the Small State Plan. It was presented by William Paterson at the Constitutional Convention.
