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Period: to
End of the Revolution to the end of the Articles of Confederation
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The Age of Enlightenment continues to inspire the world.
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The Age of Reason, aka The Enlightenment, is an inspiration to a newly forming nation.
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Benjamin Franklin is influenced by the Age of Enlightenment.
Benjamin Franklin, along with Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson are highly influenced by the Age of Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason. They believed, in essence, that all decisions could be made through scientific and rational thought, rather than emotion. -
England dissolves the Virginia House of Burgesses
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Second Continental Congress convenes
The Second Continental Congress helped manage the colonial war effort and move the young nation toward independence. -
Pennsylvania Constitution eliminates state executives
Fearing a tyrannical central government and wanting more power to go to a legislative branch, Pennsylvania eliminates state executives and creates a unicameral legislature. This decision quickly causes problems. -
Town meetings become a popular way for legislatures to get work done.
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American diplomats show a French translation of the Articles of Confederation to the French
Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, John Jay,and Thomas Jefferson impress the French with the Articles of Confederation, helping to create a political bond with that country. -
Barbary Pirates continue to capture U.S. ships and their crews
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Massachusetts constitution calls all men free and equal
In Massachusetts, the constitution called all men free and equal. This included blacks and Indians. -
During this time, Robert Morris helps fund the U.S. government.
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New York and Virginia cede land
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Franklin, Adams, and Jay go to France to negotiate a peace treaty.
The previous trip to show the French the Articles of Confederation solidified the relationship between the United States and France, and helped broker the Treaty of Paris. -
Soldiers want Washington to be king of the United States
At one point, some soldiers under General Washing pushed for him to be king of the United States. This was not a popular thought with everyone, as they wanted to avoid the potential tyranny of a monarchy. -
Congress adopts the Great Seal of the United States of America.
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Massachusetts court case uses its constitution to outlaw slavery
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Congress proposes a national tax plan
To supplement Robert Morris' funding and create revenue, Congress proposes a national tax plan, which needs to be approved by all 13 states. -
Newburgh Conspiracy
Unpaid soldiers and officers in Newburgh, New York, plot to overthrow the government. General Washington stops the revolt. -
Empress of China sails to Canton, China, opening trade with that country.
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James Madison is elected to the Virgiania state assembly
After being elected, Madison was able to organize a national convention to discuss problems of interstate commerce. -
New York rejects tax plan
New York rejected the proposed tax plan; this blocked the tax plan for the young nation, since all states needed to accept the plan. -
Shays' Rebellion
In 1786-1787, a series of rebellions by frustrated farmers who could not pay their taxes, and had to turn to private institutions for loans which they could also not repay. -
The Annapolis Convention opens
Only 5 states sent representatives to the convention; therefore, the delegates felt unable to proceed, and a new convention had to be scheduled. -
Northwest Ordinance was passed by Congress
The passage of the Northwest Ordinance created a 3-step process for territories to become new states. This paved the way for westward expansion. -
Pennsylvania constitution is replaced with a more moderate version
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Age of Enlightenment ends
