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The Great Awakening
The Great Awakening helped set the path for the American Revolution. The movement challenged the idea of rituals and hierarchy as it encouraged a personal and individual relationship with God. The Great Awakening caused a division amongst Protestants, who believed in tradition, and Revivalists, who believed in a personal and emotional connection with God. Although the Great Awakening was primarily about a religious uproar, it eventually ended with political consequences. -
The French and Indian War
Set in motion the colonial resentment towards British colonial policies that ultimately led to the American Revolution. Furthermore, the rising debt and caused English leaders to take authority over the colonies including enacting new taxes to repay the war debt. The war had a powerful effect on colonists. They united against a common enemy and was finally able to find common ground amongst their differences. Once they saw that this was a possibility, it paved the way for American independence. -
The Proclomation of 1763
This proclamation was declared by the British at the end of the French and Indian War. It was at this time that westward expansion would come to an end and it effects would be felt by all 13 colonies. Only those who held special licenses could travel westward and would be allowed to have any contact with the Natives. Land was also forbidden to be purchased from the Indians. This proclamation was intended to protect both the colonists and the Native Indians from each other. -
The Continental Congress
The first Continental Congress was a meeting, held in Pennsylvania, by 56 members of Congress, from 12 out of the 13 colonies. This meeting was to discuss the boycott of British trading and to create a list of protests. They eventually requested that King George III set right their requests. -
The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence, penned by Thomas Jefferson, was approved in the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, PA. Inspired by many writers, including John Locke, it declared that man had the natural right to overthrow a government that denied them their rights. Colonists celebrate this idea of liberty from Great Britain’s control. While the Revolutionary War continued for years after, the Declaration was the beginning of the United States of America. -
The Articles of Confederation
While adopted by the Continental Congress in November of 1777, The Articles of Confederation were not ratified by all 13 states until 1781. The Articles served as the first constitution of the United States, with the goal of preserving the sovereignty of states and creating a limited central government. Eventually, the American people began seeing weaknesses and holes within the Articles of Confederation, thus causing the people to seek out changes in order to create a stronger government. -
The Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris recognized the end of the Revolutionary War and granted the United States their independence from Great Britain. Representatives of both Great Britain and the United States signed the treaty in Paris on September 3, 1783. The Treaty laid out details regarding boundaries amongst the British Empire and the United States. It also laid out instructions on how to handle issues such as prisoners of war, rights to fishing, and restoring properties to their original state. -
Adams becomes President
When John Adams became president in 1797, it proved that not only was the US concept of democracy valid but the process of succession was possible. He continued Washington’s legacy by embodying republican values. He also worked to strengthen the central government and was the first US President to reside in the White House. -
The Louisiana Purchase
President Thomas Jefferson doubled the size of the United States of America with the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from Napoleon of France for an astronomical amount that also included the cancellation of debts owed. This purchase marked the beginning of westward expansion that would dominate the 19th century and would eventually see the US reach the Pacific Coast.
