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Jun 15, 1215
The Magna Carta
Established the notion that no man, King or not, is above the law. Set the principle for the United States' Constitutions' Bill of Rights which contains the First Amendment. -
Petition of Right
Set the tone for the English Revolution that overthrew King Charles I. Set the tone for the American Revolution nearly 150 years later. -
Rhode Island Adopts Religious Freedom
1663, the Colony of Rhode Island adopts Religious Freedom, a crucial part of the First Amendment. -
Connecticut Dissenter Statute
Another cause for religious freedom which is a staple right guaranteed by the First Amendment. -
Peter Zenger Trial
Put on trial for libel after Zenger criticized a royal governor, he was defended by Andrew Hamilton and acquitted of the charges. Set the standard that truth is a defense to libel. -
No Taxation Without Representation
Jonathan Mayhew coined the term which came to life as Americans were being unjustly taxed by British parliament without having representation in parliament. -
Boston Massacre
In a protest of unfair laws passed by British officials, a mob formed and before a melee happened, British forced opened fire on civilians. -
Boston Tea Party
After British government passed unfair taxes on tea products, several Sons of Liberty members and patriots dressed as indians and boarded a British cargo ship, and tossed all tea products into Boston Harbor -
Virginia Declaration of Rights
Bill passed by Virginia that reflects the inherent rights of man. -
Final Draft of the Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson finished the final draft of the Declaration of Independence which will formally make the United States a country in which the rights of man are guaranteed. -
The Federalist Papers
The Federalist Papers, essay written by Alexander Hamilton, pushed for the final ratification of the United States constitution. -
Bill of Rights Ratified
Virginia becomes the 11th state to approve the Bill of Rights, therefore ratifying it.
