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Virginia House of Burgesses
The Virginia House of Burgesses was the first elected legislative body in the New World. Other elected bodies followed which had power to approve taxes and spending. -
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1619 - 1776
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Mayflower Compact
An agreement by the early colonist to agree live in a "Civil Body Politic". They agreed to obey just and equal laws. -
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Benign Neglect
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French and Indian Wars
Actually a world war involving most European nations. War was fought over contrtol of world colonies such as North America, Carribean, and India. England won but was nearly bankrupt. Britain would be forced to tax the colonists which would create anger and frustration. -
Stamp Act
Colonists were forced to pay for stamps to place on everything from deeds, mortgages, playing cards, almanacs, and newspapers. "No taxation without representation!" -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
As a result of rough treatment of the colonists by the British, local militias began to form. Colonial resistance became more aggressive and militarized. This is pretty much the beginning of the American Revolution. -
Declaration of Independance
Many ideas about proper governance are written by Jefferson in the Declaration such as self rule, popular sovereignty, natural rights, limited government, etc. Signing the document was a formal declaration of war.
