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The Colonial Roots of America's Founding Ideals
In 1620, the Mayflower Compact arrived in the New World. Some were English colonists seeking religious freedom, others were looking for land. Faced with the prospect of rebellion, leaders drafted the Mayflower Compact, which established a "Civil Body Politic" with equal laws for the colony's good. This set the basis for self-government in the US. Section 4 covers the colonial era in America, it ended when the 13 colonies were incorporated and completely free after the Revolutionary War. -
The signing of the Mayflower Compact
Passengers, including Separatists and some others, signed the Mayflower Compact as a commitment to self-governance and cooperation and liberty. -
Establishment of Plymouth Colony
Plymouth Colony was founded as the second English settlement in North America, it provided a new start for those seeking liberty and new opportunities. -
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Americans Revolt
In 1770, New York colonists built a grand statue of King George III to represent their commitment and fidelity to the British monarch. However, by July 9 1776, the reading of the Declaration of Independence marked a turning point in history. Outraged colonists in New York City, driven by patriotism and big differences in opinion, threw the statue, decapitated it, and recycled it for bullets. The act marked a major change in attitudes, with colonists split into Loyalists, Patriots, and Moderates. -
King George III Statue
New York colonists displayed loyalty by building a regal statue of King George III, to show their support for British rule. -
Destruction of King George III Statue
In a burst of the spirit of patriotism and wanting freedom following the Declaration of Independence reading, angry colonists in New York City tore down the statue, marking a symbolic break from British rule. -
Army Officer's Proposal to Make Washington King
An army officer, showing the frustration of many troops, suggested making George Washington the head leader of the nation, also showing disappointment with the current government in that time. -
Creating the Constitution
Unhappy with the Articles of Confederation was shown in 1782 when American troops suggested that George Washington lead an American nation. The government's failures were brought to light in 1786 when desperate Massachusetts farmers rebelled and shut down courts due to money problems. The Constitutional Convention was formed in 1787 as a result of the issues and Congress's incapacity to solve them. Washington led over this gathering, members tried to establish an improved American government. -
Shays' Rebellion
Some farmers were upset because they couldn't pay their debts, and they closed courthouses in Massachusetts. The government had trouble dealing with the rebellion, and some people thought the country might become chaotic. It showed that the new nation needed a better government, and later, they made the Constitution to fix the problems. -
The Great Compromise
People were arguing about how to set up the government. Big states wanted more power, and small states wanted fairness. They decided on two parts for Congress: the Senate (for small and big states, with two members each to be equal ) and the House of Representatives (based on the state's population). This made everyone a bit happy and helped create the U.S. Constitution.