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French and Indian War
France put up barricades along Ohio River which angered British who wanted to maintain control of the region. Resulted in war that pushed French out of the region and expanded British territory. Left Britain in debt. -
Proclamation Line of 1763
After British explored westward they encountered Native American resistance. This proclamation from the British government prevented colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains. In defiance, thousands of angered colonists proceeded to stream westward. -
Pontiac's Rebellion
As European colonization became more prominent and moved westward, Native Americans became angered. Led by Chief Pontiac, Pontiac's Rebellions was a war between a large alliance of Native Americans and the British colonial army. Resulted in the Proclamation Line of 1763. -
Stamp Act
Britain needed to make more profit off the colonies so imposed taxes. The Stamp Act was the first direct tax and required that revenue stamps be placed on most printed paper. Led to boycotts against the British. -
Declaratory Act
Colonists had been boycotting/rebelling against taxes imposed by the British. The Declaratory Act asserted Parliament had the right to tax and make laws for the colonies "in all cases whatsoever." Soon led to renewed conflict between the British and colonists. -
Tea Act
The East India Tea Company, a key actor in the British economy, was suffering. A law set in place by the British Parliament that gave control of trade and tea to the East India Tea Company. This reinforced a tea tax in the colonies and led to the Boston Tea Party. -
Boston Tea Party
Colonists were angered by taxes imposed by the British on tea (taxation without representation). Colonists dressed as Native Americans stormed the Boston Port and destroyed 342 chests of tea in protest. Inspired more protests for independence and led to debt surrounding the Boston port. -
First Continental Congress
Colonies were upset with Britain (intolerable acts in particular) but didn't yet want independence. A convention where all colonies except Georgia sent delegates to discuss protesting the infringements of their rights and restore their relationship with Britain. Led to boycott of British goods. -
Second Continental Congress
Response to fighting that broke out after First Continental Congress. Congress was divided on whether to declare independence and called on colonies to provide troops. George Washington was appointed commander-in-chief and an American navy was assembled. Led to continued British resistance and the beginning of the revolutionary era/war. -
Declaration of Independence
After failed peace making congress favored independence over the idea of reconciliation. Written by Thomas Jefferson, resolution for independence that grieved against George III government. Led to independent American state. -
Articles of Confederation
Caused by the Declaration of Independence. Draft of the first constitution for the US, united nation under one set of laws. Drafted in opposition of the way the British government ran. Issues with Articles of Confederation led to creation of the Constitution. -
Treaty of Paris (1783)
Followed Yorktown/British surrender. Stated that Britain was recognize the US as an independent nation. Led to the official end of the war. -
Constitutional Convention
After realizing issues with Articles of Confederation, delegates from all the states except Rhode Island met in Philadelphia to write a new constitution. Led to the writing of the constitution we use to this day. -
Northwest Ordinance of 1787
Passed under the Articles of Confederation in response to the "free" Northwest land. Granted limited self-government to the developing territory, established states with boundaries, and prohibited slavery in the region. Led to the establishment of Northwest settlements. -
Ratification of the US Constitution
The Articles of Confederation weren't efficient so the Constitutional Convention submitted the Constitution for ratification. Led to a new set of laws the US followed. -
Proclamation of Neutrality
Jefferson and supporters believed the US should join the French in defense against the British following the French Revolution. Washington believed the US was not yet strong enough to engage in European war and issued the Proclamation of Neutrality which stated that the US was neutral in the conflict. Jefferson resigned from the cabinet in disagreement. -
Whiskey Rebellion
Lower tariffs created lost revenue so Hamilton persuaded Congress to pass excise taxes (particularly on the sale of whiskey). A group of farmers in Western Pennsylvania refused to pay and attacked the revenue collectors. Washington responded by federalizing 15,000 state militiamen under the command of Hamilton. Almost no bloodshed. -
Jay's Treaty
Chief Justice John Jay, sent by Washington, went on a mission to Britain to talk the country out of seizing American ships and impressing the seamen into the British navy. After a year of negotiation, Jay returned with a treaty in which Britain agreed to evacuate its posts on the US western frontier. The treaty was unpopular and barely ratified by the senate. Maintained peace between the US and Britain and preserved Washington's US policy of neutrality. -
Pickney's Treaty
An unexpected effect of the Jay Treaty was that Spain saw it as a sign that the US may be getting closer to Spain's enemy Britain. Thomas Pinckney, the US minister to Spain, negotiated a treaty where Spain agreed to open the lower Mississippi River and New Orleans to American trade. Lessened territorial disputes between Spain and the US and allowed American ship navigation through New Orleans ports without having to pay duties to the Spanish government. -
Washington's Farewell Adress
Address from Washington (assisted by Hamilton) as he retired after 2 terms to private life. Washington warned Americans about policies and practices he considered unwise. Future presidents listened to Washington's advice and he paved the way for presidents to retire after 2 terms. -
XYZ Affair
US merchant ships were reportedly being seized by the French. Adams sent a delegation to Paris to negotiate with the French government. Certain French ministers, only known as X, Y, and Z, requested bribes to enter negotiations. The American delegates refused. Reports of this interaction infuriated Americans who thought the US should declare war (though Adams resisted the sentiment). -
Alien and Sedition Acts
Anger against France strengthened the Federalists who won a majority in both houses (1798 elections). The Federalists took this win to restrict their political opponents (D-Rs) through passing laws. The Alien Acts – authorized the president to deport "aliens" considered dangerous and to detain enemy "aliens" in time of war. The Sedition Act – made it illegal for newspapers to criticize the president or Congress and imposed punishment such as fines or imprisonment for violators. -
Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions
D-R leaders challenged the Federalist legislations through nullifying laws. The Kentucky resolution (Jefferson) and Virginia resolution (Madison) declared that the states had entered a "compact" in forming the national government and if the federal gov broke the compact a state could nullify the federal law. -
Election of 1800
The Federalists lost public support during Adams' presidency. Thomas Jefferson won presidency and D-Rs took over legislative branch (House and Senate). Peaceful passing of power. Ended the early rule of the Federalists and marked the shift to D-R power.