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The Great Awakening
This was the first cultural movement to unite the 13 colonies.It began when Johnathan Edwards believed that the New Englanders were becoming too concerned with worldly matters.Edwards began preaching against these notions and people flocked to him.Much of America became divided over this because Old Light ministers refused to accept the new style of preaching.The Awakening was a long term cause of the Revolution, and with there being no such act in England, this further showed their differences. -
The Currency Act of 1751
The Currency Act of 1751 was an initial attempt by the British Parliament to limit the colonies abilities to create their own currency. It was an attempt to control the colonies and stop the inflation. Gold and silver was rare in the colonies so the majority of their revenue came from trade, which resulted in paper money and bank notes. These were much depreciated, and seeing this, the British Parliament stepped in with the New England Colonies. The revision in 1764 included all colonies. -
The Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was an act of defiance against the taxation placed on tea trade. On the night of December 16, 1773; Sam Adams and the Sons of Liberty boarded ships in the Boston Harbor, throwing 342 chests of tea overboard. This act lead to the passing of the Coercive Acts in 1774. This was a part of a large wave of acts of defiance against in the colonies, which later led to the Revolutionary War. -
The American Revolutionary War
Several acts led to the U.S. War of Independence.Growing tensions between the 13 colonies and the colonial government caused small fights between British troops and colonial military men.This kicked off the war in April 1775.After French assistance, the British surrendered at Yorktown, VA in 1781 and Americans had successfully gained their independence. -
The Declaration of Independence
July 1st, 1776 in Philidelphia, the Declaration of Independence was voted on.12 of the 13 colonies voted in favor of Richard Lee's motion for independence.On July 4th, the declaration was officially adopted.However it was a month before anyone actually signed it.July 9th,when the document was read by George Washington to New Yorkers,who cheered happily,led a statue of George III torn down.Leading to our independence from King George III, this was a pivotal document for the Revolutionary War. -
The Bill of Rights
James Madison wrote the Bill of Rights in response to calls from several states for greater constitutional protection for individual liberties. The House originally approved 17 amendments, 12 were approved by the Senate, and finally 10 were quickly ratified. These amendments are a list of ways that the governments power is limited and the people are protected. Freedom of Speech, Freedom of religion, and the right to bear arms are some of the most popular amendments made to the constitution. -
The War of 1812
Although it was considered a relatively small war,the War of 1812 shaped most of the 19th century.It started because the Americans disagreed with the trade restrictions placed on them by Great Britain.Battles were fought in the Atlantic Ocean,the Great Lakes, the Canadian Frontier,Southern states,& Southwestern territories.There was never any clear winner.The Treaty of Ghent, signed on Dec 24,1814,ended the war,which outlined borders.This was important in Americans asserting their independence.
