U.S. History - Foundational Documents

Glorious Revolution

A revolution that created a constitutional monarchy where the king and queen were able to enjoy a royal lifestyle, but the new role of the government was to protect the rights of the people.

Declaration of Independence

A document that declared the independence of the United States, and stated our values.

Enlightenment

Period in the 1700’s where the culture was shifting. People began questioning authority, questioning tradition, and attempting to create a better society for future generations.

Isaac Newton

Author of the Principia, the text that led people to begin questioning tradition, and showing that there is a mathematical and logical cause for everything in the universe.

Constitutional Monarchy

The king and queen in power were limited by a constitution.

English Bill of Rights

The US Constitution was modeled after this document. It included the rights to freedom of speech, right to bear arms in defense, no cruel or unusual punishment, and habeas corpus among others.

Rights

Powers all people have but can be taken away with due process (trial)

John Locke

Excited by the new government, believed strongly that the job of the government is to protect the rights of the people, “Life, Liberty, Property”

The French & Indian War

1754-1763, Britain versus France, leads to the union of the 13 colonies which was a radical idea.

Thomas Jefferson

Drafted the first draft of the constitution.