Unit 2 - A New Republic TIMELINE

1786 - Shay's Rebellion

A farmer uprising in Massachusetts against high taxes and debt collection highlights weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation, leading to calls for a stronger central government.

1787 - Constitutional Convention

Delegates meet in Philadelphia to draft the U.S. Constitution, creating a stronger federal government to replace the Articles of Confederation

1788 - Ratification of the US Constitution

The U.S. Constitution is ratified by the required nine states, officially establishing the framework for the federal government.

1789 - George Washington becomes the first president of the United States

After serving as a general during the Revolution and winning the election in a landslide, George Washington is inaugurated as the first President of the United States under the New Constitution

1791 - The First National Bank of the United States is established

The First Bank of the United States is created to stabilize the economy and manage federal funds under Alexander Hamilton's financial plan

1794 - Whiskey Rebellion

Farmers in western Pennsylvania protest a federal excise tax on whiskey, testing the strength of the federal government under the Constitution

1794 - Jay's Treaty

A treaty between the U.S. and Britain resolves lingering issues from the Revolutionary War and averts potential conflict, thought it remains controversial

1796 - Washington's Farewell Address

George Washington delivers his Farewell Address, warning against political parties and foreign alliances, setting important precedents for future presidents.

1797 - XYZ Affair

A diplomatic conflict where French agents demanded bribes and loans from U.S. diplomats to negotiate peace, leading to public outrage and an undeclared naval conflict with France known as Quasi-War

1798 - Alien and Sedition Acts passed under President John Adams

These laws are passed during heightened tensions with France, restricting immigration and limited free speech critical of the federal government, sparking political backlash.

1800 - Election of 1800

Thomas Jefferson defeats John Adams in a highly contested election, marking the first peaceful transfer of power between political powers in U.S. history.

1803 - Marbury vs Madison

Landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review, allowing courts to strike down laws that violate the Constitution. Effectively strengthened the federal government.

1807 - the Embargo Act

Halts American trade with foreign nations in response to British and French maritime policies, leading to economic hardship.

1812 - War of 1812 Begins

The U.S. declares war on Britain due to maritime disputes, impressment of American sailors, and British support of Native American resistance.

1815 - Battle of New Orleans

Andrew Jackson's forces achieve a decisive victory against the British, boosting American morale, despite the war already having ended with the Treaty of Ghent.