What were the major documents and declarations that shaped the American Revolution?

The major documents and declarations that shaped the American Revolution include:

1. The Declaration of Independence (1776): This document, primarily drafted by Thomas Jefferson, declared the thirteen American colonies as independent states, no longer under British rule. It outlined the colonists' grievances against King George III and asserted their natural rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

2. The Articles of Confederation (1777): This was the first constitution of the United States, serving as the governing document during the Revolutionary War. It established a weak central government, granting most powers to the individual states, and lacked the ability to effectively address economic and political challenges.

3. The Treaty of Paris (1783): This treaty officially ended the Revolutionary War and recognized the United States as an independent nation. It established the boundaries of the new country, granted fishing rights to American fishermen, and secured the return of loyalist property confiscated during the war.

4. The United States Constitution (1787): This document replaced the Articles of Confederation and established the framework for the federal government that still exists today. It outlined the separation of powers among the three branches of government, established a system of checks and balances, and protected individual rights through the Bill of Rights (first ten amendments).

5. The Federalist Papers (1787-1788): A series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, advocating for the ratification of the Constitution. These papers provided a detailed explanation of the principles and structure of the proposed government, addressing concerns and objections raised by anti-federalists.

These documents and declarations played a crucial role in shaping the American Revolution by articulating the colonists' grievances, asserting their rights, establishing the framework for a new government, and ultimately securing independence from British rule.