History The American Revolution Questions
The major documents and declarations of the American Revolution include:
1. The Declaration of Independence (1776): This document, written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, declared the thirteen American colonies as independent states, no longer under British rule. It outlined the reasons for seeking independence and asserted the natural rights of individuals.
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 with limited powers, as the Founding Fathers were wary of creating a strong central authority.
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 and secured various rights and privileges for the American people.
4. The United States Constitution (1787): This document replaced the Articles of Confederation and established the framework for the current U.S. government. It outlined the powers and limitations of the federal government, as well as the rights and freedoms of the American people.
These documents played crucial roles in shaping the course of the American Revolution and laying the foundation for the United States as a democratic nation.