Historical Research Library

The Stamp Act, 1765

A tax on printed materials imposed by Britain on American colonies—sparking widespread protest and contributing to revolutionary sentiments

Phillis Wheatley’s Poem on Tyranny and Slavery, 1772

An eloquent condemnation of oppression and slavery, written for the British secretary of state for the colonies, showcasing Wheatley’s literary talent, and advocacy for freedom

Patrick Henry’s Speech to Second Virginia Convention, 1775

An impassioned call to arms, advocating for colonial resistance against British oppression, and famously declaring, "Give me liberty or give me death!"

Olive Branch Petition, 1775

The Continental Congress’s last major attempt to avoid war with Great Britain

Declaration of the Causes and Necessity for Taking Up Arms, 1775

An address listing the colonists’ grievances and asserting the right to self-defense

The Farmer Refuted, 1775

A defense of American colonial rights against British tyranny secretly written by Alexander Hamilton—fueling revolutionary sentiment

Declaration of Independence, 1776

The founding document that asserted colonial autonomy, enumerated grievances, and set forth the ideals of a new nation

Common Sense, 1776

Influential pamphlet by Thomas Paine advocating American independence from British rule and inspiring revolutionary sentiment

Articles of Confederation Ratified, 1781

The first attempt at establishing the relationship—a “firm league of friendship”—between the thirteen colonies

James Madison’s Memorial and Remonstrance against Religious Assessments, 1785

An argument against state-sponsored religion, defending religious freedom and the separation of church and state

Antifederalist No. 1, 1787

An early critique of the proposed Constitution, arguing the dangers of a centralized government and advocating state sovereignty

Antifederalist No. 9, 1787

A critique of the proposed Constitution, expressing concerns over centralized power and the potential threat of an elite ruling class