Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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The Stamp Act, 1765
A tax on printed materials imposed by Britain on American colonies—sparking widespread protest and contributing to revolutionary sentiments
Key Document
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
Key Document
Declaration of the Causes and Necessity for Taking Up Arms, 1775
An address listing the colonists’ grievances and asserting the right to self-defense
Key Document
Olive Branch Petition, 1775
The Continental Congress’s last major attempt to avoid war with Great Britain
Key Document
Common Sense, 1776
Influential pamphlet by Thomas Paine advocating American independence from British rule and inspiring revolutionary sentiment
Key Document
Declaration of Independence, 1776
The founding document that asserted colonial autonomy, enumerated grievances, and set forth the ideals of a new nation
Key Document
Thomas Jefferson on Manumitting Slaves, 1789
Letter sent from Paris reflecting on freeing slaves—revealing his conflicting beliefs on liberty and equality amid the revolution
Supporting Document
The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, 1789
Autobiography detailing Olaudah Equiano’s enslavement, his journey to freedom, and fight against the slave trade
Key Document
Hamilton’s Report on the Subject of Manufactures, 1791
The third part of Alexander Hamilton’s vision for the economy advocated industrialization, tariffs, and government support for infrastructure
Key Document
The Petition of the People of Colour of the State [of South Carolina],” April 30, 1794
In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries a very small percentage of the Black population in South Carolina was not enslaved. They could not vote, did not have access to the same legal rights as White people, and were subject to special taxes, among other abuses. This petition sought to address and have rescinded one of those abuses, a poll tax aimed at free Black people.
Supporting Document
George Washington’s Farewell Address, 1796
Washington’s warning against political divisions and foreign entanglements
Key Document