Historical Research Library

Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.

Singers and dancers focused on Chris Jackson playing George Washington

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The Stamp Act, published in London, 1765 (The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History)

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

Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms, 1775 (Thomas Jefferson Papers, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress)

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

Title page of Alexander Hamilton’s Report ... on the Subject of Manufactures, December 5, 1791 (The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History)

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