Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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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
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!"
Key Document
The Farmer Refuted, 1775
A defense of American colonial rights against British tyranny secretly written by Alexander Hamilton—fueling 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
Articles of Confederation Ratified, 1781
The first attempt at establishing the relationship—a “firm league of friendship”—between the thirteen colonies
Key Document
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
Key Document
Antifederalist No. 1, 1787
An early critique of the proposed Constitution, arguing the dangers of a centralized government and advocating state sovereignty
Key Document
Antifederalist No. 9, 1787
A critique of the proposed Constitution, expressing concerns over centralized power and the potential threat of an elite ruling class
Key Document
Federalist No. 10, 1787
One of 85 essays advocating the ratification of the Constitution, addressing the dangers of factionalism and promoting the strengths of a large republic
Key Document
Federalist No. 84, 1788
One of 85 essays advocating the ratification of the Constitution, focusing on Antifederalist concerns about the need for a Bill of Rights
Key Document
Antifederalist No. 84, 1788
An expression of Antifederalists desire for a Bill of Rights in the US Constitution
Key Document