Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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John Adams on a New Form of Government, 1775
More than a decade before the Constitutional Convention in 1787—and months before the United States declared independence—John Adams wrote a plan for a new form of government for the American colonies. The ideas presented in this letter had a profound influence on the state constitutions of Virginia, New York, Massachusetts, and ultimately, the federal Constitution.
Supporting 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
The Farmer Refuted, 1775
A defense of American colonial rights against British tyranny secretly written by Alexander Hamilton—fueling revolutionary sentiment
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
Lucy Knox’s Love Letter to Henry Knox, 1777
Lucy Knox spent much of her early married life alone, as her husband Henry rose through the ranks of the Continental Army. In this letter, the twenty-one-year-old Lucy expressed her unwavering love for Henry, but described her loneliness and desire to know what the future would hold.
Supporting Document
Articles of Confederation Ratified, 1781
The first attempt at establishing the relationship—a “firm league of friendship”—between the thirteen colonies
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
Antifederalist No. 1, 1787
An early critique of the proposed Constitution, arguing the dangers of a centralized government and advocating state sovereignty
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