Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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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
Bill of Rights, 1791
The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution—hard-fought additions that protect some individual liberties and limit government power
Key Document
George Washington’s Farewell Address, 1796
Washington’s warning against political divisions and foreign entanglements
Key Document
Presidential Election of 1800
A fierce contest between John Adams, Charles Pinckney, Thomas Jefferson, and Aaron Burr that was marked by party polarization and scandal—testing the peaceful transfer of power
Event
Richard Allen
Prominent Philadelphia advocate for abolition and civil rights and founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
Person
Nathanael Greene
Trusted aide to George Washington known for strategic brilliance and Revolutionary War victories
Person
Alexander Hamilton
A poor immigrant from the Caribbean who became a key figure in the Revolution and in establishing the US government
Person
George III
King of Great Britain viewed as a tyrant by colonists and a symbol of imperial rule
Person
Lemuel Haynes
African American clergyman and Revolutionary War veteran known for his writings on racial equality
Person
John Jay
Co-author of the Federalist Papers, American diplomat, abolitionist, and first Chief Justice of the United States
Person
Thomas Jefferson
Principal author of the Declaration of Independence who became the third President of the United States after a controversial election
Person
Absalom Jones
Abolitionist, religious leader, and founder of the first Black Episcopal church in the United States
Person