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
Boston Massacre, 1770
A “massacre” of civilians in Boston by British troops fueled colonial resentment of British rule
Event
Boston Tea Party, 1773
Colonial tax protest in which American patriots dumped British tea into Boston Harbor
Event
First Continental Congress, 1774
A gathering of American colonial delegates in Philadelphia to address grievances against British rule and advocate for colonial rights
Event
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
New York and New Jersey Campaigns, 1776
A series of Revolutionary War military actions in which British forces gained control over New York and New Jersey
Event
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
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