Yale University
Colonial Charters, Grants and Related Documents
Scroll to Massachusetts and link to the colonial documents establishing the colonies' earliest forms of government and laying the foundation for self-governing and eventual independence from England. Beginning with The Charter of England...
Henry J. Sage
Sage American History: The Philosophy of John Locke
Writings of philosopher John Locke on religious toleration, government and society from which students will gain an understanding of the underpinnings of American government.
CZBrats
The Americans in Panama: Taking the Canal Zone
This page is a chapter from the book entitled "The Americans in Panama." It provides information about the colonial period of Panamanian history. "Panama's relations with the parent government at Bogota, from 1821, the year of...
Other
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation: Continuing Revolutions
America was victorious in the Revolutionary War, but now faced a slew of problems while trying to set up our new nation. Study how we attempted to solve the problems of establishing a government, forming our economy, meeting the needs of...
University of Groningen
American History: Documents: New England Articles of Confederation 1643
View the complete text of the New England Articles of Confederation 1643, an alliance of the English colonies of Massachusetts Bay, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Colonial Period
The early settlers to the New World began to map strategy for their own system of government. This site details that strategy and what kinds of events spawned the idea of representative government.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Debate and Compromise
The 18th-century statesmen who met in Philadelphia were adherents of Montesquieu's concept of the balance of power in politics. This principle was supported by colonial experience and strengthened by the writings of John Locke, with...
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: A New Colonial System
Although some believe that the history of the American Revolution began long before the first shots were fired in 1775, England and America did not begin an overt parting of the ways until 1763, more than a century and a half after the...
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Louisiana and Britain
One of Jefferson's acts doubled the area of the country. At the end of the Seven Years' War, France had ceded to Spain the territory west of the Mississippi River, with the port of New Orleans near its mouth -- a port indispensable for...
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Colonial Period of American History
Comprehensive information about the colonial period of American History. Includes information about New England, colonies, government, people, The French and Indian War, and the Salem Witch Trials.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Colonial Period
A brief discussion of the colonial period in the United States. Includes information on New England, the middle colonies, and the southern colonies. Also, find out about the early government, and the French and Indian War.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Boston "Tea Party"
In 1773, however, Britain furnished Adams and his allies with an incendiary issue. The powerful East India Company, finding itself in critical financial straits, appealed to the British government, which granted it a monopoly on all tea...
Other
Our American Revolution: The American Revolutionary Cities
The major cities in colonial America played a huge role in preparing for the Revolutionary War, both in terms of ways of governing and philosophy. Read about Philadelphia, Williamsburg, New York, and Boston and the events in those cities...
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Colonial Williamsburg: Patrick Henry
Biographical note on Patrick Henry, the lawyer, patriot, orator, and symbol of the American struggle for liberty and self-government during the American Revolution.
University of Groningen
American History: Essays: The Intolerable Acts
This resource gives a comprehensive account of the Intolerable Acts, why they were passed, colonists' reactions, and particulars surrounding the Massachusetts Government Act and other Coercive Acts with text links and references.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Ellis Island: Colonial and Early American New York 1609 1890
Provides an overview of the history of New York and of how the United States government came to acquire Ellis Island. Fort Gibson was built there prior to the War of 1812 to serve as a strategic post in case of attack.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: America's History in the Making: The New Nation
After the War of Independence, Americans were unable to agree on the form of their federal government. This unit explores how those conflicts played out as the new Republic defined its identity in relation to other nations.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Guaman Poma and the First New Chronicle and Good Government
This letter written by Guaman Poma is the most famous manuscript from South America dated to this time period in part because it is so comprehensive and long, but also because of its many illustrations. View pictures of the illustrations...
Digital History
Digital History: By What Right [Pdf]
Two opposing philosophies concerning the relationship between government and its citizens were expressed by Thomas Hobbes and John Locke in the 17th century. Compare these two philosophies and see how they were related to the colonists'...
American Museum of Natural History
American Museum of Natural History: African Ethnography
The Anthropology Division's African collection is extensive in terms of geographic coverage. It includes North Africa, West Africa, and Madagascar, although its greatest concentration of material is from central and southern Africa. The...
Library of Congress
Loc: Journals of the Continental Congress
These journals from the Continental Congress of the United States will provide students with a greater understanding of the foundations of American government as established in the late 18th century. Includes handwritten documents by...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Liberty Bell Timeline
Independence Hall Association provides a listing of important colonial dates. Also listed are the historical events which the Bell commemorates throughout American History.
Other
Fales Library and Special Collections: Jacob Leisler Papers Project
Resource chronicles the life and times of Jacob Leisler, "a political figure [who] played a major role in the North American world of European settlements in the seventeenth century," and leader of the Leisler's Rebellion.
A&E Television
History.com: What Did the Three Continental Congresses Do?
During the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress became America's de facto government. Over a period of 15 years, from 1774 to 1789, the Continental Congress underwent a profound evolution. Starting out as a temporary group that...