Time Period
1763 to 1825
1763 to 1825
From British Colony to American State
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British taxation–introduced to pay for a British military presence in America–was unexpected and resented by Virginia gentry, who began to view British policy as a plot against their liberty. They played leading roles in the Continental Congresses that debated independence, the fighting of the American Revolution, and the conception and implementation of a new government. Virginia also provided four of the new nation’s first five presidents. Virginia leaders advocated equality for all but never considered extending it to women and African Americans.
Related Collection Items
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Painting, Washington Silver Anniversary, 1784
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Painting, George Washington
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Desk circa 1780-1805
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December 22, 1800, Letter from Robert Craig to John Marshall [Mss2C8447a1]
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June 24, 1821, Letter from John Marshall to Edward Carrington Marshall [Mss1P4686a376]
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May 7, 1824, Letter from John Marshall to Henry Lee [Mss2L5124b1]
