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    Document TitleDateCountryBrief Description
    Magna Carta1215EnglandA charter of rights agreed to by King John of England, often viewed as a cornerstone of liberty in the English-speaking world.
    The Declaration of Independence1776USAA document declaring the 13 American colonies’ independence from British rule.
    US Constitution1787USAThe supreme law of the United States, highlighting democratic principles and human rights.
    The Bill of Rights1791USAThe first ten amendments to the US Constitution, outlining individual freedoms.
    Emancipation Proclamation1863USADocument by Abraham Lincoln declaring all enslaved people in Confederate territory to be free.
    Treaty of Versailles1919FranceTreaty to end World War I and hold Germany accountable.
    The Universal Declaration of Human Rights1948UNDocument by the United Nations outlining fundamental human rights.
    Indian Independence Act1947UK / IndiaDocument that partitioned British India into the two new independent dominions of India and Pakistan.
    The Charter of the United Nations1945USAFoundational treaty of the United Nations, a global intergovernmental organization.
    Nuremberg Laws1935GermanyAntisemitic and racist laws during Nazi regime.
    Hammurabi’s Code1754 BCBabylonOne of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world.
    The Treaty of Tordesillas1494Spain / PortugalAgreement between Spain and Portugal aimed at settling disputes over lands newly discovered.
    The Gutenberg Bible1455GermanyThe first major book printed in the West using movable type.
    The Treaty of Waitangi1840New ZealandAgreement that is considered the founding document of New Zealand.
    The Domesday Book1086EnglandRecord of the “Great Survey” of much of England and parts of Wales completed in 1086.
    The Rosetta Stone196 BCEgyptStele inscribed with decree issued in 196 BC, instrumental in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs.
    The United States Declaration of War on Japan1941USADocument formalizing the United States’ entry into WWII following the Pearl Harbor attack.
    The Ninety-Five Theses1517GermanyProposals by Martin Luther for an academic disputation, led to the Protestant Reformation.
    Palestinian Declaration of Independence1988PalestineUnilateral declaration of independence of a State of Palestine.
    The Federalist Papers1787–1788USACollection of 85 articles and essays promoting the ratification of the United States Constitution.