James William Edmund Doyle's depiction of King John signing the Magna Carta, 1864

During the Middle Ages, nation-states began to develop across the European continent. Nation-states share similar geographical borders, central governments, and cultures. These nation-states gave birth to several modern European countries, including England, France, Spain, and Russia. Signed by England's King John in 1215 A.D. (C.E.), the Magna Carta provided a foundation for the Founding Fathers of the United States. They consulted this important work when creating the guiding documents for the creation of the United States and its government.