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20,000 BCE
The Bering Land Bridge
The Bering Land Bridge is commonly known as a land bridge or mass that once connected Asia to North America. This great landmass provided a clear walkthrough for migration of different walks of lives, of all different origins. This region was uncovered due to the sea levels which were a lot lower than modern day, dating all the way back to about 15,000 years ago. Ultimately, the majority of the people who migrated were in search of food, shelter, survival, and wandered their curiosity. -
Period: 20,000 BCE to
Beginning of Exploration
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476
The Fall of the Roman Empire
The Roman Empire was one of the strongest empires and the longest lasting empires in history. The Empire, however, became less stable towards the third to fifth centuries CE, as its political leaders were assassinated and outside invasions increased. The tribes like the Huns and the Barbarians would repeatedly attack which would cause external damage and eventually take down the Romans in 476. Additionally, the Germanic tribes overthrew and even became one of the first Barbaric rulers in Rome. -
1201
The Aztecs Caste System
The Aztecs were a very innovated society. The city of Tenochtitlan flourished with high populations and an overall highly developed society. For example, they thrived from all different aspects, one of the most distinctive attributes, however, lays within their strict caste system. The system consisted of several different social classes; nobles sat at the very top of the pyramid, while serfs, servants, and slaves sat at the bottom. Thus, people were segregated based on their economic statuses'. -
1346
The Black Death
The Black Death was the mass spread of the epidemic bubonic plague. This 14th-century epidemic is still one of the largest and deadliest epidemics in the world. It first appeared in the Central Asia region then spread to the Europe and Asia regions. The disease completed wiped out nearly 20 million people, about one-third of the population at the time, in only 5 years. Most of the people, additionally, believed that the plague was a punishment from God, as there was no real explanation. -
1401
The Renaissance
The Renaissance translates to "rebirth", which is exactly what happened when Europe experienced an artistic, philosophical, economic, political, and cultural boost or rebirth. This era began after the Middle/Dark Ages era, roughly in the 14th century continuing until the 17th century. It initially started in Italy then blasted off into the rest of Europe, redefining everything and everyone. The Renaissance, also, was the start of humanism, and the peak of some of the most famous intellectuals. -
1492
The Columbian Exchange
The Columbian Exchange was named after the Italian explorer, voyager, and navigator, Christopher Columbus. The exchange was solely circled around the exchange of goods, ideas, diseases, and cultures from the Old World to the New World and vice-versa. Although, the benefits mainly sourced from the Old World, the New World was just as important. However, as more goods and people migrated to the Americas, the Indians native to the land, died from disease, nearly wiping out the whole population. -
Chesapeake Colonies; Jamestown
The Chesapeake Colonies settlement began when the English escaped European corruption and increased good prices. Thus, in 1607, Jamestown, the first English Colonial society was established. Approximately, 105 settlers were present and encouraged others to travel by promoting the sights of gold and wealth through a bit of exaggeration. After the first winter, however, only 32 survived, as they were not prepared. John Smith, additionally, "saved" Jamestown by creating a treaty with the natives. -
English Colonization
England left their own country due to an increased price on wool, which was a superior good at the time being. The increase made it difficult for the British to find food and jobs. Additionally, they experienced a series of issues as dynamic issues evolved over Protestant and Catholic religions, with their previous government. Therefore, in the early 17th century, the English settled in North America, for the sake of religious freedom, to make money and profit, and simply for a new start. -
Period: to
English Colonial Societies
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Caribbean Colonies
The Caribbean Colonies consisted of the Barbados, Jamaica, and other English-held islands. These islands soon became the most important regions as they provided sugar, which was the most vital and demanded good at the time. Thus, Holland, Spain, France, and England, all had high stakes. Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer first discovered the islands on his second voyage into the New World, despite not realizing the importance of the islands. Overall, the island possession was very vital. -
New England Colonies; Massachusetts Bay Colony
The New England Colonies consisted of the Plymouth, Massachusetts, and the Connecticut colonies. The Massachusetts Bay Colony, specifically, was founded in 1630 by Puritans seeking a new start, in modern-day Massachusetts, United States. The Puritans, thus, sought religious tolerance as they were commonly excluded. John Winthrop, additionally was one of the most famously known of puritans, as he contributed a lot in the founding of the colony and served in their new developing government. -
Proprietary Colonies—Pennsylvania
The Proprietary Colonies lay in the northeastern region of the United States, sitting between the Chesapeake and New England Colonies. Pennsylvania, specifically, was also known as "Carolina". The purpose of the founding was to achieve two things: make money and buffer between Spanish and Florida. The Proprietors, furthermore, wanted Carolina, which was under the rule of King Charles and served as a safe place for the religious refuge of the Quakers suffering from harsh and unfair treatment. -
Nathaniel Bacon—Bacon's Rebellion
Nathaniel Bacon was the leader of a large protest in the Virginia colony. The uprising took place in 1676, and served as the first rebellion in the new American Colonies. The protesters sought a right to independence from the current governor, William Berkeley. Furthermore, Berkeley made a series of unfavorable decisions such as higher taxes, lower tobacco prices, and the most unfavorable: lack of protection from Natives. The colonists felt superior and disliked it, leading up to the rebellion. -
Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution happened in 1688, beginning with the rule of James the II, the first Catholic Monarch in over 100 years. He formed the Dominion of New England, created new taxes, and wanted allies with England and France. It was not until later where a dissolved parliament came into play. James' daughter and her husband, William and Mary, invaded, signing the English Bill of Rights, that excluded Catholics from the monarchy, changing the English constitution forever-Protestant Monarchy! -
Salem Witch Trials
The Salem Witch Trials took place in Salem Village, Massachusetts. Rumors spreading across the town by a group of girls. The girls claimed to have been possessed then wrongfully accused several local and innocent women of being witches and participating in witchcraft. As word spread, witches would get convicted, trialed, and if "proven guilty", would be hanged. About 20 were executed, 150 women, men, and children were accused after the first, Bridget Bishop, despite it all being a huge mistake. -
Triangular Trade
The Triangular Trade was a transatlantic trading system that completely changed the 18th century. This system was able of transporting trade goods to/from the European, African, and both of the American regions. It was an expansion of commerce, due to the increase of demands and values. Cultures and ideas were diffused too as colonists became Anglicized. Luxury good demands also increased, because of the lack before the trade, for example, architecture; people demanded bigger and fancier houses. -
Period: to
Colonial America to 1763
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The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment was a time where America experienced its first wave of reason and science. The Enlightenment in itself allowed for people to begin to think on their own without relying on someone else. They also began to question everything, like the Bible and simply did not believe just anything said or given to them. People like, Sir Isaac Newton, John Locke, and Benjamin Franklin, for example, all contributed several attributes and are considered to be symbols of the American Enlightenment. -
Sir Isaac Newton
Sir Isaac Newton, a well-known mathematician and scientist, was a star component in the acts of the Enlightenment. Newton was an intellectual, whose ideas bloomed during the 18th century. He studied in mathematics, astronomy, physics, and so on. Specifically, during the Enlightenment era, Newton created Calculus, defined gravity, the well-known three laws of motion, and noted universal gravitation. Newton was an incredible thinker, he inspired other scientists and many today through his impact. -
Middle Passage (At Its Peak)
The Middle Passage peaked during the mid 18th century and continued into the early 19th century. This passage was a tragic and devastating slave trade across the Atlantic Ocean from Africa to the Americas. During this time, nearly 10 to 16 million Africans were transported, enslaved, and treated extremely poorly. Additionally, the travels would typically last nearly two months filled with cruel and inhumane treatments. Many of them died on the trip as well, almost 25 percent approximately. -
Northern Slavery
Though they commonly opposed slavery, it did indeed exist in the north. However, slavery differed from the slavery in the south. Because of the economic difference, the north used indentured servants for manufacturing related works, field hands, domestic servants, and as metal workers. The south, on the contrary, was agricultural-based, which required long harsh hours of agricultural work by slaves in the south. The north, additionally, did have more free slave communities due to their morals. -
Seven Years War/ French and Indian War
The Seven Years War/French and Indian War was the first world-wide conflict. The war started in 1754, ending with the Treaty of Paris in 1763. The conflict began with the fights between the Britain, France, and Spain as they fought for land; the colonies, specifically, desired more land to the west, while France desired more land to the south. The Ohio County was a huge conflict as well. The war ultimately, ends with the Treaty of 1763 and the British control New France (modern-day Canada). -
Period: to
The Revolutionary War
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Treaty of Paris 1763
The British forces had taken the victory of the French and Indian War, resulting in the Treaty of Paris 1763. This treaty not only ended the war, but it also ended French rule in North America, giving them rights to Guadeloupe. It also made Spain lose rights to their property in Florida, in return of territorial rights in Louisiana. Ultimately, this treaty allowed for the English colonists to gain hope and look forward to their future and independence. -
The Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was the first direct tax in the new colonial society. The Stamp Act, actually, was influenced by the British, as they had a similar tax at the time being. It began in 1765, with the direct tax on all paper goods. This led to higher tax prices, which the colonists were not too excited about; especially, lawyers and printers, as they were the most affected. The Stamp Act Congress, moreover, held a meeting that was erupted by a peaceful protest, resulting in The Declaratory Act 1766. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was a political argument that quickly escalated. A crowd of Bostonians harrassed British soldiers during a protest over the "no taxation without representation" movement, against British taxes and their laws. As the harassment continued, the British soldiers grew angry, resulting in them firing off into the crowd of people. As a result, three people died. Paul Revere's fictitious account also contributed as the first example of American propaganda, and colonists were mad. -
Militias
During the American Revolutionary War, because the colonies were still starting out, lacked a large and well-functioning army or military force. Therefore with the upcoming war, they needed a military force to help fight against Great Britain. Militias, thus, protected from frontier raids, were used as the primary force, served as a police force and were the initial colonial army. However, because they were only civilians, they lacked strength, and experience, they did not stand Britain's army. -
Lexington
The Battle of Lexington was the first major battle and the start of the American Revolutionary War. Its first shot was known as the "shot heard 'round the world", because nobody was aware of who shot the first shot still to this day. The Redcoats, additionally, met the militia in Lexington as the British marched to Concord. The tensions were extremely high between the Colonists and Great Britain the issues with all the taxes, leading to a more to desirable win for the colonists. -
Olive Branch Petition
The Olive Branch Petition was a hope for peace between the massive conflicts happening with the colonists and Great Britain. It was written by John Dickinson and adopted in 1775 by the colonists. I was a document and pledge in which they hoped to assert their rights as British citizens. The continental congress, furthermore, had sent the petition to the king, however, it was rejected. Despite the reject to the king, support for the Revolution and the movement had picked up tremendously. -
Common Sense
"Common Sense" was a pamphlet used to for the argument and fight for independence. It was initially an ideology created by Thomas Paine to guarantee the unalienable rights to independence for everyone in the American colonies. His words had completely transformed the colonists' ways of thinking. The pamphlet was tremendously influential and encouraged the American Colonists into believeing in their "god-given" rights. "Common Sense", thus, is one of the most important pamphlets to this day. -
The Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation was America's first take at a real government and constitution. On March 1, 1781, all thirteen colonies had officially adopted this new constitution. The AOC was a loose federation of the colonies, considering they did not want a strict interpretation due to the mistreatment they received with the king. However, this led to a weak constitution. The colonies relied on requisition, were not able to force taxation, states did not comply, had pensions and lacked funds. -
Treaty of Paris 1783
The Treaty of Paris 1783 not only ended the American Revolutionary War but it also was the start of a new America and Colonies. The USA, for instance, became recognized as independent from Great Britain and a sovereign. It established a northern border with British North America and Canada, settling any border issues. It also restored loyalist properties, granted access to the Mississippi River for both nations, and allowed the US frontier land and the Mississippi River. -
Period: to
The Constitution
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Constitutional Convention—Issues
The governmental meeting at the Constitutional Convention went over a series of issues. At this meeting, they discussed the issues on whether actions taken place were "constitutional" or not. Slavery, for example, had become one of the main issues as states did not know what their vote would be considered (theThree-Fifths Compromise). They also debated representation (Great Compromise), State V. Federal powers, executive powers, and commerce. Addtionally, most of the issues sourced from the AOC. -
Constitutional Convention
The Constitutional Convention was a governmental meeting that took place in Philadelphia 1787. The convention's purpose was to address the issues that sourced from the problems the Articles of Confederation. Because of the once weak central government, they sought a stronger constitution with more powers. They spoke their minds about their desires of a proper, for the people, and well-functioned constitution and government. Thus, the convention led to the creation of the modern-day constitution. -
Shay's Rebellion
Shay's Rebellion was a pure example of the movement for a new constitution. It was a confrontation to the government, led by Daniel Shay and was used as a post-war recession. Daniel Shay, furthermore, led a group of American Revolutionary War veterans who sought better treatment. After the war, for example, the soldiers were given very little compensation and given higher tax prices, this caused them to struggle financially and get upset. The rebellion was put out, but the idea stuck around. -
Northwest Ordinance
As the North American territory continued to grow, the Northwest Ordinance was a system for admission to the Union. It was a way of organizing the different states into the older colonies. It was adopted on July 13, 1787 and followed Union ways of thinking, like rejected slavery. It was the future admission for new states and guaranteed equal rights, and governors and legislatures after states surpassed 5,000 citizens. Additionally, the Northwest Ordinance was one of few successes from the AOC. -
Election of 1788
The election of 1788 was between both George Washington and John Adams. They were both a part of the Federalist party, however, Washington won the election due to his status with the citizens. Washington was considered and looked upon as a "god-like figure". After the war, Washington adored -
Period: to
New Republic
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Massachusetts Constitution
The Massachusetts Constitution or The 1780 Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, acted as a draft to the modern-day U.S. Constitution as well as other countries. The Massachusetts Constitution was originally written by John Adams. He wrote the model in 1787; it was not until 1789 when the draft became finalized and vital. This piece also serves as an example for other governmental constitutions and inspired other countries' documents, such as Europe, Japan, South Africa, etc. -
Three Branches of Government
With the new government coming into play, and after the Constitutional Convention, the modern-day Three Branches of Government were born. These three branches consisted of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. At the meeting, the judicial branch was created with checks and balances to ensure the balance of powers. The Judiciary Act of 1789, additionally, introduced the three-tier system of courts. This system included the following levels: district, circuit, and the supreme. -
Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey Rebellion was caused by the taxes proposed by Alexander Hamilton. The taxes were directed solely on whiskey, as whiskey was economically important and a large profit in Pennsylvania and Kentucky. This high tax mainly targeted and ultimately angered the farmers of both of these states. About 6,000 had threatened to attack at Pittsburgh and George Washington had led the army. The Whiskey Rebellion, thus, was the first major domestic test on the power of the constitution. -
The Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights refer to the first ten amendments of the US Constitution. These first ten amendments were heavily inspired by Thomas Jefferson who was a strong advocator for the people. It was drafted by James Madison and officially adopted on December 15, 1791. These amendments were made to assure every citizen were granted with certain unalienable rights. The ratification of the bill, however, was extremely controversial as the fight over the "limited or strong government" was at its peak. -
Democratic-Republicans
The Democratic-Republican party, also known just as "Republicans", and began in 1792. The main faces of the party included, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. The beliefs of Democratic-Republicans lay in the view of a strict interpretation of the constitution. They believed that a loose interpretation of the constitution and believed the states deserved more power, not the central government, as the Federalists believed. -
Jay's Treaty
Jay's Treaty was solely based upon the agreement and compromise between The United States and Great Britain. John Jay, additionally, was the American Chief justice who actually signed the treaty for the United States. This treaty, thus, created a base that assured America was able to build commercial prosperity and a stable economy. Ultimately, this led to "Amity, Commerce, and Navigation" between the US and Britain. This led to angry Republicans, who viewed the federalists in favor in Britain. -
Election of 1800
The Election of 1800 was the start of the divisions among the Federalists. The election was between John Adams (F) and Thomas Jefferson (DR). The election resulted with a win on Jefferson, or more so a tie between Jefferson and Aaron Burr. Alexander Hamilton had to persuade the House in the winning of Jefferson, leading to Hamilton v. Burr conflicts. This election ultimately, led to the rise of the Republicans and the 12th amendment, requiring separate ballots for the vice president/president. -
Jefferson Administration
Thomas Jefferson began office in March of 1801 as a Democratic-Republican. On the contrary, he was a simple demeanor. Jefferson was commonly and frequently mocked by the Federalists, due to the political party division that began in the start of the Election of 1800. Jefferson, ultimately, would end up personally attacked by the people, despite him being a completely normal human being. -
Period: to
The Age of Jefferson
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Marbury v. Madison
The Marbury v. Madison case was the most prevalent supreme court case in the nineteenth century and all of US history. Not only did this case form and set up Judicial Review but it formed the modern court. Furthermore, in this case, the supreme courts lacked jurisdiction. Chief Justice John Marshall, however, wished for more federalist ideas in the court for stronger governmental ideas. Therefore, Marshall insisted on the idea and process of Judicial Review and strengthened the US constitution. -
Louisiana Purchase
One of the Jefferson Administration's first decision's lay in the purchasing of land from the France territory. The purchase was approximately $15 million (at almost 3 cents per acre) and accumulated about 828,000,000 square miles of land. Jefferson was considered a hypocrite to some, as he contradicted himself due to his beliefs of a limited power of government, as purchasing land so large proved otherwise. The purchase ultimately led to the Lewis and Clark expedition and the westward expansion -
The Cotton Gin
The Cotton Gin was a machine invented by Eli Whitney. This machine increased production and cultivation of cotton at faster speeds. Specifically, it made removing seeds from the cotton plant tremendously easier. The machine in itself was able to remove almost fifty pounds of cotton in one single day. In a time where cotton was America's number one export, the Cotton Gin was a huge success. As a result, the demand for both slaves and land increased as slave owners seeked more profit. -
War of 1812
The War of 1812 can be looked at as a second war for independence. It was a conflict fought between Britain and the United States, mainly over the issues and mistreatment from Britain to America. Britain, for example, mostly overstepped when invading American territory navally. America however, declared war on Britain in 1812. The outcome, ultimately, resulted in a draw, worsened Native status and did not save the diplomatic issues between Britain and the United States. -
Fort McHenry
Fort McHenry happened at the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812. On September 13, the British had attacked Fort McHenry and resulted in an American win. This battle is significant to American history because of the inspiration that occurred to Francis Scot Key. The battle led Key to the writing of "Star Spangled Banner" a poem about American patriotism. This poem later became popular in the early 1900s and later became to be known as the modern-day American National Anthem. -
Changes in Agriculture
As the American Industrial Revolution began, agricultural ideas began to change and innovate. Starting in 1815, the American society began to take revolutionary changes. This was commonly known as the American Industrial Revolution or Market Revolution. This led to a boost in inventions that would change agriculture as a whole. The Iron Plow was introduced by John Deere, Crank Churns were invented making butter easier to produce, and the Cotton Gin. These inventions changed American completely. -
Slavery
Slavery was beginning to go into a decline in the South, however, with the American Industrial Revolution, slavery became more prevalent. The invention of the Cotton Gin, invented by Eli Whitney, brought ease to the production of cotton in the South. The invention, thus, brought in the demand for slaves, more profit, money, and cheap labor. In the North, their slavery was more compartmentalized, compared to the Southern's mixed population. -
Period: to
The American Industrial Revolution
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Battle of New Orleans
The Battle of New Orleans took place in early 1815. It was significant because of it being the last major battle of the War of 1812. Andrew Jackson, the American general at the time, led the American forces to defeat the British with a bi-racial ragtag army, despite the war being technically over. Andrew Jackson, ultimately, was successful at guiding the American army as they fought away the British. Additionally, the battle gave Jackson a household name around the country. -
Second Bank of the United States
In 1816, the Second Bank of the United States was chartered. It had became an extremely controversial topic during the election, however. Andrew Jackson absolutely despised the bank, while Henry Clay believed otherwise. Clay, on the contrary, believed that the bank was a key attribute in the winning of the election. Nicholas Biddie, furthermore, was the president of the bank, and transformed it as planned. However, Jackson (Anti-bank) was still elected in 1832, and vetoed the issue for pro-bank. -
McCulloch vs. Maryland
The McCulloch vs. Maryland case is one of the most prevalent cases in American history. This Supreme Court case challenged the idea that states could not take place of federal government. This case is significant because it led to the idea that the constitution can indeed be loosely interpreted. Ultimately, the decision led to the state of Maryland to not have the power to tax a higher instituition, according to the constitution. -
Western Frontier Fur Trade
The Fur Trade in the Western Frontier began in the Manifest Destiny and Western Expansion era. The Fur Trade quickly became one of the most important industries. By the 1820's, the Fur Trade had already had full American domination. The furs made huge profits, fashion was changing, and money was their motive. However, greed had taken over as beavers were nearly going extinct over the trappers. It was not until the 1840s, when trappers had left. -
Missouri Crisis
The Missouri Crisis was a bundle of issues circled around slavery, starting in 1819. Missouri, furthermore, had applied for admission as a slave state, adding complications to the once balanced free-to-slave-state ratio of the states in America. This led to the Missouri Compromise of 1820 which was an attempt to fix the issue and balance everything. It resulted in a compromise that granted Missouri as a slave state, Maine as free, and established a new boundary between the slave/free states. -
Second Great Awakening
The Second Great Awakening initially began in the early 1800s but, picked up tremendously in the 1820s. The Second Great Awakening, additionally, was a change of culture and a chance of revival for everyone. It emphasized the importance of religion, romanticism, emotional feelings, and supernatural ideas. The Awakening, also, rejected secularism, and Deism. However, the Second Great Awakening was morally taken over economically and politically. -
Period: to
Cultural Changes
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Growing Cities
As the American Industrial Revolution became more prevalent, more people began to travel from their rural houses into the cities for more opportunity. The urban centers typically tend to have had more factories and more factories equal jobs and money. Through urbanization, furthermore, these moving families and people were able to obtain jobs in the new factories and industrialized cities. Thus, the economy boosted tremendously, cities overpopulated, child labor was induced, etc. -
Stephen F. Austin
Stephen F. Austin is significant because of his works with Texas. He actually, is known as "The Father of Texas" as well. He was an American pioneer and sought opportunity when moving to Texas. As a result, as people kept migrating into Texas, he founded the first Anglo-American colony through land grants. The Tejas region was born 1824; the Mexican requirements followed: must be Catholic, be a Mexican Citizen, learn Spanish, and no slavery. The Whites however, outnumbered them and disobeyed. -
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Age of Jackson
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Greek Revival Architecture
Just like the expansion of new ideas of parks and cemeteries, architecture, thus became prominent. As more and more people were working, making money, luxurious styles began to come into the picture and even recycled. For example, from 1825-1860, people desired and wished upon Greek styled homes and buildings. There was even a point when Greek Revival had become a "national style". At this point, it was not only the houses that were Greek styled, but government buildings were influenced as well. -
Adams Presidency—American System
The Adams vs. Jackson election (Election of 1828), was the first modern election in American history. It was a rematch between Adams and Jackson, leading to the presidency in John Adams. Adams, additionally, brought back Henry Clay's "American System", which included advocating industry works, an increase in protective tariffs, a new national bank for commerce, and internal improvements. Thus, the system contributed to the Era of Good Feelings as they desired a unified America. -
Personal Attacks
The Election of 1828, was an extremely aggressive election that resulted in a series of personal attacks between not only the supporters, but the candidates as well. The Election of 1828 was actually the dirtiest elections in American History. Rumors would spread around the country about the candidates interfering with adultery, rape, and even murder. Moreover, Adams was perceived as a "good guy", while Jackson was perceived as a wild man, hence his nickname, "Old Hickory". -
Age of the Common Man
The Age of the Common Man typically refers to the "Republic of Common Man" and Jackson's term as president in 1829-1837. Both Davy Crocket and Andrew Jackson, moreover, played a huge and significant role in the Age of the Common Man, as they are the faces of the era and prototype. The Common man, additionally, signifies Jackson as a "reflection" of the people in society--as the majority. The people related to him, which he completely embraced. -
The Cherokee
The Cherokee were tremendously discriminated by everyone. Specifically, Jackson, himself did not see Natives equal to whites. However, the Cherokee had found gold in their land, but were overpowered by the whites as they came to take it all from them. This ultimately resulted in the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which permitted the president power to exchange land, and the Cherokee Nation v.s. Georgia SCOTUS case. -
Mormons
The Mormons religion was founded by a man named Joseph Smith in 1830. Mormons, themselves, were part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints movement. According to Smith, he found golden tablets in 1823, wrote an ancient language, considered the Natives as one of the lost tribes of Israel, and the "Book of Mormons" (Mormon holy book). The religion, furthermore, appealed to the farmers and traders who did bad during the Industrial Revolution, because it was looked upon as a new start. -
Creation of Parks and Cemeteries
In 1831, America finally saw the creation of both modernized parks and cemeteries. New ideas have arisen as nature was becoming more prominent and admired. Parks and cemeteries, additionally, had become a new way for people to get away from their fast-paced-lives, take a break, and simply enjoy the beauty of nature. People were now able to admire the outdoor environment, outside of their jobs in the factories, in the house or the fields. It was not long until all of America was on this movement. -
Nullification Crisis
The Nullification Crisis consisted of the conflicts between South Carolina and the federal government. Congress had begun to raise import taxes on textiles, following the Tariff Act of 1822. This ultimately, hurt the southern region tremendously and their agricultural economy. As a result, the Nullification Crisis fell in favor with the federal government. -
Whig Party
The Whig Party was born shortly after the complications and issues between the Anti-Bank and the Pro-Bank candidates, in 1834. This ultimately gave the Republicans a new name, known as the "Anti-Elitist" as a third party. Whigs, on the contrary, can be closely related to modern-day Democrats. Whigs favored strong central governments, fought for minority rights (Natives, African Americans, and immigrants), were against slavery, favored populist style politics and desired a smart candidate to run. -
Temperance Movement
The Temperance Movement was an abstain and ban from all alcohol. For example, American was once filled with a land filled with drunk people, therefore, the Temperance Movement was used to limit the number of drunks. It was not until the 1830s, however, when different movements became prominent and important in the United States. These movements would grow in people and in their members, in the hopes of reducing the number of consumers and the consumption overall. -
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Western Expansion
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The Telegraph
The Telegraph was the first wide-spread, innovated, and modern source of communication. It was invented by Samuel F. B. Morse on May 24, 1844. Before the telegraph, messages would travel through man, letters, pigeon messengers, and other methods. These methods would typically take very long to deliver, such as weeks or even months. The Telegraph, however, allowed for people to send messages that were almost instant to almost anyone through electrical signals, phone lines, and "Morse" code. -
Election of 1844
The Election of 1844 consisted of the election between Henry Clay (W) and James K. Polk (D). However, the fight for Texas was at an all-time debate. Texas had become the talk, as there was the fight over the admission of Texas and would it be a free or slave state. The fight between Democrats and Whigs also had intensified. A big fear circled around another split within political parties. The election was overall a close-call, as it resulted in Polk as the eleventh president. -
Irish Immigration
Immigration to America began to increase tremendously after the tragic Irish Potato Famine. The potato was an important crop in the diets and food sufficiency in Ireland; however, beginning in 1845, a potato-deadly bacterium had taken over Ireland, nearly killing over half of the Irish potato production. The bacteria almost lasted a decade, causing major famine. The Famine ultimately led to nearly a million dead, and millions of Irish emigration to the United States. -
Manifest Destiny
The idea of Manifest Destiny lay in the expansion to the western regions. It was not until 1845, however, when the terms "Manifest Destiny" had become commonly used. It expressed that it was the American's "destiny" by God, to explore and capitalize the other regions in the modern-day USA. Manifest Destiny also dealt with the Fur Trade which brought profit, a fashion change, and almost a beaver extinction. -
Bear Flag Revolt
The Bear Flag Revolt began in June, ending in July of 1846. In 1846, the pressure between Mexico and California was intense. American settlers keep emigrating and the Mexican government feared the revolt. However, in June, a group of Californians, thus, revolted and rebelled against Mexican government officials. They desired a free and independent California Republic from Mexico. Ultimately, it resulted in California declaring their independence and the Bear Flag was made the official flag. -
Wilmot Proviso
The Wilmot Proviso was a document used after the Mexican-American War. It was used to prohibit the use of slavery in new United States-Mexico land. It was a political firestorm. The Wilmot Proviso had passed under the House of Representatives; however, it was defeated in Congress. Additionally, this document simply worsened the issue of slavery between the north and south, and people were angry. -
Seneca Falls Convention
The Seneca Falls Convention took place in 1848 in Seneca Falls, NY. It was one of the first pushes and movements for women's rights in the United States. This meeting was initially directed in the works of assuring the rights of women. These rights include the basics that seem insane to be deprived of today. For example, nearly 300 women at the meeting fought for suffrage, social, civil, and the religious aspects of life. This ultimately, led to the rise of feminism and women's rights. -
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Sectionalism
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California Gold Rush
The introduction into the new territories, including California, opened a lot of opportunities. In California, for example, shortly after the independence from Mexico, a large amount of gold was found. This led to thousands migrating into California. Before the gold rush, California was only a territory with a few civilians, however, with the gold, California was wealthy in money and now people. California transformed into a state, officially, in 1850; it had a population near 300,000 people. -
Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad was a system of people offering their help in the works of freeing escaped slaves. The "Railroad" was the path that the slaves traveled through from the south all the way to the north, towards Canada. It first began in the late 18th century, ending near the Civil war times. It hit its peak during the 1850-60s. The Underground Railroad, furthermore, helped slaves escape by hiding them in their private properties and "safe houses". -
Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 was a document proposed by Henry Clay in the hopes of solving the issues of slavery within the Northern and Southern regions. The Compromise itself actually consists of five different bills; these bills guaranteed California as a free state and Utah and New Mexico as slave states. Texas, also, relinquished the disputed western lands. It also dealt with the issues of the slave trade in D.C. and the financial status and debt of Texas. -
Republican Party
The Republican Party was predominantly the political party of the Northern region. It was founded on March 20, 1854. The Republican Party was against slavery and wished to abolish it, in favor of the minorities' rights, and so on. Because of their views, the members of the Republican Party united with Free-Soilers, Whigs, and anti-slavery Democrats. Their beliefs, thus, would align more with the Democratic Party beliefs of today. Furthermore, Abraham Lincoln was the first Republican president. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
The Kansas-Nebraska Act was signed on May 30, 1854. It stated that both Kansas and Nebraska were free to decide on what the wished their territory be--free or slave state? Because of this act, the 36'30, Compromise of 1820 was repealed, and popular sovereignty was implemented. Ultimately, this act resulted in angry southerners who feared two new free states, and they wished to abolish the Missouri Compromise as well. -
Free Black Communities
Free Black Communities existed largely in the Northern and Midwest regions. These free African-Americans lived in segregation to other races and ethnicities. They experienced discrimination and prejudice and competed with other immigrants for jobs, as immigration began to rise tremendously. On the contrary, free black communities did exist in the south, however, they simply were not prevalent at the time. -
Industrialization vs. Agriculture
The North and the South have a huge economic difference due to the geological differences. The North, because of their colder, rockier and dry soil, their environment is more suitable for industrialization. Their economy depended on railroads, factories, steam engines, and immigrant workers. The South has warmer and fertile soil, ideal for agriculture. Their economy depended on cotton, tobacco, sugar, rice, and slave labor. However, they had a few industrialized cities to compete with the north. -
The North
The North had a population of 22 million people. Their industrialization was at an all-time high; they had over 110,000 factories, 1.5 billion industries, 977 weapon manufacturing, produced 94% of clothing and 90% of shoes and boots. Transportation, also was at a high, as almost 30,000 miles of railroad tracks were built in the North. -
The South
The South had a population of nine million people, with three to almost four million being slaves. Their industrialization was not as tremendous as the North's; however, they had 18,000 factories, $155 million industry, they carried about 3% of weapons manufacturing and about 9,000 miles of railroad tracks. Their military leadership, additionally is what kept them in the war for so long. They had competent leaders and even compared themselves to the Patriots of the American Revolution. -
Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grants was the military leader of the Union and the Northern region. He faced several complications during the war, but he demonstrated several selfless and determined characteristics. His leadership skills and tactics, ultimately, led the Union to victory during the Civil War and the abolishment of slavery in the United States. Grant was known as a nation-wide hero after the war, which thus, led to him serving as the eighteenth president from 1869-77. -
Robert E. Lee
Robert E. Lee served as the military leader for the Confederacy in the Southern region. He led the Confederate army during the Civil War from 1861-1865. Lee, despite his loss in the Civil War, was a very intelligent and strategical man. If it was not for Robert E. Lee, the South would have actually lost in the war a lot earlier. Lee's determination drove him and his army, however, the North was more advanced and carried a stronger desire. -
Women at Work
The Civil War gave birth to a tremendous amount of opportunity and new work-related lives, which is said to be led to the formation of feminism. As the men left to war, the women were left at home to do everything else, and jobs at home demanded workers. Therefore women had to step up, make the money, and do the jobs. The war gave women new roles such as teachers, planters, nurses, civil service jobs, and as slave managers. -
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The Civil War
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The Fire-Eaters
Fire Eaters were a group of southerners who were angry over the northern aggression. As slavery became the talk and issue of America, many groups supporting their beliefs rose up. The Fire-Eaters group, furthermore, is an example of just this. They urged for secession excessively because they did not like the way America, specifically, California was being handled. (P.S. there are not any google pictures of fire-eaters, here's the civil war...) -
Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation declared the freedom of all the slaves free after January 1, 1863. It was after the victory of the Battle of Antietam when Abraham Lincoln issued and declared the Proclamation. However, the Emancipation Proclamation did not free all of the slaves completely. Despite not freeing all of the slaves, the Proclamation was a significant step towards the full abolishment of slavery in the United States. -
Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg was the turning point of the American Civil War. It began with the invasion of the South into the North. Robert E. Lee had led the Confederate Army to the North to invade, but it quickly turned bad. The invasion turned into the bloodiest battle of the war as nearly 8,000 soldiers died, despite it being only 3 days long. The Battle of Gettysburg, furthermore, was the most important battle as it favored the Union tremendously. -
Lincoln's 10% Plan
There were two plans for the South after the Civil War and for the planning of "Reconstruction". One of the plans lay with "Lincoln's 10% Plan". This plan was also called the Amnesty/Reconstruction Plan of 1863; it pardoned all southerners (excluding officers and officials). It required them to take an oath of loyalty and made them apply for federal recognition under a new state government. -
Salt Lake Valley
During the Mormon Exodus, Mormons were discriminated against, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints had been persecuted, and the founder, Joseph Smith, was assassinated by anti-Mormons. The Mormons were no longer safe in Illinois and they needed to leave. Brigham Young, therefore, decided to relocate all of the Mormons to a religiously tolerant place, away from the Federal Government, to a place that will accept them, known as Salt Lake Valley, Utah. -
The KKK
The Ku Klux Klan or the KKK was a white resistance and hate group directed towards African Americans. Members and groups of the KKK started to exist almost directly after the ending of the Civil War. These members sought restoration of white supremacy and tortured innocent African Americans. The members would kill and torture in attempt of getting rid of the whole race. -
Abolitionists, Gradualism, Immediatism
Abolitionists, Gradualism, and Immediatism all have a few factors fairly similar. For example, all three are considered and can be said to be against slavery. Abolitionists, for instance, were completely against the slavery movement and advocated for the end of slavery. Gradualism, on the contrary, is the movement or act of freeing slaves gradually to Africa. Now, Immediatism, for example, was a movement or act to immediately end slavery. -
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Reconstruction
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Freedman's Bureau
The Freedman's Bureau was a relief agency in the war-torn south. It supplied food, schools, and emergency services to those in great need of it. Because the former slaves had almost nothing, it was difficult for them to fend for themselves. The Freedman's Bureau helped to ease their complications. It also confiscated land for agriculture and was a main institution for reconstruction. -
The Assassination of Lincoln
After the Civil War, many people were upset, specifically, the Confederates and the people of the South. Abraham was considered a nation-wide hero to some, and to others, he was quite the opposite. For John Wilkes Booth, Lincoln was a horrid man. Five days after the Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, and the end of the Civil War, President Lincoln was shot in the back of the head at a show; he was assassinated by Booth. -
Freedom Amendments
The "freedom amendments" consist of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments. These amendments all deal with the freedoms and rights of African Americans. The 13th amendment was officially ratified on December 6, 1865, and guaranteed the abolishment of slavery. The 14th amendment granted citizenship to all USA natives including former slaves, and the 15th amendment allowed for African American men to vote. -
Election of 1876
The Election of 1876 was the battle between Rutherford B. Hayes (Republican) and Samuel J. Tilden (Democrat). This election was one of the most disputed elections in American history. Some of the issues faced included: corruption, reconstruction, economy, etc. The popular vote lay with Tilden, however, the electoral votes were unclear. -
Compromise of 1877
The Compromise of 1877 ended the Reconstruction Era for all of the United States. The compromise was issued by President Rutherford Hayes almost immediately after his election as president. It declared that Reconstruction come to an end. It removed the federal troops from the south and was the beginning of the total suppression for southern African Americans. This compromise, additionally, brought attention to the rise of Democrats, because of Hayes.
