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Period: 30,000 BCE to
Beginnings to Exploration
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1200 BCE
The Olmecs
The Olmec civilization was located in ancient Mexico modern day states of Veracruz and Tabasco. This culture developed in the centuries 1200BC and declined around 400BC. Is considered forerunner of all subsequent Mesoamerican cultures including the Aztecs and the Maya. This civilization was located in very fertile lands, well-watered coastal areas to grow crops such as beans and corn. Olmecs can be known as the first ones to practice bloodletting and human sacrifice. -
1095
The Crusades
The crusades were a time period during the 11th century (1095-1291) where there we a serious of wars between Muslims and Christians. It started because this two groups wanted to secure control over holy sites that were considered sacred by both sides. The crusades were of great significance because it showed how powerful the Catholic Church became in the middle ages. The Roman Catholic Church experiences an increase in wealth, and the power of the pope was elevated after the crusades concluded. -
1300
The Renaissance
The Renaissance was a time period from the 14th to the 17th century (1300-1600) that followed the middle ages. The word Renaissance is a French word meaning “rebirth.” This era was named like this because at that time people started taking an interest in the learning of ancient Greece and Rome. This period is generally described as the century that promoted the rediscovery of classical philosophy, literature and art. The renaissance was also able to witness the discovery and of new countries. -
1420
Henry the Navigator
Born March 4, 1394 known as Prince Henry the Navigator, played a big role in the early development of Portuguese exploration. Even though he wasn’t a sailor or a navigator, he sponsored a great deal of exploration along the west coast of Africa for which he paid himself. Because of Henry the Navigator Portuguese crews founded the country’s first colonies and visited regions that weren’t previously known by the Europeans. He wanted to gain scientific knowledge and find new trading routes. -
1492
Columbian Exchange
The Columbian Exchange also known as the Columbian interchange was named for Christopher Columbus after his arrival in the Caribbean in 1492. This was the widespread transfer of animals, plants, culture, technology and ideas between the West Africa, Americas, and the Old world in the 15th and 16th century. The Columbian exchange affected almost all population on earth, by bringing diseases that decreased the population, new crops and livestock that in the long run made the world more diverse. -
1500
Middle Passage
The middle passage was a stage of the triangular trade which involved millions of Africans being forcibly transported to the New World as part of the Atlantic slave trade. It was called the Middle passage because it was the middle leg of the Triangular Trade. These routes began in the early 1500’s by Portuguese and Spanish who imported slaves to work on sugar plantations in the New World. This passage was the crossing from Africa to the Americas in which ships carry their cargo of slaves. -
1517
Martin Luther
Martin Luther was born in November 10, 1483, in Eisleben Germany. Luther was a professor of theology, priest, composer, monk, and seminal figure in the Protestant Reformation. He rejected many of the teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. He believed the Bible was the central source of religion authority and that salvation is not reached through deeds, but through faith. Martin Luther wrote the 95 theses in 1517 as a form of protest against the selling of indulgences. -
1519
Conquest of the Aztecs
Between 1519-1521 the Spanish conquered the Aztec Empire. Herman Cortez a Spanish conquistador, and his men landed in the Mexican Coast on April 1519. Cortes arrived with 500 men, 16 horses and some cannons. He founded a small settlement that later came to be known as the city of Veracruz. He became to know the settler and brought an American Indian woman along with him who he used as his interpreter. Cortez created alliances with some of the local tribes like the Tlaxcalans and the Totonacs. -
Period: to
English Colonial Societies
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Tabacco
Tabacco was initially introduced into the New World when James Town was founded in the year 1607. John Rolfe arrived in James Town along with 150 other settlers in 1610. When he arrived, he started experimenting with the growing of tabacco, later started using seeds that were grown in the West Indies to develop what will later become Virginia’s first profitable export. By the year 1630, over a million and a half pounds of tabacco were being exported from Jamestown every year. -
May Flower Compact
On September 6 of 1620 a British ship The Mayflower with 102 passengers sailed to Plymouth. The mayflower compact was the first self-governing document of Plymouth, a set of rules for self-governance. This document was written by the passengers of the Mayflower, these men were adventurers, tradesmen and puritans. The compact was signed by 41 males on November 11, 1620. By signing the document these men agreed to have a temporary government and obey the laws. -
Puritans
The puritans were members of a group of English protestants of the late 16th and 17th centuries. These members believed that God had formed a unique agreement with them, he expected them to live according to the scriptures to reform the Anglican Church. They also had to set a good example that would cause those who had remained in England to change their sinful ways. Their goals were to purify religion and the corruption of politics. They were first called puritans by their enemies. -
Quakers
The Quakers were a religious society of friends whom are also known as the Quaker Movement. This society was founded in England by George Fox in the 17th century. Quaker missionaries first arrived in America in the mid-1650s. Him and other Quakers were being persecuted for their beliefs, which were the idea that the presence of God exists in every single person. The members of this society rejected elaborated ceremonies and believed in spiritual equality for men and women. -
Atlantic Slave Trade
The transatlantic slave trade began in the 15th century after the Portuguese began exploring the coast of West Africa. At the beginning of the trade the number of enslaved Africans was small, however by 1650 due to the development of plantations in the Caribbean Islands and American mainland, the trade grew. Most of the slaves taken into the transatlantic trade were from the states on or near the west coast of Africa. Between 1525 and 1866 12,5 million slaves were shipped, only 10.7 survived. -
Triangular Trade
The triangular trade was a system for trading in which a country pays for its imports from one country to another using its exports. The triangular trade operated from the late 16th to early 19th centuries. This was a trans-Atlantic trade route that had three parts. The first leg was Africa to Americas to transport slaves, the second one was America to Europe to transport raw materials, and finally the third one was Europe to Africa to transport finished gods and sell them. -
Wiliam Penn
William Penn, born October 14, 1644 in the United Kingdom and died in July 30, 1718. William Penn was mostly known for founding the colony of Pennsylvania as a place for people to have religious freedom in America. He was the leader of the Quaker religious community, under his direction the city of Philadelphia was planned and developed. In the year 1681 King Charles ii gave a large piece of his land to Penn to pay the debts the king owned to Penn’s father, modern day Pennsylvania and Delaware. -
English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights was an act passed on December 16, 1689 by the England Parliament. The Bill created a separation of powers, it limited the power of the king and queen, and it enhanced the democratic elections. The bill allowed petition to the King and gave the right to have a trial by jury. The colonists wanted to be able to choose a person to make their laws and to form colonial assemblies. Before William and Mary could become king and queen they had to agree to accept the Bill. -
Salem Witch Trials
The Salem Witch Trials started in 1692, after a group of girls in Massachusetts claimed they had been possessed by the devil. These girls accused local women of practicing which craft Tituba, Sarah Good, and Sarah Osborn. They later accused many more women of the same thing. Hysteria spread around the colony and a court came together to hear the cases. The first victim was hanged June 2 this became known as the Gallows Hill in Salem Town. Many innocent people died due to the accusations. -
Period: to
Colonial America
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Steam Power Engine
The invention of the steam engine was crucial to the industrialization of new civilizations. The first viable steam engine was introduced by Thomas Newcome in 1712, the engine became an inspiration of industrialization and its major work-horse. The engine performs mechanical work using steam as its working fluid. The first use for the engine was to remove flood water from a mine, by the year 1733, 104 engines were used, eventually over two thousand engines were installed. -
The Great Awakening
The Great Awakening was one of the most important events during the eighteenth century in American religion. During the late 1730’s and 1740’s a series of emotional religious revivals spread across the American Colonies that were led by evangelical protestant ministers. This movement altered religious beliefs, relationships, and practices in the American Colonies; this movement also concluded in the colonists pursuing diverse religions and interpreting the bible for themselves. -
Seven Years War
The French and Indian war, also known as the seven years’ war began in 1754 and ended with the treaty of Paris in 1763. This was the largest imperial between Great Britain and France. Due to this war, Great Britain gained territory in North America, but also disputes over subsequent frontier policy. Paying for the expenses led to many colonial discontents, and finally to the American Revolution. Even though the British won they faced pressing problems that were only aggravated by the treaty. -
Free Black Communities
Some of the most influential, vibrant and dynamic communities in the United States were the Free Black Communities. In the 19th century in Philadelphia free Africans relied on each other to confront the power of slavery and white supremacy. In 1765 from the fifteen hundred black Philadelphians all but about 100 were enslaved. -
Fort William Henry
Fort William Henry located on the shores od Lake George, New York was built during the French and Indian War which took place from 1754 to 1763. This was part of a chain of French and British forts along the important inland waterway from New York to Quebec. In March 1757 Fort William Henry ends with a French Defeat, in August 3-9 of the same year the commander of the French forces, lays siege to the fort, Lt. Col. Monroe is forced to surrender. -
Period: to
The Revolutionary War
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Treaty of Paris 1763
The Treaty of Paris 1763 ended the French and Indian war, also known as the seven years’ war that was fought between France and Great Britain. The treaty was signed on February 10, 1763 by Great Britain, France, and Spain in Portugal in agreement after Great Britain’s victory in the seven years’ war. The terms of the treaty were, France will give up all its territories in mainland North America, effectively ending any foreign military threat for the British colonies. -
Revenue Act/ Sugar Act
The Sugar Act also known as the Revenue Act was passed on April 5, 1764; this was an act passed by the British government to pay for the debts left by the Seven Years’ War. The tax was a modified version of the Sugar and Molasses Act of 1733, which was about to expire. The main idea of the Revenue Act was to discourage colonial merchants and manufactures from smuggling non-British goods in order to avoid the taxes imposed by Parliament. -
No Taxation without Representation
The phrase “No taxation without representation” came from colonists complaining that taxes were being imposed by Parliament without their consent. This issue became bigger in 1765 wit the passage of the Stamp Act, this was the first true attempt of Parliament to put a direct tax on the American Colonies. The colonists believed they were not directly represented in the Parliament, so any laws passed affecting them were illegal under the Bill of Right, and a denial of their Englishmen rights. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was a political protest that took place on December 16,1773 at Griffin’s Wharf in Boston Massachusetts. The colonists who were frustrated and mad at Britain for imposing “taxation with out representation.” Dumped 342 chests of British tea into the harbor. This event was the first major act of defiance from the colonists to the British rule. The event showed Great Britain that Americans would not take taxation with our representation. -
Shot Heard round the World
The shot heard around the world is a phrase that refers particularly to the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Lexington and Concord were the first battles in the Revolutionary war on April 19, 1775. Early that morning approximately 70 minutemen had gathered on the village green; they were called minutemen because they could be out and ready for a fight at a minute’s notice. No one knows who fired the first shot, it was uncertain which side. This was later immortalized by Ralph Waldo Emerson. -
Thomas Paine
Thomas Paine was an English American writer, pamphleteer, political activist, and philosopher. Thomas Paine is mostly known for writing “Common Sense’ which was published in January 10, 1776 in Philadelphia, nearly 120,000 copies were sold by April. This pamphlet advocated independence from Great Britain to people in the thirteen colonies. His writing influenced the American Revolution and helped pave the way for the Declaration of Independence. -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation were first adopted by the Continental Congress as the first constitution of the United States in November 15, 1777; however, the ratification of these articles did not occur until March 1, 1781. The articles had a weak central government and created a loose confederation of sovereign states, this left most of the power with the state governments. Seeing that a stronger federal government was needed the articles were replaced with the Constitution on March 4, 1789. -
Treaty of Paris 1783
The Treaty of Paris was signed by representatives of King George iii of Great Britain and representatives of the United States. The treaty was signed on September 3, 1783, and it ended the American Revolutionary War. The treaty set the boundaries between the British Empire and the US. Based on a 1782 preliminary treaty, the agreement recognized US. independence and granted the U.S significant western territory. The treaty was ratified by the congress on January and by King George iii on April 9. -
Period: to
The Constitution
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Shay's Rebellion
Shay’s Rebellion was a group of protestors that were led by the veteran Daniel Shays. He began rebellion in which there was a series of violent attacks on courthouses and other government properties in Massachusetts. The protestants were mostly ex Revolutionary War soldiers who turned into farmers. These farmers were mad because the government had decided to pass out taxes to pay for the debts left by the revolutionary war. Daniel Shays helped started the rebellion to help the farmers. -
Three Branches
To ensure the separation of powers the U.S Federal government is made up of three branches of government. The three branches are legislative, executive and judicial. Each branch has its own power and responsibilities which also include working with the other branches. The legislative branch makes the laws it is involved with the congress, senate, and house of representatives. The Executive branch includes the President Vice president and cabinet. The judicial branch includes the Supreme Court. -
Founding Fathers
A group of men including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, James Monroe, and Benjamin Franklin are known as the founding fathers. The name Founding Fathers is a general name for male American patriots during the revolutionary war, especially the ones who signed the Declaration of Independence and drafted the constitution. Together this group of men structured the democratic government of The United States and left a legacy that has shaped the world. -
Virginia Plan
The Virginia Plan which is also known as the Randolph Plan was a proposal by Virginia delegates for a bicameral legislative branch. The Virginia plan was drafted by James Madison and presented by Edmund Randolph to the Constitutional Convention on May 29, 1787. The plan proposed a strong central government that would be composed of three branches, judicial, legislative and executive. The pan also called for 1 vote per state regardless of population. -
New Jersey Plan
The New Jersey Plan which is also known as the small state plan was presented by William Paterson at the Constitutional Convention on June 15, 1787. This plan consisted of 11 resolutions that were given as alternative options to the Virginia Plan. The plan detailed a legislature of only one house and featured equal representation in which each state had the same number of representatives. The goal for the plan was that each state had the same level of power in the legislature. -
Northwest Ordinance
The North West Ordinance was a law passed July 13, 1787 by the Confederation Congress to regulate the settlement of the Northwest Territory. The territory was later divided into several states of the middle west, it also gave a method to admit new territories into the Union as states. The states had to be governed by Congress until it had 5,000 free white males. Slavery was forbidden into in the northwest territory, so this made the Ohio river a dividing line between the free and slave states. -
Steam Boat
At the beginning of the Industrial Revolution the invention of the steam engine became very popular. John Fitch demonstrated the first steamboat in 1787, this boat was 45 feet long it had twelve paddles and was powered by a steam engine. On August 22, 1787 the boat successfully traveled on the Delaware River. Later on, John Fitch built a larger vessel that was able to carry passengers and freight between Philadelphia and Burlington, New Jersey. -
Anti-Federalists Papers
The Federalists papers is the name that was given to works written by the Founding Fathers who were against or concerned with the U.S Constitution. Starting September 25, 1787, the anti-federalists published a series of essays arguing against the Constitution. The anti-federalists saw in the constitution threats to rights and liberties that had bee recently won from England. The authors discuss the issues of the constitution and many general problems of politics were put under debate. -
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New Republic
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Second Great Awakening
Early in the 19th century the Second Great Awakening took place in the U.S, which was a protestant religious revival. This movement began around the 1790, Baptist and Methodist congregations led the movement. The Second Great Awakening reflected romanticism, emotion and an appeal to the supernatural. This awakening rejected the skeptical rationalism and deism of the Enlightenment. The awakening simulated the establishment of many reform movements designed to remedy the evils of society. -
Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey Rebellion was an uprising of protestants who were made of farmers and distillers in western Pennsylvania in protest of the whiskey tax. Alexander Hamilton believed all state debts should be consolidated into 1 big national debt. Hamilton decided to put a tax on whiskey; farmers and distillers were not happy. They made a rebellion and that is now known as the whiskey rebellion which was later put out by George Washington and was the first official national test of the constitution. -
Bank of the United States
The Bank of the United states was a national bank chartered for a term of 20 years, by the United States Congress on February 25, 1791. Also known as the first bank of the United States is located in Philadelphia. The Bank was built when while Philadelphia was still the nations capital. Alexander Hamilton created the national bank to handle the colossal war debt and to create a standard form of currency. -
Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights is the first 10 amendments to the U.S Constitution, they were ratified December 15, 1791. The amendments give citizens the rights like freedom of speech and religion. Also, the right to bear arms, no quartering of soldiers, rules for search and seizure, rights against self-incrimination, right to a speedy trial, trial by jury in common law suits, no excessive bail, rights to the people not mentioned in the constitution, and powers not in the constitution to the states. -
Cotton Gin
The cotton Gin was invented by Eli Whitney in 1793. This machine easily and quickly separates cotton fibers from their seeds, making cotton production a lot faster. Even tough the cotton gin reduced the labor of removing seeds it didn’t reduce the need for slaves to grow and pick up the cotton. The cotton Gin did the exact opposite, cotton was so profitable that it increased the demand for both slave and land labor. -
Jay's Treaty
Jay’s Treaty also known as the Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation between His Britannic Majesty and the United States of America. This was a treaty between the United States and Great Britain that averted war and resolved some issues left from the Treaty of Paris of 1683. The treaty facilitated ten years of peaceful trade between the U.S and Britain. The treaty started November 19, 1794 and was designed by Alexander Hamilton and supported by president George Washington. -
XYZ Affair
The XYZ Affair was an incident that occurred between the U.S and France in 1797 and 1798. This incident led to an undeclared war called the Quasi-War. “XYZ” stands for the names of the three French diplomats Hottinguer, Bellamy, and Hauteval. In July 1797 an American diplomatic commission was sent to France to negotiate a solution for the problems that could result into a war. They were not successful due to French foreign ministers who demanded bribes and a loan before formal negotiations. -
Period: to
The Age of Jefferson
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Judiciary Act of 1801
The judiciary Act of 1801 was a partisan political attempt by Federalists in Congress and the administration of John Adams to pack federal courts with federalists. This act was made to transform the federal judiciary branch into a federalist stronghold. This act was passed in the last days of the John Adams administration which were from 1791 to 1801, that recognized the judiciary and established the first circuit of judgeship in the country. -
Marbury v. Madison
Marbury v. Madison was the most important case in the Supreme Court history. This was the first Court case to apply the principle of “judicial review” which is the power of federal courts to void acts of Congress in conflict with the Constitution. This case led the Court to create a separate branch of government on par with Congress and the executive. On February 24 1803 the Supreme Court first declared an act of congress unconstitutional therefore establishing the doctrine of judicial review. -
Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana purchase was a deal between the United States and France in which the U.S acquired about 827,000 square miles of land. The land was located from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains and from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada. The land was sold for 15 million dollars. The purchase added about 13 states worth of territories, it was signed on May 2, 1803, and ratified in December 1803. In today’s day that purchase could be around 1.2 trillion worth. -
Hamilton vs. Burr
Hamilton vs. Burr was a duel fought in July 11, 1804 between Aaron Burr, who was the sitting vice president of the United States, and Alexander Hamilton the Secretary of the Treasury. On the morning of the duel Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr raised their dueling pistols facing each other and took aim. Hamilton shot first and ended hitting a tree, Burr responded by shooting and wounded Hamilton. Hamilton was taken home and died the next day. -
Embaro Act of 1807
The Embargo act was passed on December 22, 1807 by the United States Congress and signed by the President Thomas Jefferson. The act prohibited American ships to trade with all foreign ports. This was intended to punish Britain and France for interfering with American trade while the two European powers were at war with each other. President Thomas Jefferson believed the act would show Britain and France their dependence on American goods, but the act was not successful. -
Oregon Trail
The Oregon trail was a 2,000-mile-long trail that was used by American pioneers living in the Great Plains in the 19th century. The ones who migrated traveled by wagon looking for fertile land in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The Oregon trail was laid by fur traders from 1811 to 1840, the only way to pass the trail was on foot or horseback. The trail was also very dangerous, river could make people tip over and drown, accidents could take people’s life and valuable supplies. -
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a fought between the United States, the United Kingdom and their respective allies from June 1812 to February 1815. The U.S declared war due to the British economic blockade of France, the introduction of thousands of American seamen into the British navy against their will, and the British support of hostile Indian tribes. Federalists believed that the was fought to help Napoleon against Britain, they opposed the way by not paying taxes and boycotting war loans. -
Manifest Destiny
Manifest destiny was a belief in the United States during the nineteenth century that the settlers were destined to expand across North America. There are three terms to manifest destiny, which are, special virtues of the American people as well as their institutions, the mission of the U.S that is to redeem and remake the west in the image agrarian America, and an irresistible destiny to complete the essential duty. -
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The American Industrial Revolution
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Battle of New Orleans
The battle of New Orleans took place on January 8, 1815 right after the signing of a Treaty of Ghent. This battle was fought between the United States army which was under the command of General Andrew Jackson, and the British army who was led by Sir Edward Pakenham. This battle took place 5 miles south of the city of New Orleans in present day town of Chalmette Louisiana. The battle marked the end of the War of 1812, concluding in an American victory. -
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Cultural Changes
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Monroe Doctrine
James Monroe in his message to the Congress declared that the Old and the New World had different systems and had to remain separated. He came up with four points. The United States would not interfere in any international affairs of or the wars between European powers, the U.s would not interfere with existing colonies and dependencies, western hemisphere closed to future colonization, and any attempts to oppress of or control western hemisphere would be a hostile act against The U.S. -
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Age of Jackson
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Election of 1824
John Quincy Adams was elected President of the United States on February 9, 1825 which was decided by the House of Representatives in the election of 1824. The election of 1824 had been the only time since the passage of the twelve amendment, in which the presidential election was decided by the House of Representatives, this was because no candidate received most of the electoral vote. The election was also the only one in which the candidate with most votes did not become president. -
Spoils System
In politics and government, the spoils system is a practice in which after a political party wins an election, it gives government civil service jobs to its supporters, friends and family as a reward for helping with the victory. This also works as an incentive for the people that were given jobs to keep working for the party. Andrew Jackson introduced the spoils system after winning the presidential election of 1828. The system started when he took office in March 1829. -
German Immigration
From the 1830’s to the 1860’s more than one half million Germans immigrated to the United States. Germans who migrated to the United States were usually struggling farmers, political and religious refugees. The German immigrants settled throughout the United States in both urban and rural communities, most of them settled in the in the Mid-western states. The Germans made numerous contributions to the American culture including sports, traditions, inventions and food. -
Anti-Slavery Movement
The abolitionist movement was the movement to end slavery; In Western Europe and the Americas, abolitionism is a historical movement in effort to put an end to African and Indian slave trade and set them free. Between the years 1830’s and 1870’s the abolitionist movement attempted to achieve emancipation of all slaves and the conclusion of racial segregation and discrimination. The Abolitionist leaders were William Lloyd Garrison, Frederick Douglas, William Lloyd Still and Harriet Tubman. -
Temperance Movement
The temperance movement was designed to the promoting, moderation and more often, complete abstinence in the use of intoxicating liquor. The movement took place during the nineteenth and early twentieth century. This movement was mostly women who, with their kids had seen the effects of unbridle drinking by many of the men. Alcohol was even blamed for many of society’s problems; problems like severe health problems, destitution and crime. -
Telegraph
Long distance communication was revolutionized by the creation of the telegraph in the 1830’s and 1840’s. Samuel Morse with the help of other inventors created the telegraph which worked by transmitting electrical signals over a wire laid between stations. In 1844 Samuel Morse sent his first telegraph messages from Washington D.C to Baltimore, Maryland. By the year 1866 telegraph lines had been laid across the Atlantic Ocean from the United States to Europe. -
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints sometimes known as Mormon Church, is a Christian restorationist church that is considered by its members to be the restoration of the original Church of Jesus Christ. This church was founded April 6, 1830 in Fayette, NY, by Joseph Smith. The members of this church believe that Jesus founded one church, and one church only, that current divisions among Christians do not express God’s will, and the only basis for restoring unity is the Bible. -
Nat Turner's Rebellion
Nat Turner’s Rebellion which is also known as the Southampton Insurrection took place in August 1831. The rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia was led by Nat Turner. This rebellion took the life of 55 to 65 people and at least 51 of them being white. Nat Turner’s Rebellion was the most significant slave revolt in all of the United States History, this group of enslaved people conspired to strike a blow to the system. -
Tariff Act of 1832
The Tariff of 1832 was a tariff in the United States that was enacted under the presidency of Andrew Jackson. This tariff reduced the existing tariff to remedy the conflict created by the tariff of 1828, but it was still very unsatisfactory for some in the south and in South Carolina. South Carolina’s opposition to the tariff and its predecessor, the Tariff of Abominations was the reason for the Nullification Crisis. Due to this the tariff of 1832 was replaced by the compromise tariff of 1833. -
Worcester vs. Georgia
Worcester v. Georgia was a case that too place in 1832 in which the United States Supreme Court vacated a conviction of Samuel Worcester and held that the Georgia criminal statue. This prohibited non-Native Americans from being present on Native American lands, without a license from the state this was unconstitutional. The case began when Worcester did not want to move out of Indian territory, because of his refusal he was arrested, and Worcester v. Georgia started on February 20,1832. -
Nullification Crisis
The Nullification Crisis was a confrontation between the federal government and the state of South Carolina in 1832-1833. This confrontation was over the former’s attempt to declare null and void within the state the federal Tariffs of 1828 and 1832. When the convention met they declared that the tariffs of 1828 and 1832 were unconstitutional and unenforceable within the state of South Carolina. They also said that attempts to use force to collect taxes would lead to the state’s secession. -
New York Female Reform Society
The (NYFMRS) New York Female Moral Reform Society was established in 1834 under the female leadership of Lydia A. Finney she was the wife of revivalist Charles Grandison Finney. This society was created with the purpose of preventing prostitution in the early nineteenth century in New York. During the 1840’s and 1830’s many organizations were created with the purpose of eliminating prostitution and sexual double standard and to encourage sexual abstinence as well. -
Come and Take It
The memorable battle cry “Come and Take it” comes from a small group of rebellious colonists from modern day South Texas defied Mexican rule on October 2, 1835. The dare was referring to a small brass cannon, but later became a declaration of Texas’ independence and grift as famous as “Remember the Alamo. The cannon represented by the phrase “Come and Take it “is on display at the Gonzales Memorial Museum. -
Battle of San Jacinto
The Battle of San Jacinto took place on April 21, 1836 during Texas’ war for independence form Mexico. The Texas militia that was under Sam Houston launched a surprise attack to the forces under the Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. In this battle the Mexicans were routed, and many ended up being taken as prisoners including General Santa Anna himself. In exchange for his freedom, Santa Anna had t sign a treaty recognizing Texas’ independence. -
Trail of Tears
In 1838 and 1839 as part of the Indian removal act from Andre Jackson, the Cherokee nation was forced to give up their land and migrate to an area in present day Oklahoma. The Cherokee decided to call this the “trail of tears” because of its devastating effects. In this trail 16,000 Native Americans marched over 1,200 miles of rugged land, over 4,000 of the Indians died of diseases, famine and warfare. The natives faced hunger disease and exhaustion on the forced march. -
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Westward Expansion
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Election of 1840
The presidential election of 1840 that took place from October 30 to December 2, 1840, announced the 9th president of the United States that came to be William Henry Harrison. Even though his presidency was short lived, Harrison was the first member of the Whigs party to become president. This election marked the first two Whig victories in presidential elections. -
Irish Immigration
Between the years 1845 and 1855 over 1.5 million adults and children migrated from Ireland to seek refuge in America. Most of the people that migrated were poor and suffering from starvation and disease. They migrated because diseases had devastated Ireland’s potato crops, leaving many without food. Known as the potato famine over 1 million people were killed within five years, and anger raised towards the British for providing too little help to the Irish. -
Bear Flag Revolt
The bear flag revolt took place from June to July of the year 1846. A small group of American settlers in California rebelled against the Mexican government, they proclaimed California an independent republic. The Bear flag was raised at Sonoma on June 14, 1846, it was designed by William Todd. The star in the flag was a reference to the Lone Star of Texas, and the Grizzly bear was a symbol of great strength. The flag was adopted as the State flag of California by the State Legislature in 1911. -
Wilmot Proviso
The Wilmot Proviso was a proposal to prohibit slavery in the territory that the United States gained as a result of the Mexican War. The Wilmot Proviso was proposed by David Wilmot, a democratic member of the United States House of representatives in 1846. The house of representatives approved the bill and the proviso in August 8, 1846, but it was adjourned by the senate before it could debate the bill. The proviso would have had prevented slavery’s expansion into new territories. -
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Sectionalism
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California Gold Rush
Due to the discovery of gold nuggets in the Sacramento Valley the California Gold Rush sparked in 1848. The California Gold Rush was the largest migration that has happened in American history. This mass migration brought about 300,000 people to California. The Gold Rush started in January 24, 1848, when James W. Marshall found gold in his land at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma. The words spread out quickly and it wasn’t long until it had traveled to lands across the whole world. -
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed on February 2, 1848 in the Villa de Guadalupe Hidalgo; this treaty ended the U.S- Mexican war. Officially titled as the Treaty of peace, friendship, limits and settlement between the United States of America and the Mexican Republic. Due to the defeat of its army and the fall of its capital, Mexico negotiated to end the war. The treaty gave the U.S the Rio Grande as a boundary for Texas, and ownership of California and roughly half of New Mexico. -
Seneca Falls Convention
The Seneca Falls Convention also known as the Woman’s Rights Convention. This convention fought for the social, civil and religious rights of women. The meeting took place from July 19 to 20, 1848 at the Wesleyan Chapel in Seneca Falls, New York. Mostly residents showed up to the convention, the 1st day only women were allowed to attend, the second day was open to men. The 5 women who organized the Seneca Falls Convention were Elizabeth C. Stanton, Mary M’Clintock, Martha C. Wright, Jane Hunt. -
Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman was a slave woman who escaped and became a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad. She led slaves to freedom before the Civil War, she was also a nurse, a Union spy and a women’s suffrage supporter. On September 17, 1849 Tubman was aided by members of the underground railroad. She helped free hundreds of slaves during the 1850's, and also continued to help black Americans along after the civil war ended. Harried believed that all people should be free and treated equally. -
Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad was network that was mad of secret routes and safe houses established in the early to mid-19th century. The railroad was used by African- American slaves in order to escape into frees states or Canada. This was done with the aid of abolitionists and allies who were sympathetic to the cause. An estimate was that by 1850, a number of 100,00 slaves had escaped through the railroad. The railroad reached its height between 1850 and 1860. -
Compromise of 1850
In attempt to seek a compromise and avert a crisis between the North and the South the Senator Henry Clay introduced a series of resolutions on January 29, 1850. As part of this compromise the Fugitive slave act was amended ad the slave trade in Washington D.C was abolished. The solution for the compromise was to organize two new territories formally, which would be New Mexico and Utah. The compromise enabled Congress to avoid sectional and slavery issues for several years. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin
Uncle Tom’s Cabin is an anti-slavery novel written by Harriet Beecher Stowe. The novel was originally published in March 20, 1852, she wrote the novel in reaction to recently tightened fugitive slave laws. It had a profound effect on attitudes toward African Americans and slavery in the U.S. The title is about a passive slave who is eventually beaten to death by the overseer Simon Legree, and it paints a grim picture of life under slavery. The novel was inspired by the memoir of a real person. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
The Kansas Nebraska act was passed in May 30, 1854 by the U.S Congress. This act gave the people of the Kansas and Nebraska territories the option whether or not they would allow slavery within their borders. This act also served to repeal the Missouri Compromise of 1820, that prohibited slavery at the north of latitude 36,30. The short-term effects of the act included the formation of a new Republican party extensive violence in Kansas between pro and anti-slavery forces. -
Revivalism
Revivalism began between the years 1860 and 1861 in Jamaica as a part of a religious movement called the Great Revival. Revivalism is a combination of elements from Africa pagan beliefs and Christianity rituals that involve singing, drumming, dancing, hand clapping, foot-stomping along with prayers, this is used to invite possession. Revivalism also includes different music and songs that come from the orthodox religion. -
Election 1860
The Election of 1860 was held on Tuesday, November 6, 1860. In this election Lincoln who was a republican, defeated John C. Breckinridge who was a democrat, Stephen A. Douglas who was a democrat, and John Bell who was a constitutional Union candidate. In this election the republican party was opposed to the expansion of slavery. Lincoln’s party was seen as a moderate on slavery, southerners feared that his election would lead to its demise and vowed to leave the Union if he was elected. -
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The Civil War
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1st Bull Run (1st Manassas)
Union and Confederate armies’ clashes near Manassas on July 21, 1861 in the first major land battle of the American Civil War. The South won bragging rights and morale-boosting victory, but both of the commanders learned that their armies were yet not ready for the major battles that were ahead of them. The first Battle of the Bull Run known as First Manassas in the South, cost some 3,00 Union casualties, this compared to 1,750 for the Confederates. -
Trent Affair
The Trent Affair was a diplomatic incident that took place in the year 1861. This incident happened during the American Civil War that threatened a war between the United Kingdom and the United States. Charles Wilkes who was a U.S Navy Officer, captured two envoys that were aboard of the British ship on November 8 1861. The two envoys were James Mason from Virginia and John Slidell from Louisiana, they were imprisoned at Fort Warren. The Trent was able to continue the journey after the arrests. -
Conscription Act
The Conscription Act was passed on April 16, 1862 by the Confederate Congress on April 16, 1862. This Act made all white males that were in between the ages of eighteen and thirty-five eligible to be in military services. The act was amended two times in the year, the first time on September 27, the maximum age of conscription would be 45. The second time it was drafted on October 11, the Confederate Congress passed the “Twenty Negro Law” it exempted anybody who owned 20 or more slaves. -
Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation would grant freedom to the slaves in the confederate states. The proclamation was an order by President Abraham Lincoln and it would free the slaves in 10 states. Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation one month after the Union victory in the Battle of Antietam. He also issued a proclamation warning that any state that was still in rebellion by January 1, 1863 he would declare their slaves “then, thenceforward, and forever free.” -
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Reconstruction Era
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Battle of Vicksburg
The Battle of Vicksburg started on May 18, 1863 and it lasted all the way to July 4, 1836. This battle allowed the Union Army to take control of the Mississippi River from the Confederacy. The Union wanted to capture the Mississippi and river seaports throughout the South, in the Anaconda Plan. It was called the Anaconda Plan, because the wanted to squeeze the Confederacy to death. The Mississippi provided a military lifeline and without it didn’t had the ability to keep fighting. -
Gettysburg Address
The Gettysburg Address was a speech by Abraham Lincoln. The speech was given out on November 19, 1863 in a Soldier’s National Cemetery. The cemetery was in dedication of Union Soldiers that had fallen at the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. This speech includes 2 of his most famous quotes, one of them is “Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” -
Election of 1864
In the election of 1864 President Abraham Lincoln was re-elected as president of the United States. Lincoln ran under the National Union banner against his former top, George B. McClellan a democratic candidate and, a Civil War general as well. This election was the first since 1812 that a presidential election took place during a war. Since the election occurred during the American Civil War, it was contested only by the states that had not seceded from the Union. -
Carpetbaggers
Carpetbaggers is a name used to describe northerners who traveled south during the Reconstruction Era. The people were motivated by either profit or idealism, the name refers to the cloth bags that many of them used to transport their possessions. However today the term is used to describe any recently arrived opportunist. Many of this people were sincerely interested in aiding the freedom and education of former slaves. The carpetbaggers started being known during the years 1865 and 1877. -
40 Acres and a Mule
In the aftermath of the Civil War a phrase echoed throughout the South, “Forty acres and a mule, forty acres and a mule.” The phrase evokes the Federal governments failure to distribute the land after the Civil War and the many economic hardships that African Americans suffered. Northern armies moved through the south with the conclusion of the war, and black started cultivating land abandoned by whites. Rumors spread that land would be seized from confederates and given or sold to freedmen. -
Freedman's Bureau
The Freedmen’s Bureau was officially established in March 3, 1865 1865 by Congress. It was created to help any former black slaves and poor whites that lived in the south in the aftermath of the Civil War. The work accomplished by the Freedmen’s Bureau was crucial for the survival of many people in the Southern states. Between the years 1865 and 1869, this bureau issued about 15 million food provisions to blacks, and about 5 million to the poor whites. -
14th Amendment
The ratification of the 14th amendment to the United States Constitution, was adopted on July 28, 1868. The amendment grants citizenship to all of the people that was born or naturalized in the United States. This includes former slaves who had been freed after the Civil War. The amendment forbidden the states to restrict basic rights of citizens or other peoples. It also entitled to equal protections of law and southern representation in congress. -
Election of 1868
The Presidential election of 1868 was held on November 3, 1868, this was the first election of the Reconstruction Era. The election took place after the conclusion of the American Civil War and the abolition of slavery. In this election the Democrat Horatio Seymour was defeated by the Republican nominee Ulysses S. Grant. President Ulysses S. Grant had a total of 3,012,833 popular votes and 214 electoral votes. Horatio Seymour had a total of 2,703,249 popular votes and 80 electoral votes. -
Enforcement Acts
The Enforcement acts were passed between the years 1870 and 1871, they were three bills passed by the United States Congress. They were passed during the Reconstruction Era to combat attacks on the suffrage rights of African Americans from state officials or groups that were very violent like the Ku Klux Klan. They protected African Americans’ right to vote, to hold office, to serve on juries, and to receive equal protection of laws. -
Compromise of 1877
Due to the Compromise of 1877, Florida, Louisiana and South Carolina became Democratic once again, this outcome effectively marked the end of the Reconstruction Era. This Compromise also resolved the dispute of 1876 of the presidential election between Democratic candidate Samuel Tilden and Republican candidate Rutherford B. Hayes. In January of 1877 the Congress established a 15-member Electoral Commission to resolve the issue of which candidate won the contested states.
