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35,000 BCE
Bering Land Bridge
A lot of speculation of fossils went into the theory of when and how man first crossed into the Americas. The first suggestion came during the late 15th century, that there was a bridge that would have connected Asia to the Americas about 30,000 years ago, and that those crossing the Bering strait would have been nomadic people migrating across. Who were big game hunters, that would later outright over-hunt the woollys. Bering Land Bridge would later be widely accepted in the early 19th century. -
Period: 35,000 BCE to
Beginnings to Exploration
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Jan 1, 750
Dark Ages
Dark Ages is considered a time of backwardness. Medieval Europe had less cities, indecent, filthy, and disease rampant. The Dark Ages would shadow over Europe for 1000 years. Europe didn't have a centralized government at this time rather using a system "Feudalism" based on reciprocal relations. People during this time lived longer than previously up to 30. Called the dark ages due to historians having no knowledge, or barely any of it during this period as a lot of it was lost. -
Jan 1, 1111
THE CRUSADES
The crusades were an array of holy wars between Christian and Muslims. During the time, Pope Urban II ignited the fire of the first crusade to help the Byzantine Empire which was taken over by the Ottoman Empire. In total there were eight major expeditions, of these expeditions sought to capture the holy city of Jerusalem away from the Muslims. Many were not prepared for the journey to the middle east and many have perished from this war. On one occasion Europeans attacked Byzantine Empire. -
Jan 1, 1350
The Black Death
The Black Death, also known as the Great Plague, was one of the most calamitous events in history. The bubonic plague, a disease carried by rodents which spread all throughout Eurasia. Doctors that wear bird mask with petals to rid of the smell, because during the time they thought that the disease came from odors. Historians conclude the death toll to over 60%, however on the other hand the deaths of thousands also meant more income for others, less growth of food, and led to rise of wages. -
Period: 1492 to
Colonial America to 1763
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Aug 3, 1492
Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus was an Italian who sailed for the Spanish Crown, on three ships the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. Christopher and his crew landed in the Bahamas, to which he named the people of this place Indians, because when he landed he thought he was in Asia. Sadly Christopher never discovered America, and he would have never known that he discovered not Asia, but a whole new world. Though Christopher did bring food and animals, however disease also carried over to the natives. -
Jun 7, 1494
Treaty of Tordesillas
After the discovery of the new World, people fought. The Treaty of Tordesillas was an agreement to end the feuds between both colonial empires Spain and Portugal. The Treaty would split Central and South America, however Portugal got a piece of Brazil and Spain got all the land west. Pope Alexander VI would be the one to setup the line, which kept the Portuguese expeditions east of the line. However later on the Pope Julius II would alter the line and allow Portugal to claim the coast of Brazil. -
Jan 1, 1500
Columbian Exchange
The Columbian Exchange was named after Christopher Columbus, and was the movement of animals, plants, culture, and people. The exchange of food from the new world to the old world would increase the population of the Eurasia. However the population of Native Americans would have a dramatic decrease due to the diseases carried over by the explorers, and sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis would come to the old world. Horses brought to the old world would help the natives hunt and fight. -
Virginia
King James I granted the Virginia Company of London a royal charter to pursue colonial interest, and continually providing supplies, settlers, and ships for the venture.The Virginia Colony was the first of the original 13 colonies, named after Queen Elizabeth I, who was referred to as the "Virgin Queen". Founded by John Smith and fellow colonist, at Jamestown, and it wasn't prepared for disease, Indians, and famine. It was only until the new settlers arrived that the colony undertook growth. -
Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Colony was founded by Roger Williams who was a former colonist from Massachusetts Colony, who was exiled from Massachusetts. Founded Rhode Island on a premise that people who come would face no religious and political prosecution. Those religious refugees would be brought in through those promises and became a haven for Baptists, Quakers, Jews and other minorities of religion. The colony made a living off fishing, whaling, shipbuilding, and farming, however they had poor soil. -
Period: to
English Colonial Societies
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Navigation Acts
The Navigation Act focused on taking control of Colonial trade, and Britain would benefit from this as that all trade between England and the colonies would have to be carried in English or colonial vessels. The Act required the colonies to obtain imports from only England and from no other Empire, and regardless of price even if another would sell it cheaper. The Colonies resented this Navigation Act placed upon them, and this would be a contribution to the start of the American Revolution. -
Colonial Economies - Lower South
The Colonial Economies differed throughout North American regions because of the climate and soils that resided in each respectable provinces. South being a warm climate with hot summers and mild winters, additionally the soil and land was perfect for growing than any other region. The south would take a agricultural based economy based around the Cash crops of indigo, tobacco, wheat, rice, and cotton. The growth of plantation size led to more workforce needed and would commence slavery. -
Northern Slavery
Slavery thrived in the Northern American Colonies, though not as prominent as the far more surplus slaves of the South. The Northern Merchants would profit off of the Transatlantic triangle trade of molasses, rum, and slaves. Slaves of the Northern colonies consisted of small plantation workers due to the poor climate and weather, however they also had domestic slaves or also considered house slaves. The slavery of the south was harsher than the conditions of the north, however it was still bad. -
Nathaniel Bacon
A Virginian colonist, Nathaniel Bacon and his fellow colonist saw their governor, Sir William Berkeley, as a selfish, and cruel man. Said to have ruled with his own interests, having the colony in deep poverty, taxes at large, and not giving the colonists needed protection from Indians. Nathaniel Bacon a young lawyer, rebelled against Sir William Berkeley in what is now know as the Bacon Rebellion. The outcome of bacon's contribution was a removal of a unpopular governor and Indian threat. -
Glorious Revolutionn
The Glorious Revolution was considered a bloodless revolution that took place in England. Involving the overthrowing of Catholic King James II, who was replaced by daughter Mary and her husband William of Orange. It was considered bloodless as several of James's own men, including his family, deserted him and joined Williams side. The Revolution changed how England was governed, giving Parliament more power over the monarchy. Afterwards no monarch in England will ever hold absolute power again. -
Salem Witch Trials
The Salem Witch Trials began during spring of 1692, when a group of young girls in Salem, Massachusetts, after they claimed to be possessed by the devil and furthermore that local witches did this. Mass hysteria spreads to throughout Massachusetts. Fueled by the constant attack of Native American, the Salem Witch Trials had neighbors suspicious about each other and fear of outsiders.Bitterness lingered between the community as the public opinion turned against the trials and the hysteria gone. -
Triangular Trade
The Transatlantic Triangular Trade was a trading route used by Europeans who exchanged goods, African American slaves, and raw resources. The Triangular Trade commenced within the regions of the Caribbean, west Africa, and England. The trade worked by Europeans trading manufactured products to African Kings who would then send the trades toward the Caribbeans through the middle passage, and then once in the Caribbeans they would make raw material like cotton or sugar to send back to England. -
Quakers
The Quakers were a religious society who fled prosecution in England, Germany, Ireland, and Wales. They would head westward to the New World and settle in present day Pennsylvania and parts of New Jersey. more tolerant of all cultures and people of color than the other colonies at the time. Drawing people of all faiths and races, advertising religious freedom for all and considered "the seed of the nation".Quakers gained the name because they "trembled at the Word of the Lord". -
The Atlantic Slave Trade
Known as The Transatlantic Slave Trade was a global slave trade that would during its time transport 12 million enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas. Being part of the triangular trade as the second voyage. Spanish would take slaves and spread them throughout the Caribbeans to work on sugar plantations. The English and French controlled half of the transatlantic slave trade, holding the largest percentage of human cargo, and percent of the slaves wouldn't make the passage. -
The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment was a era that led to the American Revolution, which applied scientific reasoning to politics, science, and religion. Many were thinking more rational and the deism became popular during the time, which was that a God does exist however the God does not intervene in the world, or interfere with life and the laws of the universe. The ideals from this era would be used in the Declaration of Independence for example John Locke's natural rights of life, liberty, and property. -
Great Awakening
The First Great Awakening or Evangelical Revival was a series of religious movements that swept Britain and the Thirteen Colonies. The revival of many religious ideals and brought back religious devotion to the colonies and people. Jonathan Edwards being one symbols of this era was a Calvinist preacher who was a exceptionally good one say that God was a judge, and humans sinners. George Whitefield contribution to the awakening was through his tour and his preaching swept all of North America. -
Seven-Years War / French and Indian War
Seven-Year War encompassed the North American Colonies, and the great powers of Europe, France, Austria, Saxony, Sweden, Russia, Prussia, and Hanover. Involved the colonial struggles between Great Britain and France who were rivals over the control over North America. However Britain would prove triumphant, showing their strength of their navy. However the war itself would contribute to many financial problems between France and Britain. The colonist would take most of the consequences from tax. -
Period: to
The Revolutionary War
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Treaty of Paris - 1763
The Treaty of Paris of 1763 ended the French and Indian War between Britain and France, and their allies. The Treaty's terms would make France have to give up all the territory in North America, effectively ending any foreign military threat to the British colonies, however excluding New Orleans. Britain in return would restore France the West Indian islands of Martinique, Marie-Galante, Guadeloupe, and Disarade. The war was enormously expensive and creditors began to doubt their ability to pay. -
Townshend Act
The Townshend Acts were a series of taxes passed by the British Crown on the American colonies. The acts were named after Charles Townshend, the chancellor of monetary affairs of the British Crown. The colonist saw these taxes as their freedoms being taken away, and the reason for those taxes was because they just came out of the 7 year war(French and Indian War). The taxes were on imports of paper, paint, lead, glass, and tea. The act would increase tensions between the Crown and the Colonies. -
Period: to
The Constitution
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Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was a riot in Boston, between american colonist and British soldiers. The american colonist were protesting over taxes, and becoming more violent the British took action and fired upon the people. They would be later taken to trial for their actions, however John Adams would defend them, and though hating the British he wanted them to receive a fair trial. The jury was comprised of loyalist and would have the men considered not guilty of murder. This brought tension for both. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was the act of the English Colonist of Boston who dumped crates of East Indian Company tea into the harbor. The people responsible were the Sons of Liberty who dressed up as Mohawk Indians. The reason for this was over the taxation on tea, however no clue on the reason for the disguises. This only worsened the tension between the Crown and the colonies as afterwards the British passed the Intolerable Act on the Boston colony and the British would shut down the Boston Harbor. -
Lexington
The battle of Lexington would be considered what kicked off the American Revolutionary War. Colonist of Lexington would stand up against the British troops in the famous Shot Heard 'Round the World'. The reason for the British intrusion was to seize the arms cache that the colonist had. The colonial militia were known as Minutemen as they would be ready at a minute's notice. No one knows who shot the first shot, however our war for independence would begin and would alter America forever. -
Olive Branch Petition
The Olive Branch Petition was the final ultimatum toward the British to consider peace other than war. Written by Thomas Jefferson, it was a document in that said the colonist would pledge loyalty to the British Crown. In the document were many grievances toward Britain after the taxes and new laws enacted upon them after the French and Indian War. Many of the colonist saw the acts as punishments, and asked for the repealing of unjust taxes and laws. King George III refused compromise with them. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson, during a time of great turmoil the colonist desired to be independent from the British Crown. In the Declaration of Independence is our belief of virtues and our complaints to the Crown, and therefore our complaints to why the colonist would want to leave the British. It is an important part of American history as it is considered when we gained our independence and we celebrate it to this day, because that document created U.S.A. -
Period: to
Cultural Changes
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Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation was ratified in 1781, deemed by many a weak government. The Articles of Confederation were unable to tax, however only able to request. Unable to raise a standing army, regulate trade, and had no federal courts. Weak central power over states power, and The Articles of Confederation would be tested during a revolt, Shay's Rebellion which was a group of farmers taxed heavily and the articles were unable to stop it, due to the fact of not being able to create an army. -
Period: to
Westward Expansion
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Treaty of Paris - 1783
The Treaty of Paris 1783 not the one during 1763, was a treaty that would end the American revolution. A negotiation between United States and Great Britain, and King George III and American representatives(Benjamin Franklin and John Adams) met at in Paris. The Treaty of Paris once agreed upon would now formally end the American Revolutionary War, British would acknowledge American independence, British Colonial empire would stay out of North America, and U.S. boundaries would be set into place. -
Shay's Rebellion
The Shay's Rebellion came during a time of economic problems that remained after the American Revolution, caused by debt-ridden citizens who didn't want imprisonment. Named after Daniel Shay who was a war vet during the Revolution, who would fight with farmers who couldn't pay taxes. This rebellion in Massachusetts would be a leading factor in the creation of the new Constitution as the Articles of Confederation was unable to do anything to shutdown this rebellion as it couldn't raise a army. -
Period: to
New Republic
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Constitutional Convention
The Constitutional Convention consisted of 55 delegates met in Philadelphia was to amend the Articles of Confederation as from what they saw during Shay's Rebellion. Four years after gaining independence the way of governing America was brought into a Great Debate, revising the existing Articles of Confederation and other plans. Addressing problems of the weak central government and a strong central government. How the admission of states will go down, and compromising two different views. -
Northwest Ordinance
The Northwest Ordinance was enacted by congress as a method to resolve the ways of incorporating the new western territories into the united states. It would instruct that each territory would appoint a governor and council. The only way to be accepted into United States was to draft a constitution and petition for full statehood, but however they can only do this if they reached a population of 60,000. The Ordinance admitted 5 new states, but slavery was forbidden in the Northwest Territory. -
Judicial
The Judicial branch simply determines whether the Constitution allows certain laws to be passed. Being part of a system of checks and balances as the third branch, and being the Supreme Court who decides that a law passed by Congress is considered constitutional or not. Judiciary overviews court cases and appoint federal judges, who would exercise judicial review, however the Judicial review was left not defined and left purposely incomplete until later 1789 when it was finally decided. -
The Great Debate
In the Great Debate the Anti-Federalists opposed the ratification of the Constitution. The Anti-Federalists complained that the Constitution would threatened there liberties, and individual rights. They saw that a stronger government threatened the sovereignty of states. However the Federalists argued against the bill of rights, because of the powers are not given to the federal government and the rest kept by states and their kin. The Federalist belief that it was sufficient without the bill. -
Connecticut Plan
The Connecticut Plan was also known as the "Great Compromise" between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan. Brought up during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that would define how states representation would be under the United States of America. The Compromise would provide states with equal representation in Senate and two-house legislature which consisted of two representatives from each state, distributed among the states according to the population of each state, and still used. -
Second Great Awakening
The Second Great Awakening was immensely important as it would lead to the establishment of reform movements for injustices and alleviate suffering. The Awakening was the base to other movements such as the Women's suffrage, Temperance and finally the Abolitionist. The Awakening was led by charismatic and effective preachers who held camp meeting for extraordinary amount of people to influence them about religion, and this would sweep the United States, and showed increase in religious activity. -
Federalist Party
The Federalist Party beliefs were in a strong national government. The Federalists favored and appealed to banks, national over state governments, manufacturing, and preferred Britain and rather showed opposition to the French Revolution. They were considered Anglophiles and denounced the French Revolution. Since the Federalists promoted economic growth Alexander Hamilton a strong supporter would open the National bank that would be considered unconstitutional by there rivals Democratics. -
Period: to
The American Industrial Revolution
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Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey Rebellion, was a protest over a whiskey tax that was proposed by Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton. The rebellion started in western Pennsylvania by farmers and settlers. During George Washington's presidency, this rebellion would test the now new Constitution. However the Constitution was able to shutdown the rebellion as it was able to raise an army, unlike the Articles of Confederation during the Shay's Rebellion. George Washington himself went to shutdown the protest. -
Bank of the United States
Known as National Bank, the Bank of the United States was proposed by Alexander(considered his child) and established in 1791. It served as a repository for federal funds, however Thomas Jefferson opposed of the National Bank, as he saw it as unconstitutional and the constitution didn't give the national government the power to establish a bank. Alexander a leading voice for the Federalists believed that the national bank will take care of Revolutionary war debt and create a single currency. -
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments of the US Constitution, ratified in 1791 as Anti-Federalists believed it necessary for liberty. These ten amendments guaranteed the freedom of speech, right to bear arms, no quartering of troops, no searches without warrants, right to remain silent, rights of accused in criminal cases, trial by jury, no excessive of cruel punishment, rights given to people not listed in constitution, and finally rights not given to federal government are granted to the states and people. -
Cotton Gin
The Cotton Gin was created by Eli Whitney to easily remove cotton seeds from cotton, and revolutionized the production of cotton as it was able to remove seeds from 50 pounds of cotton in a single day. Slavery was on the downfall in the South, but once the cotton gin came slavery came back on the rise, and enabled for a explosion of mass production and the need for more manual labor to pick cotton. Cotton growing became so profitable that Planters desire for land and slave labor increased. -
Jay's Treaty
The Jay's Treat, which was a treaty of amity, commerce, navigation, and was named after John Jay which during the time was the first supreme court chief justice. John Jay gets British to vacate the forts that they previously held in the west Americas, and got the British to stop trading weapons to the Native Americans that would raid our frontier colonies. However some republican outrage comes from this treaty, but averted war and resolved the issues that came from the Treaty of Paris of 1783. -
Washington's Farewell Address
George Washington's Farewell Address was his final message for the citizens of the United States as he was leaving the presidency. Washington's advice for the American citizens was to not be in permanent alliances with foreign nations as he didn't want America to be in foreign entanglements. He wanted to avoid Americans being divided over the political parties and geographical distinctions, and he recognized problems. He also brought the tradition of presidents to have only serve two terms -
Kentucky Resolutions
The Kentucky Resolution was created by Jefferson for the sole reason to enable states to have the power to nullify unconstitutional federal laws. The reason for its creation was brought forward because of the Alien and Sedition Acts brought forward by Adams Presidency. Many saw the Alien and Sedition Acts as above the powers given to the Congress, because it encroached on the reserved powers of the states. The resolution was passed with the Virginia Resolution which was written by James Madison. -
Abolitionist
Abolitionist were people who denounced any form of slavery and wanted an end to it, and can be seen as two conflicting categories. Gradualism was the belief of only stopping the spread of slavery. While Immediatism was the demand of unconditional emancipation or in other words a social and political ideology which sought for the immediate end of slavery. These immediate abolitionist would also take the name of radical abolitionists for there impatient tendencies or someone what violent. -
Yeoman Farmers
A Yeoman farmer was the ideal American, holding values of honesty, virtuous, hardworking, and independent. A class that sat right between the wealthy planters and the tenant farmers. The Yeoman farmer were considered the best kinds of citizens by the Republicans. However the Yeoman farmers would turn the minds of the tenant farmers to hate African Americans, because the tenants and Africans were on the same economic status and could've worked together as they outnumbered the yeoman and planters. -
Period: to
Age of Jefferson
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Louisiana purchase
The Louisiana Purchase was a land deal between the United States and Napoleon of France. Thomas Jefferson was going to spend fifteen million for the land west of the Mississippi for 3 cents an acre. However Jefferson being a hypocrite himself, being a strong believer in a limited government buys Louisiana. The Louisiana Purchase doubles the size of the United States, but however the Constitution does not authorize the Congress, and the executive branch power to purchase land from other nations. -
Lewis and Clark
After the Louisiana Purchase there was a lot of new land to explore, and Thomas Jefferson would task Meriwether Lewis a secretary of Jefferson to lead a expedition. Lewis would choose a co-leader William Clark an army officer who had some mapping experience with him. They both and crew would cross the continental divide with a Native American women Sacagawea who would translate and negotiate treaties with the Natives. Once back they informed the traders and settlers of U.S. acquisitions. -
Hamilton vs. Burr
The Hamilton and Burr duel was fought between two prominent American politicians, who were long-time political enemies. Hamilton the Vice President of the United States, and Burr the former secretary of Treasury. Hamilton was well known as a Federalist and the father of the National Banks. The duel ended quick as Burr would slay Hamilton with a gun, however Hamilton during the duel would shoot up into the air. The leader of the Federalists and political economy would die the following day. -
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was caused by a series of economic sanctions put upon the United States and France by Great Britain as part of the Napoleonic Wars. The conflict was over British violations of maritime rights, and impressment of American sailors into the British Royal Navy against their will. The British was also trading with the Natives on the American frontier, and giving them guns to raid villages. British would burn down the White House on August 24, 1814, after winning Battle of Bladensburg. -
Panic of 1819
Coming out of the war of 1812 was a big boom in economic growth. Following it the Panic of 1819 was considered one of the worst recessions in U.S. History and the first major financial crisis. Economy goes into a tail spin, banks throughout the country failed, mortgages were foreclosed, and many people out of their homes and their farms. The economy around agriculture and manufacturing, triggered widespread unemployment. Marked the end of economic expansion that had followed the War of 1812 . -
Nature
Nature throughout american history has been since the time altered by urbanization, industrialization, and deforestation. These environmental changed brought conservation thinkers and ideas came into a contemporary environmental movement. Efforts to preserve spectacular natural land gained momentum as parks would be created closer to the people, and combated the stress caused by living in a compact and fast pace city. This Conservation movement protected wildlife, wild lands, an resources. -
Missouri Crisis
The Missouri Crisis was the congresses effort to preserve the balance the powers of slave and free states. The creation of the Missouri Compromise provided the way of keeping the balance for the admission of states into the United States. It would admit Maine as a free state and Missouri as a slave state. Creating the Missouri Compromise Line of 36 36 making all states founded North of that line free and all states below into slave, however this was controversial and only delayed the inevitable. -
Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson or considered "Old Hickory" brought the sense of being American within his Jacksonian America. Jackson was elevated to a national war hero at the Battle of New Orleans, and he won the battle with an all mixed army. Jackson carried with him hate of the Bank of the United States as he saw it an enemy of the common people, and for Native Americans in an event known as the Trail of Tears. Also known for his universal suffrage for white men who didn't own land and being for the common. -
Period: to
Age of Jackson
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Corrupt Bargain
House elected John Quincy Adams over political rival Andrew Jackson, It was widely believed that Henry Clay, the speaker of the house during the election, convinced Congress to elect Adams. In return Henry Clay would be made Adams Secretary of State, and this moment would be denounced and known as a "Corrupt Bargain" by Jackson's supporters. Jackson won the popular vote but it didn't matter, and Jackson's campaign showed the bitterness and anger that he had towards Adams as he targeted Adams. -
Spoils System
Andrew Jackson introduced the spoils system after winning the election, and the purpose of the system was to appoint civil servants into government jobs based on loyalty and his liking toward them. He chose those who aligned to his political party of democratic, and sought to kick those who didn't like Jackson. Jackson was an abuser of this system as he kicked and removed a lot of government employees. Replacing the majority of those now open position with supporters of Jackson's campaign. -
Changes in Transportation
The American Industrial Revolution brought innovations toward Transportation through roads, steamboats, canals, railroads. The creation of the steam engine altered life to those on the frontier as rail roads were able to supply cities and towns with food, fuel, building material, and markets. Steamboats allowed materials to travel upriver rather only down. Erie Canal linked western waterways with the Atlantic Ocean crossing New York. Roads became better and an increase of transported goods. -
Temperance
The Temperance movement was one of the most prominent organized efforts to reform the common citizen to stop them from getting intoxicated off alcohol. It was a social movement that brought forward concerns of alcohols negative effects on health, personality, and family. The movement would gain momentum and finally prohibited the manufacturing and sale of intoxicating beverages. Women were very prominent believers in the abstinence of alcohol and pledges that would promise that men will stop. -
Transcendentalism
Transcendentalism was an American literary, political, and philosophical movement, which centered around not a single value however numerous, but can be seen as three basic essential values: individualism, idealism, and the divinity of nature. The emergence of Transcendentalists was pioneered by Ralph Waldo Emerson, in which each person has a direct connection or communication with God and Nature, and there is no need for organized churches, showing self-reliance and independence when faithful. -
Mormons
Mormons were religious followers of Joseph Smith, who believed that Jesus paid for the sins of the world, and Mormons accept Christ's atonement through repentance, faith, formal covenants or ordinances. Joseph Smith was the American founder of Mormonism, and would translate 3 golden plates into what is called the book of Mormon. The Mormons would move westward to escape the religious discrimination, and the one to lead would be Brigham Young. They would arrive in Utah's Great Salt Lake Valley. -
Nat Turner Rebellion
The Nat Turner's Rebellion which also was considered as the Southampton Insurrection was a slave rebellion in Southampton, Virginia. Led by Nat Turner who saw himself as a chosen one by God to lead Blacks to there freedom. Seeing a eclipse of the dark moon over passing the sun, which he viewed as the African Americans overtaking the White Plantation owner. Rebel slaves killed 55 people, however children and women were not spared, and the North saw this revolt as an act of insurrection heroism. -
Bank Veto Speech
Andrew Jackson's Bank Veto Speech was a message against the rechartering of the bank of the United States, explaining why he vetoed the bill that congress renewed. Jackson would lay out the vision for American democracy and would appeal to the common man as he saw the bank as only for the selfish rich investors. Blaming the bank for the Panic of 1819 and for the corruption of politics with money. Jackson would later withdraw all federal funds from the bank and be referred to as "Bank War." -
Nullification Crisis
The Nullification Crisis was a confrontation between the state of South Carolina and the federal government. South Carolina using a doctrine of nullification that Thomas Jefferson advocated during the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, in which states could retain the authority to determine when the federal government exceeds its powers, and declare null and void. Andrew Jackson sent a proclamation of the supremacy of the government and used an army and came to an agreement; lowering tariffs. -
Battle of San Jacinto
The Battle of San Jacinto was during Texas's war for independence from Mexico, Sam Houston launched a surprise attack against the armies of Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna at San Jacinto. Considered one of the most decisive and important battles in American history, as under Sam Houston, his small militia would take out a more experienced and numerous army of Santa Anna. The Texian army would defeat Santa Anna in battle that would only last 18 minutes, ended with Santa Anna captured. -
Panic of 1837
The Panic of 1837 was influenced and sparked by the economic policies passed by President Andrew Jackson, as during his term he would refuse to renew the charter of Second Banks of the United States, leading financial problems of dried up credit and government fund being withdrawn from banks. Martin Van Buren, who would inherit Andrew Jackson's financial policies that would contribute to the financial and economic crisis, as Profits, prices,and wages went down and unemployment went up. -
Trail of Tears
The Trail of Tears as part of Andrew Jackson's Indian removal policy sought to force the Cherokee nation out of land west of the Mississippi river and relocate them elsewhere. The Indian Removal Act authorized the president to negotiate with Native American Tribes to remove them from federal lands. Andrew Jackson left a legacy of the Trail of Tears in which 16,000 Native Americans marched over 1000 of miles of rugged land, and over 4000 would die in the winter traveling to present day Oklahoma. -
Lowell Mills
The Lowell System was a labor mass production theory conceived by Francis Cabot Lowell. Factories in Massachusetts employed young single women to work in textile mills, who are commonly referred to as mill girls. The Lowell System aimed for young girls to work in these factories who would be supervised in there dormitories or boardinghouses, and additionally provided with education, economical, & cultural opportunities. However this came with long hours and bad working conditions for the women. -
Telegraph
The American Industrial Revolution came with innovation for Communication, and one of the most influential communication devices was the Telegraph. The Telegraph was invented by Samuel Morse to revolutionize long-distance communication, and worked by transmitting electrical signals over a wire. It used a new language of Morse Code which was a series of dots and dashes. The Telegraph was used throughout the civil war a military advantage to the North as they had Telegraph lines already set. -
Manifest Destiny
The Manifest Destiny was the belief that United States was destined by God to expand its land, capitalism and democracy to the entire North American continent. Manifest Destiny was the best expression of the mindset of the first emerging frontier man to the new land gained from Louisiana purchase, annexation of Texas, and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This rapid territorial expansion was fueled by the fire brought forward by the new states over slavery, and whether or not free or slave. -
Irish
The immigration of Irish people came with a lot of prejudice considered as dirty whites, almost at the same level of African Americans. All Irish refugees were hated and seen as drunk and loud people. They came because of the Irish potato famine or the Irish potato blight devastated all the crops in Ireland, leading to the almost 1/3 of all immigrants into America being Irish. Some still in Ireland would head out to America to reunite with relatives who had fled at a height of the famine. -
James K. Polk
James K. Polk was our 11th president and was known for his territorial expansion of the nation, through his 3 promises and only serving one term. During Polk's term he would achieve his ambitious agendas y settling the boarder of Mexico, annexation of Texas, and the settlement of the Oregon borders. He would gain this territory through the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo and the negotiations with Britain over Oregon borders. Polk would also reduce tariffs and reform the national bank system. -
Bear Flag Revolt
The Bear Flag Revolt consisted of a small group of American settlers in California against the Mexican government by rebelling to gain their independence. The Bear Flag Revolting rebels would use a grizzly bear as there state flag, and it is still used today. The American settlers would declare and proclaim themselves independent from the Mexican government, however it was brought to a heated debate over how it would gain statehood as congress didn't want the balance of slavery to sway. -
Wilmot Proviso
The Wilmot Proviso was a proposal to prohibit slaver in the newly acquired territory from the Mexican American War. named after David Wilmot a Democratic member who proposed it, which aimed to prevent slavery from spreading any farther, but was was only to be brought down by the Senate. The proviso only fueled further conflict between the North and South over the issue of power with in Congress creating a political firestorm. However if Senate would've passed it, slavery would never be in Texas. -
Chinese migration
Like many who came before from the news of gold being found, the Chinese however would face intense and cruel prosecution. The Chinese immigrants first arrived in San Francisco in 1848, but the rate they came in steadily increased until the Chinese immigrants made up one-fifth of the population in the Southern Mines. The racism faced was over the Chinese immigrants taking the white mans job, and reason for it was that the Chinese worked for less, however they would pass laws against Chinese. -
California Gold Rush
The California Gold Rush was started from the discovery of gold nuggets in the Sacramento Valley, and was one of the most significant events to shape the American West. As news spread of the founding of gold, thousands of prospector and pioneers would travel by sea or land to get a piece of the riches. By the end of the year over 100,000 non-natives would traverse west to settle in California, gold mining towns would spring up all over the region, with shops, saloons, brothels and other shops. -
Seneca Falls Convention
Seneca Falls Convention was the first women's suffrage meeting white having over 200 citizens attend. The convention was organized by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, who were abolitionists. The purpose of the convention was to raise the awareness of the social, civil, and religious conditions that women faced, and sought for women's rights. A product of the convention was the historical document "Declaration of Sentiments," which argued for women's suffrage, rights, and social status. -
Zach Taylor
Zachary Taylor was best known for as a national war hero for his services within the battles of Monterrey and Buena Vista, during the Mexican American War. Zachary Taylor was the 12th president, and once elected Taylor would help police the western frontier of United States against the Native Americans during the time leading into the war of 1812. Taylor of the Whig Party defeated Lewis Cass of the Democratic Party, and would lead the nation during its debates on slavery and Southern secession. -
Greek Revival
The Greek Revival came during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and was an architectural movement in predominantly the United States. The style was an expression of America's triumphant sense of destiny and independence as a newly formed nation, as American's saw themselves as the spiritual descendant of Greece, as it was the birthplace of democracy.The revival of Greek temple architectural styles within the nation's homes, banks, town halls, and churches, however prevalent till civil war. -
Oregon Trail
The Oregon Trail was an American Pioneered route from independence, Missouri, to Oregon City, Oregon, and this route would have thousands of pioneers emigrate westward. The route was traversed with a wagon and oxen, and it wasn't an easy path to follow as many would die to disease like the prominent dysentery, wagon accidents, drowning, gunshots, and the loss of supplies. The pioneers would experience relief once reaching Independence Rock which marked the half way point of the Oregon Trail. -
Industrialization vs. Agriculture
The North and South tensions growing more radically and both sides having certain advantages compared to the other. The North carried with them production power of guns, railroad connections, population, and immigration of soldiers. The North was expecting to stomp the Southerners in a quick and decisive victory, however the South for what they don't have in numbers, they have Competent leaders compared to the Norths spoils system generals. South had Cotton to persuade the French to gain a ally. -
Nativism
The Nativists believed themselves better as they were the true Native Americans, despite descending from immigrants. Nativists created political parties and tried to put restrictions on the rights of immigrants. Nativism became an accustomed term to the opposition to immigrants and derived from the fear of immigrants taking their jobs, and situations where immigrant would outnumber the Native populous. Nativism sought policies to favor native inhabitants as opposed to the job taking immigrants. -
Fire-eaters
The Fire-eaters were an association based around the South, who would urge the Southern states to separate or secede from the Union. The Fire-eaters were pro-slavers who were often extremist in politics, would be a contributing factor in the beginning of the civil war. Their tactics consisted of threats of secession to persuade the Northerners who value Unity of Anti-slavery to vote a democratic to power. They would considered responsible for the encouragement of forming the Confederate States. -
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Sectionalism
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Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 introduced an array of resolutions in a attempt to avoid any rising conflicts between the North and South. Henry Clay would author the Compromise, which sought to enlist California as a free state, popular sovereignty in Utah and New Mexico over the choice of slavery, strengthening of the fugitive slave law, the abolition of slave trade in D.C., and the federal assumption of Texas' debt. However the compromise only delayed Congress on the slavery issues and not end it. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
The Kansas-Nebraska Act allowed citizens in their territories of Kansas and Nebraska to decide themselves whether they would allow slavery or enlist as a free state. The Act would also repeal the Missouri Compromise that was holding the balance between the free North and the Slave South, and got rid of the 36 30 line. However the Kansas-Nebraska Act didn't go as plan, it only fueled more hatred between the North and South as many would flood into the territory in hopes to sway the votes. -
Women at Work
Women gained new opportunities during the Civil War, because a lot of men went to go fight in the front-lines of war. Leading to American women taking the traditional male positions as teachers, nurses, civil service jobs, sore managers, farmers, and planters in the south. One of the more significant of women during this time would have been Clara Barton, a nurse on both fronts. Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross, especially known for her involvements in bringing people back home alive. -
Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter was considered the first battle of the Civil War, and was located in South Carolina. Abraham Lincoln told South Carolina of ships that would resupply the forts, and South would fall for Lincolns plan. Lincoln sought to make the South the aggressors of the war, and the South wanted to show force within the time before the Fort was to be resupplied. P.G.T Beauregard assaulted Fort Sumter, which led to Lincoln declaring the south is in a state of insurrection, calling 75000 men down. -
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The Civil War
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Trent Affair
The Trent Affair was between the United States and the United Kingdom over the Union capturing multiple Confederate diplomats from a British ship. Great Britain would accuse the Union of violating British neutrality, and now would bring Britain into the diplomatic crisis of the Confederates and the Union. Abraham Lincoln would end the affair by releasing the envoys with the message "One war at a time," and averted a conflict with the British joining the Confederates against the Union North. -
Emancipation Proclamation
Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation during the third year of the Civil war. Lincoln would declare in the Proclamation "that all persons held as slaves" within captured southern territories, "are, and henceforward shall be free." However it also served as a warning giving the Confederate States a chance to come back and join the Union, and the freedom would only be granted to the slaves if the Union won the war. The proclamation would lead a way to the total abolition of slavery. -
Draft Riots
The New York City daft riots were a violent display in Lower Manhattan, as many immigrants and poor would revolt against the drafts placed upon them. Known during the time as Draft Week the rich were able to pay of a fine to not enlist into the army, however the poor were ultimately forced to join as the fine was high. Though the violence was mostly toward the African Americans, whom in great numbers were lynched or beaten to death, and many of the immigrants saw the war fought for someone else. -
Gettysburg Address
The Gettysburg Address was a speech delivered by Abraham Lincoln, in dedication of Union Soldiers who where killed at the battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War. The short speech dedicated the battlefield cemetery at Gettysburg Pennsylvania, as the Battle of Gettysburg was one of the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War, because of having over 50,000 casualties during the 3 day battle. Considered a Union victory as it stopped Confederate General Robert E. Lee's second invasion North, -
Sherman's March to Sea
Sherman's March to Sea was the harsh change in war, as before citizens were not targeted, but during Sherman's March he would destroy everything along the way. Sherman would take Atlanta and marches to Savannah, cutting the Confederacy into thirds. He would have brought war to the civilian populous, and coin the phrase "Scorched Earth". Sherman would also make the phrase "40 acres and a mule" as it was a broken promise from field order Number 15, which promised slaves 40 acres and a mule. -
Reconstruction Plans
There were two Reconstruction Plans, Lincolns 10% plan, also known as Amnesty Reconstruction plan of 1863, would have pardoned all southerners, however not for Confederate officers and officials. All southerners would take an oath of Loyalty to the Union, have to apply for federal recognition to region into the Union, and have created new State governments. Wade-Davis Bill, would have been more radical, as to punish, destroy slave society, officers stripped, and states readmitted after punished. -
Carpetbaggers
The Carpetbagger refers to a traveling Northerner that heads down South after the Civil War, during reconstruction to attempt to profit from or control his new surroundings. The Carpetbaggers only sought personal economic and political gains by exploiting the Southerners, and would use the support of the black vote to shape the new Southern governments during reconstruction. In addition to that they would also be responsible for freeing African Americans with the Republican support in the South. -
Freedom Amendments
The Freedom Amendments also considered the Reconstruction Amendments would make an effort to establish equality for African Americans in the South, and would create the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. The three amendments consisted of the 13th which was Freedom and abolition of slavery, then 14th that slaves would be now citizens of the United States of America, and finally the 15th all slaves would gain the right to vote. Sought to prevent discrimination of civil rights of a African American. -
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Reconstruction
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Assassination
Abraham Lincoln's assassination was an infamous scene carried forward by John Wilkes Booth, who was an Confederate sympathizer. The assassination occurred 5 days after the Confederate surrender of Robert E. Lee at the Appomattox Court House. The assassination took place at Ford's Theatre, as John Wilkes Booth would take a single-shot derringer pistol into the back of Lincoln's head. John would leap from the balcony and break both of his leg saying "Sic semper tyrannis" and thus ever to tyrants. -
The Lost Cause
The Lost Cause was the South searching for a way to justify losing the war, and created propaganda that would emerge all over the South. The Cause Southerners considered the North as cheaters during the war as they had industrialization and modern weaponry. They also used it as a way to justify the oppression of African Americans, and looked at themselves as "victims" of Northern aggression. They used the Lost Cause to erect statues of politicians and generals, and total overhaul of history. -
Sharecroppers
Sharecropping was an emerging system of farming, as it grown from the Cotton prices dropping due to the overabundance of overproduction in the South. Many farmers had to quit their farms and become tenant farmers, who can barely afford to pay for rent as they had to pay by giving over 1/3 to 1/2 of the harvests reaped. Sharecropping was a way for very poor white and blacks to earn a living from land owned by someone else. However 70% of Americans would become sharecroppers by the 1900s. -
Panic of 1873
The Panic of 1873 or considered the depression would be a nationwide economic disaster that would subsequently end the Southern Reconstruction Plan and brought it out of mind of Northerners as others sought to help themselves and not help the African American's gain equality. The depression would lead to the weakening of the Republican Party, and the Democrats taking power back and regaining their position in the House of Representatives. The Panic would send the economy back until 1877. -
Jim Crow
The Jim Crow Laws were a collection of legalized racial segregation laws that was named by a racist show in which people wore black face. The Jim Crow laws were social and legal systems of segregation across the South, that sought to segregate Whites and Blacks, Disenfranchisement that were deliberately preventing black citizens from registering to vote by taking poll tax, literacy taxes, grandfather clause, and used violence. Racism was promoted by elites, and especially to poor whites.
