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Period: 1000 BCE to Jan 1, 1550
Beginnings to Exploration
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Jun 1, 1096
The First Crusade
The Crusades were a series of religious wars between Christians and Muslims. They wanted to seize the holy city of Jerusalem. The first battle of the crusade began when the People's Crusade fought Muslims along their journey. The result was a victory for the Muslims. Another army proceeded to commit a massacre of Jews along their journey. Eventually, the Christians captured the holy land of Jerusalem in 1099 following the slaughter of hundreds of men, women, and children as a sign of victory. -
Jan 1, 1347
The Black Death
The bubonic plague grew into an epidemic known as the Black Death. The disease arrived to Europe through rats on ships. The infected experienced sever symptoms, such as swelling and bleeding, that will eventually lead to their death. The disease was highly contagious so many people became infected. More than 20 million people were killed, which was almost one-third of Europe. Europeans avoided the sick and saw this as a punishment from God thus wanting to give forgiveness to end it. -
Oct 12, 1492
Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus wanted to sail to Asia to collect spices for Spain. After many failed attempts of convincing the monarchs, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella sent him on his voyage. He is known for discovering America but he actually landed on the Caribbeans. He was convinced that he landed in India thus the referred the Natives as Indians. He encountered a "New World" with a variety of new crops. He returned to Spain and shared his encounter. Soon European countries colonized the New World. -
Jan 1, 1493
Columbian Exchange
After Columbus landed on the Americas, Europeans began bringing their crops, animals, and diseases to the New World. Resources were also transported from the Americas to Europe. The Native Americans were introduced to new crops that feed them and animals that were domesticated for food and hide. Europeans received food from the Americas, like sugar. They also brought disease such as smallpox and influenza. The Natives had no immunity to any of the infections thus almost 90% of them died. -
Jun 7, 1494
Treaty of Tordesillas
After Columbus's voyage to the Americas, Spain and Portugal raced to claim territory. The pope came up with an agreement in which he drew a line on a map depicting any territory located west of the line would belong to Spain and Portugal owns the opposite side. Spain had colonized to Latin America while Portugal claimed Brazil. Although Spain had both of the Americas, Portugal had access to the spices in Asia. This is why Brazil is the only Portuguese speaking country in South America. -
Jan 1, 1503
Encomienda System in New Spain
Spanish colonized North America, New Spain, began to use the encomienda system in their colonies. This system was used to use the Native Americans as a labor source in mining. The minerals mined in America financed the Spanish Empire. The laborers were granted protection from rival tribes and were taught the Christian faith. Laborers also had to pay tribute in the form of gold or crops. The system quickly became a system of slavery. After failed attempts, the encomienda system was replaced. -
Jul 24, 1534
French Colonization in North America
New France was the name of the French colonies in North America. The French settled on the St. Lawrence River and later expanded to Central United States and Canada. The French had the best relationship with Native Americans. They cooperated with each other and didn't force the Natives to become Christians or a labor source. Fur was the commodity that the French were most interested in thus the Natives would trade fur with them. The French had to give up their land to Britain after losing a war. -
Period: Jan 1, 1550 to
English Colonial Societies
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Roanoke Colony
The English decided to colonize the New World. Their earliest attempts to settle was the Roanoke colony on Roanoke Island, which was located off the coast of North Carolina. Food started to become scarce thus the leader of the colony decided to return to England to stock up on more supplies. When he returned to Roanoke, they encountered an empty settlement. The colonists had mysteriously vanished without a trace. The only clue to their whereabouts was a single word carved on a tree, "Croatoan." -
Virginia Colony
The Virginia Colony was the first of the thirteen colonies to be founded. The colony was named after Queen Elizabeth 1, who was nicknamed "Virgin Queen." It was a southern colony that was founded by John Smith along with other colonists in 1607. The colony was founded on Jamestown but was reached to a point where it would have ended. In 1610, more colonists arrived at Jamestown with enough supplies for the Jamestown to thrive. Tobacco was Virginia's cash crop since Europeans smoked it. -
Plymouth Colony
The Church of England was the national church of England. Since it was newly established, not everyone agreed to it. Thus the pilgrims decided to voyage to the Americas. They sailed on the Mayflower. The Mayflower Compact was created, becoming the foundation for the community's government. They landed in New England, which was not their intentional destination. Many people died on the first winter. Squanto, a Native, taught them how to grow crops. A feast was thrown to thank him for his help. -
New Hampshire Colony
As one of the New England colonies, the New Hampshire colony shared many of its features as its neighboring colonies. Major industries included: potato farming, shipbuilding, manufacturing of textiles, and fishing. Whaling provided oil for the colonists to use in lamps for light. Other resources were timber, fur, and fish. Several crops were grown and harvested but rum was a common export. -
Maryland Colony
One of the thirteen colonies, Maryland was originally called the Province of Maryland. The colony was created as a refuge for English Catholics. The charter was originally granted to George Calvert, who was the first Baltimore. This lasted until his death, then charter was given to his son Cecil Calvert, the second Baltimore. Settlements in the colony would be located near rivers. Tobacco was the dominant cash crop with large plantations full of slavers since Europeans loved to smoke it. -
Connecticut Colony
Thomas Hooker founded the Connecticut colony in 1636. This colony was part of the New England Colonies. A range of industries dominated Connecticut such as: whaling, fishing, shipbuilding, and fur trading. The colony was able to grow several crops despite of the poor farmland. These crops included: beans, corn, pumpkins, and rye. Just like other New England colonies, rum was an exporter. Between 1636 to 1637, a war between the settlers and the Pequot people lead to the decimation of the Natives. -
Carolina Colony
The Carolina colony was a southern colony belonging to the 13 English colonies. The colony split into two separate colonies, North and South Carolina, in 1712. The economy was mostly agriculture thanks to the warm, humid climate. Many crops were grown and harvested on plantations. Crops include cotton, tobacco, rice, sugar, fruit, indigo, and grains. Slavery was the common labor system used in the Carolina colony. Slaves worked on plantations and made up two-thirds of the colony's population. -
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Colonial America
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Sir Isaac Newton develops his Three Laws of Motion
Sir Isaac Newton is a well known mathematician during the Enlightenment. He is best known for discovering gravity when an apple fell from a tree while resting under an apple tree. In 1686, he created his Three Laws of Motion. His first law states that an object at rest and an object in motion will remain that way unless an outside force affects it. His second law states that force equals mass times acceleration. His third law states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. -
The Salem Witch Trials
The town of Salem was founded in Massachusetts. The act of witchcraft was a felony. Everything was going well until a young teen began acting strange. She screamed and threw tantrums. Soon other children were experiencing similar behavior. Their female caretakers, or mothers, were accused of bewitching the children. They were put on trial and some were sentenced to death by hanging. No one was burned at the stake, that was just a myth. 200 people were accused but only 20 were executed. -
Triangular Trade
The triangular trade was a major trading system in the Atlantic world during 18th century Colonial America. In this system there are three trading spots known as legs. Raw goods, such as sugar, tobacco, rice, and cotton, are sent to Europe. Europe sends guns, cloth, beads, and other manufactured goods are sent to Africa. Africa provided slaves for the America's plantations. Slaves are transported to their destination through the Middle Passage but many die on board throughout the journey. -
Slavery
African slaves were sold to the Americans then will travel through the Middle Passage to the Americas. They will work on plantations that grew cash crops like cotton. Most slaves arrived in the Caribbean and Brazil while a small portion went to the English colonies. Slavery was commonly present in the Southern English colonies but it wasn't on the Northern colonies as the people just didn't like it. Slaves were able to keep their traditions and some even revolted against their masters. -
Economy of the Lower South Colonies
The economy of the Southern colonies was mainly agricultural thanks to the humid, warm climate. With the right conditions, large plantations were present with tobacco and sugar being the main cash crops. Like any other southern colony, slaves were present. Plantations owners relied heavily on the slaves to harvest the cash crops. Tobacco was a demanding crop and was a huge profit maker. This is how the plantations owners and the colonies became rich. -
French and Indian War
The French and Indian War was the first real world war. Both France and Britain wanted land especially the Ohio River Valley. Native Americans teamed up with both the French and British. British were sent to capture French settlements but it goes bad and were forced to retreat. There are many setbacks but the British were able to capture the French city of Montreal in 1760 along with Quebec in 1759. Nine years of conflict ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1763. -
Aftermath of the French and Indian War
The signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1763 ended French rule in North America. The only colonies the French had in the new world was Haiti and other islands. The British now controls New France, Canada. With French rule now extinct, maps were altered. The British colonies still had issues in their colonies. Tense relations with Natives was one. The Royal Proclamation was created as a solution. Basically, no one can cross west of the Appalachian Mountains to ease hostile relations with Natives. -
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The Revolutionary War
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Sugar and Stamp Act
After fighting with the French for seven years, Britain became broke. Their way of gaining money was taxing the colonies. First was the Sugar Act of 1764. Basically, sugar had a tax and this infuriated the colonists. If that wasn't bad enough, the Stamp Act was introduced. Any paper document had a tax and the colonists took it harsher. The colonists protested against the taxes, boycotted British goods, and harassed loyalists. Without any progress, the British were forced to repeal these acts. -
The Townshend Act
After the Stamp Act was repealed, the British still needed money to pay their debts. Parliament passed the Townshend Act which placed a tax on imports such as paper, glass, paint, and tea. The colonists responded by protest and boycotting British goods. The famous quote "No Taxation without Representation" emerged from this act. In 1770, the Townshend Act was repealed but relations between the colonists and the British remained strained. -
The Boston Massacre
On the evening of March 5, 1770, a crowd of Bostonians harassed British redcoats. It escalated to where the soldiers opened fire on the colonists. Five colonists were killed but the news was quickly spread throughout the colonies. The guilty soldiers were taken to trial but were released. This angered the colonists which fueled their idea of fighting back against the British. -
The Boston Tea Party
Drunk Bostonians had an idea of going against the British. They dressed up as Indians and dumped tea into the harbor. The British were so enraged that they decided to punish the colonists. The Coercive Acts, known as Intolerable Acts to the colonists, allowed Parliament to take over. The port of Boston was closed, soldiers were quartered in colonists' housed, and trials were held in Britain. This led to the colonies boycotting British goods once again. -
The Battles of Lexington and Concord
The British were concerned so they sent troops to seize the colonists' military supplies. Before they could reach Lexington, midnight riders were able to warn the colonists so they were prepared for the upcoming battle. An unknown shot was fired which sparked the battle. The colonist's militia lost but it acknowledge the British that the colonists weren't an easy enemy to defeat. As the British marched to Concord, the militia committed a hit and run strategy. This was known as guerrilla warfare. -
Declaration of Independence
The thirteen colonies were now fighting their mother country, Great Britain. The founding fathers gathered together to discuss the idea of independence. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence stating that the colonies would break away from Britain and should be recognized as an independent nation. This document was adopted thus creating the United States of America. The Revolutionary war was now between Great Britain and the recently created United States of America. -
End of the American Revolution
An new ally joined the Revolutionary War: France. France joined the America's side after defeating the British in the Battle of Saratoga. The Battle of Yorktown in 1781 was the last battle of the revolution that resulted in the British surrendering. In 1783, The Treaty of Paris was written. It's main points were: ending the revolution war, recognizing the Unites States as an independent nation, and establishing the Northern border with Canada. -
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The Constitution
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Post-Revolutionary America
After years of fighting for independence, the young nation proceeded to flourish. Republican ideas began to spread throughout the nation along with enlightenment ideas. The enlightenment ideas educated the population. This led to them to view religion as unnecessary. This resulted in the separation of the church and the state. The young American country was beginning to form the foundation of its government through the constitution. -
Issues with other Nations
Even though the United States was recognized as an independent nation and viciously fought the British, issues persisted. One issue is that the British were still occupying the Ohio River valley in forts. They dishonored the Treaty of Paris (1783). Conflicts with the Natives also continued. They are enraged that the Europeans are taking away their land. The Spanish denied access to the Mississippi River to the Americans. They did not trade with them. Issues continued but had to be resolved. -
Issues with the Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation was a government system written in 1777. This was the foundation for the government of the colonies during and after the Revolutionary War. There were issues on this system. First, it was weak. It could not raise nor collect taxes. This was an issue since the colonies had to pay back debt from the revolutionary war. The articles did not last long since it was tested with Shay's rebellion. It was a failure and it was a sign that a new government should take over. -
Shay's Rebellion
Shay's rebellion was a series of protests lasting from 1786 to 1787. This was an opportunity for the Articles of Confederation to be tested. Farmers were upset from the high taxes they had to pay. If they didn't then the government will seize their land. Led by Daniel Shay, the farmers spread throughout Massachusetts. They argued that the government had no right to place taxes without their consent. The rebellion ended up being crushed but proved a point: a new effective government was needed. -
Constitutional Convention of 1787
After dealing with Shay's Rebellion, the politicians realized that the Articles of Confederation was weak and ineffective in times of crisis. Representatives met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to discuss the issues of the current government and the thought of a new one should be written. Several documents were passed into law but the Constitution was the major result of this meeting. Ratified in September of 1787, this document became the new government that we continue to follow to this day. -
The Northwest Ordinance
The United States needed money since it was in debt after the Revolutionary War. In order to earn some money, Congress decided to sell the land located on the northwest. This territory included present day Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Land was cheap so people quickly settled there. When reached at a population of 60,000 individuals, these territories became new states with slavery being banned. The United States is on the beginning of its expansion to the west. -
The Connecticut Compromise
Congress had issues on how states should be represented. 2 plans were made to solved the issue. The Virginia Plan states that states will have two votes based on population and will have two houses. The New Jersey Plan states that states will have equal votes and will have one house. The Virginia Plan appealed to the larger states while the New Jersey Plan appealed the smaller states. These two plans formed the bicameral legislature we know today with the Senate and the House of Representatives. -
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The New Republic
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Election of 1788
During the early years under the new government, the Constitution, the first presidential election was held. The only candidate present was none other than George Washington. He was the only person that everyone wanted as president. Although he was exhausted after participating as general during the Revolutionary War, Washington was elected as the first president of the United States and under the Constitution. Before stepping down, Washington gave several warnings in his Farewell Address. -
The Bill of Rights
The first 10 amendments are known as the Bill of Rights. These amendments were ratified in 1791 and added to the Constitution. These amendments were created to give individuals their rights and to protect them. Even criminals had rights, amendments five to eight. These amendments also limited the power of the federal government. Overall, these are the rights that the Constitution gave to citizens. In addition, they have a voice in political situations so that their opinions are heard everywhere. -
Whiskey Rebellion
After Shay's Rebellion, another uprising emerged. This time it would test the newly formed Constitution. Alexander Hamilton placed a tax on the valuable commodity whiskey. The farmers were angry and decided to revolt against the government. Washington was called and his plan was to gather his troops and prepare for a battle. The farmers surrendered at the sight of the army. Washington proved that the Constitution was effective and proved that the government had enough power to stop any attacks. -
Jay's Treaty
Tension between England and the United States rose when the British kidnapped American ships and forced them to fight alongside them. President Washington sent John Jay to England to resolve the issue. The British agreed to repair the damages and Jay's Treaty prevented another war. The treaty also laid out a few other agreements: trade was improved for both countries, British troops were withdrawn from western outposts on the United States, and commissions on border disputes were established. -
Pinckey's Treaty
Pinckey's Treaty was another document created to settle disputes between foreign nations. This time Spain was having issues with the United States. The treaty allowed the following to to occur: Spain had to give the United States access to the Mississippi River, New Orleans became a port, trade was preserved between the two countries, and boundaries were settled. The 31st parallel line was the border with the United States on the east and the Spanish colonies located on the west and below. -
Washington's Farewell Address
At the end of his second term, President George Washington announced that he would not be running for a third term, this is where the idea of a president serving only two terms emerged. On his farewell address, he states his warnings for the citizens, politicians, and future presidents. He warns against forming political parties, factions, and permanent alliances with foreign nations. He hopes that once politicians learn of his warnings, they will be careful in forming foreign relationships. -
Alien and Sedition Acts
After the 1796 Presidential, John Adams was elected as the second President of the United States. Citizens were concerned on European immigrants. The Alien and Sedition Acts were passed to resolve this issue. The Alien Act gave the President the power to deport or imprison immigrants. This made it difficult for immigrants to become US citizens. The Sedition Act made it illegal for citizens to oppose the government and to talk bad about it. This violated the first amendment of the Bill of Rights. -
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The Age of Jefferson
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Louisiana Purchase
Napoleon Bonaparte, ruler of France, wanted to expand the French empire to the Americas, especially in the massive territory between Mississippi and the Rocky Mountains. Little did they know that a successful slave revolt drove the French out of their colony of Hispaniola, later renamed as Haiti, and Napoleon lost interest. He offered to sell French land on North America to the United States. Jefferson purchased the Louisiana territory for $15 million. This doubled the size of the United States. -
Expedition of Lewis and Clark
After purchasing the massive territory, Congress chose Captain Lewis and Lieutenant Clark to explore this territory and travel west. The men and their crew left St. Louis and followed along the Missouri River. Alongside accompanied Sacagawea who was a guide and translator for the explorers. In 1805, the crew reached the Pacific Ocean and returned home the next year. They gathered lots of information on the animals, plants,and geography. They were excited to present this information to Jefferson. -
Hamilton vs Burr
Aaron Burr was the presidential candidate tied to Thomas Jefferson. Burr lost after Alexander Hamilton convinced a congressman not to vote. After losing his opportunity to become the governor of New York, Burr blamed Hamilton for ruining his reputation. He challenged Hamilton to a duel. Duels were illegal but occurred to settle disputes. Hamilton was not a fan of dueling so he may not have tried or wanted to shoot Burr. Either way, Burr shot Hamilton and he died hours later from his injuries. -
The Embargo Act
Conflict between Great Britain and France rose and did not want either nation to trade with the United States, it remained neutral. President Jefferson decided to punish both countries by passing the Embargo Act. This act prevented Britain and France from trading with the United States. Deprived from American goods, the two nations began trading with other countries. American merchants suffered financially and the United States received less money. This gave President Jefferson a bad image. -
End of the War of 1812
After years of battle between the United States and the United Kingdom, the British decided that war was not going to fix any of the issues. On December of 1814, the British and Americans signed the Treaty of Ghent which symbolized the end of the War of 1812. The treaty did not resolve any border and trade disputes between the two nations but it did increase patriotism. Returning back to normal, Americans were proud to hold their identity and this was known as the "Second War of Independence." -
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The American Industrial Revolution
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The Adams-Onis Treaty
The Adams-Onis Treaty was another document created to set boundaries between the Untied States and Spain. One of the points in the treaty was for the United States to cede Florida from Spain. More territory is added to the United States, further expanding the borders of the nation. Spain set the boundaries of its colonies, New Spain, to the land west of the United States. Florida became a state on March 3, 1845. This treaty also gave the United States ownership over the Louisiana territory. -
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A Changing Culture
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The Missouri Compromise
The states of the United States were divided on the idea of slavery. Slave states were located on the South and Free states were located on the North. Tensions emerges with an unequal number of slave and free states. The state of Missouri became a slave state. The Missouri Compromise states that the 36th 30th parallel line would be the border separating the slave and free states. Thanks to this compromise, the United States had an equal number of slave and free states. Issues will emerge later. -
The Education System is Formed
In the nineteenth century, the modern day education system of the United States was created. Children, as young as four years old, were sent to schools to be educated. Attendance was mandatory for all students. The education system assigned schoolwork and grades to students. Textbooks were also provided for students to study from at home and at school. Students were introduced to many subjects and with their education they would be able to work in factories or even enter a higher paying field. -
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Age of Jackson
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Prisons and Asylums Form
Modern prisons were created during this time. These buildings were created to house criminals and convicted felons. Criminals were isolated in these buildings with little interaction with the outside world. The prisons themselves were also isolated from society. People did not want criminals to be near their homes so prisons were in remote locations. Mentally ill patients were placed in mental institutions, aka asylums. Asylums housed hundreds of mentally ill people who are just misunderstood. -
Election of 1824
The presidential election of 1824, lasting for two months, involved four candidates racing to be the next leader of their marvelous country: the United States. The four candidates were: John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, William Crawford, and Henry Clay. Although Andrew Jackson received the most votes, John Quincy Adams won the election. Andrew Jackson was furious over this. John Quincy Adams appointed Henry Clay as his secretary of state. There were suspicions and theories of a backroom deal. -
Revivalism
Revivalism was the increased renewal of the life in a church. It also means the renewal of a religion, such as Christianity. Charles Grandison Finney was a minister and the leader of the Second Great Awakening. He has been called the Father of modern Revivalism. He and his followers believed in free will. This is the belief that individuals are allowed to choose their own path without anyone interfering. This was opposite to pre-destination, where a person's destiny was chosen before birth. -
Impact of the Cotton Gin
Invented by Eli Whitney, this invention facilitated the separation of cotton seeds from the cotton plant. This way, slaves were able to plant more cotton. This also sped up the separation process many times faster. With more cotton needed to be planted and harvested, the need for slavery increased. More slaves were needed to grow and care for the abundant amount of cotton in the large plantations. With more cotton, the plantation owners earned a profit along with more cotton sent to the North. -
Abolitionist Movement
Issued over slavery continued to this time period. The Abolitionists were a group of people that wanted to end slavery. They believed that owning a person just to mistreat them is a abomination. They would help slaves escape to the North. They will house them in shelters along the path to the North. The South were against this movement. They would not talk about slavery and would keep people from believing slavery was wrong. The South would burn abolitionist literature like Uncle Tom's Cabin. -
Election of 1828
After John Quincy Adams's presidential term ended, he chose to run a second term. This time against Andrew Jackson again. These two were the only candidates of this presidential election. Democrats supported Jackson while Republicans supported Adams. His strategy to winning was talking about himself. Jackson won the majority of the votes thus became the seventh president of the United States. John C. Calhoun became his vice president, who was also the vice president for the previous president. -
Impact of the Steamboat
Steamboats were another invention, by Robert Fulton, that facilitated the life of people. This vehicle allowed transportation to be faster on water, especially rivers and canals. This invention also allowed goods to be transported faster between states and cities. This allowed merchants to sell their products at distant states. Shipped goods also became cheaper since more of them became available for people. This invention also allowed cities to be created along rivers like St. Louis. -
The Telegraph
The telegraph was a communication device that allowed signals to be transferred at a fast rate to distant lands only to send messages. The messages were in Morse Code, which was a code that was a combination of long and short signals. Messages were sent across the country in minutes. This invention facilitated communication as horsemen were no longer needed or were not seen as useful anymore. This is similar to modern day texting except it involved a small device with only one button. -
Indian Removal Act of 1830
The lands of the Native Americans were demanded by settlers. Andrew Jackson disliked the Native Americans and made them decide to become U.S. citizens or leave if they wanted to stay in their lands. He encouraged Congress to pass the Indian Removal Act in 1830. This authorized the government to force the Native Americans out of their land and relocated to Indian Territory, which was modern-day Oklahoma. The tribes that were involved were the: Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole. -
Andrew Jackson's Presidency
Andrew Jackson became the seventh president of the United States. One of his promises as president is to expand democratic privileges to a wider population. This idea was called Jacksonian Democracy. During his presidency, he replaced government politicians with his friends and supporters. This was known as the Spoils System. This was seen as a revenge attack but Jackson argues that it was for the best. Like any other president, Andrew Jackson had to encounter and resolve some problems. -
Population of Urban Areas
Moving on to the North, towns grow into cities and cities grow into metropolis. With a growing city came an increased population. People begin migrating to these large cities to have better opportunities. With a job, people were able to earn money to support their families. Immigration is another factor of population growth. Immigrants from Europe came to America to escape the issues their home countries are dealing with. An example are the Irish. They immigrated to escape the potato famine. -
Nat Turner's Rebellion
Nat Turner was a former slave who despised being owned and treated badly. His plant to exact revenge was to attack the whites and begin a slave revolt. His revolts occurred during the lunar eclipse and kills 60 whites. His assault lasted 48 hours, ending when the government intervened. Nat Turner was convicted of the attack and is charged with a felony. He was sentence to death and executed by hanging. As a result, more laws were passed by the South as an attempt to prevent another slave revolt. -
Free Blacks in the North
Although slavery was banned in the north, that did not stop the free blacks to experience issues with the other Americans. There were places where free blacks lived. The largest were located in the North. The free blacks experienced discrimination. This is probably because they wanted the same jobs as the whites. They did not like this thus began to detest the free blacks. Their homes were segregated in cities. Free blacks lived in one area while whites lived in another, both located in a city. -
Nullification Crisis
Congress passed the Tariff Act of 1832. This raised tariffs on raw materials and manufactured goods. This tariff was so high that it harmed the Southern economy and it resented it. South Carolina threatened to secede from the Union and ignored the tariff since states can nullify laws. Jackson pushed Congress into sending an army to end the issue. Henry Clay decided to create a compromise that South Carolina agreed to. This compromise reduced the tariff and put an end to this political situation. -
The Whig Party
Opposition to Jackson's destruction of the Second Bank of the United States led to the creation of a new political party called the Whig Party. This party was in opposition to what they thought was dangerous to the government. This party was led by Henry Clay and candidates from this party participated in the election of 1836. This party favored a strong central government, were against slavery, were in defense of minority rights, accepted minorities into their party, and wanted talented people. -
Slave Life in the South
Slaves were the dominant labor source in the Southern states. They were brutally mistreated by their masters. They were considered as property instead of human beings. Most slaves worked in the plantations harvesting cotton, the valuable crop of the South. They were able to keep their African traditions. Upset, some slaves decided to revolt against their masters as an attempt to gain their freedom and end slavery. These revolts would end up in being suppressed and harsher laws were passed. -
Temperance
Temperance is the abstain from alcohol. The individuals who supported this movement believed that alcohol consumption was very bad and harmful. The substance was addicting and can change a person's character when that person is intoxicated. Their goal is to reduce alcohol consumption and possibly ban it. This was taken to a political level where some states passed a law that banned alcohol production and consumption. Any consumption of alcoholic beverages can result in prison time or a fine. -
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Westward Expansion
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Battle of the Alamo
The Battle of the Alamo was a conflict fought between the Tejanos, settlers in Texas, and Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and his army. Mexico sent Santa Anna to destroy the Tejanos and their plan to declare independence. The battle lasted for 13 days in an abandoned mission. Santa Anna quickly destroyed the old building and attacked the people inside. The Texans fought back hard but were not strong enough to defeat the Mexican army. Santa Anna gained victory and killed many Texans at the mission. -
Texas Independence
After their defeat in the Battle of the Alamo, the Texans did not decide to give up. Instead, they chose to continue fighting for their independence. Their plan was to launch an ambush attack on Santa Anna, who was located near the San Jacinto River. Led by Sam Houston, the army, now doubled in size, assaulted the Mexican army. The army was not prepared for this moment thus was defeated. Santa Anna had to sign a treaty that recognized Texas as an independent nation called the Republic of Texas. -
The Trail of Tears
As a result of the Indian Removal Act, the Cherokee people were forced to leave their territory and be settled in another location, Oklahoma territory. The journey that the Cherokee people took was known as the Trail of Tears. It got its name from the devastating effects the Cherokee encountered. During the journey, many of the Cherokee died from disease, starvation, and harsh weather conditions. Many moved to this new territory with fewer family members since their bodies were left behind. -
Mormons
In 1830, Joseph Smith founded the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in New York. Their members were called Mormons. Mormons suffered persecution from practicing polygamy, communal ownership of property, and among other reasons. They suffered so much that they traveled to modern day Illinois. Joseph was murdered by an anti-Mormon mob. The new leader, Brigham Young, led the remaining Mormons to modern day Utah. Young was appointed
as governor, Utah did not become a state until 1896. -
Oregon Trail
After the Panic of 1837, the economy reached its height in destruction. This was the reason for many people to travel two thousand miles to the Oregon territory to have a new opportunity in life. The path that people traveled on was known as the Oregon Trail. Individuals traveled in wagons for six months in the warm climate of the west. Missionaries were the first to travel on the trail. They believed in Manifest Destiny. Their reports of the beautiful landscape encouraged others to follow. -
Annexation of Texas
Texas was annexed by the United States in the year 1845. There were debates on whether Texas would join the country since it gained independence from Mexico in 1836. The main concern is that Texas will break the balance between slave and free states. This debate continued for years until President Polk decided to allow Texas to become a part of the United States as a slave state. This indeed broke the imbalance between slave and free states but President Polk had a solution: add more states. -
California Independence
Mexico had to face another conflict after Texas became independent. California had been under control by Mexico since its independence from Spain. The Californians did not identify themselves as Mexicans and developed a new identity. They decided that California should break away from Mexico. The territory declared its independence in 1846 thanks to the Bear Flag Revolt. California was known as the Bear Flag Republic. In early 1847, California was admitted as a free state in the United States. -
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Sectionalism
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Mexican American War
President Polk declared war on Mexico after he sent Zachary Taylor to put pressure on Mexico. Polk wanted to buy the remaining lands of Mexico but it refused. The attack convinced Congress to declare war on Mexico. The war lasted for two years. Another cause of the war was where the Mexico-America border was going to lie. The United States defeated Mexico and it had no choice but to surrender. The result was the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo where Mexico had to give up its land and set the border. -
Result of the Mexican American War
After Mexico surrendered in the Mexican-American War, the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo was signed. In the treaty, Mexico was forced to give up a portion of its territory. Known as the Mexican Cession, this included present day California, Nevada, Utah along with parts of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Wyoming. The border for Mexico and the United States would lie in the Rio Grande. The Unites States offered $15 million in exchange. It also promised to protect the Mexicans in US territory. -
Seneca Falls Convention
The Seneca Falls Convention was the first convention focused on the rights for women. Led by Elizabeth Cady Stanton, the first convention was held in the city of Seneca Falls in the state of New York in July 1848. She created the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions, which was based on the Declaration of Independence. It stated that all men and women were created equal. That they deserve the same rights and privileges as men. Yet this did not gave suffrage to women for another few decades. -
The California Gold Rush
While working near the Sacramento River, James Marshall discovered gold. It was not long before the news spread like wildfire and resulted in thousands of people migrating to California in search of this precious, valuable mineral. In 1849, miners began the search. Known as Forty-Niners, they were allowed to claim any gold they find. The issue was that conflicts rose over ownership of the material and over mining rights. Expecting to gain wealth, most of them ended up finding little to no gold. -
Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 was the final copy of Henry Clay's compromise. Clay created the compromise to ease the tensions between the North and South over the balance of the states. The compromise had five main points: California would enter as a free state, Texas sells its land to the government to pay off debts, the slave trade was banned in Washington D.C., new states would decide whether to allow slavery or not, and Congress would pass the Fugitive Slave Law (slaves were returned to the South). -
Underground Railroad
The underground railroad was a series of paths that fugitive slaves took to escape their masters in the South to the free states. The system was created during the 1790's and reached its height during the 1850's and 1860's. Houses were set up to give slaves shelter and food. The most famous fugitive slave was Harriet Tubman. She helped slaves escape to the north and would return to the South to help more slaves. Tubman was recognized as a criminal and money was offered to whoever can catch her. -
Fugitive Slave Law
As part of the Compromise of 1850, Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Law. This law allowed whites to travel to the North and recapture their runaway slaves. They would then be returned to the South where they would be working in the fields again. Commissioners were hired in the aid to recovering the slaves. Any white who helped slaves escape to the North were either sentenced to prison or had to pay a fine. Abolitionist found this act to be unconstitutional thus prompting a bigger movement. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin
Uncle Tom's Cabin was a book written by Harriet Beecher Stowe. She was an American abolitionist who became well known for writing her novel. The novel described the harsh conditions slaves had to experience everyday. Her book changed the way Americans see slavery. This aided the abolitionist movement. The book was well accepted in the North but entirely resented in the South. Her book was burned by pro-slavery Southerners claiming that the information describing slavery was totally incorrect. -
Dred Scott vs. Sandford
Dred Scott was a formal slave who sued his masters for freedom. After losing every time, his case was taken to the Supreme Court. The result was that he did not have the right to sue his masters because he was considered property instead of a United States citizen. The Supreme Court ruled that slaves do not have rights. Other than suing, slaves could not testify in court nor are allowed to vote. Later, his case was well known when the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments were passed by Congress. -
John Brown's Raid
John Brown was an abolitionist who strongly believed that violence was the only way to abolish slavery. He planned to take control of an arsenal in Harpers Ferry, Virginia which leads to a slave uprising. He invaded the city but no slaves joined him. His sons were killed and John was arrested. He was taken to trial and sentenced to death by hanging. John Brown was hanged. Brown was seen as a martyr to the North but as a convicted felon to the South. His actions further empowered the Civil War. -
The Confederate States of America
The election of 1860 resulted in Republican member Abraham Lincoln winning. The South held were upset and held rallies. Southerners figured that President Lincoln will officially abolish slavery. South Carolina became the first state to succeed from the Union. Following were Texas, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. These states formed a new country withing the United States border. This new country was named The Confederate States of America. This country was pro-slavery. -
North vs South
When the Civil War began, two countries were fighting against each other over the topic of slavery. Each nation had their advantages and disadvantages. The North had a higher population thus having a larger army. The North was heavily industrialized, where they are able to produce guns and goods at a fast rate. They also had railroads which facilitated transportation. The South had an advantage of its own. The army was lead by bright leaders. Their military leadership meant better strategies. -
Border States
When the Civil War broke out some states did not want to get involved in the fighting. They did not want to get destroyed in battle. These states include: Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland, and Delaware. These states separated the North and the South. Even though these states remained neutral, both sides of the war influenced them to join their side. These states were allowed to keep their slaves. Throughout the duration of the war, these states continued to do their role as of if nothing happened. -
Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter was a building located near Charleston, South Carolina. Soon after the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln, he learned that supplies were running low on the fort. He knew sending more supplies would trigger a war but alarmed the South anyways and sent supply ships. The Confederacy responded by assaulting the fort. This resulted in the Union troops surrendering and a victory for the Confederate States of America. This was the battle that started the Civil War. It persist for four years. -
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The Civil War
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The Emancipation Proclamation
The Union victory on the Battle of Antietam gave President Abraham Lincoln confidence. He issued the Emancipation Proclamation. He did not have the authority to abolish slavery but he did have the right to seize property. His proclamation freed all slaves an any state that was in rebellion against the North. The proclamation encouraged slaves to escape the South and reach liberation in the North. Not every slave was transition to a free status since the proclamation was con enforced everywhere. -
Women during the Civil War
With the males away in battle, women took over their occupations. They either worked on factories or took over their male counterparts' property. Some women were determined to be a part of the war. These women worked as nurses healing the injured soldiers from both sides. Clara Barton was a nurse that founded the American Red Cross. Barton and her nurses were the reason soldiers quickly returned to fighting. Some women became teachers. Others became servants at plantations or in others' houses. -
Crumbling Confederacy
The end of the Civil War was just around the corner when the Confederacy became the one who lost. The Battle of Gettysburg was a major victory for the Union. The Battle of Vicksburg split the South into two. Further damaging the South were its own problems. It faced difficulty recruiting more soldiers. Its economy began to crumble because foreign countries have already found another source of cotton. Former slaves left the Confederacy to the free Union. The South had little hope for victory. -
Appomattox Courthouse
Reaching the end of the war, General Robert E. Lee and his army were losing and lost many Confederate soldiers. The Union General Ulysses S. Grant was on the victory side. As a last act to prevent further fighting, Robert E. Lee offered to surrender. At Appomattox Courthouse, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to the Union General Ulysses S. Grant. This event, also known as a battle, official ended the 4 year battle between the North and the South; the Civil War has come to an end. -
Assassination of President Abraham Lincoln
A few days after the end of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln attended an evening play, Our American Cousin, at Ford's Theater at Washington D.C. His assassin was a stage actor named John Wilkes Booth. His motive was revenge for the fallen Confederate States. As Booth flees, the nation of America mourns to the death of their president. Lincoln's body was taken to Springfield, Illinois with millions of Americans paying respects. John Wilkes Booth was cornered but died from a gunshot wound. -
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Reconstruction
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Freedman's Bureau
After the end of the Civil War, the Freedman's Bureau was established in the war torn South, which used to be the Confederate States of America. This agency was the major institution of the South. It took care of the former slaves. This cooperation fed slaves as well as war refuges. It also built schools for slaves. They would be educated by missionaries, teachers, and former slaves. Emergency and health services were provided for the freedman. This agency received hate from former slave owners. -
Freedom Amendments
Three amendments were passed to improve the lives of former slaves. The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery. This was the end of slavery in the United States. The Fourteenth Amendment gave citizenship to anyone who was born in United States soil. This gave former slaves status of a United States citizen. The slaves were given equal protection of law. The Fifteenth Amendment gave African Americans the right to vote. Now they are able to participate in presidential elections and in politics. -
Andrew Johnson Presidency
Andrew Johnson became the Seventeenth president after the assassination of former president Abraham Lincoln. He was the vice president. He opposed secession and saw the creation of the Confederacy as a felony. He was a racist who wanted to keep slaves at the bottom of the social order working as laborers in plantations. He wanted to keep the white supremacy. He vetoed a civil act but Congress overrode his veto. Later his poor performance led him to being the first president to be impeached. -
The Black Codes
During the first years of Reconstruction, the South, the slaves were free but faced difficultly settling with the white Southerners. The southern states passed new laws. One included the Black Codes. These laws limited the economic opportunities and civil rights for African Americans across the South. They were restricted to agriculture and were not allowed to get a job anywhere else. They worked to pay fines. Children joined them until age 21. Former slaves could be imprisoned for not working. -
White Resistance
After the Fifteenth Amendment was passed, the white Southerners resented it. They did not want free blacks to vote. As a result, they did whatever was necessary to prevent them from reaching the polls. This led to the formation of several clans which targeted free blacks. One being the Klu Klux Klan (KKK). Each state had their clan.and each was severe in each state. President Grant tried to suppress these clans by enacting the Enforcement Law. The clans would assault and murder these innocents. -
Life in Southern South
Life for Southerners was challenging for the people, especially when they are living in an area that was destroyed in a war. Each Southerner was categorize in a group. Carpetbaggers were Northerners that moved to the South for economic opportunity; basically taking advantage of the weaken South. Scalawags were whites that were seen as traitors by the other Southerners. Former slaves were mostly Republican. Corruption took place in both the North and the South but it was worse in the North. -
The New South
The Reconstruction era was coming at an end. The South is slowly renovating itself to catch up to the North. This new society was built around oppression and segregation. The economy boomed with the increase in industrialization, urbanization, and new railroads. Sharecropping emerged as a new labor system. Tenants, free blacks, had to give a share of their crops to their landowners. The landowners will allow the tenants to continue living in the lands. This was seen as the return of slavery.
