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Period: 1500 BCE to 476
Beginnings to Exploration
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350 BCE
Mesoamerica
Ancient civilizations have been around for a long time. The Olmecs are the oldest, lived in the lowlands of Mexico, influence on cultures, pyramids/bloodletting religious rituals. Aztecs were the largest with 20 million people, lived in Tenochtitlan, performed human sacrifices, and had a materialistic culture. The Maya was at the peak of their power, only people with fully developed writing system, caste system/bloodletting/human sacrifice. This era was important because it began it all -
476
Dark Ages (Europe)
The Dark Ages emerged after the fall of the Roman Empire. It is ''backwards'' point in time. Feudalism was a leading class system for everyone to contribute to common welfare in return of war protection. Military technology developed. including swords, spears, etc. Lastly, the Catholic Church was an elaborate hierarchy in Western Europe. This era very is important because although a lot of information was lost during this time period, it was necessary in order for Europe's turning point. -
Period: 476 to 1492
The Dark Era/Crusades
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1096
The Crusades
Lasted between 1096-1291, consisted of many religious/political wars to gain control of the holy land. Templars defended the crusader states. known to have many skills and bravery. Indulgences were common, people would pay the Catholic Church in return of salvation of sins. Technology advanced, developed maps, techniques, etc. Trading increased, more routes created between Europe and Middle East. This era is very important because many ideas/advancements took place within Muslims and Christians -
1347
The Black Death
Bubonic plague pandemic that spread across Europe/Asia in the 1300's killing 20-50 million people. The disease came from fleas carried by rats brought by merchants when 12 ships arrived at Secilian port at Messina. Symptoms included fever, vomiting, etc. Economy was greatly affected, many people shut down their shops to avoid catching the disease, fact: many sheep died during the black death which caused a huge shortage in wool. This era is very important because it questioned people's faith. -
1400
The Renaissance
''Renaissance'' derives from the word ''rebirth''. This period was a revival in art/politics/culture/economy. Many artistic advancements took place, famous artists such as Michelangelo & Leonardo Da Vinci, Realism was popular & commonly used during this era. Technological advancements took place such as the printing press which spread literature. Scientific discoveries were made as well such as Isaac Newton's three laws of motion. This era was important because it was an era from dark to light. -
Period: 1492 to
English Colonies/Societies
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1500
Columbian Exchange
Also known as the Columbian interchange, it was a widespread exchange of cultures/plants/animals/diseases vise versa from the old world to the new world. Crops such as corn, potatoes, tomatoes, cocoa bean, sunflower seed, and etc was exchanged. Animals such as horse, cattle, sheep, pig, llama, and etc was exchanged. Although there was positive exchanges, ultimately this resulted in negatives as well, diseases wiped out almost all the Natives. This era is important because it shaped the new world -
1517
Reformation
The Catholic Church underwent changes started by Martin Luther/John Calvin/Henry viii with desires to correct the faults of the church. Martin Luther started speaking against the selling of indulgences and rejected several teachings. John Calvin continued the reform, converted to Protestantism and believed in predestination. Lastly, Henry viii left the Catholic church after they didn't let him divorce, created the church of England. This era is important because it had a huge impact on religion -
Chesapeake Colonies
Colonies consisted of Virginia and Maryland. names come from Chesapeake Bay. Jamestown VA didn't succeed much at first, but later skyrocketed because of tobacco. Maryland granted by Cecilius Calvert/Lord Baltimore was supposed to be a safe haven for English Catholics but little settled here. Virginia had the first English settlers arrive at Jamestown colony. All these colonies made their money through tobacco sell. This time period is important because it helped shape the new world colonies -
Triangular Trade
This transatlantic slave trade lasted from late 1600's to early 1900's it carried goods, trade, and slaves between the Caribbean/America/West Africa.The middle passage had many meanings, for sailors it was the trade of goods/slaves/sugar, for slaves it was 3 voyages in which the middle passage lasted 1-6 months. Culture was exchanged and rebellions often erupted from the horrible conditions. Slavery never died down, it was legal. This event is important because it changed ways of life in the US -
Slavery
A system in which people would purchase other people in order to fulfill everyday tasks them. Although slavery helped the United States, it was a terrible way of life for slaves. All Northern states got rid of slavery in 1804 (New Jersey being last state to act), it wasn't as needed because the economy in the north greatly relied on manufacturing. The South was in favor of slavery because their economy greatly relied on agriculture. This is important because it developed modern economy -
Navigation Acts
The Navigation Acts restricted dutch trade with England/colonies. This required for any products/cargo to be shipped within English ships/vessels only which limited foreign trade with other countries. This act of restriction was aimed at the Dutch because of resentment towards them, this caused the colonists to become angry because it made their economy weaker/it only benefited the British, it also resulted in the Anglo-dutch war (1652). This act is important because it practiced mercantilism -
The Glorious Revolution
Also known as ''bloodless revolution'' it took place in 1688-1689 England. This revolution was to mainly abolish monarchy like France, it was the overthrow of Catholic King James ii, e was replaced by his daughter Mary and her husband William of Orange. This revolution ensured they would instead have a constitutional monarchy, parliament would have most of the power and authority. They managed to overthrow james ii without any bloodshed.This era is important because it changed European politics -
Salem Witch Trials
The Salem Witch Trails were a series of persecutions in Salem Massachusetts February 1692 - May 1693. This began when a group of girls from the minister claimed to be possessed by something supernatural/demonic which resulted in people from the town to be convicted of witchcraft, this led to 20 persecutions due to hysteria. Later on, the colonies admitted to the persecutions being a mistake after the governor's wife was accused. This is important because it impacted how we view witchcraft today -
Caribbean Colonies
The Caribbeans consisted of the Greater Antilles, and the Lesser Antilles (south/east). The Caribbean colonies were covered with sugar cane fields all over, it was their main economic source with enslaved Africans doing all of the labor work. Barbados was an English colony until later taken over by the British. Jamaica was also an English colony later turned into a crown colony (1866). This is important because the Caribbeans played an important role in the economic development of the new world -
Charter Colonies
These charter colonies were usually granted to a group of people or a company, they had more political liberties. New York was part of the New Netherlands/fur trade/agriculture. New Jersey had religious freedom/tolerance because it was not ruled by strictly by puritans. Connecticut led by Thomas Hooker was settled by dutch fur traders. Rhode Island founded by Roger Williams was known to be a very free religious place. Massachusetts founded under a royal charter was settled for religious freedom -
George Washington
George Washington was the first president of the U.S.A. He was one of the many founding fathers who helped build this nation. Washington served two terms in the office 1789-1797, he was also known as a hero when he led the colonists to victory during the American Revolution, he was commander in chief. The first cabinet was held on February 25th 1793, these cabinet meetings were held to guide and help the president with the country. This is important because Washington was influential -
Two competing forms of government
America's first political parties have always started off rough with many issues dividing them, the Democratic-Republicans (Thomas Jefferson) and the Federalists (Alexander Hamilton). Jefferson was in favor of agriculture based economy, individual rights/weaker central gov., and helping the common man. Hamilton was in favor of a stronger central gov., more restrictions, manufacturing based economy, and national bank/internal taxes. This is important because it truly created two opposing sides -
Growing Cities
During the American Industrial Revolution, everything in the nation was changing, growing, and developing at a fast rate politically, economically and physically too, cities were growing and becoming more industrialized. People left their rural homes to move to the cities to work in factories, it became overcrowded people lived in slums it was dirty and crime rates were very high, when population rates got higher tenements were created which was inexpensive and housed a lot of people. -
Immigration
During the American industrial Revolution many people immigrated into the United States to look for jobs, seek a better life and develop the nation into a bigger better one. Many Europeans came to America such as Irish, German, Scandinavian, and British were the highest populated immigrants to come into the United States. As a result overcrowding became a common issue which led to even more issues, most people lived in slums (buildings crowded and stacked on top of each other) -
Colonial Economies
All colonies developed at the same pace, slowly, but differently. New England economies heavily relied on fishing, shipbuilding, trade, etc. Mid-Atlantic economies were involved with mercantilism ideas. Upper Southern economies were tied with cloth/textiles, Lower Southern economies were tied with cotton production. Wilderness economies were tied with tobacco production This is very important information because all these economical ideas are still being implemented in our economy today -
Act of Union (1707)
The Acts of Union (1707) were created and passed by Scottish and English parliament, This lead up to the making of United Kingdom of Great Britain. This act was agreed upon in January 26th 1707, but the act didn't take full effect until May 1st 1707, this act also gave Scotland more rights such as gaining the rights to join in the Triangular Trade to help them economically. This is very important because United Kingdom was created and peace was spread more thoroughly -
The Enlightenment
The age of reason encouraged more scientific reasoning over religious faith and superstitions, many influences came from Sir Isaac Newton (three laws of motion/gravity), Voltaire (leading writer), Rousseau (philosopher), John Locke (physician), Adam Smith (moral philosopher), Benjamin Franklin (political theorist). Deism was a popular belief in which one God exists and doesn't intervene with life/ Secularism was a belief in which religion doesn't mix with state affairs. -
The Great Awakening
Also referred to as the Evangelical Revival, it was a series of Christian revivals led by Jonathan Edwards, George Whitfield, Gilbert Tennent, etc. The Great Awakening lasted from the 1730's to the 1740's, this took huge permanent effects to Protestantism and spread Christianity to Native Americans. Influences included George Whitefield (preacher), John Edwards (minister/philosopher), and Samuel Davies (evangelist). This is important because it spread religion which changed the way of life -
The Seven Years War/The French and Indian War
It began in the early 1750's when French expansion towards the Ohio River Valley repeatedly got the French into conflicts with the British. George Washington aided in the victory with the French over the British. Fort Duquesne was a battle that shaped the war, it was a loss for the British. Fort William Henry was a win for the French which showed the Indians they were capable of success which led to joined forces. Treaty of Paris 1763 officially ended the war which left everything at peace -
Treaty of Paris (1783)
The Treaty of Paris (1783) officially ended the American Revolution, signed September 3rd 1776 by U.S representatives/Great Britain representatives of King George iii. Benjamin Franklin/John Jay/John Adams negotiated the peace treaty with , as a result it ended up having acknowledgement of the American colonists independence, British colonial empire was completely destroyed in America, and boundaries were created in the U.S. This event is important because it recognized American independence -
Period: to
The Revolutionary War
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Problems with the British
American colonists have had problems with Great Britain for decades. including gaining independence, fighting for land, trading, etc. Problems have always been a frequent obstacle between the British and Native Americans such as for example whenever the British wanted to settle around Mississippi River land but the Natives were already settled there. Trade was also an issue for example the British imported many inexpensive goods which ran Americans out of business. -
Boston Massacre
This tragedy took place on May 5th, 1770 when British army soldiers fired shots into a crowd of a group of American Colonists killing 5 men. The Boston Massacre was one of the results which arose from issues between the British such as imposing taxes (glass/paper/tea/lea/paint), passing unfair acts, and etc. This event is very important because it brought together the colonists to fight for their rights and gain independence from Britain, eventually this led to the American Revolution -
Boston Tea Party
This event took place December 16th, 1773 when drunk members from the sons of liberty disguised themselves as Indians and went to the Boston harbor and dumped 342 chests of tea which belonged to the East India Company into the harbor. These criminal acts were known as the Boston Tea Party, this happened as a response to the Tea Act because imposing taxes on tea angered people. This event is very important because it added more issues to the rising tensions between the British and the Americans -
First Continental Congress
This event took place in September 5th - October 26th, 1774 delegates from 12 out of 13 colonies. This event took place in Carpenters' Hall Pennsylvania/Philadelphia. The First Continental Congress was one of the many pushes towards complete independence from Britain and was a main political source during the American Revolution, for example, boycotting British goods was a discussion talked about and many other efforts to fight against British Acts created to impose taxes. -
Olive Branch Petition
It was a document adopted by the second continental congress on July 5th, 1775 stating that colonists had their own rights while remaining loyal to the British crown. The Olive Branch petition was mainly written by John Dickinson directly aimed towards King George iii in hopes to get rid of tension between the colonists and the British, and also avoiding any future conflicts or war while still remaining loyal. This is important because it was rejected by the king and led to future conflicts -
Common Sense
Written by Thomas Paine its purpose was to advocate independence for the colonists from the British and to create a democratic republic. Common Sense played a huge role in influencing the colonists to break way from British control over them, it was a very important piece of writing because it was so clearly written and simple enough for every colonists to understand or ''common man'' hence the name it was given. This is important because it adds fuel to the colonists arms against the British -
The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence stated/announced why the colonists have separated from Great Britain, declaring their independence. Thomas Jefferson was the main author of this statement with others as well such as Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and more. The final votes for this declaration took place July 2nd 1776, though on July 4th the Continental Congress finally adopted the declaration. This event is very important because it contains the ideas of America that we still use today -
Massachusetts Constitution
The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Constitution was a document mainly created by John Adams in 1779, but it wasn't officially signed until October 5th 1780. This constitution proposed amendments, created a stronger political stance for Massachusetts and also served as a huge influence and model for the United States constitution. It it known as the oldest working constitution known to date in the U.S. This event is very because it posed as an influence to the U.S constitution -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution in America, this loosely tied together the 13 colonies in order to have some form of government to keep everything in place. It was created by the continental congress in November 15th 1777, but it wasn't later ratified and accepted until March 1st 1781. The Articles of Confederation was later replaced by the United States Constitution in 1781. This event is important because it was a gateway to a new stronger constitution for the US -
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Westward Expansion
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Shay's Rebellion
Shay's Rebellion was a series of revolts in Western Massachusetts led by former militia officer Daniel Shay & revolutionary war veterans as a result of lack of civil rights and economic deprivation within the people. This was post-war recession and farms were seized. This rebellion was seen as a major influence to writing a better stronger constitution that the Articles of Confederation failed to show. This event is very important because it led to the writing of the United States Constitution -
Period: to
The Constitution
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Constitutional Convention
A Constitutional Convention was called to discuss the Articles of Confederation, it was held in Philadelphia and it lasted from May 27th-September 17th. This convention discussed plans of a new government reform such as creating three branches/new plans (Virginia plan, New Jersey Plan/Connecticut Plan) and addressing issues such as slavery/debates between federalists and anti-federalists (anti-federalists papers). This is important because it led to the making of the constitution. -
Northwest Ordinance (1787)
The Northwest Ordinance was a law that was passed 1787 that regulated settlement in the Northwest territory which made the Ohio River a natural borderline which divided the free and slavery states. This law also had many key points such as rejecting slavery, legislatures, future admission for new states, and a new system of admission to Union. This event is very important because it made sure new states could become part of the Union and has left an impact on our country today. -
Period: to
The New Republic
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Election of 1788
After ratifying the U.S Constitution, a presidential election followed which was held from December 15th 1788 - January 10th 1789. In the Election of 1788 there wasn't official political parties but candidates were either in favor of the ratification of the Constitution of against it (federalists/anti-federalists). Despite these differences, Washington was supported by both groups, he was a very popular candidate. This is important because it led to permanent changes in the Nation by Washington -
Second Great Awakening
The second great awakening were protestant religious revivals that took over the nation during the late 1700's to the early 1800's. These revivals took notice of many social injustices and issues in the nation such as the movements being created to spread voices. for example women's rights, temperance, and abolition. This is very important because the second great awakening brought light to many social reforms and plans to change for the better of the nation -
Period: to
The American Industrial Revolution
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Whiskey Rebellion
Taxation of Whiskey resulted in violent uprisings in Western Pennsylvania. The Whiskey Rebellion began around 1791-1794, mostly led by farmers and a few distillers teamed up and rebelled against the imposed tax during George Washington's presidency, the rebellion ended once Washington called out militias to bring the violent uprisings to an end. This was all caused in efforts to decrease the debt caused by the Revolutionary War. This is important because it led to federal authority establishment -
Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights are the first ten amendments of the Constitution which gave basic rights to the people. 1st amendment is right to freedom of speech, 2nd is right to bear arms, 3rd is no forced quartering of soldiers, 4th is no unlawful searches, 5th is freedom of self incrimination, 6th is right to a speedy trial, 7th is right of jury trial in civil cases, 8th is no cruel unusual punishment, 9th is rights to other people, and 10th is powers not granted to government belongs to states/people -
Election of 1796
The Election of 1796 is definitely very unique on its own, it is the first presidential election with political parties competing with each other and having elected a president & vice president from opposing sides. The presidential candidates were John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. John Adams (Federalist) beat Thomas Jefferson (Republican) in the election with 71 electoral votes followed by Jefferson with 68 votes. This is important because it was the first major presidential election. -
Adam's Presidency
John Quincy Adam's served as the second president of the United States right after George Washington didn't serve a third term. -
Free-Black Communities
During the Industrial Revolution in the nation, not only did the economy develop, but so did the people. Free- Black Communities arose in the areas which aided to the permanent and vast changes in the communities within the people. Philadelphia was a booming place for the growing free-black communities, these people would join together and fight for liberties and against slavery. This is very important because these groups of people were the most influential in the nation at the time. -
Age of Enlightenment (America 1800's)
The Age if Enlightenment (''Century of Philosophy'') was a period in time (1700's-1800's) were America went through a widespread intellectual movement, also tended to be associated with the Scientific Revolution. New views on government and society developed such as skepticism and individualism. Enlightenment thinkers spread a lot of logical thinking and intellectual movements to people in society to further modernize and change beliefs. This is important because it was a very liberal push -
Changes in Agriculture
the Industrial Revolution changed the United States drastically for the better, America underwent extreme revolutionary changes. During the revolution, Agriculture went through permanent changes, new machinery was created, the way food was made changed as well, and new farming methods were adopted by many farmers. The Iron Plow changed Ag. forever, it helped control weeds ad dug up soil faster. This is very important because the Industrial Revolution further developed the nation's economy -
Southern Society
Meanwhile the Industrial Revolution was greatly changing the North, the South wasn't affected as much because they relied heavily on slavery and agriculture, there was little change in the south. Although there was minimal change, there was still noticeable changes such as social differences between the farmers. Planters were higher class, Yeoman farmers were middle class usually did not own slaves, and Tenant farmers were the lowest class (would farm for themselves) -
Slavery
Slavery was a main economical labor source in the South and an issue with the North during the Industrial Revolution. Although the South relied heavily on Slavery, there was still differences between the Upper and Lower South, such as the Upper was interested more in new businesses and slaves weren't as necessary in some industries, the South was more focused of cotton production and slavery (Cotton Gin helped with production), Free-Black communities were also prominent in Philadelphia mainly. -
Age of the Common Man
The presidential term of Andrew Jackson (1829-1837) created and developed a whole new era in the nation that changed politics for many decades to come. Andrew Jackson and Davy Crockett were two huge influential people during the Age of the Common man, they didn't agree on most situations though, for example Crockett opposed the Trail of Tears and lost his campaign to Jackson in the 1835 reelection. This is important because these were the first few marks in the creation of a developed nation -
Slavery
Slavery was still a prominent issue despite the many changes in the nation and vasts amounts of social reforms within the people. Although this was still a very controversial issue, throughout time many voices started rising against the harsh labor. Abolitionists started joining together trying to fight against slavery, and the anti-slavery movement, these people teamed up trying to completely get rid of slavery/slave trade. This is important because rising voices were starting to be heard -
Nativism
Nativism was a hatred and extreme feeling towards immigrants from native-born people flooding the U.S in the late 1800's to the early 1900's, this led to huge desire to limit or get rid of foreigners entering the United States. The welcoming of immigrants started diminishing as time passed by, views and perspectives started changing for the citizens of the U.S. People feared immigrants would take over jobs and lower wages. This is important because it was a view that many Americans saw -
Millennialism
A new age was forming and arising in the United Sates, religious/scientific movements and awakenings were becoming very prominent at the time. Millennialism was a belief that the world would end, it was also linked to 7th day Adventists, the people were called millerites. Joseph Smith (December 23rd 1805) was a Mormon prophet who was a huge religious leader during this era/time who influenced some of these beliefs. This is very important because these religious beliefs shaped society -
Architecture
During the 1800's in the United States many things were changing and developing, architecture was one of those things, the architecture (furniture, homes, buildings) had many elements from different era's and places such as Greek revivals. These architectures could be found prominently in Syracuse, Ithaca, and Troy. Greek architecture included three types which were Corinthian, Ionic, and Doric, these Greek styles were taken by Roman's which were changed and modified which were also used -
Slavery
During the 1800's sectionalism was becoming very common among the states which was leading to frequent conflicts and different points of views on the nation's issues. The north was becoming very opposed to the idea of slavery and it was starting to separate the nation as a whole due to the south wanting to keep slavery. Sectionalism was one of the major reasons of the Civil War and thoughts on slavery fueled to this conflict. This is important because this was one of the reasons for the war -
Hamilton vs. Burr
Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr were known to be bitter enemies in the political realm of the United States. Alexander Hamilton was a part of the federalist party, supported the constitution, and supported the national bank. Aaron Burr was a Democratic-Republican, and didn't support the national bank. The two politicians had so much hatred towards each other which led them to a duel, Burr shot and killed Hamilton who died the next following day from his injury, Burr was charged with murder. -
Changes in Transportation
During the Industrial Revolution the nation underwent vast changes, transportation was one of them which aide in the change of the U.S. Roads were created and improved to transport goods by land, Steamboats invented by Robert Fulton improved river transportation, Canals also helped water transportation for larger steamships (man-made rivers), and railroads were created to improve land transportation (trains). This is important because transportation changes were necessary for further success -
Changes in Communication
During the nation's development in the Industrial Revolution, communication was also further improved permanently in the U.S. Many new inventions were created such as the Telegraph invented by Samuel Morse (also invented the morse code) which sent long distance messages, the Print invented by Johannes Gutenberg developed public news by printing vasts amounts of newspaper. This is very important because all these inventions revolutionized communications long and short distance -
Labor Changes
During the American Industrial Revolution many changes occurred including labor changes. Mass production meant more demand for people to produce, women and little children worked in harsh conditions for minimum wage which often led to strikes for better working conditions. Lowell Mills was a textile company which had young women working in terrible conditions, but the Waltham System improved these conditions (included housing/education/opportunities). -
Transcendentalism
Many things were changing throughout the world, and so did the ways of thinking of the people. Transcendentalism was a way of thinking/beliefs created by and influenced by Ralph Waldo Emerson (1830's-1840's) which states that people have a direct connection with nature/God and don't need a church or anything organized to strengthen or prove that connection. This is very important because it strengthened the way people were able to think and their beliefs -
Republican Party
The Republican political party was one of the most powerful and most supported political parties back then and that power still follows even till this day. Republicanism was first created in the northern states, former free soldiers, former Whigs, abolitionists and more made up the Republican party. Republican beliefs included anti-slavery, states' rights, supported the constitution, and civil liberties. This is important because the republican party permanently changed politics -
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The age of Jefferson
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Election of 1800
The Election of 1800 (''Revolution of 1800'') was the 4th presidential Election of our nation which included Thomas Jefferson (Democratic-Republican), Aaron Burr (Democratic-Republican), and John Adams (Democratic-Republican). This presidential election is the first time it switched from one political party to another, Jefferson beat the election with 73 votes, Adam's had 65 votes, and Burr had 73 votes. This is important because it was significant change in political parties -
Madison Presidency
James Madison also known as the ''Father of the Constitution'' was one of the founding father and fourth president of the United States (1751-1836). James Madison has left many of his marks behind in the nation for example, he aided in the writing of the United States constitution, was Thomas Jefferson's secretary before he won the 1809 election and became president of the United States, and influenced the war of 1812 against Great Britain. This is important because Madison changed the nation -
Technological benefits of war of 1812
During the War of 1812, technology and weapons most definitely advanced to aid in the victory of the war. Muskets, rifles, bayonets, new war tactics, cannons, swords, bombs, knifes, gunships, pikes, pistols, mortars, howitzers, and many more were all available and used during war. All of these weapons were very useful to the people, muskets and cannons were most commonly used throughout the entirety of the war. This is important because technology was very essential during this war. -
War of 1812
America declared war on Britain due to issues such as forcing American sailors against their will in the British Royal Navy, banning trade with other countries, impressment, and the Embargo Act of 1807. Madison also had an influence in sparking the war of 1812 such as the non-intercourse act and war hawks. As a result, countries wanted more land for money, U.S merchants were in debt, Washington Ft. Mchenry was burned, battle of New Orleans, Treaty of Ghent and Americans defeated the British, -
Panic of 1819
The panic of 1819 was a post-war result that spread across the United States. Economic deprivation spread, people were forced out of their homes, banks failed, and unemployment occurred. During the panic, financial depression swept across the nation, unemployment/bankruptcy/foreclosures, cotton prices decreased, national bank credit was reduced, North and south tensions sky rocketed, and people who owed debts were being sent to prison.This is important because poverty was brought to public eye -
McCulloch vs. Maryland
The McCulloch vs. Maryland case was one of the few important cases that helped shape our constitution in our modern world today. James McCulloch was in legal trouble with the state of Maryland after he failed to pay a tax the state put out on the U.S bank. James McCulloch ended up winning the case because powers went to the government and limited the power off the states. The McCulloch and Maryland case was the first and most significant lawsuit against the supreme court regarding federal power -
Missouri Crisis
The Missouri Crisis quickly followed right after the Missouri Compromise in efforts to have even slave states and free states. The Missouri Compromise was lead by Henry Clay, many northerners were not in favor of the compromise because it would throw off the balance of slave and free states. The Compromise stated that it would admit Maine as a free state and it would admit Missouri as a slave state, and slavery was banned Louisiana territory (North of 36 30, southern border) -
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Age of Jackson
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Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine was a document created by James Monroe stating and declaring to Europe no intervention with the Western Hemisphere or Latin America was allowed. President Adam's did not want anything from the British that would interfere with America, it was propounded in 1823. This doctrine was also heavily influenced by Thomas Jefferson, president Monroe also didn't want Russian influences on the Western Hemisphere. This is important because this further pushed the development of America -
Election of 1824
The presidential election of 1824 was a very unusual election in the nation because the House of representatives had to choose the who won. Candidates included Henry Clay from Kentucky who supported the West, John Quincy Adams from Massachusetts supported by New England (John Adam's son/Monroe's secretary of state), William Crawford from Georgia supported by the south (Monroe's/Madison's Sec. Treasury), and Andrew Jackson from Tennessee supported by the west. Quincy won. -
Election of 1828
The Election of 1828 was the 11th presidential election of the United States, it was known as a ''rematch'' between John Quincy Adams (Republican) and Andrew Jackson (Democratic). This presidential election was one of the most hatred filled elections of the nation, both candidates came after one another with personal attacks such as bigamy accusations towards Jackson's wife Rachel Jackson. Jackson claimed victory, his wife died as an end result of the stress due to the public slander. -
Jackson's Administration
Jackson's Administration aided in Jackson's development and further success in the upcoming revived nation. Many of Jackson's political decisions were very much frowned upon and opposed by many because it dealt with abuse of power. For example, the Spoil's system caused much controversy (rewarding supporters with government positions), and the Trail of Tears/Indian removal act which dealt with cruel unusual punishments towards Native Americans. This is important because it represented Jackson. -
Temperance Movement
The Temperance movement was a social movement that lasted between the 1830's to the 1840's focusing on the abstinence of alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption abuse greatly swept the Gilded Age, many men spent their times drinking and lives at saloons as a result of coping with stress caused by work. Many advocates were women, this was one of the earliest movements that included women which pushed for more social equality. This is important because it gave women a voice in the nation -
Revivalism
Charles Grandson Finney (Father of Modern Revivalism) was one of the biggest influences and leaders of the second great awakening which sparked huge permanent social changes and reforms in the developing nation. Finney was a popular religious figure, minister, Presbyterian and preacher that spread moral and religious revivals. This is very important because Revivalism was one of the many social reforms that have greatly affected the nation through the people -
Election of 1836
The presidential election of 1836 was the 13th presidential election of the nation. The presidential election candidates included Martin Van Buren nicknamed Martin Van Ruin during the panic of 1837 (Democrat) and Whig party candidates that were led by William Henry Harrison, Martin won the election. Later the election of 1840 followed (14th presidential election), this time William Henry Harrison won (shortest lived president). This is important because congress had significant changes -
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Sectionalism
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California Gold Rush
The California Gold Rush was a craze that swept the entire nation by surprise, everyone from all over was traveling to the west (California) to struck gold and find riches. James Wilson Marshall struck gold in the American river (Sacramento) while building a saw mill in the January of 1848. The gold rush craze only lasted about 7 years whenever mines started being milked dry, but meanwhile many things changed such as the rapid increase in population quickly turned California into a free state -
Election of 1852
The presidential election of 1852 was the 17th presidential election of the United States. The candidates were Franklin Pierce (Democratic), Winfield Scott (Whig), and John Hale (Free Sol.). Franklin Pierce won the election and was president from 1853 to 1857, he was nicknamed Hampshire Boy, he spread a lot of democracy, increased international trade and was all for territorial expansion. Winfield Scott was a hero of the war of 1812, he was commander of the u.s army during the Mexican war. -
North
The North was a large area in the nation during the Civil War which came to its many advantages in helping them win the war. The North was a factory-based economy, had a larger population (had the largest cities in the nation at the time), very urbanized, extreme climates, the Union, railroads, a lot of weapons produced and larger army, way stronger political structure than those of the South. This is important because it shaped the way the Civil War ended being led up to. -
Neutral States
Although the North and the South were at war with each other, that didn't meant there was not any neutral states who preferred maintaining a middle ground in order to avoid conflicts during the Civil War. These neutral states were the border states of the nation (all slave states) which included Kentucky, Delaware, Missouri, and Maryland, but Kentucky ended up leaving their neutral middle ground and came under the complete control of the Union states during the Civil War. -
International
Even though the Civil War was going on in the United States of America, the war had a worldwide effect. These effects included changing perspectives on slavery which made everyone biased. The Trent affair was a conflict in 1861 where the U.S was blamed for violating neutral middle ground with Britain. The Northern Cotton embargo was thought that it would help U.K/France to support confederacy by creating a cotton trading embargo. This is important because the American Civil War had many effects -
Armies
During the American Civil War, there was two armies fighting for what they wanted and the future of America. The Union army was in the north and consisted of northerners who were fighting to end slavery and keep the union together. The Confederate army was in the south (11 states who seceded) and consisted of southerners who were fighting to keep rights from the states and keep slavery. The confederates were gone by 1865 because they were defeated by the union army in the American Civil War -
Women at work
During the American Civil War it wasn't just men who were working hard to change the fate of the future's nation, women played a very huge important role during the war. Women worked as nurses tending to the wounded, more than 400 women disguised themselves as men and fought int the civil war alongside with men, taking over the farms/jobs/home duties and manufacturing guns/clothes/necessities. Clara Barton was one of the first people to tend to the wounded of the civil war. -
Leaders
During the American Civil War many leaders were aiding in the success, all of them were determined to win this conflict within the nation. Ulysses S. Grant was the top leader of the Union army in the north he became a general in March 1864, many others helped such as George Meade, George McClellan, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, William Tecumseh Sherman and Winfield Scott. Robert E. Lee led the confederate army in the south from 1862-1865, many others helped such as James Longstreet. -
Slaves
During the American Civil War, slavery played a huge important role in this period of time. Slaves were still being used during the war, some of them even fought in the American Civil War after they were granted the permission to enlist to fight in the war although not many of them actually did. African-Americans volunteered to aid in the Union army, at first they couldn't because of a law preventing them to bear arms in the nation (second confiscation/militia act), this is very significant. -
Politics
During the American Civil War, politics were very important in the United States. The election of 1864 occurred during the civil war states that had not seceded from the union were the only ones who could contest, Abraham Lincoln (Republican) won the election and beat George B. McClellan (Democratic). Copperheads wanted to keep peace and avoid war they were democrats who didn't want the civil war to occur. The 20 negro law allowed one white man to not draft in the war for every 20 slaves. -
Plans
After the American Civil War, plans for reconstruction were coming about to rebuild and reconstruct the nation that was once at war with each other and caused great destruction. Proclamation of Amnesty/Ten Percent plan (December 8th, 1863) was created by Abraham Lincoln, this plan allowed states to be reclaimed into the nation if they swore an oath of allegiance to the Union. The Wade-Davis bill completely abolished slavery and allowed states to join if 50 percent swore an oath, reconstruction. -
The South
The South had its many advantages just like the North did but both had very significant differences which greatly affected how the Civil War turned out to be. The South was an agriculture-based economy, had many plantations and farms, had a more rural way of living, climates were not as extreme as the North, lots of farmland meant better farmland than the North, wanted to seek independence from the Union, Confederacy, although army was definitely smaller they had way more better leadership. -
Election of 1860
The election of 1860 was the 19th presidential election of the United States, it took place November 6th 1860. The presidential candidates were Abraham Lincoln (Republican) who opposed the spread of slavery and wanted to maintain it where it was, John Breckinridge (Democrat) who supported popular sovereignty and federal slave code, Jon Bell (Constitutional Union) who only wanted to keep unity and avoid slavery, and Stephen Douglas (Democrat) who opposed slave code and wanted popular sovereignty. -
Confederate States of America
The Confederate States of America was created in 1861 lasting all the way to 1865 with a population around 9 million. The 13 states of confederacy consisted of Texas, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. Fort Sumter (April 12th-13th, 1861) was the battle that started the Civil War Southern troops wanted to take over the fort, Southern forces took over., Confederate army surrendered in the end. -
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The Civil War
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The War
The American Civil War was one of the bloodiest conflicts in the nations history. First battle of Manassas (July 21st, 1861) was the first big battle of the war, The Second battle of bull run was the deciding battle of the war, Vicksburg was the last major military action war, Antietam led to the emancipation proclamation, Fredericksburg was the costliest, Gettysburg was the bloodiest, Sumter was confederacy victory, Shiloh was another costly one in which the Union won major engagement. -
Andrew Johnson Administration
After the War and assassination of president Abraham Lincoln Andrew Johnson became the 17th president of the United States. President Johnson served from 1865-1869 he previously served as vice president of Abraham Lincoln but took his place after his killing. Johnson's administration did not give blacks any political stance and gave a helping hand to the south and whites so they could have a smooth change into a new life without slavery, Johnson was impeached and led the Radical Reconstruction -
Former Slaves
Right after the Civil War ended, the union's victory in the north called for slavery to end in the United States. The Thirteenth amendment (passed by senate April 8th, 1864) (passed by house January 31st, 1865) got rid of slavery in the nation, although this was a huge step forward to freedom it came along with problems such as many African-Americans lived in poverty in the rural areas, Black Codes restricted some of black people's rights. White resisted by racists groups such as the KKK. -
Life for whites Reconstruction South
Life after the Civil War and abolition of slavery, the new south was emerging from the huge change and way of life because they no longer had their main source of labor. Reconstruction provided a new system to replace the slavery that once existed in the nation. Carpetbaggers form the south were moving into the north, Scalawags supported the new reconstruction taking place and republicanism after the war. This is very important because life after the Civil War was a huge change to the nation. -
The New South
Life after the American Civil War was a very different one than the previous one before, conflicts were subsiding and the nation was finally turning into a whole again, the south had a huge economic boom because the economy became bigger and more diverse with more products being produced such as textile mills, iron, steel, etc.The south was being repaired, it was becoming more modernized with new railroads, and transportation routes being built to help with product transportation. -
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Reconstruction
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Assassination
After the American Civil War, Abraham Lincoln's (16th president of the United States) death soon followed afterwards. On April 14th, 1865 John Wilkes Booth (a confederate supporter/sympathizer) set out to assassinate the president Abraham Lincoln and planned to kill two other members of Abraham's administration/cabinet while Lincoln was watching a play at Ford's Theater in Washington D.C. Abraham was shot in the head and died the next morning due to his injuries sustained in the assassination -
Grant Administration
Right after the impeachment of Andrew Johnson Ulysses S. Grant took over his place as the 18th president of the United States. Grant's administration had many scandals such as the Whiskey Ring and Black Friday. They were Republicans, supposedly Grant's administration was one of the most out of place and corrupt administration's in the nation. even though led the union army of the north to victory, he was one of the most political failures ever because of the scandals and inability to help. -
Nature
Even though the nation was developing drastically with huge permanent changes to politics, social, economics and much more, the world itself was changing physically as well. Nature underwent changes and improvements just like the other developing aspects of the nation. For example, parks were being created so people could get more in touch with nature and their surroundings, and cemeteries were being created as well so people could properly bury their loved ones and give them a peaceful rest. -
Manifest Destiny
Manifest Destiny was a idea/belief that it was America's destiny to expand land westward and spread civilization everywhere from coast to coast. This was very controversial because American's felt way more superior towards Native Americans for not having enough civilizations throughout the land even though they were there before them, this led to a lot pf controversy and issues whether it was morally okay. This is important because it encouraged land expansion of the nation. -
Industrialization vs. Agriculture
Manufacturing (Industrialization) and Agriculture were the two major economic, political, and social sources of the nation, both helped the United States change drastically and boomed the economy, yet although it helped it also caused a lot of harm and controversy. The North was a Manufacturing based place with factories, railroads, and large amount of population. The South was an agriculture based place with farms, slaves, rural areas, and large amount of cotton production to fuel their economy -
Slavery
Slavery was still active in the 1900's which caused a lot of issues within the nation politically and socially. The Wilmot Proviso was a proposal/policy which prohibited slavery in newly acquired land by the United States in the Mexican-American War. Slavery was slowly taking steps towards freedom for example the creation of popular sovereignty in which people were able to vote/elect and have a say in their desired government. Free-soil party from the election of 1848 opposed slavery expansion -
Suffrage
The suffrage movement was led by women who wanted a voice in the nation along with many others and to be given the right to vote. This movement took place over decades which finally led to the ratification of the 19th amendment which granted women (American citizens) the right to vote. This movement all began with the first convention held in Seneca Falls, New York. This is very important because this was a push to more rights and freedoms in the United States.
