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Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was passed by British parliament in March of 1765. The tax was pushed on all American colonists, forcing them to pay tax on every single piece of printed paper they used including legal documents, licenses, newspapers etc. The tax was important because it helped pay the costs for protecting the American frontier. Major people involved in the Stamp act were Samual Adams, John Hancock, James Otis, and more. I chose this event because it was a small turning point in American History. -
The Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre took place in March of 1770 on King Street in Boston. It all began as a street brawl between the American colonists and one British soldier and quickly evolved into a bloody slaughter of people. This event is important because it paved the way for the American Revolution. I chose this event because it energized anti-British sentiment. -
The Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party occurred on December 16, 1773 at Griffin's Wharf in Boston, Massachusetts. Colonists were angry at Britain for "taxation without representation" so they dumped hundreds of imported tea chests into the harbor. This event is important because it showed Great Britain that they wouldn't take tyranny as a joke. I chose this event because it was the first act of defiance to British rule over the colonists. -
Declaration of Independence
On July 4, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was approved by the continental congress in Pennsylvania. The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson and an collective effort by Continental Congress as an act for all 13 colonies to declare independence from all British rule. This even is important because without it we would still be under British rule. I chose this because it is one of the most important turning events to shape America. -
Constitution of the United States of America
The U.S. Constitution was drafted in 1787 and it's purpose is to establish the basic rights for all American citizens. Alexander Hamilton,James Madison +Thomas Jefferson were all major figures that were involved in the making of the Constitution. This document was written during the Philadelphia Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The U.S. Constitution is important because it protects individual freedom. I chose this event because without it the United States wouldn't be were it is today. -
Eli Whitney invents the Cotton Gin
In 1794, inventor, Eli Whitney created the cotton gin in Georgia in search of work. This machine greatly increased the production of cotton and helped speed up the process of removing seeds from cotton fiber. This invention is important because it reduced the time it took to separate cotton seeds from the cotton fiber. I chose this because it revolutionized America and its technology. -
Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey Rebellion was a time in 1794 when the federal government made the farmers and distillers pay a whiskey tax on their liquor in western Pennsylvania. The settlers protested. Alexander Hamilton proposed this act to raise money for the national debt and assert the power of the government. This was an important time because it helped the government establish federal authority by military means. I chose this event because federal authority is important at some points. -
Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase of 1803 was the time when Thomas Jefferson bought 828,00 square miles of territory for $15 million from the French. The territory expanded all the way to the Rocky Mountains from the Mississippi River. This even in history is very important because 15 states were eventually created from this deal. I chose this event because it is one of the many great achievements that Thomas Jefferson had. -
Alexander Hamilton Death
On July 11,1804, Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr dueled to the death because they were political rivals and and personal enemies. the duel took place in Weehawken, New Jersey. Hamilton's shot missed Burr on purpose, but Burr's shot fatally wounded Alexander and he died. This date is important because it documented how Alexander died. I chose this date because no one in today's world usually agrees to shoot each other with the others permission. -
Embargo Act
In December 1807 the Embargo Act was created. Thomas Jefferson along with the U.S. Congress tried to stop American ships from trading in foreign ports. The Embargo Act was used as a source of punishment to Britain and France for interfering with American trade. The Embargo Act is important because when Britain and France interfered with American trade it was not a pretty sight. I chose this event because it failed. Its important to note that not everything America did was the smartest decision. -
War of 1812
In 1812 the United States fought Great Britain. Some of the causes would be that Britain tried to restrict U.S. trade, and Americas desire to expand its territory. American troops were able to stop British invasions in New York, Baltimore, and New Orleans. In 1815, the war ended and America won. The war of 1812 is important because it boosted national pride and patriotism. I chose this event because many saw the war as a "second war of independence". -
Star-Spangled Banner
September 14, 1814 Francis Scott Key Watched American soldiers raise a flag over Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland during the bombardment from British forces during the war of 1812. The Star-Spangled Banner became the United States national anthem in 1931. It is important because what was originally intended to be a poem was now our National Anthem. I chose this event because a story so small became something so big. -
Monroe Doctrine
In 1823, James Monroe made a speech to Congress saying that European powers should not colonize any further or interfere in the Western Hemisphere. If the European Powers did interfere with the western hemisphere then the United States would view it as a hostile act. This event was important because it eventually became a U.S. diplomacy. I chose this event because it was one giant step for America to take. -
Texans Besieged at the Alamo
Texas wanted independence from Mexico but on February 23,1836 a Mexican force, led by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna began a siege of the fort. The Alamo was occupied by 200 defenders led by James Bowie, William Travis, and Davy Crockett. The defenders held out for 13 days but were then overpowered by the Mexican forces. This event is important because the battle became a symbol of their resistance to oppression. I chose this event because it showed the American struggle for independence. -
Trail of Tears
The Eastern Woodlands Indians were forced to relocate in the 1830s (tribes also including Cherokee,Choctaw, etc) to territory west of the Mississippi River. Its estimated that 15,000 died during the journey. The term Trail of Tears refers to the suffering of the Cherokee nation specifically. This event is important because it shows respect for those who suffered. I chose this event because I think it was a sad time in American History. -
Mormons Settle in Utah
On July 24, 1847, Brigham Young and the members of his church arrived in Utah's Great Salt Lake Valley. The Mormons moved to escape religious discrimination. Many Mormons died during the journey and by the end of 1847 almost 2,000 Mormons moved to Utah. This event is important because it encouraged settlement in different places. I chose this time in history because I think its cool that the Mormons found their "promise land". -
Dred Scott Decision
Dred Scott was a slave who lived with his master in a free state and then had to return to Missouri, which was a slave state. In March of 1857, Scott argued that since he had spent time in a free state he should be emancipated. The court decided the opposite, which then caused a lot of controversy. This is an important time in history because it was a time when Blacks were fighting for their freedom. I chose this event because it shows someone fighting for their freedom. -
Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg went from July 1st to 3rd, 1863. General Robert E. Lee marched his army of Northern Virginia into Pennsylvania in late June. On July 3rd, Lee ordered an attack on the enemy at Cemetery Ridge. It was known as "Pickets Charge" They failed and Lee was forced to withdrawal. The Battle of Gettysburg was important because it would determine whether Lee's invasion would be successful. I chose this event because the battle shows that there isn't always a happy ending. -
Emancipation Proclamation
On September 22, 1862 thousands of slaves fled to join invading armies because Lincoln thought abolition of slavery was a military strategy. He issued the Emancipation Proclamation declaring that as of the first of January 1863, every slave should be free. The Proclamation did not free any slaves but it was a big step towards it. This event is important because without the Emancipation Proclamation slaves would not be free today. I chose this event because it shows a battle for human freedom. -
The Battle of the Little Bighorn
The Battle of the Little Bighorn took place near Little Bighorn River in Montana on June 25, 1876. Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer led troops against 2 different tribes of Indians. When a number of tribes failed to move to reservations the U.S. Army was sent to confront them. Custer's forces were outnumbered and became known as Custer's Last Stand. This event is important b/c it marked the worst US Army defeat. I chose this event because it marked the whites image of Indians as wild.
