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Jamestown
Jamestown was the first English settlement in North America that was permanent and stable. It helped provide an example of what a sustainable colony would look like for other settlements. Early on, they went through various of troubles such as Indian attacks, starvation, and disease. However they were able to find a way to coexist with Indians and to feed themselves. They established tobacco plantations, making it the first time tobacco was used as a cash crop for a colony. -
House of Burgesses
The House of Burgesses was the first elected legislated assembly in the colonies. It was the first legislative body in the New World, and was made up of two representative from each town. Eventually, they would adopt the House of Burgesses concept aht creatied self-governing bodies for the colonies. This was the first represntative government in the New World. -
Massachusetts Bay Colony
Puritans were given a right to settle and govern a colony by King Charles in the Massachusetts Bay area. They established a representative government and as well as political freedom. This let them follow what they believed in, and they were able to set up a society that would be how they wanted. This made this colony the most influention colony and the first colony whose govorners didn't reside with England. -
The Toleration Act
The Toleration Act was a legal document passed in Maryland that guaranteed allowance towards all Christians. However it did not agree with those who did not believe in Christianity. It did not sanction a lot of tolerance, but it was the the starting point for the first amendment, allowing religious freedom for everyone. -
Salem Witch Trials
The Salem Witch Trials was a series of hearings and prosecution of people who were accused of witchcraft. It lasted from February 1692 and May 1693. It resulted in the executions of 20 people. The trials contributed to changes in court procedures. This includes the rights to legal representation and cross examination of those who accusing others. This also includes the presumption of one being innocent until proven guilty. -
The Great Awakening
The Great Awakening was a time period of religous revival. It was lead by religous leaders, for instance Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield. It fled the colonies with protestantism and changed the way religion ws viewed. It was characterized by expressions of religous emotion amoung people. This altered the religous view and climate in the colonies, encouraging people to get closer to god. -
The French and Indian War
The French and Indian War was fought between the French and their Indian Allies against the British and their Indian allies. It was started in America and later on in Europe where it was given the name the Seven Years War. This war provided Britain with more territory in North America. Which created disputes over frontier policy and paying war expenses led to colonial discontent, this would lead to the American Revolution. -
Proclamation of 1763
This occurred after the war over land and stated that there is no expansion permitted past the Appalachian Mountains. This was abrupt news from Britain. Europe has angered the colonies. Colonists were furious because they fought for that land in a war where they lost several members of family and lost a lot of money. It was hard for Britain to accept that they no longer have control of the new lands as much as used to because it is so far away and the environment is way different. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was an event that killed five colonists by British troops. It occurred during a protest where violence broke out. Sparked by a colonial rebellion in result of the British taxes, the British opened fire. This led to news breaking out in news letters creating a major impact on relations between Britain and the American colonists. It made the colonists weary of British rule and unfair taxes, rousing them to fight for independence. -
Boston Tea Party
Britain was very distraught about the Boston Massacre when the colonists in America threw pounds and pounds of tea into the ocean in revolt so Britain decided to completely close the Boston Harbor. This showed the colonies how powerful Britain can be even if they are hundreds of miles away. It fueled the tension between the British and colonists, and it demonstrated the colonists want for independence and rebellion against Britian. -
First Continental Congress
The first Continental Congress was a meeting of delegates from twelve out of the Thirteen Colonies. This was meant to determine how the colonies should react to the British. Which seemed to them an alarming threat to their rights. They discussed about protesting the parliamentary acts and restoring their relationship with the British before the French and Indiana War took place. -
Lexington & Concord
The battles of Lexington and Concord sparked the Revolutionary War between the British and colonists. Thomas Gage, a British governor, sent his troops to Concord to stop colonists that were loading arms. The following day shots were fired in Lexington. This led to the start of the war, and the battles resulted in the British retreating to Boston. This marked the start of the American War of Independence, and persuaded many colonists to help in the war. -
Second Continental Congress
This was the second meeting where twelve of the delegates from each of the Colonies met. This focused on moving towards independence and adopting the Declaration of Independence. The Congress acted as a government of what would later on become United States. With the Articles of Confederation, the Continental Congress became known as the Congress of Confederation. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was drafted by very influenceable figures. John Locke was one of the people who heavily influenced the Declaration of Independence with his ideas of natural rights. He believed that if God gives you our rights, then no one can take it away; things that you have acquired is yours. This meant complete separation from monarchy and a completely new form of government that would have to be created. It was building a nation from scratch. -
Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga was a major battle during the American Revolution. Burgoyne and his army planned to meet two other British armies to go into battle against the Continentals. Unfortunately, the armies never showed up so Burgoyne was forced to surrender. This made Burgoyne want revenge. Although, they would have to become allies with the colonists and they decided not to. Their victory at Saratoga was news that travelled fast. The French stopped sending troops from their navy. -
Battle of Yorktown
The Battle of Yorktown was the last major battle of the Revolutionary War. American troops under Washington and Rochambeau trapped Cornwallis and his troops in the Chesapeake Bay. This forced Cornwallis to surrender. Even though this was not the last fight, this win signified the end of the war. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris marked the end of the war. France gave all of its territories in the mainland North America. This ended any foreign military threat to the British colonies that were located there. This treaty officially ended the revolutionary war. It also helped recognize the independence of the thirteen states. -
Constitutional Convention
The Constitutional Convention was called for by Congress. Its main purpose was to revise the Articles. Representatives from each state attended besides Rhode Island. The problems with a weak central government was one of the affects of the Articles. This meeting helped revise a stronger central government. -
Washington's Election
Washington's election was the first presidential election under the Constitution. Washington received one vote from each electors and was unanimously elected. Both North Carolina and Maryland had not ratified the Constitution yet, so they were unable to cast votes. Washington was able to win the support of each elector, and no president has been able to come into office with a universal mandate to lead. -
Alien & Sedation Acts
Adams created the Alien Acts to increase his chances in winning the election. It gave him the power to deport anyone if he deemed them a threat to the nation . Adams also added the Sedition Acts to increase his chances for winning the election as well by making it illegal for any press to publish any material that was critical of the government or congress. No newspaper was allowed to write anything about the government that was an opinion piece. -
XYZ Affair
The XYZ Affair was when John Adams sent diplomats to negotiate a treaty with the French but they demanded a “gift” of $250,000 before they would negotiate. The diplomats came back to the states to tell the American Press that they were insulted by the French. The French did not mean to insult, but people were angry and wanted war. Adams puts an end to the hostilities and the diplomats refuse to pay. Adams avoids war by negotiating peace with Napoleon which was an unpopular move. -
Jefferson's Election
Jefferson and Burr had tied in the election of 1800. Hamilton, who despised Burr, supported Jefferson leading on to help him win the election. This election is significant, because the political power was shifted peacefully between both Republican and Democratic parties. It also created a bigger conflict between both Burr and Hamilton. -
Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase was one of the most impactful decisions in Jefferson's term. Although it went against his principles of being a rigid constructionist, it increased the size of the country by twice its size. It was an immense amount of new land that had to be chartered and even discovered. There was so much to discover and learn about because the environment changed as one would get closer to the Pacific Ocean. -
War of 1812
The War of 1812 occurred when conflict broke out between the United States and Great Britain over the British's violations of U.S. maritime rights. The British interfered with American shipping, captured U.S. sailors and supported the Native American Resistance. The war ended with the exchange of ratifications with the Treaty of Ghent. This war is significant, because it helped produce a new generation of great American Generals. -
Battle of New Orleans
The Battle of New Orleans occurred when the British army attempted to take New Orleans. Because of a weak frontal attack, Jackson defeated the British. This gave him an enormous popularity boost. The Battle of New Orleans is significant, because of the outcome of the battle. It is referred as to the greatest American land victory of the way by many historians. -
Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine was an isolationist doctrine that dictated that Europe shouldn't interfere in Americas affairs and vice versa. The doctrine stated that the United States would not interfere with colonies that were established or with affairs in Europe. It warns European nations that the U.S. would no longer tolerate the further colonization or puppet monarchs. -
Missouri Compromise
Missouri Compromise is the piece of legislation that diffused the political quarrels held between the Union and the Confederacy. It was an agreement between the Northern and Southern states over what western territories could join the Union as slave states. This compromise was meant to create a balance between slave and non slave states. -
Indian Removal Act
The Indian Removal Act was when whites invaded Native American's land when they first arrived and so called “claimed” it when the land already belonged to the Native Americans. Second of all, also when Americans invaded, they infected the land with smallpox and killed the vast majority of the Natives. In response, most tribes resisted the relocation demanded by the president while few tribes peacefully moved west of the Mississippi River as ordered by president Jackson. -
Jackson's Election
Jackson was voted into office in 1828, people wanted representation and reform from the administration of Adams. Jackson believed that the people should have a voice and rule. He was a representation of what was seen as a common man. Jackson believed in the strength of the Union, and power of the federal government over the state government. -
Manifest Destiny
Manifest Destiny was the idea that Americans were destined to travel and expand to the West. Cultivating and civilizing the country coast to coast. Manifest Destiny is significant due to it allowing the U.S to expand its territory, helping develop a sense of nationalism. It played a major role in the annexation of California and Texas. -
Nat Turner's Rebellion
Nat Turner's Rebellion was a rebellion for slaves. They wanted freedom, and Nat Turner saw a "vision" and attacked whites in Southampton County. This rebellion included 70 slaves and it killed 55 whites. When Turner was caught, he was executed and many slaves were punished. This frightened the South, making them tighten their slave codes and restricted freedom for slaves int he South. This showed the strength slaves had in rebellion towards the South. -
Battle of the Alamo
The Battle of the Alamo was a fight between the Republic of Texas and Mexico. Taking place in San Antonio, Mexico won the battle, and killed all of the Texan soldiers that were in the fort. This battle is significant because it rallied the rest of Texas to fight the Mexican army, eventually leading on tot heir victory at the Battle of San Jacinto. -
Annexation of Texas
Texas decarded it independence in response to the Mexican abolition of slavery. The United States annexes Texas and makes it a state due to Southern states supporting Texas slavery. This made the North fear of the expansion of slavery in the Union and a war with Mexico. This event contributed to the Mexican-American War -
Mexican-American War
The Mexican-American War, was the Texas's fight for independence. After defeating Mexico, Texan went on to be its own country for a couple of years. The war involved the Alamo and other famous battles. This war helped fulfill America's manifest destiny. Allowing them to expand their territory across North America. -
Seneca Falls Convention
The Seneca Falls Convention took place in upper New York. Women of any age and some men went to discuss the rights of women as well as the conditions. At the convention, they wrote the Declaration of Sediments, which attempted to get women the right to vote. This led to both women to work for women's rights and as well organize a convention to discuss the rights of women. It was the first formal meeting to discuss this topic and strengthened the women's movement. -
Fugitive Slave Law
The Fugitive Slave Law was passed by congress to provide for the return of slaves who had escaped. It required each state government to cooperate in returning escaped slaves to their original owner. Anyone who went against law enforcement faced high penalties or anyone who aided escaped slaves. This act made the government responsible for finding and returning slaves who had escaped. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin
Uncle Tom's Cabin was written by Harriet Beecher Stowe. It was an influencing novel that focused on the horrors slaves faced. It helped boost the North's sense of morlaity against slavery. By writing the novel about the treatment slaves receied, it showed the world how horrific it was. This novel was a significant factor for the Civil War, and contributed to the start of it. -
Bleeding Kansas
Bleeding Kansas was a series of violent events. It involved abolitionists and pro-slavery. This created tension and strained the North and South's relationship, making the Civil War more innevedable. Bleeding Kanasas significantly shaped politics in the United States, and was a turning point for the coming of the Civil War. -
Dred Scott Case
The Dred Scott Case was a Supreme Court case where Dred Scott attempted to sue for his freedom. This was because his master had moved him to a free territory. This court case stated three main things. It stated that black people who not citizens and coudl not sue in federal courts. Along with since they are their masters property, they can still be a slave in a free state, Congress was unable to ban slavery from territories, leaving them powerless. -
Lincoln's Election
This was the election where slavery was the central issue. Abraham Lincoln, John Bell, and John Breckinridge were both running for office. Lincoln won majority of electoral votes, but only won 40% of popular vote. He had the most electoral and popular votes than any candidate. This created panic in the South since Lincoln was against slavery. -
Homestead Act
The Homestead Act allowed settlers to receive 160 acres of land by living on it for 5 years. They would need to improve the land and pay a nominal fee of around $30. They gave land that had terrible soil to settlers and the weather around them had no precipitation. This act was one of the most significant events in the westward expansion by encouraging settlers to migrate. -
Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg was an important battle during the Civil War. The battle ended in an Union victory, predicting the loss of the Confederacy. Never again were the Confederacy able to invade the North. This battle gave the Union a needed victory and helped boost their morale. It was a turning point during the war, forcing General Lee and his army back to their home country where they needed new supplies and more soldiers. -
The Congressional Reconstruction Act
This act split the south into 5 different military districts. Each of the states had to have a military leader from the North. The South had to get rid of their black codes . As well as ratify the 14th amendment. The confederate leaders were also bannded from voting, as well as those from the South who did not pledge their allegiance to the United States. This act laid out the process in readmitting Southern states back into the union. -
Purchase of Alaska
The U.S purchased Alaska for $7.2 Million. It was known as "Seward's Folly." Previously owned by Russia, they found Seward to be an enthusiastic champion of the idea of the United States buying Alaska. In result of Seward's lobbying and in appreciation of support from Russia during the Civil War, Congress agreed to buy Alaska. This ridded the North America from another foreign power, and provided an abundance of natural resources for the U.S. -
Battle of Little Bighorn
The Battle of Little Bighorn occured when gold was found in the Black Hills Indian Reservation. This lead to whites invading their land and driving them onto a warpath. The battle cultivated when Colonel George A. Custer and his men were all killed by Sioux at the battle. This event showed Native Americans power during this time period, and was one of the worst defeats of the U.S. army during the Plains Wars. -
The Compromise of 1877
The Compromise of 1877 was an informal, unwritten deal. It settled the 1876 presidential election, pulled federal troops out of state politics in the south, and put an end in the Reconstruction Era. The compromise involved the Democrats who had control of the House of Representatives, they allowed tthe decision of Electoral Commision to take effect. This compromise was significant, because it settled the intensly disputed presidental election that took place in 1876. -
Haymarket Square Riot
The Haymarket Square Riot began as a demonstration for an 8 hour workday. This riot went on for mutliple days, and on the last day someone threw a bomb into a crowd of police officers. This resulted in the police officers opening fire into those who were protesting. This created panic and hysteria in Chicago. Increasing anti-labor and anti-immigrant sentiment throughout the country, as well as the suspicion of international anarchist movement. -
Dawes General Allotment Act
This act broke up Indian reservations, as well as distributed the land into individual households Any land that was left over was given for money to help fund the federal government in effor to make Native Americans more "american." Only 90 million out of 130 million acres of land were sold to non-native buyers. This act probided Indian reservation land amoung individual Native Americans with the idea of creating farmers in a white man's image. -
Interstate Commerce Act
The Interstate Commerce Act compelled railroads to publish regular rates. It also denied rebates and pools. Railroads led to quicky adapt using this act to achieve its goals. This act gave the U.S. government reasons to regulate bigger business. It was designed to help regulate the railraod industry, specifically the monoplositic practices. -
The Wounded Knee Massacre
Known as the Battle at Wonded Knee Creek, this battle was the last big battle between the Sioux and the United States. It was called a massacre by Gernal A. Milers in a letter that was sent tot he Commisisioner of Indian Affairs. This battle stood as the end of Indian resistance, and the overtaking of whtie settlers.
