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The Great Awakening Begins
The Great Awakening started in the early 1700s when people noticed declining religious involvement in colonial churches. Preachers like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield spoke about the importance of having a personal faith and connecting directly with God. This movement encouraged people to explore different religious beliefs, question traditional authorities, and had a lasting effect on American culture and individualism. -
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French-Indian War
Between 1754 and 1763, the French and Indian War took place. The British acquired a significant amount of land in North America, but disagreements arose regarding how to manage this land and how to finance the war. These conflicts contributed to the dissatisfaction of the American colonists, ultimately leading to the American Revolution. -
Proclamation of 1763
In 1763, the British government established a boundary in the Appalachian Mountains called the Proclamation Line. This line was intended to restrict American colonists from settling on lands acquired from the French following the French and Indian War. The Proclamation Line came into effect on October 7, 1763. -
Boston Massacre
In March 1769, a violent fight broke out on the streets of Boston between a group of colonists and British soldiers. The incident resulted in the death of several colonists and sparked a movement to enrage public anger through speeches and writings. -
Boston Tea Party
On the night of the event, a determined group of between 30 and 130 men, some dressed as Mohawk warriors, boarded three ships and spent three hours dumping all 342 chests of tea into the water. The Sons of Liberty, committed to their quest for freedom from Great Britain, carried out this bold act. -
Shot Heard Around The World
The phrase "shot heard round the world" refers to the first shot fired during the battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. This event signified the beginning of the American Revolutionary War, which ultimately resulted in the creation of the United States. -
Second Continental Congress
George Washington was appointed the army's commander-in-chief by the Second Continental Congress in May 1775. The Congress later approved the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and created the Articles of Confederation in 1781, which granted certain powers to the Congress. The Second Continental Congress assumed the normal functions of a government, appointing ambassadors, issuing paper currency, and raising the Continental Army. -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation, ratified in 1781, was the United States' first constitution. It created a weak central government with a unicameral legislature, each state having one vote. Lacking the power to tax or regulate commerce, it faced significant issues, leading to calls for a stronger federal government and the eventual drafting of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. -
Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga was a pivotal moment in the war. British General John Burgoyne aimed to move south to join two other British armies, but those troops were delayed in a swamp. Consequently, Burgoyne was quickly surrounded and forced to surrender with his entire army, a notable achievement since no one had done this before. We leveled the playing field, gathered resources, and provided support. -
The Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris consists of several significant agreements. The 1783 treaty marked the end of the American Revolutionary War and recognized the independence of the United States. The 1815 treaty concluded the Napoleonic Wars. Additionally, treaties from 1856 and 1898 addressed other conflicts. Each of these treaties played a crucial role in shaping international relations. -
Northwest Ordinance
The Northwest Ordinance passed under the Articles of Confederation on July 13, 1787, allowed the Northwest Territory to become a state once it reached a population of 60,000, appointed a governor, and defined its borders. At that point, it would gain voting rights and representation in Congress while prohibiting slavery. Until statehood, the territory had to follow laws and pay taxes without voting rights. -
The Bill of Rights
This document outlines the rights of Americans with regard to their government. It gives individuals certain freedoms, such as the right to speak, publish, and practice their religion. It also sets rules for a fair legal process and gives ultimate authority to the people or the states for any powers not given to the Federal Government. The Anti-Federalist Party created this because they believed the national government had too much power over the people. -
Judiciary Act
The Judiciary Act is a law that sets up the federal court system in the United States. The most important version is the Judiciary Act of 1789. This law created the Supreme Court and lower federal courts. It also defined what these courts can do and how they operate. This act was a key step in establishing the judicial branch of the government. -
Pinckey's Treaty
The United States didn't own the Mississippi River, although they needed it to sell our goods. Spain gave America the right to freely travel on the Mississippi and use the port of New Orleans. This treaty was the gateway to the rest of the world. Jefferson feared this because it was only temporary, and our relationship could go sour, and a deal could go ignored. -
Whiskey Rebellion
Farmers refused to pay the tax until the American Army enforced it. This upholds the power of the new federal government. There were two ways to pay whiskey tax: per gallon or one charge, and you could make an unlimited amount. People are angry because it seems like the big distributors are being favored. -
Marbury v. Madison
The Supreme Court sides with Madison and refuses to grant Marbury the position because it finds part of the Judiciary Act unconstitutional and, therefore, void. In doing so, the Supreme Court claims the right of "Judicial Review," or the right to declare laws unconstitutional and strike them down. -
Embargo of 1807
Great Britain and France are at war once again. We have established a decent trading relationship with both countries, so President Jefferson wants to maintain neutrality. As a result, he imposed an embargo on all foreign trade. This embargo act is unpopular among merchants, traders, and businesses, causing significant harm to the American economy. However, it does encourage the growth of domestic manufacturing. -
Battle of Thames
The Battle of Thames took place on October 5, 1813, during the War of 1812. American forces defeated British and Native American troops in Canada. Tecumseh, a prominent Native American leader, was killed in this battle. His death marked the end of Indian resistance in the Ohio River Valley. Tecumseh, along with the Prophet, played a key role in uniting the Native American tribes. -
The Star Spangled Banner
Francis Scott Key, a prisoner on a British barge, witnessed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry near Baltimore for 12 hours. In the morning, he saw that the American flag was still flying over the fort, which inspired him to write a poem titled "The Defence of Fort McHenry." He set the poem to a popular tune, which became our national anthem. After the capital was burned, Americans rallied to support the war effort. -
The Hartford Convention
Several states in New England declared that the war was lost and discussed the possibility of becoming an independent country. They referred to themselves as the "peace doves." Unbeknownst to them, the war had already ended, and peace negotiations were underway. The Treaty of Ghent was signed on December 24, officially concluding the war and restoring all territories to their original owners. -
The Battle of New Orleans
Before the announcement of the Treaty, the British launched an attack on New Orleans. Andrew Jackson was in command and assembled a diverse group of soldiers. He devised a trap using a ditch that was 10 feet deep and a hill that rose 20 feet high. Since the British could only approach from one direction, they walked directly into this trap. The Americans achieved a decisive victory, suffering only 71 casualties compared to the British loss of 2,042. -
The Election of 1824
The election of 1824 featured John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay, and William H. Crawford. No candidate received a majority of electoral votes, so the decision went to the House of Representatives. Henry Clay, the House Speaker, withdrew from the race to protect his reputation. He then privately supported Adams, who was elected president. Three days later, Clay became Secretary of State, leading Jackson's supporters to accuse them of a "Corrupt Bargain." -
The Election of 1828
Jackson wanted the conditions of the Jeffersonian era, which included southern enslavers, northern farmers and artisans, and small landholders. His campaign marked the first modern political campaign where politics became more localized. There were mass meetings and parades, and both sides engaged in mudslinging. Newspapers were published, and speeches were delivered. Property restrictions for voting were abolished, and Jackson won the election with 178 votes compared to Adams' 83. -
Tariff of Abominations
In 1828, a new tax was introduced that increased prices on imported goods to give American manufacturers an advantage over foreign competition. Many people in the South believed that this tax mainly benefited manufacturers in the North while harming their own interests. They referred to it as the "Tariff of Abominations." -
The Spoils System
After taking office, Jackson dismissed over 200 government employees, calling it a "rotation in power." He appointed his loyal supporters, leading critics to accuse him of favoring Democrats over qualified candidates. Jackson believed ordinary Americans could fill government roles, reflecting the Spoils System of rewarding supporters with jobs. -
Indian Removal Act
In 1830, Congress passed the Indian Removal Act. The case Cherokee Nation v. Georgia recognized Native American tribes as domestic-dependent nations, and Worcester v. Georgia ruled that the U.S. could not forcibly remove them from their land. However, President Andrew Jackson ignored these rulings, leading to the tragic Trail of Tears. -
Nullification Crisis
The text discusses taxes on imported goods, known as tariffs. Southern states, particularly South Carolina, opposed these tariffs and believed they were unconstitutional. They argued that they had the right to nullify these tariffs and threatened to secede if the federal government used force to enforce compliance. The federal government, in response, claimed that secession would be considered treasonous and defended its authority to impose tariffs while criticizing South Carolina's stance. -
Force Bill
In 1833, President Jackson requested Congress to grant him the authority to use military force to compel South Carolina to accept and adhere to federal law. This request resulted in the passage of the Force Bill. At the same time, Henry Clay proposed a compromise tariff that would significantly reduce tariffs over the next ten years. Both measures were approved by Congress, leading South Carolina to repeal its ordinance. -
Inventing of the Telegraph
The telegraph was invented by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail in 1837. It changed communication by using electrical signals and Morse code to send messages. The first successful telegraph line connected Washington, D.C., to Baltimore in 1844. This showed that information could be shared quickly. The telegraph had a big impact on business and society, helping to create the communication technologies we use today. -
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Mexican-American War
The Mexican-American War took place in Texas, where Mexico refused to recognize Texas as independent. The desire for westward expansion motivated the United States during this period. The war lasted for two years, and as a consequence, Mexico lost more than half of its territory to the United States. The Mexican government was compensated with $15 million, the same amount that was paid to France for the Louisiana Territory. -
Treaty of Guadalupe
In 1848, the United States and Mexico signed a treaty to conclude their war. According to the treaty, Mexico ceded 55% of its territory to the United States. This included land that is now part of California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, most of Arizona, and Colorado, as well as portions of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Wyoming. -
Compromise of 1850
In 1848, the United States and Mexico signed a treaty to end their war. According to the treaty, Mexico ceded 55% of its territory to the United States. This land included California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, most of Arizona and Colorado, and portions of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Wyoming. -
Bleeding Kansas
Bleeding Kansas was a time of intense political conflict in the United States from 1854 to 1861. It was marked by violent confrontations between anti-slavery and pro-slavery forces. The central issue was whether the Kansas Territory would join the Union as a free state or a slave state. The violence involved raids, lynchings, and battles between pro-slavery "Border Ruffians" and anti-slavery "Free-Staters." -
Lincoln's Election
Abraham Lincoln won the Election of 1860, capturing the Electoral College with less than 40 percent of the popular vote. Most of the states that supported him were located in the North, along with California and Oregon. Following his election, Southern states began to secede from the Union, starting with South Carolina. The South perceived Lincoln as a threat to slavery because he held significant power and was seen as a Northerner who aimed to abolish it. -
The South Secedes
The Southern states seceded from the United States to protect their rights, particularly the practice of slavery, and to address disagreements over taxation. They believed that a Republican government would threaten slavery, disregard their liberties, and impose new taxes. This movement began with South Carolina and quickly spread throughout the South, placing President Lincoln in a difficult situation. -
Battle of Manassas- Bull Run
The First Battle of Bull Run, also known as the First Manassas in the South, resulted in approximately 3,000 Union deaths and 1,750 Confederate deaths. This battle had a significant impact on both Northerners and Southerners. Northerners, who had anticipated a swift victory, were left feeling disappointed, while Southerners gained a sense of hope that they could achieve a quick and decisive win. -
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American Civil War
The American Civil War started in 1861 and lasted to 1865. It started because the South seceded from the Union, because they wanted to still have slavery. -
Morrill Land Grant Act
To improve access to higher education nationwide, the government granted federal land in each state specifically for the development of colleges and universities, including Purdue, Ohio State, Michigan State, Cornell, Texas AM, LSU, Alabama, and Auburn. -
Pacific Railway Act of 1862
Connecting the East and West coasts through railroads enables coast-to-coast trade within the U.S. and is crucial for global trade. For every mile of track laid, companies would earn $16 million for plains, $32 million for foothills, and $48 million for mountainous regions. Two competing companies were chosen for the project, and if they did not complete it by 1872, they would receive nothing. They also received land as they progressed along the tracks. -
Battle of Shiloh
The Battle of Shiloh is known as one of the Civil War's bloodiest battles. It was the first battle in which General Ulysses S. Grant implemented his Anaconda Plan. The battle concluded with a Union victory over Confederate forces at Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee. Confederate Commander General Albert Sidney Johnston was killed during the battle, marking a significant turning point that contributed to the Union's rise to victory. -
Battle of Antietam
The Battle of Antietam occurred on the East Coast and was one of the deadliest battles of the Civil War. It demonstrated to the Union that they could achieve victory in the conflict. This battle also gave President Lincoln the confidence to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, marking it as one of the critical turning points in the Civil War. -
Emancipation Proclamation
Many people believe that the Emancipation Proclamation was primarily about ending slavery, but that wasn't its main purpose. It served as a message to other countries, indicating that if they chose to trade with the South, they would be supporting slavery. As a result, many countries decided against trading with the South, which significantly weakened the South's main source of income. -
Vicksburg Campaign
Grant dispatched forces to Vicksburg to weaken the South. The campaign split his troops into two groups that were ten miles apart. They then proceeded to burn everything within a five-foot radius on either side of their path. Over the course of 54 days, they marched approximately 180 miles, causing significant devastation to the South and destroying many of its farms and towns. -
Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg was a major victory for the Union Army. It marked the end of Confederate General Robert E. Lee's second attempt to invade the North and quickly brought the Civil War to a conclusion. The Confederate States of America aspired to become an independent nation; however, the defeat at Gettysburg shattered that dream. -
13th Amendment
The 13th Amendment was added to the US Constitution on December 6, 1865. It abolished slavery and forced labor, except for individuals who have been convicted of a crime. This amendment was a significant victory for civil rights and equality in America. -
Freedmen's Bureau
This organization was established to assist newly freed Black individuals in transitioning to a life of freedom. They started schools to provide education, helped negotiate labor contracts, secured loans, and assisted in finding and purchasing land. Additionally, they aimed to provide legal aid to those in need. -
14th Amendment
The 14th Amendment grants citizenship to all individuals born on U.S. soil, including the children of former enslaved individuals and immigrants. It ensures that all citizens receive equal protection under the law, regardless of their race. The 14th Amendment was ratified on July 9, 1868. -
Johnson's Impeachment
Congress passed the Tenure of Office Act, which required that the president could not remove certain military officials without congressional approval. This was intended to protect some radical Republicans in President Johnson's cabinet. However, Johnson proceeded to dismiss the Secretary of War. As a result, the House of Representatives impeached him, but the Senate was one vote short of reaching the required majority to remove him from office. Consequently, Johnson was left powerless. -
15th Amendment
The 15th Amendment established that individuals of any race could vote. However, this was very unpopular among the public. Although slavery had been abolished, true equality was still far from being realized. Many people felt that they were too uneducated to participate in the voting process. As a result, this contributed to the Radical Republicans losing their majority in Congress. -
Sharecropping
Freedmen work the land but do not receive direct payment. While they are not required to pay rent, they must give landowners a percentage of their crops or the equivalent in money when harvest time comes. Economic slavery can also affect poor white individuals, who are often required to sign contracts. The landowners typically ensure that sharecroppers end up in debt. -
Civil Rights Act
Grant was ahead of his time when it came to equality. He and Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1875, prohibiting discrimination in public accommodations. However, after Grant left office, this act was not enforced. Once military occupation ended, it was never reinstated. -
Native American Reservation System
An increasing number of white settlers moving into western lands created greater pressure on Native Americans. The Indigenous people felt that their ancestral homelands and burial grounds were being threatened and encroached upon by these settlers, whom they viewed as wasteful. The government forced Native Americans onto reservations, which freed up more land for white settlers. Additionally, the government relocated some of these reservations as valuable resources were discovered on the land. -
Dawes Act
Native Americans are allowed to claim individual homesteads of 160 acres for ownership and farming. This is presented as a gesture of goodwill towards Native American tribes, especially considering that their lands were taken for Indian reservations. Any land not claimed by individuals would subsequently be opened to white settlers. While some viewed the act as a significant opportunity for Native people, others had a different perspective.