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Establishment of the Jamestown Colony
Jamestown was the first colony established by the English settlers. There was lots of disease and starvation leading to a 80% mortality rate of the original settlers. They had to harvest crops in order to survive. Tobacco became a highly profitable cash crop in this colony. It was sought after because it could only be grown in this area. This crop changed the colony and allowed it to furnish. Jamestown led to the creation of many different colonies and a flourishing economy based on cotton. -
Mayflower Compact
The Mayflower Compact was the contract signed between the new settlers on the board of the ship which outlined the form and function of the settlement's government. It was created between the 102 pilgrims at Plymouth. It was significant because it was the first form of written government and self-rule. They would be ruled without a king, something never done before. The people would rule themselves, a new concept. This would set the stage for documents such as the U.S. Constitution. -
The First Navigation Act
Great Britain passed a number of laws which were used to regulate colonial trade and benefit their own economy. They required that products cultivated in the U.S, such as tobacco and sugar, could only be shipped to England. It also meant that they could only trade with crews that were 75% English. The Acts were used to enforce the mercantile system- colonies used to benefit the main country. This contributed to the colonial resentment and was one of the first oppressive actions from Britain. -
Start of George Whitefield's Preaching Tour
George Whitefield was an influential figure because he spread the ideals of the Great Awakening. He went on preaching tours throughout the colonies, where he preached to anybody anywhere. He had a very emotional and dramatic style which made people want to listen to him. His sermons helped spread Christianity and spread the ideals of personal salvation. Also, new denominations of the Protestants, like the Methodists, grew. He helped the colonies find their religious identity and inspire people. -
Albany Plan
It was proposed by Benjamin Franklin during a meeting with other colonial leaders during the Seven Years War. His plan aimed to unify the colonies under a centralized government for trade, military, and defense. It would also help manage relations with Native Americans. It was rejected by the British and the colonies themselves. However, it was an early attempt for colonial unity, creating the idea. It inspired the Continental Congress. The phrase "Join, or Die" was created because of his plan. -
Proclamation of 1763
The Proclamation of 1763 was issued by King George III at the end of the Seven Years' War. It was used to repair relations with the colonists and native Americans and stop the westward expansion of colonies in French territories. It created a boundary line, which prevented settlers from entering this new territory. As a result, it led to the start of colonial rebellious activities. They believed they did not have the right to rule them in this way. This started the wave of revolution activity. -
Quartering Act
This act forced U.S. citizens to house and feed British soldiers who were serving in America. This not only angered U.S. citizens, but caused them to lose resources and it was an invasion of privacy. It was also a way for the Britain assert in-direct authority over the colonies. The soldiers presence would cause Revolution activities to slow. This was one of the many unfair acts, put on the colonists by Britain. These acts caused the colonists anger and support for the revolution to rise. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was the first casualties of the American Revolution. The British started to station troops outside the town hall, to stop the rebellious crowd. However, the colonists began to throw snowballs at the soldiers and in response, the British soldiers began to fire back. The nine soldiers killed five of the townspeople. This event became labeled as a massacre. It had mixed reactions through the colonies but was important in spreading the ideas of the revolution against the British. -
Lexington and Concord
The British were looking for John Hancock and Samuel Adams in the town of Lexington. They wanted revenge on them for the Boston Tea Party, which caused them to lose millions of dollars. The British also wanted to get rid of the colonists supplies for a possible revolution. The soldiers marched and seized all military goods. However, Paul Revere was able to warn them that the "redcoats were coming." The militiamen fought the redcoats on the town square, killing 250. This started the revolution. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
It was one of the first major conflicts of the Revolutionary War. It was fought near Boston near Breed's Hill. The British were able to defeat the colonists, but at heavy costs. They were able to take high ground at the hill, but there were also over 1,000 British deaths which showed that the American forces were not to take lightly. However, they did lose a lot of soldiers led by William Prescott. But more importantly, it boosted American morale and gave them hope that they could win the war. -
Publishing of Common Sense
Common Sense was written by Thomas Paine. It was used to inspire the revolution. It was written in common language so everybody could understand the language in it. It was thought of a propaganda piece, but was very important for the citizens of the United States. It showed the injustice systems of the British. It led to the United States declaring independence. There was a shift in public opinion toward independence and it also inspired some of the writing in the Declaration of Independence. -
Declaration of Independence
It formerly announced the American colonies separation from Great Britain. Thomas Jefferson helped craft the document, which outlined the oppressive actions from King George III and outlined their principles of natural rights: life liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This led to the birth of our new nation and started the revolution. Also, it inspired democratic movements across the world and inspired the ideals of equality inside self-government systems. It changed governments worldwide. -
Battle of Yorktown
It was the final battle of the Revolutionary War. The American and French troops laid siege to British troops in Yorktown, Virginia. They were surrounded because of the French's naval presence and the other soldier's land presence. This caused General Cornwallis to surrender, officially ending the Revolutionary War. As a result, it led to American Independence and the Treaty of Paris. America was now independent and thus needed to establish systems of government and control its people. -
Constitutional Convention of 1787
It took place in Philadelphia and lasted four months. It was a meeting of delegates from 12 of the 13 States to discuss the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. The U.S Constitution was wrote here which established a federal government with a system of checks and balances. Ben Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison all helped lead it. It was a success and was a guiding framework for the development of the U.S. It handled situations well and ensured safety and democracy. -
Hamilton's Financial Plan
While Alexander Hamilton was secretary of the Treasury, he created a financial plan, which was supported by George Washington. In his plan he wanted to assume state debts, raise money for the federal government through tariffs and taxes, and create a national bank. He believed all of this would create a strong economy and build trust with foreign nations for trade. Because of his plan, the economy thrived. Industrialization increased, creating jobs and the tariffs boosted American businesses. -
Creation of the Cotton Gin
It was invented by Eli Whitney. It was a revolutionary device that separated cotton fibers from seeds, getting rid of the labor and time requirement needed to formerly do it. Because of it, it made cotton highly profitable. The south was perfect for growing cotton, so land got much more expensive. The slave trade also boomed because of it. They were able to produce lots of cotton for the rest of the world. The economy grew and prospered, but the divide of slavery also went along with it. -
Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey Rebellion was the first real test for the new Constitution. When Pennsylvania farmers refused to pay the unfair excise tax on whiskey, they rose up in a rebellion. They did this because whiskey was an important party of their economy and a way to make extra money. However, the larger distillers were able to pay the fee easier, making it more profitable. Washington was able to call an army, and diminish the rebellion, showing the Constitution's strength and its first real success. -
XYZ Affair
President John Adams decided to send agents over to France because they were not allowing the United States to trade in the Atlantic Ocean. However they demanded a bribe of $250,000 before they would negotiate with them. It was leaked to the media and the public felt disrespected by the French. The agents did not pay and Adams refused war, an unpopular move. This led to stronger support for the Federalists for a stronger national defense and increased nationalism, because of disrespect shown. -
Alien and Sedition Acts
It was three laws passed by Congress: it increased amount of time immigrants could become citizens, allowed the president could deport any alien deemed dangerous, and it made it illegal to print media that is critical of the president or Congress. They were used to suppress opposition from the Anti-Federalists, and were criticized for violating basic rights. Because of the problems caused by the acts, it made Adams lose popularity and helped Thomas Jefferson win in the election of 1800. -
Election of 1800
The Election of 1800 was the first shift in power between two parties. It went from Federalist to Anti-Federalist power with John Adams from Thomas Jefferson. It signified a peaceful transition of power, something never seen before. This election also went on to influence the party system. Even though it was not official, the policies between the presidents severely changed because they were apart of different parties. The peaceful transition of power showed that democracies could work. -
Louisiana Purchase
The French sold their territory west of the Mississippi River to the United States in exchange for $15 million. Thomas Jefferson bought it, where he struggled with the idea of buying it, because he believed it was unconstitutional. However, he did and doubled the size of the United States. As a result, this opened new lands for settlements and economic development, also known as westward expansion. They were also able to take control of the Mississippi River, which was important for trade. -
Embargo Act of 1807
It was a law passed by Thomas Jefferson because of the British and French interference of American ships in the Atlantic. The law passed banned American ships from trading with foreign nations because he wanted them to respect U.S. neutrality. However, it was rather ineffective, and led to severe economic hardship. Merchants could not get goods and had to smuggle them inside. However, American farmers businesses grew because of the need for food. This also led to the start of the War of 1812. -
Battle of New Orleans
It was the final battle of the War of 1812. The American forces, led by Andrew Jackson, defeated the British. This battle happened after the war was over because the armies did not receive word of the Treaty of Ghent. The American soldiers were outnumbered consisted of soldiers, and common people. The U.S won, which severely boosted Andrew Jackson's reputation, labeling him as a hero for the people. It boosted American morale and provided a sense of nationalism throughout the country. -
Panic of 1819
It was the first major financial crisis of the United States. It was caused by the post-war boom of the War of 1812, decline in cotton prices, and land speculation. The Second Bank of the United States also began to tighten credit and loans, which led to bank failures and recession across the country. It led to unemployment and bankruptcies. It was more prevalent in the west because they were less developed. It also led to a mistrust in banks, preluding to Andrew Jackson's anti-bank policies. -
Missouri Compromise
It was a law crafted by Henry Clay which was used to resolve the dispute over the expansion of slavery into western territories. Missouri wanted to be admitted into the Union as a slave state but it would upset the balance of free and slave states in Congress. So, it was proposed that Missouri would be admitted as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining the balance. As a result, it established the 36th parallel as the diving line for slavery. Everything north of it was a free state. -
Monroe Doctrine
It was a policy made by James Monroe which declared that the Western Hemisphere was off limits for European colonization because it would threaten American security. If they did not interfere with the west, the U.S, in exchange, would not interfere in any European affairs. This was important because it recognized the amount of power the United States now had. They were one of the biggest countries and wanted to expand. It led to them trying to make use and develop their abundance of land. -
Creation of the Erie Canal
It was a man-made waterway which connected the Hudson River to Lake Erie, going across an industrialized part of the country. It allowed for the transportation of goods between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes.The economic effects were great. The transportation of goods was much faster throughout the country. The canal also allowed people to travel much faster through the country. Cities around the canal such as New York City also grew as a result. Jobs also increased in these areas. -
Tariff of Abominations (Tariff of 1828)
It was a tariff passed by Congress which aimed to protect the northern industries by raising the prices of important goods. It was very controversial in the South because they were negatively impacted by the price of high goods. It benefited the industrial north because they were able to make their own products. The south was less industrialized making it hard to get products. This led to the Nullification Crisis because John C. Calhoun believed South Carolina had the right to nullify it. -
Indian Removal Act
The removal act was signed by Andrew Jackson, forcing Native American tribes in southeastern United States to relocate west of the Mississippi River. He wanted to open land for agriculture and settlement. It led to the forced migration of tens of thousands of natives, and the "Trail of Tears" where thousands died due to harsh conditions. This also increased tensions between the Native Americans and the U.S. government. Wars were a result of this act and increased conflict for years to come. -
Publication of "The Liberator"
"The Liberator" was a civil rights newspaper published by William Loyd Garrison. It was a major success in spreading the ideas of anti-slavery and promoting the equal rights for all. It became a regular newspaper for three decades, leading up to the end of slavery during the Civil War. This helped spread the abolition movement toward everyone during the Second Great Awakening. Many abolition leaders were inspired by the newspaper, thus leading to greater support for the freedom of slaves. -
Nat Turner's Rebellion
It was an attempt to overthrow slavery throughout the South led by Nat Turner, an enslaved preacher. He was able to assemble an army and killed around 60 white people. However, they eventually ran into local militias, and Turner was executed. This caused slaveholders to fear that this could happen to them. Rebellion, such as this, were becoming more common, so they stricter slave codes and restricted abolitionist ideas were spread throughout the South. . They wanted to feel safe in their land. -
Nullification Crisis
South Carolina was unhappy with Tariff of 1832, so John Calhoun helped pass the Nullification Ordinance because they thought it was oppressive. They nullified the tariff and threatened to secede if forced to comply. As a result, Jackson passed the Force Bill which made them use military force in order for them to comply. Henry Clay proposed the Compromise Tariff which reduced it significantly. South Carolina eventually repealed its ordinance. It shifted the ideas of state and government power. -
Battle of the Alamo
Texan soldiers, led by Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, tried to defend the Alamo against Mexican forces led by Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. After 13 days, the Mexican troops outnumbered and overwhelmed the Texans, killing all of their soldiers. This further set the stage for the Texas Revolution. It inspired them to keep on fighting and eventually earn independence from Mexico. It also became a symbol of hard work and pride. The phrase: "Remember the Alama" was created after this battle. -
Annexation of Texas
The Republic of Texas was officially admitted into the Union, becoming the 28th state. It became independent in 1836 but negotiating and dangers made the U.S. not want to annex them. This annexation led to the Mexican-American war because they did not recognize Texas' independence. This led to more territorial gains for the United States. The annexation also led to more conflict over slavery, because it was admitted as a slave state, increasing sectional tensions between the north and south. -
California Gold Rush
Gold was discovered in Sutter's Mill in California. The news was spread quickly and thousands of people flocked to California. They were hoping to strike gold and become rich. However, it became very unsaturated and it was very hard to find gold because of the influx of people. However, it had an influx of economic effects. It helped spread westward expansion and boosted the growth of many cities, including San Francisco. It also led to conflicts with Native Americans and land disputes. -
Seneca Conference
The Seneca Conference was focused on the ideas of women's suffrage. It was led by suffragists such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, and Susan B. Anthony. It was the first women's rights convention. They created the Declaration of Sentiments, which solidified their belief that men and women deserved the same rights. This conference led to the creation of the NAWSA, an association supporting suffrage. This conference symbolized the start of support for the suffragist movement. -
Dred Scott vs. Sandford
An enslaved man, Dred Scott, sued for his freedom because he lived in a free state. However the Supreme Court, led by Roger B. Taney, declared that African Americans were not U.S. citizens and therefore could not see in the federal court. It also said that slaves are property of their masters. This affected the Missouri Compromise because it claimed that Congress had no authority to prohibit slavery in the territories. It also led to increased abolitionist efforts throughout the country. -
Battle of Bull Run
Bull Run was the first battle of the Civil War. The Union tried to launch an attack and capture the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia. They believed it would be an easy win, and spectators even came expecting a Confederate defeat. However, the Union forces were unexpectedly defeated by the Confederate soldiers. This showed the strength and resiliency of the Confederacy. It also led to the replacement of Irvin McDowell, the Union General, with George McClellan, a controversial general. -
Signing of Pacific Railway Act
The Pacific Railway Act signed by Abraham Lincoln. It created a transcontinental railroad across the U.S. To get this done, they hired two different companies to lay down the tracks, each from a different side. The crews were motivated by the land and money given to them for each mile of track laid. This also led to competition and motivation to finish.The railroad was finished in 1871. The railroad made transportation of goods easier, and faster and cheaper transportation across the U.S. -
Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation did not just free the slaves, it allowed slavery to continue in border states and that people could only have slaves in states controlled by the Union. It also gave the Confederacy the ability to rejoin the Union and be able to continue to have slavery. However, they did not take this offer. This severely damaged foreign relations because it showed that the Confederacy supported slavery. It also meant that it was a war against slavery, along with unification. -
Battle of Gettysburg
The Confederate army wanted to threaten Northern cities, lower the Union's morale, and win a battle on northern soil. Confederate General Robert E. Lee met Union General George G. Meade North of the town. Reinforcements were sent to help both of the armies. However, on the second day, the Union performed full-scale assaults on the Confederate position, allowing them for an infantry assault. Lee was forced to retreat. It resulted in the Gettysburg Address, and lowered the Confederate's morale. -
Sherman's March to the Sea
Union General William Sherman led 60,000 soldiers on a march across Georgia. Along the way, they stole food and livestock, burned down farms and houses, and wrecked bridges. They wanted the South to feel the effects of the way and fully get rid of their hopes of winning the war. Because of his march, the Southern's morale was at an all-time low, causing the end of war to speed up, and limited their ability to fight and survive. It also caused the reconstruction of the south because of damages. -
Sand Creek Massacre
John Chivington and 700 of his men attacked a village of Cheyenne and Arapaho people. They killed around 150 people, with 2/3 of them being women and children. This was a shock throughout the nation and increased tensions between Plain Indians and the U.S. government. It also showed that the U.S. was not afraid to fight back against the Plains Indians. Also, it displayed the lack of respect the U.S. had for the Indians because of the killings. This set the stage for Indian Boarding schools. -
Freedman's Bureau
It was created by Congress under Lincoln. It was to assist formerly enslaved people who now became free. It was an important part of the reconstruction and gave the freemen food, shelter, education, and medical aid. As a result, the literacy of African Americans went up because of the increased education. However, the act was resented by the South. It lacked funding and support causing it to end in 1872. This led to sharecropping systems and further unfair conditions for African Americans. -
Creation of the 13th Amendment
It abolished slavery throughout the United States. It was a turning point in American history. It was used to help reconstruct the south after the Civil War. The creation of this amendment was driven by Abraham Lincoln. While this freed the slaves, it caused their lives to change drastically. The Freedman's Bureau helped set them up in society. However, discrimination did not stop with the creation of Jim Crow Laws and the Black Codes. It also set the stage for more civil rights movements. -
Formation of the Ku Klux Klan
A group of Confederate soldiers in Pulaski, Tennessee, created the Ku Klux Klan, a violent organization, which aimed to restore white supremacy during the Reconstruction period. They were led by Nathan Bedford Forrest, who was its first leader. They used lynching and intimidation to suppress the civil rights of African Americans. Their acts led to the end of the Reconstruction because they were able to undermine efforts used to achieve racial equality. It was continued through the 20th century. -
Military Reconstruction Acts
It was a series of laws passed after the Civil War to help rebuild the South and enforce civil rights for freed African Americans. The Acts divided the South into five military districts under federal control, where they were required to draft a new constitution. They had to ratify the 14th, guaranteeing black men the right to vote before rejoining the Union. These Acts helped provide protection for African Americans but also caused further anger, leading to the creation of racist groups. -
Civil Rights Act of 1875
It was a federal law signed into place by Ulysses S. Grant and the Republican controlled Congress during the Reconstruction Era. It allowed African Americans equal access to public accommodation and prohibited racial discrimination in jury service. It also helped make sure the rights promised by the 14th and 15th Amendments would go through. However, it was ignored in the South and was ruled unconstitutional in 1883 by the Supreme Court. It led to the rise of the Jim Crow laws and segregation. -
Battle of Little Bighorn
The U.S. tried to force many Native American tribes including the Sioux onto reservations because gold was discovered in the Black Hills. The Sioux were led to Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, while the U.S. was led by Colonel George Custer. The Sioux killed all of the 210 of Custer's men, including Custer, because they successfully surrounded the army. While it was a massive victory for the Native Americans, it led to a stronger military response by the United States, leading to their relocation. -
Dawes Act
The Dawes Act gave Indians 600 acres of land per family but they would have to farm and maintain it. This was like the Homestead Act. However, it actually tried to lower relationships between Indians and their tribes. It would force them to move away from each other leading to disconnection between them. They could also not participate in their own dance and other traditions in this. This act tried to kill their culture. It led to other events such as Indian Boarding Schools to "save the man."