-
Period: 1492 to
Colombian Exchange
-
Jamestown is Founded
Found in current-day Virginia. Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in North America. Where they settled lacked nutrient soil for growing crops and a clean water source . This caused many of the og. Jamestown settlers to die of both starvation and diseases. The large amount of deaths made people fearful of migrating to James town which led to the headwright system that gave people oney in exchange for migrating to the New World. This system eventually led to indentured survitude. -
Period: to
Great Awakening
-
French and Indian War
The French and Indiana War was part of the Seven Years' War, fought between France and Great Britain due to debates over land claims. This war involved many Native groups and North American colonies. After the war, Britain fueled the colonists' hatred for its motherland due to new policies regarding land west of the Appalachian and high taxes in an attempt to pay off the war expenses which highly impacted the colonists. This upset the colonists, especially after years of salutary neglect. -
Treaty of Paris of 1763
The Treaty of Paris marked the end of the Seven Years War and had a large territorial imapct. This Treaty made France give up all its land in mainland North America giving Great Britian almost full control of it. Though it gave Great Britain more land and lowered foreign threat it also had a negative impact. It caused disputes over frontier and money and greatly agitated the colonists because of the impacts the war had and continued to have on them. -
Hamilton's Financial Plan
Hamiltons Finacial Plan included three main parts: federal assumption of states debts, creation of the Bank of the United States, and support for emerging industries. This plan would allow states to develop economically but was opposed by Jefferson because the irginians had already payed of their debts. Jefferson also opposed Alexanders plan of tariffs. Alexander supported a stronger federal government while Jefferson didnt not, and in turn, he did not support a national bank.(Strict v. Loose) -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was enacted in March of 1765 just after the end of the French and Indian War. This Act required the colonists to get a stamp for almost every piece of printed paper. They implamented this tax to help cover the costs of the troops that were there during the war and that stayed after. This tax was made with out the opinions of the colonists and led to the principal of "no taxation without representation." This tax eventually became one of the many reasons for American independence. -
Townshend Acts
The British parliament passed the Townshend Acts to help cover the expenses of being in control of the colonies in America and protecting them from French expansion. This included taxes on glass, lead, paper, paint, and tea. Along with implementing the taxes they also sent troops to try and enforce them. These things put together upset those in the British colonies as they felt they had no representation in the decisions being made. These Acts hurt the colonies' shipping and led to Boycotts. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre took place between 8 British soldiers stationed to protect against violent acts and American Colonists who were unhappy with the British government's decisions. Leading up to the day of the event many colonists had been harassing the soldiers. One day something hard was thrown at one of the soldiers causing him to bleed. This prompted the other soldiers to start firing into the crowd killing many civilians including Crispus Attucks. "The Bloody Massacre"-Paul Revere. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party took place in response to the British tax on tea and the idea of "no taxation without representation." Participants boarded a ship carrying tea and threw almost $1.7 million worth of tea into Boston Harbor. The Sons of Liberty, a prominent group at the time led by Samuel Adams, planned the event. The British government responded harshly, enforcing new acts in response saying their acts were treasonous. They closed the Boston port and enacted the Coercive Acts. -
Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts)
Enacted after the Boston Tea Party. Included four acts: the Boston Port Act, the Massachusetts Act, the Administration of Justice Act, and the Quartering Act. Leading radicals at the time like Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock disapproved of these acts, and along with others' dislike they came to be known as the Intolerable Acts. Colonists responded by holding the First Continental Congress which hoped to find a unified solution for the British. -
The First Continental Congress
The congress met in Philadelphia with all 13 colonies except Georgia. This gathering was made to find a response to the Intolerable Acts. It was the first time the colonies had joined together to find a unified solution to the British. Eventually formed the Continental Association which worked to plan boycotts on British imports and exports. Women worked to make up for the products that were being boycotted and formed groups like the Daughters of Liberty. -
Deceleration Of Independence
Announced the separation of the 13 colonies from the British government and stated the kings violations of those rights. Thomas Paine's common sense helped to gain support for American Independence. Stated three main ideas: 1) All men are made equal and have the right of life, liberty, and property 2) The main job of the government is to protect these rights 3) If the government fails to protect these rights the people have the right to revolt and set up a new government. -
Articles of Confederation
The first constitution for the United States. The Articles showed where the newly independent Americans fears lied the most. Stated that there was no executive, no standing army, no taxing authority, limited federal power, and that decisions require 100% percent approval. Many of these rules made the government uneffective and hurt the Americans economically. Limits on taxation made it hard to make any improvements as taxes were the main way of getting money to fund these projects. -
Battle of Yorktown
With the support of the French army the Americans were able to defeat the British. Trapped Charles Cornwallis and his army on a peninsula surrounded by both the French and Americans. The Battle of Yorktown led to the peace negotiations that led to the end of the Revolutionary war, officially giving America its independence. This battle marked the end of British military efforts in the colonies and led to the Signature of the Treaty of Paris which formally fecognized American independence. -
Treaty of Paris of 1783
The Treaty of Paris was a peace treaty between America and Britain. This Treaty recognized Americas Independence of the British defeat during the Revolutionary war. Along with independence it also gave America a significantly large piece of land. The signature of the Treaty of Paris gave America many benifits including recognition of U.S. independence, teritorial gains including ones east of the Mississippi and south of Canada, and the withdrawal of British troops from American territory. -
Shay's Rebellion
Shay's Rebellion was an uprising in eastern Massachusetts after the Revolutionary War. Led by Daniel Shay after he returned from serving in the war and had his land taken away because he was in debt. He started a group of veterans and supporters who closed courts to prevent them from taxing and taking land. People in Boston were afraid but had no government or army to ask for protection so they gathered money to hire a private army of mercenaries. Showed flaws in the Articles of Confederation. -
Constitution of 1787
The Constitution of 1787's original goal was to amend the new articles but instead remade them. Some of the main topics addressed in this constitution were how many representatives to give each state, whether it be equal or proportional, and how they would be elected. It also discussed how much power to give the central government leading to the creation of the Federalist (supported strong central gov. and ratification) and anti-federalists (didn't want a strong central gov. nor ratification.) -
Period: to
Washington's Presidency
-
Bill of Rights
The main goal was to address the fears of the Anti-federalists who feared the Constitution and the strong government. The Bill was the first 10 amendments of the constitution and included the basic American rights. Guaranteed specific rights and liberties including the freedom of speech, press, and religion, the right to bear arms, and no cruel punishments. Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic clause) allowed the government to grow when they found it necessary but many feared corrupt leaders. -
Cotton Gin
The Cotton Gin was created and patented by Eli Whitney and greatly reduced the amount of time needed to remove seeds from cotton making cotton production faster. This led to cotton becoming a very profitable product causing a rise in demand for cotton, and because slaves were needed to pick cotton, a rise in slaves. Eli Whitney later improved his inventions by creating Interchangeable parts. This allowed less experienced workers and led to a boom in mass manufacturing and the factory system. -
Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey Rebellion was an uprising of farmers and distillers in Pennsylvania who were protesting the Whiskey tax. The federal government implemented the Whiskey tax but it was rarely followed because of violence and disregard. Due to the rebellion, Washington had to send troops to calm the uprisings. This event was seen as the first challenge of the new American government and was recognized as a success because of Washingtons use of troops and federal powers to help calm the violence. -
Naturalization, Alien, and Sedation Acts of 1798
The Naturalization, Alien, and Sedation Acts were passed during Adams's presidency and during a time of a primarily anti-federalist government. The Naturalization Act increased the time immigrants had to live in the U.S. before becoming citizens. Alien Act allowed the president to deport any alien considered dangerous. The Sedition Act made it illegal for newspapers to print any material that was critical of the president or Congress. Prevented Jefferson and others from opposing Adams. -
Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase bought land from France for $15 million dollars doubling the size of the United States and expanding it westward. Not only did it increase America's size it also brought in lots of natural materials to the people of the U.S. This purchase set up the states for westward expansion. This expansion brought struggle for Jefferson because he was a strict constructionists. Strict constructionists supported following the constitution strictly while loose constructionists did not. -
Marbury v. Madison
Marbury v. Madison was a landmark decision stating that American courts could strike down laws they felt violated the Constitution. Developed the idea of Judicial review which added the system of checks and balances. Judicial review gave courts the right to decide if the actions of the executive and the legislative branches were constitutional or null and void. This was the first time the Supreme Court had shut down a law they found unconstitutional, this showed the federal governments power. -
War of 1812
The War of 1812 started due to the impressment of hundreds of American Sailors and British support of the Native American resistance in the U.S. The United States also wanted to prove that revolutionary victory wasn't just luck. The War of 1812 included some important battles, such as the Battle of Thames and the Battle of New Orleans, where even though America had some shortcomings, they were able to defeat Britain. Led to a sense of nationalism, increased foreign trade, and westward expansion. -
Boston Manufactuering Company
The Boston Manufacturing Company was one of the first factories in America. It used the Waltham-Lowell System, which became prominent during the rise of the textile industry. The Waltham-Lowell system was a form of production that created everything in one building rather than shipping it to different areas for different parts. Many factories that used the Lowell system also used workers known as Lowell Mill girls. These girls often lived in housing near the factories and worked long hours. -
Erie Canal
The Erie Canal was made during the Transportation Revolution which was a period of increased innovations regarding things like steamboats and railroads. This made trade and travel both more efficent and cost effective. The Erie Canal was one if the biggest canals at the time and, like many trains, linked towns to major rivers and lakes. It was the largest artificial waterway. Thought the Erie Canal only ran one direction, steamboats could be found on the canal helping to make travel even faster. -
Missouri Compromise
The Missouri Compromise admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state to keep the balance between free and slave states. Outlawed slavery above 36 30' latitude line. Southerners didnt like the law because it ment the government was making laws regarding slavery, and the north didnt like it because it ment slavery was expanding to more states. The Missouri Compromise wasn't very successful because it really only included the land from the Louisinana purchase, dividing California. -
Period: to
Second Great Awakening
-
Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine said America would not interfere in any European affairs, the Western Hemisphere is not open to colonization, and if a European country tried to interfere with America it would be seen as a hostile act. The Monroe Doctrine helped to protect Latin American Independence and helped in the creation of the U.S. Foreign Policy. The Monroe Doctrine was widely accepted and respected by most and helped to defend america from British, and later Soviet Union, invasions. -
Tariff of Abominations
The Tariff of 1828, also known as the Tariff of abominations, was a set of tariffs placed on some imported goods. Was seen two different ways dependent on wether they were fromt he North or South. The North believed it was good because it made poeple buy more U.S. goods making the Northern industrial states profit more. The South felt it was bad because the other countries would retaliate to the American tariff by not buying American products, therfore impacting the southern states. -
Period: to
Jackson's Presidency
-
Indian Removal Act
The Indiana Removal Act allowed the president to give lands West of the Mississippi in exchange for Indian lands within existing state boarders. Manifest Destiny, which was the belief that American expansion was inevitable and justifiable, was once of the things used to justify the act. The Act forced the Cherroke Nation to give up its lands and move to Oregan , this was known as the Trail of Tears. Later on many people continued ot move onto Native lands especially using the Oregon Trail. -
Battle of Alamo
The Battle of Alamo was an influencial fight in the Texas Revolution. This took place after Mexico opened Texas lands to Americans but tried to stop the flow of settlers later. This upset many of the new settlers and led to Texas' call for independence. In the Battle of Alamo they refussed to give up eventually leding to the death of the whole group. The war was ended with Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo which gave America territory west to the Pacific Ocean. Led to debates over the boarder. -
Panic of 1837
The Panic of 1837 was an economic crisis which caused a depression in the United States. The Panic caused wage drops, banks to collapse, slowed westward expansion, and unemployment. There were many reasons for the Economic crisis one of the most notable was the Jacksons Bank war. Which started because Jackson feared the foreign influence, and beleived banks should be controlled by states (McCulloch v. Madison). He then moved the bank to state banks and implamented the Specice Circular. -
Seneca Falls
The Senca Falls Convention was organized by Lucreta Mott, Elizabeth Stanton, and Susan B. Anthony. It is the start of the womens suffrage movement. Decleration of Sentimentals lays out allt he ways women were locked out of society. Took place during the Second Great Awakening. A period where there was major social change based on the ides of freewill and perfecting society. Some major social movements of the time were abolition, temperance, and womens suffrage, seen in Seneca Falls convention. -
Battle of New Orleans
The Batlle of New Orleans took place between U.S. and British troops. The Battle was part of the battle of 1812 in which they saught to expand westward and gain nuetral rights. It was the final battle of the war. Though the British troops had larger numbers and more experience in the feild, Americans troops easily beat them. This battle took place after the peace treaty had been signed but the word had not been spread of it end. -
Compromise of 1850
The acts admitted California as a free state, banned the slave trade in DC, and amended the fugitive slave act. The Fugitive slave act required to people int he North to report anyone they thought to be a fugitve slave even if they didnt want to. Groups made before the act like the AA-SS fought for immediate abolition and opposed this law. This act lead to the creation of many programs and was supported by older systems like the Underground Railroad which helped to protect escaping alive -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
This act repealed the Missouri compromise and left the question of free or slave state to the peoples vote. This created the idea of popular sovereignty which said that the government is supported by the people and displayed the beliefs of the people. This act also led to Bleeding kansas. Took place when a group of pro-slavery people form Missouri went across the boarder with guns (boarder ruffians). Once they they took over the court house to stop voting and stuffed boxes with fradulent votes. -
Dred Scott v. Sanford
This was a rulling by the Supreme court that said slaves were not citizens and, therefore, could not expect protection. Dred Scott was a former slave who had been moved to a free state. Since he had been moved that ment he was no longer a slave which he argued in court. This idea was opposed by Roger B. Tanney who said blacks have no rights that whites have to respect. Essentially implying there was no such thing as a free state. This took rights away from the states and upset the north. -
South Carolina Secession
South Carolinas Secession took place after the election of Abraham Licoln as president in the Election of 1860. In this election their were split democrats leding to Lincolns victory which further upset the South eventually leading to their succession. South Carolinas succession was the first of many, being followed by many other states in the South. Thier main resons for succesion were to protect their states' rights, protect slavery, and the Souths beliefs that they werent being recognized. -
Period: to
Lincolns' Presidency
-
Period: to
Civil War
-
Morrill Land Grant act of 1862
The Morrill Land Grant act of 1862 gave federal lands to states but required it to only be used to build public post-secondary education. Many of the lands given to the states were taken from native lands making their land smaller. This allowed for the creation of many state universities and made higher education more accessible. This especially helped thr working-class, formers slaves, or those who lived in rural regions. This act also helped provide economic development in years after. -
Pacific Railway act of 1862
The Pacific Railway act of 1862 created the first transcontinental railroad. It was funded in two ways money per mile or to miles of land for every 10 miles of track. Lincoln signed two companies, the Union Pacific Railroad which went West to East and the Central Pacific Railroad which went East to West. The creation of the roailroad connected the North, South, East, and West, allowed for goods to be shipped faster for lower costs, and increased the standard of living while lowering costs. -
Homstead Act of 1862
The United States had empty land and they wanted to make the land more useful. This in combination with the overcrowding in the urban areas, led to the creation of the Homestead Act. This act gave individuals 160 acres of federal land and homestead deeds. For permanant deeds they had to move to the land, improve the land, and farm there for 5 years. This speed up travel and settlement in the western lands and caused resentment in the Natives who lived there. -
Emancipation Proclomation
The proclimation was made a few days after Antietam. The Battle of Antietam was the single deadliest day in American history but brought an Union victory. This allowed for Abraham Lincoln to make the Emancipation Proclamation. This proclamation Abolished slavery in the south but kept it in the boarder states in the hopes of not alientaing them. It allowed states to maintain slavery if they returned peacefully. It also sadi that if the Union had to conquer the land they will free their slaves. -
Gettysburg Address
The Gettysburg adress was delivered on the grounds of the Battle of Gettysburg which had been fought just a year earlier. This address honored the Union soliders who had died and asked to not let them die with their work and dedication being unrecognized and honored. The address also focused on equality and liberty shifting the focus from solely being based on the union to being based on equality too. Made the Civil War focused on slavery too. Dedicated the National Cemetery in Gettysburg. -
The Enrollment Act of 1863
The Enrollment Act required many people to sign up for drafts once they reached a certain age. The draft could be avoided if you were able to pay for a substitution which upset many lower class civilians leading to draft riots. Another prominant law in the confederace was the Twenty-negro rule. This excluded one white overseer for evry twenty slaves on a plantation. Lincons suspension of Habeas Corpus allowed him to detain and jail anyone participationg in draft riots without trials. -
Vicksburg
The Battle of Vicksburg took place during the civil war and was the completion of the Anaconda plan. The Anaconda plan used the Navy to block all the ports on the Southeast coast. It also sent troops down the Mississippi River to split the south in half and divide the Confederate troops. This created both logistical and economic problems for the south. The Battle of Vicksburg was crucial to the Union in the completion of their plan and the capture of Vicksburg giving control of the Mississippi. -
Sherman's March to the Sea
Shermans march to the sea was led by William Sherman and went from Atlanta to the sea.As the troops went throught the country they acted not only as a scare tactic but also as a form of destruction. As they went the troops would burn and raid any buildings or crops. They also burn many of the few factories in the south making it even harder to support the confederate army. Special field order No. 15 took the lands confinscated and redistributed them to newly freed African Americans as they went. -
Period: to
Reconstruction
-
Reconstruction Acts of 1867
The Reconstruction Acts of 1867 took away the political powers of the southern states and divided them into military districts. Required the southern states to ratify the 14th Amendment and create a state constitution that guaranteed all men the right to vote. It also put Military oversight over the former Confederate states. This allowed the government to easily enforce the laws made. The military was used to protect black civil rights and limit the presence of the Ku Klux Klan. -
14th Amendment
The Fouteenth amendment said that any US born or naturalized people were citizens of the United States. All US states were required to protect citzens with full protections throught th alws and legal process. The law prevented former confederates from holding state or federal offices because many feared they would try to regain power and succed from the Union again. The Fourteenth amendment also said that if a state denied people their voting rights, they would lose representation in Congress. -
15th Amendment
The 15th Amendment was one of the last Recosntruction Amendements when the Federalists had the super majority. This was a key part in reconstruction and was made out of the fear that the Confederates would undo all of the work. The 15th Amendent gave the right to vote to any male regardless of color, race, or if they were previously enslaved. Many Southern states found ways around this law by implamenting fees or tests which made it harder for freed slaves and those who were uneducated to vote. -
Civil Rights Act of 1875
A law passed by congress and signed by Grant. The act banned banned discrimination in public accomidation however many of the presidents after grant didnt enforce the law. It was made in response to increases in segregation, violence, and increased post-reconstruction ideologies. The reconstruction made many anti-slavery ideas prominant in conversation and led many to support black civil rights. The law was also made in response to increases in violence and groups like the Ku Klux Klan. -
Battle of Little Bighorn
Little Bighorn was one of the many Indian wars, some others being the Sandcreek Massacre and the
Wounded Knee Massacre. Little Bighorn tokk place when soliders were sent to calm a group of defiant Indians. The lands had many canals and hidden areas that the Indians were aware of but the troops were not. The natives won against the troops, as the the natives highly outnumbered them. This battle convinced the government that the Natives were violent and caused them to send more troops. -
Chinese Exclusion Act
The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was a law that banned Chinese workers from entering the United States because of job competition. Along with this many people didnt like the cultural differences which highly impacted Chinese communities and families becuase they were seperated from eachother, and often exposed to racism. Many Chinese workers came to america during or in the years following the Gold Rush. This was one of the first times America had restricted immigration to the country. -
Dawes act of 1887
The Dawes Act was similar to the Homestead Act but for natives instead. Some civilians did not want to give them land, but others thought it was generous. Putting them on separate lands separated them from their tribe and made them focus on farming more than spending time with their tribe. The government's main goal was assimilation, this was the adoption of white ideas by the natives. Another form of assimilation used at the time was schools which separated kids from their families and tribe. -
Plessy v. Ferguson
A decision rulled by the Supreme Court that said seperate but equal accomidations were legal. This was used to justify segregation in all public spaces, including schools, even though many of the accomidations werent equal. Similar to Jim Crow laws which were prominant in the South. These laws were used to legalize segregation and restrcit black civil rights. This rulling held until Brown v. Board of Education, where the court rulled seperate institutions and accomidations as unequal.