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Settlement of Jamestown
Many attempts at settlements in the new world had been established, Jamestown would be the first of all to survive the winter. Jamestown was established as a tobacco colony. Many settlements who started off never made it through winter, however Jamestown was different. Native Americans took pity for the settlers of Jamestown and taught them how to continue growing plants, by keeping the soil fertile. The Natives showed the early colonists the basics to staying alive in the new world. -
Slaves first arrive in the American Colonies
Slaves first started being traded in 1619, with the slave trade being extremely profitable. Slaves were too profitable, that the ship could lose more than 50% of its cargo, and still call it a successful trip. Slaves were tied down and would not be able to move for weeks at a time until they reached the Americas. Slave trade was cruel, but unfortunately it was profitable, allowing for thousands of thousands of Africans to be brought and separated from their families to work. -
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The First Great Awakening
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Albany Congress
The threat of French and Indians coming to attack the colonies was severe. Benjamin Franklin brought together a meeting held in Albany, New York. Diplomats of each colony came together and listened to Benjamin Franklin who proposed an idea that had never been heard before. He suggested the colonies form an alliance, to form together, proposing that if one colony was attacked, all the colonies were attacked. It was turned down, but it left people wondering. -
Battle for Fort Neccessity
Washington ambushed a fort because the French were passing the great lakes territory and the British weren't liking it, wanting the land to themselves. Although Washington lost the battle, this would this battle would be the first to the global conflict of the 7 years war. This battle would also be the only battle George Washington would sign the surrender deal to. -
Treaty of Paris 1763
After nine years of global conflict, some historians believe this was the first world war. Finally after 9 years of fighting, the treaty of Paris was signed. France surrendered Canada and all its North American territories to the British and Spanish, and Britain was left with a debt. A huge debt, luckily they have colonies who would never revolt and will pay taxes in order to recover after the war. What could possibly go wrong? -
Proclamation of 1763
Following the Treaty of Paris of 1763, the british had to do something about the Native Americans who were attacking the colonists and British. They looked for a peace deal, not want to eradicate them just for land. They prohibited Americans from settling past the line, which was the new territory they had obtained from the 7 year war. Stubborn Americans ignored this and settled anyway, one of the first defiance which would lead to British troops enforcing the crown upon the Americans. -
Town shed acts
The beginning of taxation for the colonies began with the Town shed Acts. To help pay for the French Indian war the British imposed taxes on products such as glass, paper, lead, paint, and tea. These taxes would also pay for the colonies protection and government. Funding the crown and the red coats. This would infuriate the colonies as they felt they had no representation. Which would lead to several boycotts and ended badly for the British. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston massacre was a confrontation between 9 British soldiers and around two hundred protesters, who were throwing rocks, snowballs and clubs. Being extremely aggressive as they wanted to burn down the tax building. The soldiers were meant to stand their ground, but one soldier reacted and fired, leading to the other soldiers to fire as well without order. The shootout would kill five protesters and would spark rage across the colonies as the paper portrayed it as a peaceful protest. -
Boston Tea Party
A group known as the sons of liberty dressed up as Native Americans and boarded a ship holding tea. The Sons of liberty dropped a whopping total of 92,000lbs of tea. Which would've been billions of dollars in tax revenue for the British. Not only would this infuriate the British, but they locked up Boston, a major port city for the colonies, militarizing Boston and hunting down the sons of liberty and the leaders. -
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The Revolutionary War
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The Shot heard 'Round the World
Before the British arrived, Paul Revere who took to his horse to warn the minutemen the redcoats were on their way. These minutemen stood up to resist to the British and stop them from capturing John Hancock and Samuel Adams, the leaders of the sons of liberty, and prevent them from taking their weapons they had stored. Around 1700 British troops faced the mere 75 minutemen. The minutemen dispersed, but while dispersing. Someone shot, this shot would mark the beginning of the American Revolution -
The Publication of Common Sense
Written by Thomas Paine, a pamphlet which advocated for independence from Great Britian. It wrote persuasive arguments, convincing the common people to join up and fight against the British to break away from their tyranny. It still remains the best-selling American title published, even as of 2024. -
Signing of the Declaration of Independence
The declaration of independence formerly broke away from the British tyranny. Stating that rights had been broken, and too many genocides had been committed against the Americans. The British did not recognize this and King George III swore that those who signed would be punished for treason. Signing the declaration of independence was almost as if they were signing their death certificate. If the war was lost, they would be guilty of treason. The declaration formerly made the United States. -
Battle of Saratoga
Never done before, and done by peasant farmers. The American rebels captured a full British army. After some miscommunication the British army found themselves encircled by the Americans. They surrendered, giving the Americans all the weapons, a humiliating defeat for the British but an astounding victory as it not only significantly boosted morale and marked a turning point in the war, but it also finally convinced the French to invest in the war and kick Britain's ass. -
Articles of Confederation are written
The articles of confederation, would be written and the first constitution of the new nation. The articles would be written out of fear of a strong government and abusive, like how the British Crown had been towards the Americans. They would be tested later with Shay's Rebellion -
Surrender at Yorktown
The British army, led by Cornwallis, sieged in the city of Yorktown, believing that they had the upper hand as they saw ships in the distance, unfortunately they didn't see they were French ships. Cornwallis' army was surrounded on all sides and was being fired upon. The siege lasted nearly a month, but finally Cornwallis surrendered, sending his second in command to deliver his sword to Washington, as it was too humiliating for him. This surrender ended all campaigns to capture the colonies. -
Treaty of Paris 1783
The treaty of Paris formerly ended the American revolution. Britain was forced to recognize the colonies as a country. This treaty also gave The Union the land western, while Britain got to keep Canada. Everything South of present day Canada, and North of Florida to the Mississippi river was rightfully the American's. The picture shown was never completed because the British refused to pose for it, as they were bitter to have lost the war against the Americans. -
Shay's Rebellion
Shay's Rebellion would test the articles of confederation. The Articles did not allow for a standing army, only in a time of war, and if the military was needed, veteran soldiers would be called to for a time of need. Unfortunately Shay's rebellion would make up of all these soldiers. Forcing a private militia paid for by Bostonians to take out the rebellion. The government did not like the people having control, and they had to scrap the Articles for something new, as they simply did not work. -
The Northwest territories are established
The Northwest territories consisted of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. At the time slavery was not a major issue, but it was left unchecked, and the territories were declared that they would be free states. This would be the beginning of a mini cold war between pro-slavery and anti-slavery congressmen. -
Signing of the Constitution
The constitution was well written and balanced the control of power. Giving it to three different powers. The Judicial, The Executive and the Legislative. This constitution would protect the rights of the people. The constitution would also guarantee the rights of the people with the amendments. Some amendments still showing the fear of the British tyranny rising again. The constitution of the USA would inspire countries all over the globe to be like the USA. -
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The Second Great Awakening
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Whiskey Rebellion
The whiskey Rebellion was a violent insurrection over taxes. It lasted over the course of Washington's presidency. Farmers from western Pennsylvania protested to what they thought was unfair taxation. This protest truly tested the power of the new constitution and saw that it was successful. -
First Bank of the USA is established
First known as the national bank. The bank stored government funds collected from taxes and issued standard paper currency. Loans could be given out which would help boost the economy and eventually laid the foundation to get the European nations. The bank would give the foundation of the economy and lead to the industrial revolution. -
The invention of the Cotton Gin
Before the cotton Gin, separating seeds from cotton was harsh work and took time, making cotton very unprofitable, Eli Whitney however invented the cotton Gin, which took two combs and separated the cotton from the seeds very fast. The unintended side effect was this made cotton EXTREMELY profitable. So much so that it made slavery popular again. Slavery had been on the decline and it was believed it would disappear on its own but the cotton Gin reintroduced slavery back into the economy. -
Proclamation of Neutrality
The Proclamation of Neutrality would keep the United States out of conflict between the French and British, wanting to remain neutral in all foreign wars. This would lay the foundation for the United States to keep out of foreign wars until the world wars. -
Pinckney's Treaty
Pinckney's treaty was a temporary solution. The Americans found it was easier to travel through the Mississippi river, but the missisipi river was the spanish's. The Americans and Spanish made a treaty which allowed the Americans to travel on the missiipi river to trade and allowing them to pass through New Orleans. This would be a temporary solution as the treaty would expire in 20 years. This would help out on the American economy. -
George Washington steps down and refuses a 3rd term
After serving for 8 years, George Washington became the president role model. He was humble throughout his entire presidency. At his speech, George Washington specifically said there shouldn't be a multiple party system. That didn't last long. George Washington Stepping down symbolized to all presidents that no president can serve more than two terms. Only FDR ever served more than two before the 22nd amendment was put into action. -
Revolution of 1800
The revolution of 1800 was a moment in history no one had ever experience, and Europe was waiting for it to go wrong. The first time a government would undergo a transition of power peacefully, and Britain was waiting for it to happen to prove their American experiment would conclude and prove a republic could not work. Unfortunately for the British it did. The transition was smooth and there was no fighting. It is why it is known as a revolution. -
Louisiana Territory Purchase
Thomas Jefferson sent diplomats to France to seek to purchase the city of New Orleans for 3 million dollars, Napoleon countered, willing to sell the entire Louisiana Territory for 15 million. This struck Thomas Jefferson who believed in strict construction. Jefferson wandered the white house restless for weeks, until finally he made the decision and purchased, doubling the country's size overnight. Jefferson left his beliefs for the greater good. -
Embargo of 1807
Thomas Jefferson's last act as president. Under pressure from both France, their ally, and Britain, who was trying to puppet the USA by threatening military action. Both sides were at war and wanted the other side to stop the United States from trading with the other. Jefferson embargoed ALL countries, as he would not allow the United States to be pushed around. Although this showed strength, it impacted the economy severely, but in the end it made the USA more domestic in manufacturing. -
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The War of 1812
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Burning of Canada's Capital
The burning of York (Present day known as Toronto) was done with the intent of capturing all of Canada. During the war of 1812 the Americans took advantage and wanted to capture as much as they could of Canda and captured York. Unfortunately York was not a strategic city, and the Americans looted York and then burned it. This would lead to a revengeful takeover of The U.S's Capital later in the war. -
Burning of Washington DC
The only time the US capital has been in the hands of the enemy. The British were able to make their way into DC and burned government buildings. Fortunately the outer is made out of marble and the buildings were able to recovered. Unfortunately this affected morale. -
The poem "Star Spangled Banner" is written
Francis Scott key, a prisoner in a British ship overlooking Fort McHenry, witnessed as the Fort was destroyed. The fort was the british's key to splitting the union in two and capturing them but the Americans did not surrender fort McHenry and the British were unable to proceed with their plan. The ships fired on the fort all night long, but in the morning, the flag of the United States still stood without ever falling which led to the creation of the poem and national anthem. -
Battle of New Orleans
The treaty of Ghent had already been signed at this time, ending the war of 1812, but the message hadn't been received yet and the British were attempting to make their way through New Orleans and attack The United States from all sides. Fortunately Andrew Jackson thought of this and planned for it. He fortified New Orleans and created a clever plan. The British were defeated, suffering over 2000 casualties, with the Americans mere 200. This battle would win Andrew Jackson the presidency. -
Election of 1820
Also known as the bargain of 1820, before this election, candidates had to win the 50% of the electroal college, not majority. no one got 50% which led to the house having to decide who the next president would be. The bargain of 1820 oversaw Henry clay and James Monroe who talked in a house for days, no records of what they said were ever recorded. Following that James Monroe became president. Making people believe there was a corrupt bargain. Making Monroe a unpopular president. -
Missiori Compromise
This treaty between the north and south proclaimed that no territory above the line could be a slave state, with the exception of Missouri. This treaty would ease tensions, but as we know it would only put off the issue of slavery and lead to higher tensions. -
Construction of the Eerie Canal
The completion of the canal was a large advancement. The canal connected the Hudson river with Lake Erie. This allowed ships from cities such as Chicago to travel to the Atlantic very easily. This would help the economy, improve travel and shorten the distance for which one had to travel if they wanted to make it to the Atlantic -
The Indian Removal Act
The Indian removal act, signed by Andrew Jackson forced natives out of their homeland and into reservation camps in Oklahoma. The government made promises to the native Americans, which later on would back out of, almost as if they were cheating the native Americans out of every deal. The Indian removal act was signed to move natives out so white settlers could have more land to settle in. -
Tariff of 1832
The tariff of 1832 was the compromise between Andrew Jackson and South Carolina after the tariff of abominations was signed, this act was made by Henry clay who delayed the civil war once again. He prevented the state from seceding and allowed both parties to win without any violence. -
Panic of 1837
The collapse of the second national bank of the US by yours truly, Andrew Jackson would cause the panic of 1837, which would last several years, making the current democratic president very unpopular, paving the way for the Whig party to take the victory the next election. This would lead to the economy collapsing however, and unemployment to skyrocket, and became a very hard time to live throughout the next several years. -
Annexation of Texas
Texas had just recently declared independence from Mexico. Texas knew they couldn't win a war against Mexico but they wouldn't go back to control under Mexico. They wanted to United States to get involved but the United States did not want to interfere with foreign conflicts, only if Texas was annexed would they defend the Texans from the Mexicans. The Texans agreed, barely, and Texas was entered into the union. Which would lead into the Mexican-American war. -
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Mexican-American War
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The Gold rush
Gold was discovered in California, which would lead to many Americans heading to the west to reach California. This would spark the population of California and spread settlers across the country even further. The Gold rush would also encourage immigration from Chinese and Mexicans. This would significantly boost the economy and strengthen the port of the west coast, giving the United States control of the east and west coasts. -
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was the peace treaty between Mexico and the United States. The Americans had decided that they would not annex Mexico, mainly due to racial issues, as the United States was already fighting natives and didn't want natives from Mexico being apart of their country. Instead they simply went back to their original agreement, buying the territories for 15 million, half of what had been originally offered, and Mexico was allowed to continue to exist. -
Kansas enters the Union as a free state
Kansas suffered through bleeding Kansas. Abolitionists and pro slavery came into Texas and wreaked havoc. Towns were tough because every was against everyone. Fraud occured at polling booths but after years of bleeding Kansas, Kansas was admitted into the union as a free state, which tilted the balance of power between free and slave for a bit. -
Dredscott V. Sanford
The Dredscott V. Sanford supreme court case was a difficult case. It undid a lot of progress for African Americans. All that had been done was annihilated with the strike of a gavel. The supreme court ruled that African Americans were not citizens and therefore could not sue for their rights. They could also not enjoy the rights and liberties of true citizens. -
John Brown is executed
John Brown was a strong abolitionist. Some believe he was crazy, but the north still looked up to him. Although he was unpopular for what he was doing, some supported it as they were tired of slavery and saw pro-slavery supporters as cruel. John Brown was executed for treason. Church bells still rang in his honor which infuriated the south. This would only lead to tensions increasing, and the song "Glory Glory Hallelujah" composed in his honor, and played, to mock confederates in the civil war. -
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The Civil War
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Transcontinental Act
The transcontinental Act was an act signed by Abraham Lincoln which would have two railroad companies connect the West and East coast. Paying with land and cash, he set the two companies to have competition and go after both land and cash. This act would not only connect the two coasts but also form towns in between all the railroads. The railroad would be connected 8 years later. This lowered the cost of traveling from east to west from 10,000 dollars to a few hundred dollars to get to Cali. -
Battle of Antietam
The battle of Antietam was one victory the Union was in need of. Today, it still remains the bloodiest American day due to poor decisions made by generals and very unwise tactics. Over 23,000 Americans casualties in one day. Although the battle in military point of view ended in a draw, it gave the Union the proper vantage point to advance, and not only was it seen as a victory, but it gave Abraham Lincoln the excuse to execute The Emancipation Proclamation. -
Sherman's march to the sea
Sherman was General Ulysses' 2nd in command. Ulysses decided that the war had already been decided, but the confederacy refused to surrender. In order to destroy their morale he sent his pit bull lose, along with 62,000 soldiers. Sherman was given the order to destroy anything in his path. He liberated slaves, destroyed plantations and wreaked havoc among the south. Atlanta, a key city for the confederacy was captured. Sherman's march DESTROYED southern morale, the war had already been decided. -
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Reconstruction
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The Ku Klux Klan is founded
After the end of the Civil war, white supremacists took it under their own hands to spread fear among African Americans after the 15th amendment was passed. Heavy discrimination followed and would last in the south until the mid 20th century. Although not the only group the K.K.K was and still remains the most well known group, spaning over the nation, committing genocides, and although not as much as a threat today in the 21st century, they still exist. -
Yellowstone National Park is established
The nation's first national park, in order to preserve nature was established in 1872 in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. Concerns over the environment, -
Election of 1876
The election of 1876 suffered from corruption. Although the states were likely going to be states that would go to the Democratic candidate, the polls showed that 100% of the vote were for the democrats. This happened in South Carolina, Florida and Louisiana. Trouble occurred again when these states went to the Republicans. Pure corruption on both sides occurred so the election had to be chosen by the House. The House having to choose Hayes as president, made him a very unpopular president.