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Establishment of Jamestown
The establishment of Jamestown in 1607 was the first permanent English settlement in North America. Founded by the Virginia Company, the colony faced challenges such as harsh conditions, conflicts with Indigenous peoples, and food shortages. However, Jamestown became a successful tobacco-producing colony, ensuring its survival and paving the way for further English colonization in the Americas. This settlement was significant in shaping the future of the United States. -
George Whitefield First Preached
George Whitefield was a preacher who played a role in the Great Awakening during the 18th century. He encouraged people to believe through sermons that emphasized the need for salvation. His ability to connect with large crowds helped inspire many to embrace faith and seek a spiritual relationship. -
The Sugar Act of 1764
George Greenville was the British Prime Minister and was in charge of increasing revenue for Great Britain after the French and Indian War. The first act that was passed after the war was the Sugar Act of 1764. Greenville hoped that by lowering the sugar tax, people would have stopped smuggling. However, even though the tax was the same price as what you would pay to smuggle it in, people did not pay it, for they feared that by paying the tax, they were keeping British troops in their quarters. -
The Stamp Act of 1765
The Stamp Act said that every legal document required a stamp. The Country needed more money for the US army and decided that a good way to get the cash would be to earn it through the stamps required for documents. This mostly affected the wealthy class because they did the most business. -
The Quartering Act of 1765 (lasted through the revolution)
The New York Province passed an act to support the quartering of British soldiers, which would expire in January 1764. If the soldiers resided with you, you must feed, house, and comfort the soldier. It was disputed that this act was not legal because it violated the Bill of Rights of 1689. -
Boston Massacre (1770)
On March 5th of 1770, the Boston Massacre was a confrontation between not only British soldiers but also the American colonists who resided in Boston. Tention was increasing due to British taxation in the colonies. Due to the incident, a crowd of colonists who had gathered began to throw snowballs at soldiers which led to the soldiers firing into the crowd. This killed five colonists including Crispus Atticus who is remembered for his significance for American independence. -
The Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party took place in December of 1773 as a protest against the British Tea Act. The Act allowed the British East India Company to sell tea at a lower price which undermined local merchants. A group of colonists, known as the Sons of Liberty, disguised themselves as Indians and boarded British ships in the Boston Harbor where they dumped 342 chests of tea into the water. This event led to the American Revolution and escalated tensions between the colonists and Great Britain. -
The Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress was created on May 10th 1775 and Philadelphia Pennsylvania just shortly after the American Revolutionary War had begun. This group of delegates from each of the 13 colonies was to manage the war effort that had responded to British aggression. Eventually, the Congress declared independence from Britain on July 4th of 1776 which played a crucial role in forming the United States and developing its government. -
Declaration of Independence
Embraced on July 4, 1776, The Declaration of Independence marked the American colonies' decision to break away from British rule. It explained that all individuals are created equal and hold rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The document understood the colonists' complaints against King George III and highlighted principles like individual rights. -
The Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Sarasota was fought in September and October of 1777 and was considered a turning point in the American Revolutionary War. The American Army had successfully defeated the British army under General John. The war of Saragoda boosted morale and persuaded France to enter the war as an ally of the United States. This defeat also contributed to a major setback of the British Army's strategy in the northern colonies which led to greater support for the American cause. -
The siege of Yorktown
The siege of Yorktown took place from September 28th to October 19th in the year 1781. This was a battle in which the American and French forces which were led by General George Washington surrounded the British army in Yorktown Virginia. The Siege cut off British supplies and reinforcements which led to Cornwallis's surrender of approximately 8,000 troops. This was the last major military advancement of the war and influenced the negotiations for peace which led to the Treaty of Paris in 1783. -
Treaty of Paris in 1783
The Treaty of Paris was signed on September 3rd, 1883 which officially ended the American Revolutionary War. Disagreement represented the independence of the United States and established boundaries that extended from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River and from the Canadian border to the Florida peninsula. The document also addressed the repayment of debts that were owed by the Americans and the British. This officially recognized the United States as a sovereign nation -
Shay's Rebelliation
Shays' Rebellion was an uprising in 1786-1787 led by Daniel Shays and farmers in Massachusetts. They protested against high taxes and unfair treatment after the Revolutionary War. The rebellion showed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and helped lead to the creation of a stronger federal government. -
The 3/5 Compromise
The 3/5 Compromise was a deal made in 1787 during the Constitutional Convention. It counted enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation in Congress. This helped balance power between slaveholding and non-slaveholding states. -
The Northwest Ordinance
The Northwest Ordinance, passed in 1787, set rules for governing the Northwest Territory. It described how new states could join the Union as equals. It also promoted education, civil rights, and banned slavery in the territory. -
The Federalist Papers
The Federalist Papers is a group of essays written by Madison, Jay, and Hamilton stating the importance of the U.S. Constitution. They argue for a strong central government to maintain order. Alexander, Madison, and Jay also announced the need for equality among the branches to prevent any branch from gaining too much power. -
The French Revolution
The French Revolution started in 1789 because people were unhappy with the monarchy and the gap between the rich and the poor. It led to the downfall of King Louis XVI and the rise of new political groups, eventually creating a republic. This revolution changed a lot in France, like introducing the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, and it inspired other countries to fight for democracy and equality too. -
The Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights is made up of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, added in 1791. These amendments protect basic rights like freedom of speech, religion, and the press, and they allow people to gather and speak out against the government. They also stop the government from abusing its power, ensure fair trials, and protect against illegal searches. Overall, the Bill of Rights limits government power and keeps individual freedoms safe. -
Hamilton's Financial Plan
Hamilton's Financial Plan was designed to fix the economy after the Revolutionary War. First, he wanted the federal government to take over state debts so that the country could build trust could handle money. Second, he proposed creating a national bank to help manage the country's finances and give out loans. Lastly, he suggested adding tariffs to bring in money for the government and help American businesses. -
The Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey Rebellion happened in the 1790s when farmers got really upset about a tax on whiskey that they thought was unfair. This rebellion mostly took place in Pennsylvania, where farmers protested because they felt the tax was targeting their income. In 1794, President George Washington sent in federal troops to put down the rebellion, showing that the government was serious about enforcing its laws and keeping order. -
Pinckney’s Treaty- 1795
Pinckney's Treaty, signed in 1795, was an agreement between the United States and Spain that settled some issues over land and trade. It allowed Americans to use the Mississippi River to ship their goods to New Orleans, which was super important for trade. This treaty not only helped the U.S. and Spain get along better, but it also encouraged Americans to move west and settle in new areas. -
Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions
The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions, made in 1798 and 1799, declared the Alien and Sedition Acts unconstitutional. Written by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, these documents argued states could ignore federal laws they deemed unfair. They emphasized states' rights and sparked discussions about the balance of power between federal and state governments. -
The Alien and Sedition Acts 1798
The Alien and Sedition Acts were laws made in 1798 that tried to limit free speech and made it illegal to talk badly about the government. These laws let the government kick out immigrants they thought were dangerous, which caused a lot of drama and frustration among people. A lot of people felt these laws were unfair and ended up pulling away their support for the Federalist Party, the group that created them. -
The Revolution of 1800
The Revolution of 1800 was principle to history within the United States because it was the first time that a political party had lost an election, handed over power, and done it without significant retaliation. John Adams was defeated by Thomas Jefferson in the election, which showed that democracy could actually work. It also showed that citizens had a say in the way the government was run. -
The Election of 1812
The election of 1812 occurred during heightened tensions between the U.S. and Britain over trade restrictions and the impressment of American sailors. President James Madison, a Democratic-Republican, faced off against DeWitt Clinton, the Federalist candidate who opposed the war. Madison won, demonstrating public support for the War of 1812, while the Federalist Party's influence declined. -
The Battle of Thames
The Battle of Thames was a key fight in the War of 1812 that took place in 1813 near present-day Ontario, Canada. During the battle, American forces, led by General William Henry Harrison, defeated British troops and their Native American allies, which significantly weakened British influence in the Northwest Territory. This victory was important because it helped secure American control over the region and boosted morale for the U.S. during the war. -
The British Burn the Capital
During the War of 1812, the British actually burned the U.S. capital, Washington, D.C., on August 24, 1814. This happened because American troops couldn’t stop the British from invading the city. They set fire to important buildings, including the White House and the Capitol, which was a huge blow to the United States. Even though it was a humiliating moment for the country, it made Americans more determined to keep fighting in the war. -
The Star Spangled Banner (Was Created)
During the War of 1812, the British actually burned the U.S. capital, Washington, D.C., on August 24, 1814. This happened because American troops couldn’t stop the British from invading the city. They set fire to important buildings, including the White House and the Capitol, which was devastating to the United States. Even though it was a humiliating moment for the country, it made Americans more determined to keep fighting in the war. -
Hartford Convention
The Hartford Convention happened between 1814 and 1815 and was a meeting of Federalists from New England who were against the War of 1812. During this convention, they talked about their concerns with the federal government's policies and even suggested some changes to the Constitution to better protect their interests. However, the convention ended up hurting the Federalist Party's reputation because many people saw them as disloyal during the war, which led to a decline in their influence. -
The Battle of New Orleans
The Battle of New Orleans happened during the War of 1812. General Andrew Jackson led the Americans to a victory against the British. This battle took place after the Treaty of Ghent was signed to end the war, but nobody in the U.S. knew yet. This win turned Jackson into a hero, which helped kickstart his political career later on. -
First Steam Engine in the U.S.
The first steam engine used in the United States was built by Thomas Jefferson in 1787 and was designed to pump water from a mine. However, it wasn't until 1807 that Robert Fulton successfully demonstrated a steam-powered boat, the Clermont, which marked the beginning of steam-powered transportation in America. Fulton's invention paved the way for the expansion of steamboat travel and significantly changed commerce and transportation along rivers. -
Nullification Crisis
The Nullification Crisis occurred when SC decided it could ignore federal tariffs that were seen as unfair like the Tariffs of 1828 and 1832. President A. Jackson was against this idea and argued that the federal government had the right to enforce its laws and keep the country united. The crisis was resolved with a compromise tariff, which allowed Jackson to use military force if necessary, showing how tense the relationship between state and federal power was at that time. -
The Battle of the Alamo
Beginning on February 23 and lasting until March 6, the Battle of the Alamo occurred in 1836 in San Antonio, Texas. A small group of Texans held off the opposing army, which was composed of many Mexicans, for 13 days. The Mexican forces suffered approximately 600 to 1,000 casualties during the battle. -
Transcendentalism- Sub-Culture Emerges
Transcendentalism is a philosophical movement that started in the early 1800s in New England. It believes that individuals can rise above the physical world through intuition and a strong connection to nature. Important figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson encouraged individualism, arguing that personal experiences lead to a better understanding of truth and life. -
The Navajo Wars and Apache Wars
During the mid-19th century conflicts known as The Navajo Wars and Apache Wars began. The Navajo Wars were prominent from the 1860s to the 1870s and centered around resistance to forced relocation and loss of their lands, creating suffering for the Navajo people. Similarly, the Apache Wars, which spanned from the 1850s to the 1880s, involved the Apache tribes against U.S. military forces as they sought to defend their territory and way of life against encroachment. -
Emancipation Proclamation
Delivered by President Abraham, the Emancipation Proclamation was announced on January 1, 1863. It said that all enslaved people in the Southern states would be freed. Although it didn't free all slaves right away, it was a big step toward ending slavery. -
Lincoln's 10% Plan
Lincoln's 10% Plan was his way of trying to bring the Southern states back into the Union after the Civil War. Basically, if 10% of the voters in a state from the 1860 election swore loyalty to the Union and agreed to end slavery, that state could rejoin. Some people thought this plan was too easy on the South, while others felt it was a good way to quickly fix things. -
Sharecropping Emerges (1865)
Sharecropping was a system that began in the South, primarily involving poor farmers, many of whom were African Americans. In this setup, landowners would provide land, tools, and seeds to sharecroppers, and in return, the sharecroppers had to give a portion of their crops back to the landowner. While this allowed many people to work the land, it often led to cycles of debt and poverty. Sharecroppers frequently found it hard to make enough money to pay their bills and settle their debts. -
The K.K.K First Emerges
The K.K.K first emerged in the 1860s and will rise and fall many throughout its existence. It first emerges when "blacks" start building crossroads.
In 1920 The Harlem Renaissance occurred and the K.K.K rose. Then, it fell during the Great Depression (The Great Depression hit the black community the most there was not much activity from the K.K.K. in government). Lastly, we see a large rise in the 1950s when African Americans began pushing for Civil Rights. -
The Election of 1868
The Election of 1868 happened after the Civil War. Ulysses S. Grant, a Republican, ran against Democrat Horatio Seymour. With a lot of help from African American voters who had just gained the right to vote, Grant won the election by a large margin. This election was really important for shaping Reconstruction policies and the political future of the United States after the war. -
The 15th Amendment (Passed)
Ratified in 1870, the 15th Amendment, allowed African American men the right to vote, stating that no one could be denied voting based on color. It also attempted to allow freed slaves to participate in elections after the Civil War. However, many Southern states made laws to keep Black voters from voting, and this led to a continuation of struggles for civil rights. -
The Pacific Railway Act (Comp. May 10, 1869)
The Pacific Railway Act, signed by Abraham Lincoln in 1862, began the building of the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S. The goal was to connect the East Coast to the West Coast, which would make it easier for people to trade and settle in new areas. The railroad was finally completed on May 10, 1869, at the Promontory Summit in Utah, uniting the country and opening up more economic chances for everyone. -
Civil Rights Act of 1875
Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1875 but was signed by Ulysses Grant. This act banned discrimination in public accommodations. However, the act was not enforced by presidents after Grant, when the military occupation ended. -
The Election of 1876
The 1876 election was controversial and is often seen as one of the most disputed elections in U.S. history. It was between Republican Rutherford B. Hayes and Democrat Samuel J. Tilden. Tilden seemed to win at first because he got more popular votes and was ahead in the electoral votes, but things got messy, with some states having disputed results. To resolve the situation, a special electoral commission was set up, which ultimately gave Hayes the presidency. -
The Dawes Act
The Dawes Act, passed in 1887, was designed to help Native Americans integrate into American society by giving them individual parcels of land. Each Native American family received 160 acres, while any extra land was sold to non-Native settlers, leading to a significant decrease in tribal land. Although the Act aimed to encourage farming and individual ownership, it ultimately resulted in the loss of millions of acres of Native American territory and weakened traditional tribal systems. -
Indian Citizenship Act (1924)
The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 gave U.S. citizenship to all Native Americans who were born in the country. This law was created to acknowledge Native Americans as citizens and clarify their legal status, which had been unclear since the nation was founded. However, even after this act, many states found ways to keep Native Americans from voting and using their rights for many years. Overall, the act was a big step in recognizing the rights and sovereignty of Native Americans within U.S. law. -
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (1975)
The Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975 gave Native American tribes more control over their education and social services. It allowed them to make contracts with the federal government to run their own programs instead of having the federal government manage everything. This act was a big step for Native Americans to make decisions that fit their communities better.