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1492
Columbus discovers North America, lands in the Caribbean, establishes Columbian trade
In 1492, Christopher Columbus led an expedition with the intent to establish new trade routes. He took three ships which carried 90 men total from Spain. This expedition was funded by the Spanish king, King Ferdinand and queen, Queen Isabella. When he landed, he was under the impression that he had discovered a new route for trade for the East Indies, but was actually landing in the Americas. This discovery would lead to the ruin of indigenous people in the Americas soon after. -
Jamestown Virginia settlement is established, first permanent English settlement
On December 6, 1606 the ships took off for Virginia, arriving in 1604. 104 English men arrived to start a settlement, named Jamestown, Virginia, after their King and the company that funded the settlement. The site was not inhabited by natives, and was conveniently located for defending from the Spanish. In the next months, settlers began to die from disease, which continued for years. John Rolfe would later help make the settlement profitable by growing tobacco. -
Headright system established
In 1618, the Virginia Company created the Headright System, which would increase immigration and profits for the company. This allowed people to immigrate to the new colonies, and in exchange would receive large plots of land. For each indentured servant they paid for, they would receive an additional 50 acres of land. This helped to develop new colonies, and ultimately grow North American society. -
Slavery begins in North America
In 1619, slavery was effectively started when a crew brought 20 enslaved Africans to Jamestown. The Africans were seized from a Portuguese slave ship. These early slaves mostly worked on tobacco, rice, and indigo plantations along the southern coast. These African slaves being brought to the U.S. began a lucrative industry of slave trade, which destroyed millions of African lives. -
Mayflower Compact established, first constitution of North America
The Mayflower Compact was established as a result of the circumstances that took place regarding the Mayflower. The ship carried English settlers, which were sent off route due to weather conditions. The Mayflower landed in New England, which made their previous documents from the king invalid. This led to the creation of the document known as the Mayflower Compact, which established the local government and leadership system they would use. -
Pequot War begins with Pequot assault on Indian tribe
The Pequot War began with tensions rising between colonists and the Pequot tribe. The first conflict was when the Pequot attacked other Indian tribes that were trading, and continued with the murder of John Stone and some of his crew, which was unjustified. This led to conflict between Natives and settlers which would only continue throughout history. -
William Penn established Pennsylvania
William Penn created the colony of Pennsylvania after being removed for his support of Quakerism. His teachings and beliefs caused him to be religiously persecuted, and arrested 41 times. Following this religious persecution, he created his own colony which would be based on the idea of complete religious freedom. He created a frame for government that would make the rights of free worship absolute, which would later be referenced in the Constitution of the United States. -
Molasses Act is enacted
The Molasses Act was a British law that placed tax on sugar, rum, and molasses imported from non-British sources. This was intended for British sugarcane growers from the West Indies to gain success, however it was protested by the American colonists. This was generally ignored through smuggling, and caused animosity for Great Britain, later leading to the Revolutionary War. -
Seven Years War begins with battle at Fort Necessity
The battle at Fort Necessity took place after issues rose between Indian-French and English troops. George Washington led 293 men to Fort Necessity, where they dug trenches and prepared to fight. When 700 French and Indian troops arrived, they were overpowered, leading to Washington’s surrender, where Fort Necessity was given to the French. This began the Seven Years’ War. -
Seven Years War ends with Treaty of Paris of 1763
The Seven Years’ War between the French, Indians, and the British ended with a British victory. The terms of this victory were decided through the Treaty of Paris of 1763. This treaty made France give up all territories in mainland North America, expanding British colonies and ending foreign threats. -
Townshend Acts enacted
The Townshend Acts were enacted by the British Parliament in 1767, and were based on the Declaratory Acts of 1766, which allowed the British taxation of the colonies. This taxed many goods with the colonies as a result of the Seven Years’ War and the costs associated. The goods taxed included British china, lead, paint, glass, paper, and tea. Protests within the colonies grew due to ideas fathered by groups such as the Sons of Liberty, creating the phrase of taxation without representation. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was a fight that took place between Patriots and British troops, which ended in violence. It began when a riot of many citizens began acting aggressively and throwing objects at the troops. The soldiers then fired into the mob as a reaction, killing 5 total, and wounding 7 others. The trial of the soldiers would be soon after, and 2 would be found guilty of manslaughter. This further caused disarray in the colonies, contributing to revolution. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was a political protest against the British East India Company. Men from the Sons of Liberty raided the boat and threw millions of dollars of tea into the harbor. This event caused extreme anger from the British parliament, and began a series of punitive actions for the colonists that would escalate into the Revolutionary War. -
Intolerable Acts enacted
In response to the Boston Tea Party, where men dressed as Native Americans destroyed many creates of British tea, the British Parliament passed the Coercive Acts of 1774. These were known as the Intolerable Acts in the American colonies, because they were seen as terrible oversteps of government. The acts allowed the British to take control of the colonies’ trade and inhabit colonists’ houses. -
Declaration of Independence Ratified
In 1776, responding to the British’s abuse of the colonies, the Declaration of Independence was created. It took the writers less than two months to draft it, write it, and sign it. This document outlined the reasons for the need of Independence for the colonies. Once the document was published and signed, it officially marked the beginning of independence from Great Britain for the colonies. In response to this, the British would declare war on the colonies in an effort to regain control. -
Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga was considered a turning point for the colonists in the Revolutionary War. The British had attempted a three way attack on New York, which ultimately failed when one army became stuck, and the other was defeated. The last army was captured, causing the first major Colonial Army victory, ending John Burgoyne’s attempt to control the Hudson River Valley. As a result, the colonists secured an alliance with the French government, which ensured their success later in the war. -
Articles of Confederation put into effect
The Articles of Confederation were the first attempt to create a successful government for the United States. This was created during meetings by the First Continental Congress, and was completed in 1781. The document outlined a government with extremely decentralized power. As a result, the Articles of Confederation had many issues underlying within them, which would lead to later needs for ratification. -
Shays’ Rebellion
Shays’ Rebellion was a violent insurrection led by Daniel Shays. This was as a result of monetary issues resulting from the civil war, and causing farmers to become bankrupt due to heightened taxes. These farmers led by Daniel Shays highlighted the weakness of the national government as described by the Articles of Confederation, when there was no national army to fight back. Washington as president led an army to fight back against the riot, which ended without violence. -
⅗ Compromise made to satisfy the south
In 1787, the ⅗ Compromise was created to satisfy southern states. It allows the use of ⅗ of the slave population to be considered when counting populations for delegate purposes and taxes. This would lead to many founded questions in the north about the morality of allowing slavery, where liberty would be denied. As a result, most of the highly educated ratifiers of the Constitution longed for the abolition of slavery, but understood that doing so could destroy the union at the time. -
Ratification of Constitution
In 1788 the more modern Constitution was ratified. It was written throughout 1787, and describes a more effective system that places more central power, thus able to complete more. The system of checks and balances was enacted in this document, which would ensure that nobody would be able to easily take power and become corrupt. Since it was ratified, it has been effective at maintaining the union. -
Bill of Rights Adopted
In 1791 the Bill of Rights was ratified. It contained the first ten amendments of the Constitution, which were put into place to secure the rights of citizens, and reduce worries from Anti-Federalists. The idea of having citizens’ rights protected was James Madisons’. It contains amendments such as the freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and the right to peaceably assemble. -
Alien and Sedition Acts put into place by John Adams
The Alien and Sedition Acts were enacted by John Adams as response to the criticisms he received. These acts were unconstitutional, as they violated the freedom of speech and the freedom of the press. This was the first set of laws that disobeyed the constitution, and led to the loss of Republican power in the election of 1800. -
Louisiana Purchase takes place
The Louisiana Purchase takes place after American diplomats discuss with the French to purchase the Spanish owned land. This was 828,000 square miles of land that was added to the United States, spanning from modern day Montana to mid Louisiana. This land was sold for very little money relative to the sheer size of the land, a sum of 15 million dollars. This would open up westward expansion for United States citizens. -
War of 1812 begins with Battle of River Canard
The War of 1812 was marked with the Battle of River Canard, which was a series of skirmishes that took place between British and Americans. This battle did not have a winner, though the American forces gained ground. This was the first battle in the War of 1812, causing a growth of a national identity for the United States. -
Second Bank of the U.S. is created
The Second National Bank of the United States was created in 1816, as a result of James Madison signing an act enabling the creation into law. The bank operated as a commercial bank, and helped loan money to establish businesses and assist farmers. This bank also produced banknotes similar to the ones today, and was overall a great benefit to the United States economy. -
Monroe Doctrine published
The Monroe Doctrine was published by James Monroe. It was the message of the United States’ take on political affairs internationally. It stated that the United States would not interfere with European powers, and would not interfere with existing colonies in the western hemisphere, but would view new attempts at colonization as hostile. This established the United States as its own independent world power. -
Indian Removal Act established
The Indian Removal Act was established and passed by president Andrew Jackson. This was done against the wishes of the Supreme Court, who decided that the Indian Removal Act was unconstitutional. In the end, Native Americans were removed from the eastern settlements that they resided in, causing hatred of the United States for these tribes. -
Jackson vetoes Second National Bank
When it was time for the Second National Bank to be rechartered, Andrew Jackson refused to sign it. He saw the National Bank as an overstep of federal power, and did not believe that it should exist. After he refused to sign it, the United states fell into an economic recession due to the collapse of the bank. -
Texas declares independence from Mexico, later brought in the U.S.
Texas declared its independence from Mexico after many American settlers moved to it. The Texas Declaration of Independence was created to go against the Mexican government as they enacted restrictive laws on personal freedoms. The independence of Texas was very similar to the United States’ cause, which would later cause the annexation of Texas into the United States. -
Trail of Tears
The Trail of Tears was the relocation of nearly 100 thousand Native Americans. The Eastern
Woodlands Indians were relocated further west across the Mississippi River, and nearly 15000 died on the journey. This went against the wishes of the supreme court’s decision, however they were relocated regardless. This created a deep rooted hatred of the white colonists and United States that would later become problematic. -
The Telegraph is Invented by John Morse
The telegraph was invented by John Morse, using a button which would complete a circuit to send a message across a wire to be interpreted. This was a simple machine, but was extremely useful when paired with Morse code, which allowed the holding of buttons to be interpreted as text. The telegraph was revolutionary for transcontinental communication, especially as the United States expanded west. -
Seneca Falls Convention
The Seneca Falls Convention was also known as the Woman’s Rights Convention. This was held to gather to fight for women’s rights in civil, social, and religious sections. Women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Jane Hunt organized this convention and created convincing arguments based on the Constitution and founding documents of the United States. The Declaration of Sentiments was written, and was a comprehensive document containing grievances, based in the Declaration of Independence. -
Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 was a bill that was intended to ease tensions between the northern and southern states regarding the issue of slavery. It strengthened fugitive slave laws, banned the slave trade in D.C. and established California as a free state. In addition, it defined borders for Texas and provided territorial governments for Texas, Utah, and New Mexico. -
Uncle Tom’s Cabin is published
Uncle Tom’s Cabin was published by Harriet BeecherStowe. It changed the attitudes of whites towards African Americans, by humanizing them to the public eye. This book increased the awareness of the cruelty of slavery, strengthening the abolitionist cause. -
Bleeding Kansas Conflict
Bleeding Kansas was a conflict also known as the Border War. This was a series of violent conflicts within the territory of Kansas, driven by the proslavery and antislavery causes. The debate between if Kansas would join as a free state or a slave state was popular, which meant that people became motivated to move to Kansas and vote for their side. However, these divisions led to disagreements which escalated into warfare and violence. These conflicts would deepen national division. -
Dred Scott v. Sanford decision made
After Dred Scot was freed from slavery, his freedom was revoked by the Missouri supreme court. He was denied his civil rights even after being freed. When he sued for his freedom, Judge Taney made a poorly founded decision, by declaring that African Americans could not become citizens of the United States. This pushed the narrative that there is no freedom in the United States, because slavery could exist in free states, further increasing tensions. -
Election of Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln won the election of 1860. Because he was the Republican candidate, southern states feared that he would make slavery illegal, though he made it clear that he did not intend to do so. As a result, South Carolina seceded from the Union on December 20. -
Remaining southern states secede
After South Carolina seceded, the remaining states in the south seceded. However, Virginia split into West Virginia and Virginia after a portion of the state did not wish to secede. In total, 11 states seceded from the Union over their fear that Abraham Lincoln would ban slavery, causing the beginning of the Confederacy with Jefferson Davis as president. -
Attack on Fort Sumter, starts Civil War
The Battle of Fort Sumter was the opening engagement that marked the beginning of the Civil War. It did not
have any benefit for the Union, but it had to be done to protect the men in Fort Sumter. After the south seceded, the Union had Union army men deep in enemy territory, thus the South attacked the Fort and won the battle. -
Emancipation Proclamation enacted, brings issue of slavery into main focus
Lincoln created the Emancipation Proclamation as the Civil War continued. He issued it to bring the issue of slavery into the war, so that if the Union would emerge successful, slavery could be outlawed. By doing this, he was also able to prevent the Confederacy from getting European allies, as by supporting the Confederacy, they would support slavery. The Emancipation Proclamation was an ingenious way to win the war. -
Homestead Act enacted to encourage westward expansion
The Homestead Act of 1862 was passed to give opportunities to those who wished to travel west. It had two criteria, which included that you must be a citizen of the U.S. or want to become a citizen, and you did not fight against the United States. It allowed anyone over 21 or a head of household to claim 160 acres of land which they would need to maintain and improve. -
Sand Creek Massacre
The Sand Creek Massacre was an attack on a Cheyenne camp in Colorado. This massacre was completed even when the attackers knew that the Cheyenne had surrendered, and over 230 were killed. John M. Chivington led these infamous attacks, which would cause great anger from Native Americans and later plans for revenge. -
South surrenders, Union restored
General Robert E. Lee surrendered to the Union in April 1865, after a continuous series of losses. Ulysses S. Grant led the Union army, which followed the Confederate army and attacked them multiple times as they fled. Though Grant did have successful battle strategies, the Confederate army was destined for failure, as most of the Confederacy was starving, and the soldiers had few weapons to use. -
KKK is formed
In Pulaski, Tennessee, the Ku Klux Klan was created. The KKK was a group that pushed white supremacy, and did so through violent manners. It was most prominent in counties with considerable black populations, and was a response to the freedom of previous slaves. The KKK would be one of the most significant examples of the idea that black citizens may be free on paper, but they are far from equally treated. -
Johnson is impeached
Andrew Johnson was impeached in 1868, for violating the Tenure of Office Act. Though the impeachment was not completed, and it was 2 votes short of having him removed from office, he was humiliated. Previously, Johnson had wished to go against the Radical Republicans, but after his impeachment he was more lenient. -
14th Amendment enacted
The 14th amendment was a great success for the Republicans. It specified that all people, including formerly enslaved people, born in the United States were naturally citizens. When it was passed in 1868, it seemed that it would fix issues, however in southern states blacks were not given the same rights as whites regardless of this. -
Transcontinental railroad is completed
The transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869, built by the Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroad Companies. It was funded by the U.S. government partially, as they would be paid per mile of railroad completed. This was a major success for the United States, because it meant that they could effectively transport trading items across the continent, from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific. -
15th Amendment enacted
The 15th amendment was a somewhat controversial decision, as it gave African Americans the right to vote. This was unpopular in the south, where this amendment was all but enforced. In the end, the right to vote for African Americans was a key part of Reconstruction, and would be beneficial once it could be enforced. -
Civil Rights Act of 1875 made to ensure rights for blacks in the south
The Civil Rights Act of 1875 was meant to guarantee access to many services by African Americans. This included access to schools, and churches, etc. In the south, this received great opposition from the generally racist ways of the people. Although blacks were provided these services, they were not equal but rather segregated. -
End of Reconstruction, democrats from south back in power
1877 marked the end of Reconstruction. This was due to the loss of popularity for the Radical Republicans that came from the 15th amendment. Following the end of Reconstruction, southern states found ways to bypass the amendments that were passed, and undid all of the progress that was made. Southern states were violent towards blacks in positions of power, like holding political office, making it even more difficult for blacks to get a voice in these issues. -
Indian schools form, want to destroy Native American culture
In 1880 the first Indian schools were formed. They were boarding schools with the intention of destroying Native American culture and making them into cooperating United States citizens. These schools were abusive of children who spoke their native language, or performed any Native American traditions. By the time Natives were let out of these schools, they were not part of their tribe anymore.