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1492
Columbus Sails The Ocean Blue
Christopher Columbus is being sent on a voyage to discover a new (faster) route to India, China, and other Spice Islands, by Ferdinand II and Isabella I, the Catholic Monarchs of Aragon, Castile, and Leon in Spain. Rather than ending up in Asia, he lands among America. Specifically, landing in Cuba and Hispaniola on October 12th, then established a colony in what is now Haiti. This is the beginning of the colonization of the Americas (Spain sending conquistadors) and The Columbian Exchange. -
The Finding and Disappearance of The "Lost Colony"
A small colony is founded on an island off the eastern coast of North America. An ambitious attempt by Sir Walter Raleigh to establish a permanent North American settlement. Purpose of harassing Spanish shipping, mining for riches, discovering a passage to the Pacific Ocean, and Christening the Natives. Raleigh later sent out a group of 100 colonists under John White. White returned to England to gather more supplies. Returned to missing colonist and the words "CROATOAN" were carved into a tree. -
Establishment of Jamestown
With the arrival of English settlers in 1607 begins a new journey for America. Supported by the Virginia company and led by John Smith, James Town was founded. After failing the town found success in the cash crop of tobacco. After making relationships with the natives and sending tobacco back to England, Jamestown becomes the first successful settlement in the New World. -
Arrival of Pilgrims
Separatists from England ventures out to the new land of North America in search of religious freedom from the Church of England. They arrive in modern-day Massachusetts from a boat called the Mayflower. Struggling to make ends meet for months the pilgrims make a surprising relationship with the natives living in the area. They eventually integrate into the culture and had the first-ever holiday of Thanksgiving. -
Toleration Act
Known as the Maryland Toleration act the assembly of the Province of Maryland passed “An Act Concerning Religion." The act was to ensure freedom of religion for Christian settlers. It was revolutionary because of England's strict laws they weren't able to practice their own beliefs and ideology. Citizens who were in violation of the law were fined for their actions. -
Bacon's Rebellion
An issue of corruption within Jamestown's courts led Nathaniel Bacon to lead a rebellion against Governor Berkley who failed to protect backcountry farmers. Which led to Bacon gathering a group of frontier farmers and led raids against "Indians." This rebellion is best known for burning down Jamestown and the overthrow of power against Berkley's leadership -
Salem Witch Trials
As a result of church politics, family feuds, and people just hating each other overall in protestant Massachusetts due to mass. It made for the accusations of 200 people, 30 found guilty, and 19 eventually hung. It was a time of great unease. Turning friend to foe. -
Albany Plan
Established by Benjamin Franklin to unite the colonies as a united government and country. However, it was unsuccessful because states only wanted what was best for themselves if they were to go to war with England. Every man for himself type of deal. Though it did not accomplish its original goals. It helped plant the seeds for united America. -
Proclamation of 1763
After the French and Indian war, the British gained new land in the west. However, as a way not to upset the native population, Britain decides to draw a border that doesn't allow colonists to settle past the Alps. This angered the colonist which believed that they should have the land they fought for. This was a turning point in the relationship between colonists and the British government. Ultimetely , resulting in the end of solitary neglect. -
Stamp Act
Following the French and Indian War with Britain's debt. Britain begins to place taxes upon any commercial paper documents. The colonist believed that they didn't deserve to pay for the war that they had fought to win for England. They wrote propaganda such as the now famous, "No Taxation Without Representation" poster. This also eventually led to the war between the British and the colonies. -
Townshend Act
Following the French and Indian War with Britain's debt. Britain begins to place taxes upon any goods imported from England. The colonist believed that they didn't deserve to pay for the war that they had fought to win for England. This was one of the many events that led to the surprise within the colonies. Leading to the Revolutionary War. -
Boston Massacre
It was the world's deadliest snowball (one-sided) fight. As one of the colonists threw a brick covered in snowball at a Red Coat ultimately knocking him down. As a result, it led to the deaths of 5 colonists as the Red Coats shot into the crowd. This event was later twisted and publicized in propaganda by Samual Adams to aid in the patriots' efforts. -
Boston Tea Party
Was a drunken endeavor performed by the Sons' of Liberty. Done in the dead of night, they dressed as Indians; covering themselves in war paint and Native garments. They toss over 342 chests of tea into the Boston harbor. Doing this in protest of the newly instated Tea Acts. That tea today costs over one million dollars in today's money. -
1st Continental Congress
Delegates from 12 of the 13 colonies at the time met within Philadelphia to discuss protesting against the acts put out by the British to maintain economic power. The Congress met for months to discuss the acts. Within the meeting, They made a petition and sent it to the king, where he didn't even bother to read it. This would later lead to the making of the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War. -
Coercive Acts (“Intolerable Acts”)
Passed on March 31st after the Boston Tea Party in order to remain in control of the colonist Britain passed the Intolerable Acts. They consisted of 4 laws meant to punish Massachusetts citizens. Within these, there was the Boston Port Act, the Massachusetts Government Act, the Administration of Justice Act, and the Quartering Act. This was one of the many events that eventually led to the Revolutionary war. -
2nd Continental Congress
A convention between the 13 delegates where they discussed the separation of England. Here they appointed George Washington, the later president, the leader of the Continental Army. They also issued the Declaration of Independence which stated all the reasons for America's separation from England. The meeting ended with America deciding to declare war on England. -
Battle Of Lexington And Concord
Known as the Shot Heard Around the World. British soldiers in an effort to get supplies from Lexington march toward the town. Paul Revere notices the soldiers and alerts the militia known as minutemen. Led by John Parker the minutemen intercept the British forces. Nobody knows who fired the first shot but it was the shot that led to the official declaration of war between the rivaling lands. -
Olive Branch Petition
In a last-ditch effort, delegates from different colonies beg for the king's mercy. Written mainly by John Dickonson he was using flattery to try and sway the king to repeal the act against the colonies. They sent the letter in 1775 to the king of England. However, he doesn't even bother to read the letter or any of its contents. -
"Common Sense" By Thomas Paine
Thomas Paine was a great writer at this time In history, inspiring colonists. He wrote "Common Sense" as a way to ensure the loyalty of the colonists along with trying to sway on-the-fence citizens to the patriot side. With great lines such as,“Why should an island rule a continent?” -
The Writing Of The Declaration
After getting basically stomped on by Britain after sending them the Olive Branch Petition. The colonist decides enough is enough. Thomas Jefferson is commissioned to write the declaration of independence to explain to foreign nations why the colonies had chosen to separate themselves from Great Britain. Break up letter. -
Declaration of Independence
The breakup letter to England. Written by Thomas Jefferson to allow all nations to hereby now know that the 13 colonies are no longer a part of the British Empire. Containing the ideals or goals of our nation with "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness". Along with the complaints to the king (cause he's a bad leader). -
Peace Treaty of Paris
End of the American Revolutionary War. Where the British finally acknowledged the independence of the United States. Ending of Britan in the Americas. The recognition of U.S. independence along with granting the U.S. significant western territory. -
The Senate
Formated in 1787, it is one of two parts of Congress, resulting in two representatives for each state rather than being dependent on state size. Ensuring equality between states. People have higher respect for members of Congress rather than the House as it is significantly harder to get into. -
House of Representatives
Formated in 1787, one of the two parts of Congress, being proportional to state size rather than having the same amount of representatives for each state. For example, New York has more representatives than the state of Wyomming as New York's population size is significantly higher. -
George Washington
The first president of the United States. Having had served as a general for the continental army in the fight against the British. After the war and the U.S. having declared independence he was thought to be the best-suited candidate for the 1st president of the United States. A unanimous decision by the country, Setting a precedent baseline for having taken office for only two years. -
Bill of Rights
Created out of necessity to safeguard individual liberty. Later ratified in 1791 the Bill of Rights stated the basic rights/freedoms that every U.S. citizen should be entitled to. For example, freedoms of religion, press, speech, etc. -
Whiskey's Rebellion
A riot of the tax put on whiskey by Alexander Hamilton. It was kinda like a test of the new governmental authority, as to if they had the will to deal with these rioters. -
Washington's Farewell Address
Written in 1796 it is Washington saying his goodbyes and his leave for retirement. End of the first presidential term, the document as well pointed out the domestic problems of the U.S at the time. LEd to the election of John Adams. -
XYZ Affair
The conflict between France and the U.S. About the discussion of the disputes that had arisen out of the U.S.'s refusal to honor the Franco-American Treaty of 1778. Also, Adams made fun of the French Revolution. France breaks ties with the U.S. and will only send delegates if the U.S. sends them a large sum of money. The U.S. does not comply. -
Election of 1800
Thomas Jefferson v John Adams. First time in the world that power has been (sort of) peacefully transferred between two completely different parties, with no bloodshed. Though they did not like each other, they still handled the exchange beautifully. This showed other countries that America has got what it takes -
Madison v Marbury
John Adams had left a letter that was to be delivered to Marbury ensuring his position on the Supreme Court. Rather than receiving the letter, he was met with white noise as Madison had (basically) tossed the letter. Marbury sued James Madison in response to not being served his commission for justice of the peace for Washington, D.C. In the end, Marbury won the power of the federal courts declaring legislative and executive acts unconstitutional. This was the birth of judicial review. -
Louisiana Purchase
Putting aside his moral viewpoints of being a hard constitutionalist Jefferson (in the betterment of the country) stroke a deal with the Napolean. As Napoleon was fighting foreign wars in Europe he had no need for the land in America, gathering needing money to support his affairs. So, Jefferson struck up a deal with him, and In exchange for 15 million dollars, America acquired the Louisiana Territories. -
Embargo of 1807
Prohibition of trade between the U.S. and foreign nations. Terrible effect on American trade but helped with the rise of the industrial revolution as they could no longer (really) but from other countries. So Americans had to begin making their own items. Rise in manufracturing. -
Fletcher v Peck
Bribery of legislators to approve of land. Where the public wanted the land back, but couldn't because it was not private land. Since there was a legal contract it followed the constitution. Helped further property rights. -
Battle of Tippecanoe
Battle led by Laulewasikau (Tecumseh's brother) vs William Henry Harrison, Indian vs American forces. Ultimately a U.S. victory. It broke Tecumseh's power and ended the threat of an Indian confederation. Causing him to Allie (indefinitely) with the British. -
War of 1812
Brought into the spotlight new generals William Henry Harrison and Andrew Jackson, who would both, later on, become presidents. The war between England and America as England was stealing American ships and their sailors, and helping out Natives in the west. They did this as they thought they could push around the new weak country. Ultimately ending in states winning. -
Battle of New Orleans
Taking place during the war of 1812 where the British tried taking New Orleans on a frontal assault. But what they didn't know was that Andrew Jackson had dug a trench creating high ground where the colonist could safely shoot at the British. Ultimately resulting in a great casualty rate for the Britsh and a win for the U.S. As well as skyrocketing Jackson's popularity among the people. -
Election of James Monroe
5th president of the United States. Presidency in the era of good feeling; people felt a great sense of nationalism, optimism, and goodwill. Talk of the second national bank of the US. -
The Missouri Compromise
Compromise to satisfy the even break between slave and free states. Any new state that borders above Missouri cannot be admitted into the country as a slave state. While anything south of Missouri could be either free or slave, allowing for the states to decide. -
Cohens v Virginia
Reviewal of state supreme court decisions in criminal law. Court cases in which the supreme court asserted its power to review if what Cohens was claiming was unconstitutional or not. -
Election of 1824
Kinda a rigged win for Adams. Though Jackson won the most amount of votes he did not receive the majority needed to win. So, the House of Representatives had to decide among Adams, Jackson, and Clay (as Crawford died). Clay dropped out but urged them to vote for Adams (corrupt bargain?). Adams won and appointed Clay his secretary of state. Jacksons' voters were outraged as he had basically been cheated on his spot for the presidency. -
Founding of the Anti-Slavery Society
With the increased ideology of abolitionism in the public eyes. Organizations were being founded. One known as the Anti-Slavery Society was founded by William Lloyd garrison in 1833 to help the idea of abolitionism. They demanded the immediate abolition of slavery. -
The Election of 1828
John Adams vs. Andrew Jackson. Jackson dominated in the South and the West with his ideologies of being for the common people. While Adam's dominated New England he did not ultimately win. Jackson having won in a landslide. -
Indian Removal Act
Signed by Andrew Jackson stating that all the Indians in the east and the south are to be relocated in the west. This resulted in the trail of tears for the Natives. And a cruel and grueling march for the Indians to the west. -
The Liberator
Published in Boston by William Lloyd Garrison/ Isaac Knapp, The Liberator was a weekly abolitionist newspaper. Denouncing all people and acts that would prolong slavery including the United States Constitution. It helped lead the successful abolitionist campaign against slavery. -
Nullification Crisis
A crisis during Jackson's presidency, between the state of South Carolina and the United States Government. It was led by John C. Calhoun who opposed the tariffs placed on the states. He threatened to nullify the tariffs but that was not it so Henry Clay created a compromise. Known as the Compromise Tariff of 1833, that gradually lowered the tariff to the level of the tariff of 1816. This is just the start of tensions between states and the government. -
Independence of Texas
Texas declared independence from Mexico after the Mexican-American war. Later on, becoming a state. Houston's army winning the last battle gainning independence for Texas -
Trail of Tears
As part of Andrew Jackson's "Indian Removal Policy", he displaced over 60,000 Native Americans. Removing over 5 native tribes living along the Mississippi River, and marching them along to, the then-unknown, Oklahoma. This policy was enacted from 1830-1850 resulting in the deaths of thousands of Natives. -
Mexican American War
The war between America and Mexico was caused by disputes against the borders of the Republic of Texas. It lasted around 2 years between 1846 and 1848. America would go on to win the war earning the disputed land and New Mexico. It allowed for America to continue its expansion westward into North America. -
The Telegraph
Invented by David Alter in 1844, the telegraph was a device that allowed for messages to be transported over the wire. It was especially useful for sending messages over long distances. It helped connect society in the blink of an eye. The telegraph was later replaced by greater communication technology, but it was the first step into that era.