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Period: 1491 to
Period 1/2: 1491-1763
Native Americans, early colonization, and the British American colonies. -
1565
St. Augustine Settlement
St. Augustine was the first Spanish settlement in the North of the Western Hemisphere. This settlement in Florida held settlers and supplies that would allow for further expansion into the New World. -
Jamestown
Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in the New World. Through the leadership of John Smith, it would pass its hardships in order to serve as an example for new colonies. -
House of Burgesses
This was the first representative government by white settlers in the New World. This allowed for a legislative body that gave an example of democratic elections. -
The Great Puritan Migration Begins
This period of migration of English puritans began with the settlers in Plymouth Colony. This mass movement brought indentured servants and workers into the New World who would make it profitable. -
Revocation of VA Charter
This forced the colony to be a Royal Colony rather than a charter colony. With the crown being in control, the colonists would be subject to the causes of the Revolution. -
Trade and Navigation Acts
These series of laws but restrictions on colonies trade, which would start off as an automatic economy for colonies. However, soon after they would become a hassle and smuggling would become prominent. -
Bacon’s Rebellion
This rebellion was the frontier’s reaction to the little attention they were receiving in order to help fighting against Native Americans. This would lead to more government attention in the rural frontier and a decrease in indentured servants. -
The Great Awakening
This was a religious revival that involved emotional preaching and a return to faith. This new awakening of religion changed the culture in the colonies as well as changed the religion itself. -
Stono Uprising
This resulted from Florida offering to reward escaped slaves with citizenship and freedom. In South Carolina, a slave revolt was taken down leading to the killing of colonists and African Americans and would be the largest uprising in the mainland colonies. -
The French and Indian War Ends
This war caused Britain to lose focus on the colonies and adjusted them to a life of salutary neglect. When the war ended, the crown's new focus on the colonies would lead to oppressive conditions that caused turmoil in the New World. -
Period: to
Period 3: 1763-1800
American Revolution, the Confederal Era, and the Early Federal Period. -
Boston Massacre
This was a turning point towards the Revolution as colonists were turned against Britain even more. It would be remembered as the “Bloody Massacre” and ended with the trial for the British soldiers who killed five. -
The Boston Tea Party
This protest was against the British tax on tea, which had led to smuggling in the colonies anyway. This was a step towards the Revolution and would lead to the intolerable acts being placed on Boston. -
Lexington and Concord
These Battles were the beginning battles of the American Revolution. Not only was it a victory for the colonists, but it involved minute men, who would be essential to winning the Revolution. -
The Second Continental Congress
This meeting discussed important ideas like making Native Americans a colony and how to address issues with Britain. However, most importantly, they decided George Washington would be general of the continental army as well as how to attack Canada. -
The American Revolutionary War Begins
This period of migration of English puritans began with the settlers in Plymouth Colony. This mass movement brought indentured servants and workers into the New World who would make it profitable. -
The Declaration of Independence
Requested by the Continental Congress, the Declaration argues the just causes of rebellion. This would serve to guide the country with the ideals of sacred honor and freedom throughout its history. -
The Articles of Confederation
This was America’s first plan of government and only consisted of a legislative branch. It would prove to give too little power to the federal government and would serve as guidelines to create a new constitution. -
Ratification of the Constitution
It was out of this argument over this that the Anti-federalist and Federalist parties formed. This would become the leading legislation for the country and would also include a later Bill of Rights. -
The Second Great Awakening Begins
This was a protestant religious revival which focused on moral reform. It resulted in reform movements as well as the founding of colleges and utopian societies. -
The Bank of the US is Formed
This bank came about in Alexander Hamilton’s economic plan and would serve to be where the government keeps all its money. It would also help the growth of the industry, grow the federal government, and support the wealthy through shareholders -
The First Party System
This system included the Democratic-Republicans as well as the Federalists. These parties both agreed on the importance of natural rights but had different views on the strength of government, economy, and more. -
The Proclamation of Neutrality
When France declared war on England, Washington proclaimed neutrality and the rights of neutrals for America. This is important because it would continue to be the leading foreign policy in America for a long time. -
The Market Revolution Begins
The Market Revolution was a slow change from small markets to national markets that included new inventions as well. It also included expansion in industry and manufacturing that would grow America's economy. -
The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions
These resolutions would introduce the idea of nullification. This would become a leading dispute as the argument of what level has the most power would grow in America. -
Alien and Sedition Acts
These acts included the Naturalization Act, the Alien Enemies Act, and the Sedition Act. These were targeted at the Democratic-Republicans and newspapers against federalists and would change life for immigrants in America. -
The Revolution of 1800
This began with the first peaceful transfer of power in American history with the election of Thomas Jefferson. It would also set up the trend of Democratic-Republican presidents for a while. -
Period: to
Period 4 Part 1: 1800-1824
The Era of Jefferson, the War of 1812, the Era of Good Feelings, Westward expansion, and the Market Revolution. -
Marbury V. Madison
This case dealt with the issues of “Midnight justices' ' and was led by the Marshall court. It would establish Judicial Review and allow the supreme court to decide when something is constitutional. -
The Louisiana Purchase
This purchase gave more lands to America and would allow for Westward expansion. It also gave the Mississippi River and New Orleans port to America which was a key aspect in their trade. -
The Era of Good Feelings
This period is characterized by national pride and unity. There was also a lack of political separation from the feeling of victory of the War of 1812. -
The War of 1812 Begins
This was the first war fought by America. It was against Britain for the oppression being faced, and America was not ready for a war. -
Henry Clay's American System
This established a protective tariff as well as the second bank of the US. It also provided America with. However, it begins to separate the South as they feel left out. -
Andrew Jackson's Invasions
This was a raid Andrew Jackson held in search of runaway slaves and Native Americans. This would lead to many deaths and the Spanish realizing they have to fight for Florida. -
The Missouri Compromise
This compromise settled one of the first arguments over slavery in America. It also set up a plan for how states would regard slavery in the future. -
Early Industrialization
This was the transfer from a primarily agricultural-based economy to an industrial one in America. It included industrial mills and factory systems that helped boost America's economy. -
The Monroe Doctrine
This doctrine became a guiding policy for America for a long time. This would also contribute to the idea of neutrality of America which lasted a long time. -
Period: to
Period 4 Part 2: 1824-1848
The Jacksonian Democracy, the Bank War, Native American removal, the Second Great Awakening, reform movements, and manifest destiny. -
The Tariff of Abominations
His tariff policy raised the tariff greatly and was supported by Andrew Jackson and his supporters. The South called it the tariff of abominations as it split the country even more. -
The American Renaissance
This was a period that focused on American literature and transcendentalism. This intellectual movement lifted the importance of American literature to be equal to European literature. -
The Webster-Hayne Debate
This began as a debate over land policy in America but turned into a debate over slavery. While the actual debate did not lead to much, it showed how big the issue of slavery was. -
The Trail of Tears Begins
This was the forced mass movement of Native Americans from their homes and across the country. Andrew Jackson's Indian removal plan would result in the deaths of 4,000 Cherokee people. -
Nat Turner's Rebellion
This violent rebellion was held by enslaved African Americans. It would lead to fear in the South and even more hatred for the abolition movement there. -
Worcester V. Georgia
This was a case brought to the supreme court on behalf of the Cherokee Nation. The court decided that the Cherokee Nation had a right to their land, which Andrew Jackson would ignore. -
The Bank War
This was the fight by Andrew Jackson who wanted to end the Second Bank of the US. After Jackson's veto of Nicholas Biddle's early recharter, inflation grew, land speculation went up, and later the Panic of 1837 would result. -
Clay's Compromise Tariff of 1833
This was a compromise for the tariff of 1832 after the South Carolina legislature voted to nullify it. It said that the tariff will start at 35% and gradually go up which helped calm down the South and lower tensions. -
The Caucus System Dies
This was the initial system used for political parties to choose a candidate. This was replaced with political conventions which provided a democratic method of selection. -
Period: to
Period 5: 1844-1877
Slavery, abolition, the Civil War, and Reconstruction in America. -
The Abolitionist Movement Begins
This was a movement to end slavery that lasted until around 1870 and was based on not only religious values but political aspects. It would end up dividing the North and South even more in the Antebellum Era. -
The Seneca Falls Convention
This was America’s first women’s rights convention. It was held by Elizabeth Stanton and Lucrecia Mott in New York. -
The California Gold Rush
This movement of over 100,000 people to California leads to more arguments over slavery in the South. From this and the Nashville convention, the idea of secession emerges. -
The Compromise of 1850
This compromise came in six parts and served to diffuse tensions between the South and the North over slavery. While both sides gained from this, it also pushed stronger abolitionism in the north from the Fugitive Slave Law. -
The Gadsden Purchase
This land was bought for the purpose to build the Transcontinental Railroad through America. It also provided for a border between the US and Mexico. -
The Kansas Nebraska Act
This bill conflicted with the 36°30’ line which had decided the issues of slavery previously. This leads to more conflict over slavery in America as well as the formation of the Republican Party and re-emergence of the American Party. -
Bleeding Kansas
The Missouri/ Kansas Border Wars included the Sacking of Lawrence and the Pottawatomie Massacre. This was after the Topeka and Lecompton Constitution and would lead to more division over slavery. -
Dred Scott V. Sanford
This case questioned how trustworthy the Missouri Compromise was and whether or not a state can truly be a slave or a free state. The decision of the case validated the South’s view that enslaved people were property. -
John Brown's Raid
This was an abolitionist raid that was planned in order to free slaves and help them escape to Canada. It was stopped and it split the South and North even more radically. -
The Confederate States of America Formed
After many Southern states seceded from the union, they formed the Confederate States of America. It was not recognized by the US government and would be a leading cause of the Civil War. -
The Civil War Begins
The civil war lasted from 1861 to 1865 and was fought by the Union and Confederacy. It resulted in the abolishment of slavery, political dominance in the North, an increase in executive power, and left the country looking towards the West for expansion. -
The Homestead Act
This act encouraged Westward expansion by giving land to families that could make it productive. This would become important later as the growing agriculture leads to the Dust Bowl. -
The Emancipation Proclamation
This said that slaves would be freed in areas of rebellion and that African Americans can join the union army. This makes opportunities for enslaved African Americans to free themselves and cut off British allies for the South. -
Period: to
Period 6: 1865-1898
The Gilded Age, growing industry, the Labor Movement, and other reform movements. -
The Credit Mobilier Scandal
During president Ulysses S. Grant’s presidency, this was the biggest scandal and would come to define the “Era of good stealings”. This scandal was in the Central Pacific branch of the Transcontinental Railroad. -
The Gilded Age
The Gilded Age is a period in which America was swamped with hidden scandals and corruption throughout Ulysses S. Grant's presidency. It includes the Panic of 1873 which was the worst one yet and other currency issues and lasted until around 1900. -
The Transcontinental Railroad Finished
After the Civil War Westward expansion became a bigger focus in America. This coast to coast railroad served as a major trade resource in America. -
The Fifteenth Amendment
This amendment was important because it gave African American men a right to vote, which was a huge progressive step in America. It was pushed by Republicans because it would also give their party more support. -
Reconstruction Ends
Reconstruction was the effort to rebuild the country after the Civil War and it officially ended with the Compromise of 1877. Its multiple stages included Abraham Lincoln's 10% plan, Andrew Johnson's plan, congressional reconstruction, and military reconstruction. -
The Solid South Begins
The solid south would be the trend of the South always voting for one party in elections. This would serve as an influencer in elections for a long time in America. -
The Chinese Exclusion Act
America became a breeding ground for hate as the Civil War came to an end. This prevented Chinese immigrants from coming to America as everyone thought they were stealing American jobs. -
The Wabash Case
This court case was with the Pacific Railroad Company and Illinois. It decided that states could not regulate interstate trade and would help form the Interstate Commerce Commission. -
The Settlement House Movement
This reform movement was focused on helping impoverished areas by providing support in the form of shelter and training from the wealthy. Jane Addams and Chicago’s Hull House was one example. -
The Dawes Act
This act allowed the government to split up tribal land of Native Americans and redistribute it to individuals. This was in an attempt to assimilate the Natives, however, it resulted in the loss of Native land after some was given to white men. -
The Gospel of Wealth
This term came from Andrew Carnegie and preached the idea that the rich are responsible for giving to the poor. This was in response to the wealth inequality and gap and suggested the money be put towards public institutions. -
The Sherman Antitrust Act
This was passed in an attempt to prohibit trusts or monopolies. However, this act would end up being used to break up labor unions more than trusts. -
The Panic of 1893
This was the worst panic up to this point an had a major effect on banks, railroads, and steel industries. Unemployment rates rose and homelessness grew as well. -
The City Beautiful Movement
This was a reform movement centered around cleaning up cities and planting trees and gardens in more urban areas. It was not only landscaping but an architectural movement too. -
Plessy V. Ferguson
This supreme court case upheld that segregation was protected under “separate but equal”. This allowed for Jim Crow Laws and discrimination restrictions. -
The Spanish-American War
This war took place entirely in one summer and was attributed mainly to the sinking of the Maine and the media. The US gained territory in the Pacific from it. -
Period: to
Period 7 Part 1: 1898-1918
New imperialism, Theodore Roosevelt and the Progressive Era, and World War I. -
The Open Door Policy
This policy was created by John Hay and established open trade with China. However, China was not consulted in this, and Japan would later be added in. -
The Platt Amendment
The Platt Amendment followed the end of the Spanish-American War. It said that although Cuba is not an American territory America can interfere in its affair when necessary. -
The Insular Cases
These cases helped establish the status of US territories after America’s gains in the Spanish- American War. They decided subjects like representation, service, voting, and taxation of the territories. -
The Roosevelt Corollary
This built on the Monroe Doctrine and gave the US the preemptive right to intervene in Latin America. Much like with the open door policy and China, Latin America was not consulted in this. -
Founding of The National Education Association
As part of a rise in efficiency and professionalism, professional organizations like the NEA were formed. This advocated for public education in America. -
The Gentlemen's Agreement
This was an agreement between the US and Japan that said Japan would not send any more immigrants to America. This was along with many other immigration restrictions put in place by Theodore Roosevelt. -
The Ballinger-Pinchot Controversy
This was a big public dispute about the selling of land and regarding the Forest Service. William Howard Taft would help reach an agreement, but the results would end up alienating the progressives. -
The Hetch Hetchy Debate Ends
This debate was regarding preservation in a reservoir in California. John Muir was fighting against the reservoir, but he would lose and it would get built anyway. -
The Federal Reserve Act of 1913
This created a bank for the banks that would control how much money is in circulation and interest rates in America. This was during Woodrow Wilson’s presidency and was in an attempt to stabilize the economy. -
The Panama Canal Finished
The Panama Canal was a passage that allowed ships to travel through Latin America. This would help make trips faster for American trade after new territories were acquired in the Pacific. -
The Great Migration Begins
This was the movement of African Americans (which generally ended in 1980) to the industrial North from the South in search of jobs. When soldiers went to war, their jobs opened up but as they returned it would lead to an increase in discrimination and violence. -
The Creel Committee
The Committee on Public Information was formed to distribute propaganda during World War One. Along with citizen enforcement, it led to discrimination and social pressure in America. -
World War I Ends
World War I for America began in 1917 and ended in 1918 with the Treaty of Versailles. In America, it had the effect of raising social pressure and a crackdown on dissent in the Country. -
The Red Scare Begins
This centered around the fear and hatred of communism that lead to Mitchell Palmer and his raids. It also resulted in other violence and restrictions put on immigrants and even distrust of neighbors. -
Period: to
Period 7 Part 2: 1918-1945
Politics and culture f the 1920s, The Great Depression, The New Deal, and World War II -
Chicago's Red Summer
Also known as the Chicago Race Riot of 1919, it began with a young African American male who got pulled into a segregated beach by the waves and was killed. Riots began happening all over the country soon after in attempt to push through segregation and discrimination. -
The Harlem Renaissance
This was an artistic movement that started in New York and focused on African American culture. It involved people like Langston Hughes, Louis Armstrong, and Jacob Lawrence. -
The Nineteenth Amendment
This amendment allowed women the right to vote. By the time this was passed, many women were already voting in their local areas but this regarded the federal government. -
The National Origins Act
This was an act that restricted immigration which only let two percent of the amount of immigrants in 1890 into the country. The purpose of this was to greatly restrict immigration around the red scare. -
Scopes Trial
This trail represents the division between modernism and fundamentalism over the teaching of evolution. It was labeled as the “trial of the century” and the teacher John Scopes was found guilty. -
The Sacco and Vanzetti Trial
This trial was in the middle of the red scare and found two men guilty without proper evidence. This showed the discrimination faced based on ethnicity during the red scare. -
The Great Depression
The stock market crashed on Black Tuesday from over-speculation, lack of diversification and more. Herbert Hoover focused on rugged individualism, however Franklin D. Roosevelt's efforts and the New Deal would be the biggest remedy. -
The Dust Bowl Begins
The Dust Bowl was a natural disaster that included sandstorms that swept across the country killing people and ruining agriculture. It was mainly caused by the Homestead Act which allowed for Western land to be plowed and the high winds to pick up loose sand. -
The Bonus Army Incident
After being promised compensation, veterans began to gather and protest for it; however, Herbert Hoover sent the military to get rid of them. This was one cause of Hoover’s downfall as the public began disliking him. -
The Indian New Deal
The Indian Reorganization Act undid the Dawes Act and gave the land back to tribes of Natives instead of splitting it up. It also gave them sovereignty over their land. -
The Social Security Act
This law officially made the social security program, which had been talked about before. It also insured against unemployment as part of the New Deal. -
The Civilian Conservation Corps
This make work program hired young men to work for money for their families while also helping communities. It was part of the recovery section of the New Deal. -
World War II Begins
World War II mainly involved fighting for America in North Africa, Italy, and France (as well as at sea). Social pressures and propaganda also returned during wartime and civil liberties were once again restricted in America. -
Korematsu V. US
This supreme court case upheld that the US military could remove anyone of Japanese heritage from around military bases. This discrimination came in response to World War Two and the hatred of Japan in it. -
The Bombing of Hiroshima
The atomic bombing of Hiroshima is what helped end World War Two. It was part of a secret operation called the Manhattan project.
