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Oct 12, 1492
Christopher Columbus discovers the Indies
After funding from King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, Christopher Columbus embarked on a voyage to the New World. He wondered if there was a way to Asia and the Spice Islands sailing west instead of east. He discovered the Indies on October 12, 1492, kicking off the Columbian Exchange. After word got back to Europe, many countries wanted to colonize including England, France, Spain, Portugal, and Holland (Netherlands). This led to the establishment of various colonies such as Jamestown. -
Period: Oct 12, 1492 to
Columbian Exchange
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The House of Burgesses
The House of Burgesses, founded in 1619 after the founding of Jamestown in 1607. It was the first representative legislative assembly in the colonies, allowing landowners in Virginia to elect representatives (burgesses) who voted for them in the House of Burgesses. It introduced the idea of representation, which laid the framework for other colonies to create similar or exact replicas of a working representational government. It later led to protests of "no taxation without representation." -
Navigation Acts
The Navigation Acts were a set of Acts passed by the British Parliament that imposed unpopular restrictions on colonists. They required all goods to be shipped on British ships, restricted trade to England, and imposed taxes on goods. These Acts were hugely unpopular with the colonists and were widely ignored. These acts also were not enforced greatly by the British leading to Salutory neglect and smuggling. The colonies developed autonomy and a self-sufficient economy as a result of this. -
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The First Great Awakening
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Sinner at the Hands of an Angry God
This was a crucial and meaningful speech that was given by Jonathan Edwards during the Great Awakening. His speech, like many others given by him and people such as George Whitefield emphasized the messages of the Great Awakening. The Great Awakening was a religious upheaval that had the key concepts of: All people are born sinners, they could be saved if accepted God’s grace, and that all people can have a direct emotional connection with God. It also led to the formation of Old and New Lights. -
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French and Indian War
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Treaty of Paris in 1763
The Treaty of Paris (1763) ended the French and Indian War (1754-1763). It was caused by territorial disputes between Britain and France over the Ohio River Valley. The loss of the war and this treaty resulted in Florida, the Ohio River Valley, and a bit of Canada becoming Britains. Britain also gained lots of debt, which led to increased taxes on American colonies because Britain felt that colonists should be the ones responsible for paying taxes. This fueled dissent in the colonies. -
The Sugar Act
The Sugar Act of 1764 was passed by Britain to pay debts after the French and Indian War. It revised the Molasses Act of 1733 by reducing the tax on molasses but enforcing strict collection on sugar. It aimed to tamp down on smuggling, increase British control over colonial trade, and generate revenue. Colonists hated it, arguing "no taxation without representation." The act strained colonial economies and fueled growing resentment towards the British. It helped to spark the American Revolution. -
The Quartering Act (1765) & The Stamp Act (1765)
The Quartering Act of 1765 required colonists to provide soldiers with room and board. Many resented the act, as soldiers could essentially spy on the colonists. This act was particularly unpopular with the wealthy, as soldiers targeted their larger houses. The Stamp Act of 1765 was also introduced, requiring colonists to have all printed materials stamped. These acts, introduced closely together, provoked boycotts and the formation of resistance groups like the Sons of Liberty. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was a reaction to the Townshend Acts (1767), which taxed items like tea, glass, and paper. British troops were sent to Boston to enforce these taxes, angering colonists who viewed their presence as oppressive. The tension led the soldiers to fire into a crowd, killing five colonists, including Crispus Attucks, an African American. Although not a major event, printing presses used it as propaganda, blowing it out of proportion and intensifying colonial outrage towards Britain. -
The Coercive/Intolerable Acts
The Coercive Acts (1774), called the Intolerable Acts by colonists, were Britain's response to the Boston Tea Party. These laws tried to take control of the rebelling colonists by closing Boston Harbor, dissolving Massachusetts' self-government, and allowing British officials accused of crimes to be tried in Britain. The act outraged colonists, leading them to organize the First Continental Congress to coordinate resistance. This kicked off the war for independence for the colonists. -
Lexington and Concord
The battles of Lexington and Concord began with the "shot heard ’round the world," marking the start of the American Revolution. Tensions had escalated with British troops marching to seize colonial weapons and arrest Patriot leaders. This is also when Paul Revere, along with others, made their famous Midnight Ride to warn of the British. This rallied support for independence and shocked the British. It showed the British the colonies’ readiness to fight for their rights and lives. -
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American Revolution
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Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was a response to years of British oppression, including unfair taxes and laws such as the Intolerable Acts. It was created by the Second Continental Congress after the start of the Revolutionary War and King George's denial of the Olive Branch Petition. It declared the colonies free from British rule, citing grievances against King George III. The document united the colonies and transformed the conflict into a fight for independence. -
Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga was the turning point in the American Revolution. American forces defeated British General Burgoyne’s army, forcing them to surrender. The victory ended Britain’s strategy to divide the colonies via New York and boosted American morale. It also proved to France and Britain that the Continental Army could fight. This finally convinced France to formally ally with the Americans (after months of negotiation), providing much-needed military and financial support. -
Creation of the Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation were created in an attempt to establish a unified government that the states could support during the Revolutionary War. They aimed to preserve state rights while providing a way for the colonies to present a unified front. However, the colonists, fearing an overbearing, strong central government like the British, made a weak central government who lacked power to tax or regulate trade. The flaws of this were ultimately shown in the Shays Rebellion. -
Surrender at Yorktown
The surrender at Yorktown in 1781 was the decisive moment that ended major fighting in the American Revolution. General Cornwallis's British forces, on the retreat, believed that Yorktown was safe with British ships backing them up at sea. Instead, they were trapped by General Washington's Continental Army and French allies, with the French navy blocking escape by sea. This defeat led to increased unpopularity of the war in Britain and the signing of the Treaty of Paris two years later, in 1783. -
Treaty of Paris (1783)
The Treaty of Paris (1783) officially ended the American Revolutionary War, recognizing the United States as an independent nation. It set the nation's boundaries from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River, with Britain ceding its claims to the territory. The treaty marked the birth of the United States and allowed for much-wanted westward expansion. It also inspired other revolutions, such as the French Revolution, because it demonstrated the possibility of overthrowing through grit. -
Shays' Rebelllion
Shays’ Rebellion was an armed uprising in Massachusetts led by Daniel Shays, protesting high taxes and economic hardship. Unable to call on a national army, private, wealthy legislatures were forced to pay for a militia that finally stopped the rebellion. The rebellion revealed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation as the federal government struggled to respond. It led to people pushing for a stronger central government, leading to the Constitutional Convention and U.S. Constitution. -
Creation of Constitution
The U.S. Constitution was created in the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia to improve upon the weaknesses found in the Articles of Confederation. The new Constitution established a stronger central government with three branches, introducing checks and balances.. It also set up a bicameral system, in which there was the House and Senate. The ratification process took around 3 years. The Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation, making the United States a more cohesive nation. -
The Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, protecting freedoms like speech, firearms, and against abuses of power. Several states, especially those led by anti-Federalists, demanded a guarantee of individual rights to limit federal power. Agreeing to add the Bill of Rights helped secure the Constitution’s ratification and addressed concerns about an overbearing government. The Anti-Federalist Articles pushed for this with ratification of the Constitution. -
Invention of Cotton Gin
The cotton gin, invented by Eli Whitney, revitalized slavery in the United States. Before its invention, slavery was declining, particularly in the North and Chesapeake region, due to less need and moral concerns. However, the cotton gin increased cotton production by a hundredfold, leading to a surge in demand for cotton picking. This allowed for slavery to regain traction. This fueled the domestic slave trade, creating the butterfly effect that eventually led to the Civil War. -
Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey Rebellion was sparked by an excise tax on whiskey, part of Alexander Hamilton's financial program. This tax favored the wealthy and was disadvantageous to the poor, sparking a rebellion at the unfairness of it. President George Washington responded by sending troops, squashing the rebellion. The rebellion tested the government's power to enforce laws and contributed to the rise of political parties. It proved that the Constitution was effective, unlike the Articles of Confederation. -
Alien and Sedition Acts
The Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798, passed by the Federalist-controlled Congress, targeted immigrants and suppressed political dissent. They extended citizenship requirements, allowed for deportation of "dangerous" foreigners, and criminalized criticism of the government. These laws were indirect violations of the constitution, sparking wide outrage, and the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions were denied due to ramifications of them). The backlash contributed to Jefferson's 1800 election victory -
Revolution of 1800
The Revolution of 1800 is the U.S. presidential election in which Thomas Jefferson defeated John Adams. This was the first time that power was transferred from one political party (Federalists) to another (Democratic-Republican). It marked the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties. The whole world watched as this would make or break the Young American Nation. This set a crucial precedent, signaled the decline of the Federalist Era , and the start of the Jeffersonian Era. -
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Jeffersonian Era
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Marbury VS Madison
Marbury v. Madison established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional. This case, made under Chief Justice John Marshall, is considered the foundation of the Supreme Court. Its important because it confirmed the role of the court as an independent, co-equal branch of government. By asserting this authority, the court created a system of checks and balances, ensuring that no law or government action could violate the Constitution. -
Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase nearly doubled the size of the U.S, acquiring land from France for just $15 million. Napoleon sold the territory due to financial strains at a cheap price. Jefferson also faced constitutional concerns (Stict vs. Loose Interpretation of Constitution). The purchase secured the Mississippi River, fueled westward expansion, and spurred the Lewis and Clark Expedition. While it made new opportunities, it also raised tensions over slavery and Native American treatment. -
The Embargo Act of 1807
The Embargo Act of 1807 aimed to use peaceful coercion to stop Britain and France from interfering with U.S. trade and impressing American sailors. It banned U.S. ships from foreign ports, severely harming American commerce and reducing the gross national income. However, it inadvertently increased U.S. industrial growth by encouraging domestic manufacturing to replace imported goods. Although unpopular, the act was crucial in the development of the United States and of early industrialization. -
German Coast Uprising
The German Coast Uprising was the largest slave revolt in the 19th century. It was caused by harsh plantation conditions and the influence of the Haitian Revolution. Enslaved workers in Louisiana, inspired by the possibility of freedom, rebelled against brutal treatment on sugar plantations (Around 80). Although poorly armed and ultimately unsuccessful, the revolt led to harsher slave codes and intensified efforts to suppress resistance. This furthered tensions in the region. -
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War of 1812
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Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent ended the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain, restoring pre-war borders without any territory changes. Britain wanted due to its depleted resources from the Napoleonic Wars. Native American tribes who allied with Britain lost land, however. The war boosted Andrew Jackson to a national hero after the Battle of New Orleans, helping him in the future. The end of the war also started the Era of Good Feelings and proved American Independence against Britain. -
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Era of Good Feeling
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Battle of New Orleans
The Battle of New Orleans was a major U.S. Victory fought under British General Sir Edward Pakenham and U.S. General Andrew Jackson. It proved that the United States could stand against a much larger force but still win despite the odds. This also boosted Andrew Jackson to national prominence and helped him win the presidency in the coming years. This battle finally marked the end of major British aggression towards the United States and gave the U.S. a major moral boost seeing this victory. -
Nullification Crisis
The Nullification Crisis arose when South Carolina opposed federal tariffs, claiming states could nullify unconstitutional laws (similar to the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions). The Tariff of Abominations (1828) later replaced with the Tarrif of 1832, were seen as harmful to the South's economy as it favored the industrial North. This led to South Carolina to reject them. The crisis ended with the Compromise Tariff of 1833, by Henry Clay, in which the tariffs were eased out. -
Missouri Compromise
The Missouri Compromise of 1820, proposed by Henry Clay, was crucial in maintaining the balance of power between free and slave states. Originally, Missouri wanted to enter the Union, but this would shake up the balance of slave to free states in Congress. This compromise allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state and Maine as a free state. It also prohibited slavery north of the 36°30' latitude for future states. This worked for the time being, but only was a temporary fix. -
The Election of 1824 and the "Corrupt Bargain"
The "Corrupt Bargain" was the name for the Election of 1824, which led to John Quincy Adams victory from a corrupt bargain he struck with Henry Clay behind closed doors. Due to this, Adams was "tainted" and got little done during his presidency. This victory led to widespread outrage by Andrew Jackson supporters, which believed that Jackson should have won. It basically guaranteed Jackson's victory in the next election. This also sparked the birth of the Democratic Party under Andrew Jackson. -
Election of 1828
The election of Andrew Jackson marked the beginning of the Jacksonian democracy, the two-party system, and the end of the era of good feelings. His precidency had a strong executive branch and decreased white male voting requirements. Jackson's presidency also led to the spoils system, the dismantling of the American System, and the shutdown of the Second Bank of the United States, which had dire consequences. His most controversial act was the Indian Removal Act, which led to the Trail of Tears -
Publishing of Book of Mormon
The publishing of the Book of Mormon marked the beginning of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism). Mormonism, due to not being accepted and receiving pushback, was led to present-day Salt Lake City to establish an exluded town. This is similar to many other utopias, such as Shakerism, Fourierism, and Oneida. These all tried to create utopias under their founders vision, trying to create a harmonious community. All of these ultimately failed due to various reasons. -
Nat Turners Rebellion
Nat Turner's Rebellion was a violent uprising led by Nat Turner, an enslaved African American preacher who had a vision of God telling him to free enslaved people. The rebellion caused the deaths of 55 white people. In revenge, white militias massacred around 200 African Americans. The rebellion led to increased fear among white slaveholders who enacted stricter slave codes, restricting movement, banned independent Black churches, and forbidded anyone from teaching enslaved people to read. -
Remember the Almo
This was a phrase that became the rallying cry behind The Battle of the Alamo (1836). The Alamo was a former Fort in San Antonio, Texas, that was used by Texan rebels fighting for independence from Mexico. Every single one of the rebels died fighting, but this gave light to the phrase "Remember the Almo!" Although a loss, newspapers caught onto the phrase and rallied huge amounts of support for the Texan cause, which helped to significantly contribute to their eventual victory over Mexico. -
Panic of 1837
The Panic of 1837 was a financial crisis triggered by bad lending habits, declining cotton prices, and restrictive monetary policies. President Andrew Jackson's destruction of the Second Bank of the U.S. and the Specie Circular, requiring land purchases with gold or silver, reduced credit and destabilized banks. Banks failed, businesses collapsed, and unemployment soared. This made Van Buren, his predecessor, very unpopular, leading to a Whig Party overtaking in the election of 1840. -
The Trail of Tears
The Trail of Tears was caused by settlers desire for Native American lands, which caused the making of the Indian Removal Act of 1830, signed by President Andrew Jackson. This controversial act authorized the forced relocation of tribes. Despite legal resistance, including the Cherokee Nation’s victory in Worcester v Georgia, Jackson ignored the ruling. Racial prejudice and economic greed fueled this policy, leading to immense suffering and death as Indians were forced to march hundreds of miles -
Oregon Fever
Independence, Missouri, became the starting point for many westward migrants. It served as the primary start point for the Oregon Trail, California Trail, and Santa Fe Trail. Settlers would gather in Independence to stock up on supplies and form wagon trains before beginning their journey westward. This peaked in May of 1843, with hundreds of families attempting the grueling trek to Oregon in the name of Manifest Destiny and in search of a better life. Many died, but a few made it to Oregon. -
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U.S.-Mexico War (Mexican-American War)
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Declaration of War against Mexico
The U.S. declared war on Mexico following growing tensions over Texas and border disputes. After the U.S. annexed Texas in 1845, Mexico refused to recognize the annexation. A border skirmish in April 1846, where Mexican forces attacked U.S. troops in disputed territory between the Nueces River and the Rio Grande, escalated the conflict. President James K. Polk used the incident to justify war. He was not right here, but the American people believed him enough to go to war. -
Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 arose from the rapid growth of California’s population after the gold rush. This led it to seek admission as a free state, threatening the balance between free and slave states from the Missouri Compromise. Fears of Union dissolution prompted a compromise, by Henry Clay which banned slavery in Washington D.C., allowed for popular sovereignty, admitted California as a free state, and included the harsh Fugitive Slave Act which was very unpopular with northern abolitionists. -
Maine Law (Temperance Movement)
The Maine Law of 1851, also known as the Maine Liquor Law, was the first state-level prohibition law in the U.S. It was a key victory and milestone for the Temperance Movement, which sought to reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption due to the beliefs that alcohol harmed people. The law banned the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages. It inspired similar laws in other states marking the rise of the Temperance Movement, but was difficult to enforce and was eventually repealed in 1856. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 was introduced to organize the new territories of Kansas and Nebraska and to pave the way for a transcontinental railroad. It allowed settlers to decide whether to allow slavery through popular sovereignty, effectively overturning the Missouri Compromise. This "Bleeding Kansas" was when pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions fought for control of whether it was a slave or free state. This greatly heightened tensions and pushed the U.S. closer to Civil War. -
Dread Scott Case
The Dred Scott v. Sandford case was a landmark Supreme Court decision that ruled that all African Americans, could not be U.S. citizens and had no right to sue in federal court. The Court also declared the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional, saying that Congress could not prohibit slavery in the territories. It finally allowed slave owners to keep their states after moving to a free state. It made it so that there was no such thing as a truly free state and took away Congressional power. -
Election of 1860
The Election of 1860 led to the Southern States' succession. Despite not winning any Southern states (Or even being on their ballots), Abraham Lincoln still won the popular vote. This made Southern states believe their interests were no longer represented in the federal government leading to the secession of several Southern states, starting with South Carolina, and the formation of the Confederate States of America. Lincoln’s election effectively triggered the outbreak of the Civil War. -
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The Civil War
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The Battle of Vicksburg
The Battle of Vicksburg was a decisive Union victory and a major turning point in the war. Led by General Ulysses S. Grant, Union forces laid siege to Vicksburg, Mississippi. After weeks of siege, the Confederates surrendered, giving the Union full control of the Mississippi River. This had huge ramifications, as this meant that the Confederacy were split in half, with the west being unable to participate in the war. The Union Army could also launch attacks from anywhere along the Mississippi. -
The Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg was one of the key battles in the Civil War. It was the largest battle ever fought in the war, with Union forces, commanded by General George G. Meade, defeated the Confederate Army under General Robert E. Lee. The Union victory halted Lee's invasion of the North and ended his Northern Campaign. This meant that Lee did not have enough troops to continue to sustain the push and had to retreat. It shifted momentum to the Union, which began to push South. -
Election of 1864
The Election of 1864 was considered the last chance for the South to gain autonomy. Many in the South hoped for a McClellan victory, as he was seen as more willing to negotiate peace and potentially recognize the Confederacy’s independence. However, when Lincoln won re-election, the South's hopes for a negotiation diminished and this reaffirmed the unification of the Union. This led to the eventual surrender of Lee and his army at the Appomattox Court House which signaled the end of the war. -
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Reconstruction
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Reconstruction Amendments
Lincoln's Reconstruction 10% Plan sought to forgive the South and quickly rebuild the nation. Radical Republicans pushed for 50% and harsher measures, with both plans not working. After Abe's assassination in 1865, Andrew Johnson continued Lincoln’s policies, but to a lesser extent, on the way allowing Confederates to regain power. The House, controlled by Radical Republicans, didn't like this and took control (Congressional Reconstruction). This led to the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments. -
Completion of the Transcontinental Railroad
The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad was started by the Pacific Railway Act of 1862, which provided land grants and government bonds to encourage two companies to build a railroad. This helped improve the effectiveness of the Homestead Act of 1862, accelerating westward migration. Together, these acts fueled economic growth, transformed transportation, improved communication, facilitated trade, and promoted industrialization. This also greatly harmed Native American lands and cultures -
The Panic of 1873
The Panic of 1873 was triggered by a European Market Crash, which led creditors to pull out of banks. This led to the collapse of Jay Cooke's bank, which led to a chain reaction of people pulling out money. This resulted in bank closures everywhere and a severe economic depression. The panic led to high unemployment, bankruptcies, and a dramatic drop in industrial output. It was also partially caused by the Coinage Act of 1873, in which the government made the U.S. a gold-standard country. -
End of Reconstruction
The Election of 1876, between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel Tilden, marked the end of Reconstruction. Disputed results led to the Compromise of 1877, in which Hayes became president in exchange for removing federal troops from the South. This marked the start of "Redemption" and the return of white Democratic control. This ended protections for African Americans, leading to Jim Crow laws, voter suppression, and racial violence (KKK) as the Republicans grew tired of pushing for Freedmen rights. -
Civil Rights Cases
The Civil Rights Cases are 5 Supreme Court cases that basically killed the Civil Rights Act of 1875 14th Amendment. The Act prohibited racial discrimination in the public, but the Court ruled that the 14th Amendment only applied to states, not private individuals. This effectively allowed segregation in private businesses, which made the 14th Amendment ineffective. This decision was a major setback for civil rights and laid the groundwork for Jim Crow laws and organizations such as the KKK. -
The Dawes Act
After years of infighting with Native Americans, the Grant administration turned over to peace policies. The Dawes Act aimed to assimilate Native Americans by dividing reservations into individual allotments similar to the Homestead Act. Indian boarding schools were also established to forcefully assimilate Native children, eliminating their native languages, traditions, and customs while imposing Western culture on them. These policies contributed to trauma and loss in Indian communities.