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Oct 1, 1492
Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus sets out on his first voyage to the new world. Significant because it sets the pace for further exploration by many other explorers of the New World and surronding areas. -
Jamestown
Jamestown is founded in Virginia by colonists of the London Company. Significant because it was the first colony in the New World, set the pace for future colonies to come. -
Tobacco in Jamestown
Tobacco has been planted for several years, but now becomes a stable economic system for Virginians. Significant because first ever cash crop used in the New World, set an agricultural system as means of economy. -
House of Burgesses
The first organized group of elected officials within North America. The House of Burgesses was established by the Virginia Company in an effort to encourage craftsmen to settle in America. Significant because they adopted Biritsh law and government as their first means of governing. -
Massachusetts Bay Colony
English settlement by colonits on the East coast of North America, present day cities of Salem and Boston, led by John Winthrop, these colonits were strongly Puritan. Significant because first Northern settlement, social instability will lead to Salem Witch Trials. -
Pequot War
Armed conflict between colonits of Massachusetts Bay and Native Americans over fur trade. Hundreds were killed and tons were captured, and sold in slavery. War ended with the complete elimination of the Pequot tribe. Significant because it was the first Native American vs. Colonits dispute, with many to come. -
Bacon's Rebellion
Farmers in the Virginia Colony believed that William Berkeley was not protecting them against Indian attacks. Daniel Bacon became a leader, burned down Jamestown, only to die from sickness and have Berkeley retake control. Significant because increased the use of slaves in the Virginia colony -
Founding of Pennsylvania
1681, Charles II granted a charter to William Penn to repay a debet he owned to William's dad, Made his new colony a land for Quakers who believed in pacifism, social equality, integrity, and simplicity. Signifcant because first non-persecutive place for Quakers to live. -
Dominion of New England
England attempted to retake control over the colonists by passing a variety of laws known as the Navigation Acts, which were ignored and colonists continued to smuggle goods. James II merged the colonies together to form the Dominion of New England, however it came to a abrupt end when King William became the throne during the Glorious Revolution. Significant because first attempt from Britiain to retake control of the colonies. -
Glorious Revolution
The English people didn’t want James II to be their king because he was catholic, so they executed a peaceful revolution and handed the throne over to William of Orange and Mary Stuart. Significant because it ended the Dominion of New England when colonists complained about Edmund Andros and his harsh ruling. -
Salem Witchcraft Trials
Social instability in Salem led to little girls accusing Women of cursing them. Many believed these little girls and this led to the execution of over twenty women. Ended when higher-class were beginning to be accused and began questioning which led to the release of many from jail. Significant because showed the possible social instability and questioning of the Massachusetts Area. -
First Great Awakening
Many religious ideals had deceased at this point in time. John Edwards and George Whitfield preached constantly in efforts to revive religion once again, deriving an emotional response to the sermons. Significant because first revival of religion, people had not lost faith just yet. -
French and Indian War
Began when French troops captured a British force, led by George Washington. The British were relatively successful throughout the war, they captured Montreal and Quebec and the war ended with the Treaty of Paris. Significant because it increased colonial taxes to pay for the war which led to the strive for independence. -
Boston Massacre
Soldiers were assigned to Boston to remind the colonists that they were still under British control, Colonists began to throw snowballs at the soldiers, this led to one of the soldiers shoot into the crowd, and then more soliders fired and five colonists were killed, significant because furthered the stride for independence from the Crown. -
The Revolutionary War
War between the colonists of the thirteen colonies and the Biritsh rule. Throughout several battles and the turning point of Saratoga where the French joined the colonists, eventually leading to the Final battle of Yorktown in which the British surrendered. Significant because colonists finally formed the United States of America. -
Battle of Yorktown
The final fight of the American Revolution, American troops led by George Washington and French forces against British forces. Proved to be the last major battle of the Revolutionary War as the surredner of Cornwallis prompted Britain to negotiate an end of conflict with Americans. -
Constitutional Convention
After the realization that the Articles of Confederation were not effective and weren't the best, delegates from all over attented this convention to create new governemntal idaes and a base for future government, the final document was, The Constitution. -
Whiskey Rebellion
Farmers located in Pennsylvania led an armed rebellion against the passing of an excise tax on whiskey, excise taxes were part of Hamilton's financial plan, Washington led 13,000 troops to go and crush this rebellion. Significant because proved the new governments power. -
Washington's Farewell Address
In his farewell address he proposed the idea to stay out of foreign affairs, because that is what would be best. Washington warned the nation not to become involved in any foreign treaty or alliance with another nation. He also warned them against two political parties. Significant because first idea of isolationism and not having two political parties. -
Louisana Purchase
Purchase of 827,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi from France by the United States for 15,000,000 dollars. First major land purchase for the United States. Significant because increased movement out west (Manifest Destiny taking shape) -
Lewis and Clark
First United States expedition out West, the primary goal was to study the land and map the land and to find a Northwest Passage. Lewis and Clark led the Corps of Discovery who were then led by Sacajawea, who greatfully impacted their journey. Signifcant because first mapping of the western US, did not find Northwest Passage and encouraged Manifest Destiny -
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a two year war fought between the United States and the British. US declared war on Britain because of trade restrictions. Significant because first fight between British and United States after the American Revolution. -
Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent ended the War of 1812, peace treaty to end the war, war ended in a stalemate although many speculate the US won. Battle of New Orleans fought after Treaty was signed. Significant because returned boundaries to the way they were before the war. -
Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine, established by James Monroe, asserted that the British will no longer be able to colonize land in the America's without US intervention nor would America meddle in foreign affairs. Significant because continued George Washington's policy of isolationism.
