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Jamestown Settlement
The Jamestown settlement was Britain's first attempt to colonize the New World (established by the Virginia Company of London). The main purpose was to mine the supposed riches that the land held, but instead the settlers came into contact with the Native Americans and the hardships of the New World. -
First Anglo-Powhatan War
The First Anglo-Powhatan War was the result of the Jamestown settlers and Native Americans culturally clashing and believing they were superior to one another. This first war was significant because it was the beginning of the issue that the settlers and natives could not live harmoniously together and thus began the defeat of the native tribes cultures and language which would persist throughout the coming years. -
Navigation Acts
The Navigation Acts were a series of laws which were enacted by Great Britain and restricted trade between foreign ships and the colonies. They were significant because they were an effort to keep all profit within the British Empire (mercantilism). -
Bacon's Rebellion
Bacon's Rebellion was a rebellion of farmers, led by Nathaniel Bacon, against Governor Berkeley. The farmers had many grievances with Berkeley, especially concerning their safety from the Native Americans. It was the first time in history that American frontiersmen (common people) opposed the ruling power. -
Dominion of New England
The Dominion of New England was a union of the New England colonies, and had centralized control which was unpopular among the people because it took away many traditional rights. The Dominion covered a large area, and it showed that one person (in this case the governor) was not capable of managing it. -
Salem Witch Trials
Cases of Conscience Concerning Evil Spirits The Salem Witch Trials were a series of hearings prosecuting young girls in the Massachusetts Bay Colony who had been accused by elders in the community of witchcrafts (or making deals with the devil). Historically, it was one of the United State's first cases of religious extremism and hysteria. -
The Enlightenment
The American Enlightenment was a period of time when scientific reasoning was applied to politics, science and religion, thus promoting religious tolerance. Religious tolerance meant the separation of church and state, which was an idea which would be further explored in the creation of the Constitution (freedom of religion). -
The Great Awakening
The Great Awakening was a time period when people had a renewed interest in religion, often led by Protestant ministers, and a renewed desire to ensure salvation. It was significant because it established boundaries between old and new religous ideas (Old and New Lights) and brought Christianity to black slaves. -
Seven Years War
The Seven Years War was fought on American soil between Great Britain and France over the Ohio River Valley territory. Great Britain won, which was historically significant because Great Britain was then regarded as a dominant world power. -
First Continental Congress
Galloway's Speech to Continental CongressAll of the American colonies, except Georgia, attended the meeting in Philadelphia which was to discuss what the colonies were going to do about Great Britain's unfair treatment of them. This was significant because the colonists were beginning to take a stand againat their mother country. -
Declaration of Independence
Declaration of Independence The Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson, was approved by Congress and was significant because it signified the United States separating themselves from English rule. -
Articles of Confederation
Articles of Confederation The Articles of Confederation were the United States' first Constitution. They gave the states more rights than the national government which was significant because it created the need for a strong, centralized government. -
Peace of Paris (Treaty of Paris 1782-1783)
A Century of Lawmaking for a New NationIn this treaty, Great Britain formally recognized the independence and separation of the United States from the mother country. It was significant because the United States was officially a free nation. -
Shay's Rebellion
Shay's Rebellion was led by Daniel Shays as he and Massachusetts farmers rebelled against Boston creditors. It was significant because it began to lead to the end of the Articles of Confederation. -
National Bank
The National Bank was issued by Alexander Hamilton. It was jointly owned by private stockholders and the national government. It was significant because it structured the beginnings of the nation's financial system. -
Whiskey Rebellion
Farmers in Pennsylvania rebelled against the excise tax on whiskey. Washington and his army quickly put a stop to it, which showed the strength of the national government. -
Marbury vs. Madison
William Marbury sued for his commision as a Supreme Court judge under Adams because Jefferson refused to give him the commision. John Marshall, Supreme Court Judge, ruled that the court did not have the right to review the case. This case estabished judicial review. -
Louisiana Purchase
The United States purchased the Louisiana Territory from France. This was significant in the settlers moving towards westward expansion. -
Treaty of Ghent
Treaty of GhentThe Treaty of Ghent brought and end to the War of 1812. It was significant because everything (territory wise) was returned to the way it was before the war and more distinct Canadian borders were drawn. -
"Corrupt Bargain"
Henry Clay met with John Quincy Adams before the House was to decide the presidential election of that year, which made some believe that Adams won because he bribed Clay with the position of Secretary State because he knew Clay could get him the votes to win. This was significant because it showed an instance when the American government was corrupt and perhaps not serving the best interests of the people. -
American Temperance Societies
The American Temperance Societies were established to encourage sobriety, as alcoholism was seen by many as a sin and hindered the work force. It was significant because it was one of the first movements to better American society. -
Indian Removal Act
The Indian Removal Act was enforced by Alexander Hamilton and forcibly removed thousands of Indians from their home territories and moved them to the west. This was significant because Americans were eager to expand westward and it became apparent that they would do so under whatever circumstances necessary. -
Specie Circular
President Jackson ennacted the Specie Circular, which required that public land by purchased with tangible gold and silver to stop banks from issuing paper money that had no value. This was significant because it eventually led to the Panic of 1837. -
Seneca Falls Convention
The Seneca Falls Convention was a meeting of women who were promoting women's rights, and a Declaration of Sentiment was read which listed women's rights and suffrage. It was significant because it began the fight for gender equality.
