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Jan 1, 1492
Columbus discovers America
First European explorer to discover the New World -
Jamestown established
English settlement of Jamestown. England eventaully becomes a major power in the New World -
Mayflower reaches Plymouth
Puritans reach Plymouth Rock in New Enlgand. Eventually settle Northeastern America. -
Dutch settle in New Amserdam
Dutch settlers arrive in northern America. Eventaully become a major player in the fur industry. -
Pequot War
Connecticut Natives go to war with colonists over trading rights. Colonist are victors. -
King Philip's War
Plymouth colonists vs. Wanoanog Indians. Metacom is defeated. -
Bacon's Rebellion
Nathaniel Bacon rebels against the Virginia governor due to lack of proctection from Indians and high taxation. -
Pueblo Revolt
Pope expells the Spanish from Southwestern America with the help of the Pueblo Indians. -
France claims Louisiana
French explorer La Salle claimes the lower Mississippi River Valley and Louisiana for France. -
Dismantle of the Dominion of New England
William and Mary of England dismantle the Dominion of New England which was created by James II before the Glorious Revolution. Trade flourished in New England. -
Great Awakening
Protestand revival of Biblical teaching spread across America. One of the leading revivalists was George Whitefield who was Anglican. -
Treaty of Paris
Britain and France sign the Treaty of Paris which effictively ends the French and Indian War. -
Stampt Act
Parliament passes the Stamp Act which taxes all legal documents. One of the major causes of the Revolutionary War. -
Boston Massacre
English soldiers kill 5 unarmed American citizens. One of the causes of the Revolutionary War. -
Second Continental Congress
Washington is elected as the leader of the Continental Army. Declaration of Independence is drafted. -
Declaration of Independence
The United States of America is created under Jefferson's Declaration of Independence from Britain. -
Articles of Confederation
First form of a constitution for the United States. Gave major power to state government and little power to the Federal government. -
Statute for Religious Freedom
Thomas Jefferson writes the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom which gives religious freedom to all Americans. -
Constitution
United States adopts the Constitution which gives more power to the federal government and less power to the states. Congress has the power to tax the people. -
Whisky Rebellion
Farmers attack tax officials in Philadelphia. Federal government puts down the rebellion. Shows the power of the federal government to tax American citizens. -
Washington's Farewell Address
George Washington leaves office by delcaring that the nation should not be divide between rival political parties. -
XYZ Affair
Tallyrand of France tries to get $250,000 and $12 million for himself and France in order to delegate with the US. Adams does not go along with the deal. -
Marbury vs. Madison
Marbury is not given papers by Madison even though he was a Midnight Judge. Supreme Court rules that it is not up to them to delcare that unconstitutional. -
Embargo Act
Jefferson banns imports and exports to all European nations in order to protect industry and the US Navy. Results in economic hardship for the US.