-
Oct 12, 1492
Christopher Columbus reached San Salvador
Columbus' discovery of the New World allows trade, colonization, and technology to prosper. -
Jan 1, 1497
England’s Henry VII ignored the Treaty of Tordesillas, and sent John Cabot to explore the North Atlantic
He sail past Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and the Grand Banks, he claimed everything he saw for England. His discoveries helped map the unknown. -
Jan 1, 1517
Martin Luther criticized the Church and was excommunicated.
The revolt that was a result of Martin Luther provided a foundation for the Protestant Reformation. -
the Virginia Company of London established Jamestown
Jamestown was the first "successful" colony in the New World established by England. This settlement was a stepping stone to provide England with a basis of how to further colonize. -
The Seven Years’ War officially ended in both America and Europe with the signing of the Treaty of Paris
The France give up all its lands and claims east of the Mississippi to Britain. France ceded the vast territory of Louisiana to Spain. Britain was dominant in eastern North America while Spain now claimed the west below Canada -
The Sugar act is passed by Parliament
The goal was to raise revenues that would help offset Britain’s military expenses in North America by taxing sugar that was a common item sold. It angered the colonists and was a cause of rebellion. -
Stamp act passed by Parliament
A tax on the colonies meant for newspapers, legal forms, buying land, etc. Its purpose was to raise revenue for Britain’s financial debt. It was one of the many reasons why the colonists revolted against Britain. -
Patrick Henry dramatically conveyed the rising spirit of resistance.
His speech showed that there was no peace without going to war with Britain and that the time for resistance was upon them. He showed that the British were mistreating them by using analogies in his speech like comparing their situation to slavery. -
Quartering Act enacted
Ordered colonies to pay for certain goods needed by soldiers stationed there. It increased the detachment of England by the colonies and was one of the many causes that led to revolution. -
Parliament revoked the Stamp Act, but only in conjunction with passage of the Declaratory Act.
This action showed parliamentary power to legislate for the colonies by making the Declaratory Act seem towards the colonies advantage when truly there was little change. -
The Townshend’s Revenue Act of 1767 passed by Parliament
It was a tax on common goods such as glass, paint, lead, paper, and tea imported to the colonies from England. Taxing common goods would increase revenue for England. -
The Boston Massacre
A rowdy crowd harassing a group of soldiers in Boston caused a group of guards to open fire into a crowd causing a few civilian casualties. This event showed how much the colonists hated the soldiers being deployed and the amount of tension building up by the colonies. -
Parliament passed the Tea Act
To save the East India Company from financial ruin, England put a tax on tea which was a high selling item in attempts to raise funds. This infuriate colonists and was one of the main reasons for revolution. -
Boston Tea Party
As a response to the Tea act, colonists wanted to show their resentment of the taxation. They dressed up as Native Americans and through large quantities of tea into the Boston harbor. This was a message to England that the colonies had had enough with taxation without representation and were prepared to act out against it. -
The First Continental Congress assembled.
-
Declaration of independence ratified.
It established the United States of America as its own separate entity from England. It formally declared America's independence. -
Constitution ratified
It delegated the form of government used in America. -
Louisiana Purchase
The US purchased the Louisiana territory from the French for 15mil. The territory almost doubled the size of the nation and allowed for colonization of the west to occur. -
Louis and Clarke begin expedition.
Louis and Clarke mapped out and discovered the mysteries of the Louisiana territory with the help of Sacajawea. It was significant because it pointed out the fact that mountains separated the Missouri and Columbia Rivers. -
The Embargo Act of 1807
Jefferson's attempt to show America's neutrality towards European conflicts by halting all trade with either Britain or France. The act mad sailors/merchants lose their jobs, it increased the amount of debtors and hit hard on farmers and land buyers. -
Congress votes for war with England, The war of 1812.
Impressment, British ships in American waters, incitement of Indians, and violations of neutral rights were all factors that led to the War of 1812. -
Captain Oliver Perry destroyed british squadron at Put-in-Bay
A decisive victory that led to the taking of the Eerie Canal which was a key landmark needed to have any hope of winning the War of 1812. -
Negotiations to end the war between Britain and America take place at Ghent, Belgium.
The Treaty of Ghent restored the state before the war in America. It removed British influence in America and stopped impressment of American sailors by the British. It showed that America could hold its own against a world power and helped to establish itself as a world power. -
The election of 1828, Jackson elected by huge margin
Jackson is elected president. He creates a bank crisis and exploits the spoils system.
