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Oct 12, 1492
Columbus Discovers The New World
Financed by Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, Christopher Columbus set off on a quest to discover a quicker route to India. He had a theory that by sailing west into the Atlantic he could find this faster route. What he discovered would change the course of human history. A new continent named North America was found many months later, originally thinking he landed in India called the natives Indians. This brought glory and power to Spain no European country had experienced. -
Founding of Jamestown
Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in North America. The Virginia company funded it. They built a triangle-shaped fort to protect against Native American attacks and other things that might be in the New World. The winter of 1609 was known as Starving Time because many settlers died of starvation and cold. John Rolfe turned the settlement into a profitable venture when he brought the cash crop Tabbaco to the colony after starving time. -
Pilgrims land at Plymouth Rock
The Pilgrims, seeking religious freedom, landed at Plymouth after a voyage on the Mayflower. They had intended to reach the Virginia Colony but were blown off course. Upon arrival, they established Plymouth Colony, facing a harsh winter that led to many deaths. The surviving Pilgrims received essential assistance from the local Wampanoag tribe, learning vital farming skills. This support helped the colony survive and eventually thrive. -
Underground railroad
The Underground Railroad—the resistance to enslavement through escape and flight, through the end of the Civil War—refers to the efforts of enslaved African Americans to gain their freedom by escaping bondage -
Salem Witch Trials
The Salem witch trials took place in Salem, Massachusetts, and were prosecutions against people accused of witchcraft. The hysteria began when a group of young girls claimed to be possessed by the devil and accused several women of witchcraft. The panic spread, leading the execution of 20 people, mostly women. Eventually, they subsided, and the trials were condemned for their unjust procedures and lack of evidence. -
Start of French and Indian War
The French and Indian War was a conflict between Britain and France, fought in North America. It was part of a larger global struggle known as the Seven Years’ War. The war was about control over North American territories, particularly the Ohio River Valley. Native American tribes, who were aligned with either the French or the British, played a key role in the conflict. Britain emerged victorious, gaining control of Canada and significant territories east of the Mississippi River. -
Quartering Act
The Quartering Act required American colonies to provide housing and supplies for British soldiers stationed in North America. Colonists resented the Act, viewing it as an infringement on their rights. The Act fueled growing tensions between Britain and eventually led to the American Revolution. The resentment towards the Quartering Act played a role in the drafting of the Third Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits the quartering of soldiers in private homes without consent. -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was a British law that imposed a tax on printed materials in the colonies. This was the first direct tax levied by Britain on the colonies, leading to widespread protest. Colonists argued it violated their rights since they had no representation in Parliament. The Act contributed to the formation of the Sons of Liberty. Due to intense resistance, the Stamp Act was repealed in 1766. It set the stage for the American Revolution. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was when British soldiers fired into a crowd of colonists in Boston, killing five people. Tensions had been high due to the heavy British military presence and colonial resentment over taxes. The incident began as a confrontation between a British soldier and a colonist, escalating as more soldiers and colonists joined. It became a significant rallying point for those advocating for American independence. The soldiers involved were later tried, with most being acquitted. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was a protest against the British Tea Act. In response to the perceived injustice, a group of colonists, some disguised as Mohawk Indians, boarded three British ships in Boston Harbor and dumped chests of tea into the water. The British government responded with the Coercive Acts, which further united the colonies against British rule. The Boston Tea Party is remembered as a significant event leading up to the American Revolution. -
Period: to
American Revolution
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Lexington and Concord
The battles of Lexington and Concord marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. The British aimed to seize colonial weapons and arrest leaders, but they were confronted by American militia in Lexington, where the first shots were fired. This skirmish was called the "shot heard 'round the world," and led to a larger conflict in Concord. The British faced stronger resistance in Concord and suffered significant casualties during their retreat. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was written primarily by Thomas Jefferson and declared the American colonies' freedom from British rule. The document outlined the colonies' complaints against King George III and emphasized the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It marked the official start of the United States as an independent nation. It is one of the most important documents in American history. -
Articals of Confederation created
The Articles of Confederation were the first constitution of the United States. They established a national government with limited powers, giving the most authority to the individual states. The Articles created a Congress where each state had one vote, but the central government lacked the power to tax. This led to financial instability and difficulties enforcing laws. The weaknesses of the Articles eventually prompted the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. -
Battle of Yorktown
The Battle of Yorktown was the victory that ended the American Revolutionary War. American and French forces, led by George Washington besieged British troops commanded by Cornwallis in Yorktown, Virginia. The combined American and French forces trapped the British on the Yorktown Peninsula, cutting off their escape routes by land and sea. After a prolonged siege, Cornwallis surrendered. This defeat forced Britain to negotiate an end to the war, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Paris. -
Treaty of Paris signed
The Treaty of Paris officially ended the American Revolutionary War. It was negotiated between the United States and Great Britain, with Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay representing America. The treaty recognized the independence of the United States and established its borders, extending from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River. Britain also agreed to withdraw its troops from American territory. It solidified the United States as a sovereign nation. -
Constitutional Convention
The Constitutional Convention took place in Philadelphia, where delegates from 12 of the 13 states met to revise the Articles of Confederation. Instead, they ended up drafting a new Constitution that would create a stronger federal government. The convention addressed issues like representation, leading to the creation of the Senate and House of Representatives. It also established a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. -
Federalist papers published
The Federalist Papers is a collection of 85 articles and essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay under the collective pseudonym "Publius" to promote the ratification of the Constitution of the United States -
George Washington becomes the first US President
George Washington became the first President of the United States after being unanimously elected by the Electoral College. He took the oath of office in New York City, the nation's capital at the time. Washington's leadership during the American Revolution and his role in the Constitutional Convention made him a unifying figure. As president, he set many precedents, including the formation of a Cabinet and the tradition of a two-term limit. -
Bill of Rights ratified
The Bill of Rights consisted of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. It was created by James Madison to address concerns that individual liberties would be trampled by government power. The Bill of Rights guarantees fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. It also includes rights related to criminal prosecutions, like the right to a fair trial and protection against self-incrimination. -
Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase was a landmark event in American history when the United States acquired 828,000 square miles of territory from France. This purchase, by Thomas Jefferson, doubled the size of the United States. The territory stretched from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains, significantly expanding the nation's land for settlement and exploration. The acquisition provided the U.S. with control over the vital port of New Orleans and the Mississippi River, crucial for trade. -
Embargo Act of 1807
The Embargo Act of 1807 was a law passed by the U.S. Congress during Thomas Jefferson's presidency. It aimed to pressure Britain and France to respect American neutrality during the Napoleonic Wars by banning all American ships from trading in foreign ports. The act was intended to protect American interests and avoid war, but it ended up hurting the U.S. economy. The embargo led to widespread smuggling and was highly unpopular. -
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a conflict between the United States and Great Britain. It was caused by issues such as British restrictions on American trade, the impressment of American sailors into the British Navy, and British support of Native American attacks against American settlers. The burning of Washington, D.C., and the Battle of New Orleans. Despite initial setbacks, the U.S. managed to hold its own, and the war ended with the Treaty of Ghent, which essentially restored pre-war boundaries. -
Missouri Compromise
The Missouri Compromise was a legislative agreement aimed at balancing the power between free and slave states in the U.S. It allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state while admitting Maine as a free state, maintaining the balance in the Senate. It established the 36°30' parallel as the dividing line for future states, with slavery prohibited north of this line, except for Missouri. The compromise temporarily eased tensions between the North and South over the issue of slavery. -
Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine, created by President James Monroe was a cornerstone of American foreign policy. It declared that the Western Hemisphere was off-limits to new European colonization and that any attempt by European powers to control or interfere with nations in the Americas would be viewed as acts of aggression, requiring U.S. intervention. In return, the U.S. pledged not to meddle in European affairs -
Indian Removal Act
The Indian Removal Act, signed by President Andrew Jackson, authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes living east of the Mississippi River to lands west of the river. This policy aimed to open up lands for white settlers and agricultural development. The act led to the infamous Trail of Tears, where thousands of Native Americans, were forcibly removed from their homelands, suffering great hardships and many deaths along the way. -
Trail of Tears
In the 1830s, Congress passed the Indian Removal Act, which forcibly removed thousands of American Indians from their homelands in the southeastern United States. They were relocated to an area of land then known as Indian Territory, now the state of Oklahoma. This tragic event is referred to as the Trail of Tears -
Battle of the Alamo
The Battle of the Alamo took place during the Texas Revolution, where Texan defenders fought against the Mexican army. The battle occurred at the Alamo mission in San Antonio, and despite being heavily outnumbered, the Texans, including famous figures like Davy Crockett and James Bowie, held out for 13 days. Ultimately, the Mexican forces overwhelmed the Alamo defenders, resulting in their deaths. The battle became a rallying cry for Texan independence, with the phrase "Remember the Alamo!" -
Mexican American War
The Mexican-American War was a conflict between the United States and Mexico primarily over territorial disputes. The war began after the U.S. annexation of Texas and was fueled by the U.S. desire to expand its territory to the Pacific Ocean. Major battles took place in Mexico and the present-day southwestern United States. The war ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which resulted in Mexico ceding vast territories, including present-day California and other states. -
California Gold Rush Starts
The California Gold Rush was when gold was discovered in California. This discovery sparked a massive migration of people, known as "forty-niners", who flocked to California in hopes of striking it rich. The Gold Rush led to rapid population growth and significant economic development in California, transforming cities like San Francisco almost overnight. It helped to significantly develop the west. Other gold rushes occurred later but California was the first. -
Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 was a series of legislative measures. Key components included admitting California as a free state, establishing Utah and New Mexico territories with the question of slavery to be decided by popular sovereignty, and enacting a stricter Fugitive Slave Law. The compromise also abolished the slave trade in Washington, D.C., but allowed slavery to continue there. It temporarily eased tensions between the North and South. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
The Kansas-Nebraska Act was a significant piece of legislation that created the territories of Kansas and Nebraska. It allowed the settlers in those territories to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery, a concept known as popular sovereignty. This act effectively repealed the Missouri Compromise, which had prohibited slavery north of the 36°30′ parallel. The resulting tension led to violent conflicts known as "Bleeding Kansas," as pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers clashed. -
Bleeding Kansas
Three distinct political groups occupied Kansas: pro-slavery, Free-Staters and abolitionists. Violence broke out immediately between these opposing factions and continued until 1861 when Kansas entered the Union as a free state on January 29. This era became forever known as Bleeding Kansas -
Dred Scott Decision
The Dred Scott decision, delivered by the U.S. Supreme Court, was a landmark case involving an enslaved African American man named Dred Scott. Scott had sued for his freedom on the grounds that he had lived in free territories with his master. The Supreme Court ruled that African Americans, whether enslaved or free, could not be American citizens and therefore had no standing to sue in federal court. -
Abraham Lincoln Elected President
When lincoln was elected president all the souther states sussceded as an act of defiance. This put Lincoln in a tough spot as he had to reunify the country. He made it the goal of his presidency to reunit the country and when civil war broke out that's what he tired to do. Early on the war didn't go so well nut it got better an the union eventually won. -
Fort Sumpter
The attack on Fort Sumter widely regarded as the event that started the American Civil War. The fort was a Union stronghold in the seceded Southern states. Confederate forces bombarded the fort after the Union refused to surrender. After 34 hours of continuous shelling, Major Anderson was forced to evacuate, and the Confederates took control of the fort. This confrontation galvanized both the North and the South, leading to a full-scale war between the Union and the Confederacy. -
Period: to
Civil War
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Homestead Act
The Homestead Act, enacted during the Civil War in 1862, provided that any adult citizen, or intended citizen, who had never borne arms against the U.S. government could claim 160 acres of surveyed government land. Claimants were required to live on and “improve” their plot by cultivating the land. -
Battle of Antidem
The Battle of Antietam ended the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia's first invasion into the North and led Abraham Lincoln to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. Check out this section for answers to all your questions if you are planning a visit to Antietam National Battlefield. -
Battle of Vicksburg
The Battle of Vicksburg was a pivotal conflict during the American Civil War. Union forces, led by Ulysses S. Grant, laid siege to the city of Vicksburg, Mississippi, a strategic Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River. The siege cut off supplies and reinforcements to the Confederate troops, leading to their surrender. The Union's victory at Vicksburg effectively split the Confederacy in two and gave the Union control of the Mississippi River. This was the turning point. -
Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War. It declared that all enslaved people in the Confederate states in rebellion against the Union were to be set free. This historic document did not immediately free all enslaved individuals but fundamentally transformed the character of the war by adding a moral imperative to the Union cause. It also allowed African Americans to join the Union Army and Navy, bolstering the Union's manpower. -
Gettysburg Address
The Gettysburg Address was a short but impactful speech delivered by President Abraham Lincoln, during the American Civil War. It took place at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, a few months after the Battle of Gettysburg. Lincoln emphasized the principles of human equality outlined in the Declaration of Independence. He honored the fallen soldiers and called for a renewed commitment to the nation's founding ideals. -
Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was assassinated just days after the end of the Civil War. He was shot by John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. Booth's plan was part of a larger conspiracy to revive the Confederate cause by eliminating key government officials. Lincoln succumbed to his injuries the following day. His assassination shocked the nation and marked the first time a U.S. president was killed in office. -
13th Amendment abolishes slavery
The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime, throughout the United States. This amendment marked a significant shift in American society by legally freeing millions of enslaved people and making slavery unconstitutional. It was a crucial step in the broader movement toward civil rights and equality, following the end of the Civil War. -
Alaska Purchase
The Alaska Purchase took place in 1867 when the United States bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. The deal added 586,412 square miles of new territory to the U.S. At the time, many Americans were skeptical of the purchase, calling it "Seward's Folly" or "Seward's Icebox," due to the perception that Alaska was a frozen wasteland. However, the acquisition proved to be highly beneficial, as Alaska is rich in natural resources such as gold, oil, and fish. -
14th Amendment grants citizenship to former slaves
The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, including formerly enslaved people, and provided all citizens with “equal protection under the laws.” This amendment was a cornerstone in the fight for civil rights, aiming to protect the legal rights of the newly freed African Americans. The 14th Amendment has been the basis for many landmark Supreme Court decisions that have expanded civil rights and liberties. -
15th Amendment grants African American men the right to vote
The 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution granted African American men the right to vote by stating that the right to vote could not be denied based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. This amendment was a significant step in the struggle for civil rights, aiming to provide political equality for African Americans following the Civil War. Despite its passage, many states implemented discriminatory practices anyway. -
Battle of Little Bighorn
The Battle of Little Bighorn, also known as Custer's Last Stand took place near the Little Bighorn River in Montana Territory. The Native American forces, under leaders such as Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, decisively defeated Custer and his troops. This battle was part of the Great Sioux War and was a response to U.S. government efforts to force Native Americans onto reservations. The defeat shocked the nation and led to increased military efforts against the Plains tribes. -
End of Reconstruction
The end of Reconstruction came with the Compromise of 1877, which resolved the disputed 1876 presidential election between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel J. Tilden. As part of the compromise, Democrats agreed to accept Hayes as president in exchange for the withdrawal of federal troops from the South. This marked the end of federal efforts to enforce civil rights and rebuild the South after the Civil War. -
Dawes Act
The Dawes Act aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American society by dividing tribal lands into individual allotments for Native American families and individuals. Each family received a parcel of land, while the remaining land was sold to non-Native settlers. The act intended to encourage farming and private land ownership among Native Americans but ultimately led to the loss of tribal land and culture. -
Ghost Dance movent
This spiritual movement promoted peace and unity, offering comfort and hope when life on the reservations was harsh and difficult. The Ghost Dance is of historical significance because it symbolizes an important cultural and spiritual response of Native Americans to the hardships imposed by colonial forces -
Wounded knee massacre
In 1890, anxiety within the Bureau of Indian Affairs about the rise of Ghost Dance led to the assassination of Sitting Bull and the Wounded Knee Massacre, where the number of losses was made worse by the use of Hotchkiss guns by the U.S. Army.