-
The French and Indian War
Even though this particular war lasted nine years, it was divided up into three phases, The first starting in 1754. The second starting in 1756 and the third and final phase began in 1758. I chose to include this war because it is a war which shaped the future of colonial America. -
Period: to
The Seven Years War
The Seven Years war was defined as the first global war. A war of struggle for economic power and one of the most important wars in history. This particular war redefined power in religion by shifting power to a more Protestant government. -
Boston Massacre
It all started because of a British soldier, who was verbally abused and harassed. He was eventually supported by eight additional soldiers, who were also verbally assaulted. The soldier fired into the crowd, without orders, instantly killing three people and wounding others. Two more people died later due to their wounds from the incident.
The Boston Massacre marked the beginning of the end of colonists following the rule of British Parliament's authority. -
The American Revolutionary War
Also known as the American War of Independence, the Revolutionary war was a battle fought between Great Britain and the 13 American Colonies otherwise known as The United States. The open armed conflict began due to the Boston Tea Party as well as Britain's attempts to seize American guns, gunpowder and ammunition. This may be the most important war in American history because it sealed it's fate as it's own nation. -
The Declaration of Independence
Clearly, this is not a war but it has substantial significance to this timeline. Congress nominated a committee to write a declaration explaining why the colonies and it's people, wanted independence from Britain. This was written after Britain and the Colonies had already been at war for over a year but it shapes the rest of the timeline. -
Period: to
The Northwest Indian War
This war was about nothing more than the gaining of more property. The Indian's land was desired by Americans and tribes were forced to relinquish the majority of their land in 1795. -
The Louisana Purchase
Not necessarily a war, but to some it was unjust and unconstitutional. An agreement by the United States and France for the sum of 828,000 square miles of land west of the mississippi river. This was monumental in the shaping of current United States. -
Tecumseh's War
Tecumseh vs. William Henry Harrison. The battle over land continues but this time American forces were met with what Harrison called an "uncommon genius" who posed a major problem if America wanted possession of that land. Even though Tecumseh died at the hands of Harrison's Army, there were more American lives lost than Indian. Land was relinquished but at the cost of many American lives. -
The War of 1812
A very influential military war which lasted until 1815. As most of the wars up until this point, it was fought between England and the United States. War was declared by America due to, trade restrictions, Britain taking American sailors and forcing them into their own Navy, British support of Native tribes, and America wanting to expand into the west. This war created an understanding by the two countries and further sealed the United States independence. -
Peoria War
Armed conflict between the U. S. Army and two Indian tribes that took place in Peoria County, Illinois. -
Creek War
Military serving under Andrew Jackson broke the power of Creek raiders in Georgia and Alabama. They had attacked Fort Mims and massacred many settlers so they were forced to relinquish a large area of land. -
Arikara War
Occurring near the Missouri River, Arikara warriors attacked a trapping expedition and the U.S. Army retaliated. It was the first ever conflict between the United States and the western Native Americans that required military assistance. This led to the gaining of what is now known as South Dakota. -
Black Hawk War
Occurring in what's now known as Wisconsin, it was the last war between Indians and Americans in the area. Led by Chief Black Hawk, tribes made an attempt to move back to their homeland. Their attempt was thwarted forcing them to retreat and give up their land permanently. -
The Seminole War
Seminoles vs. United States. Again, a battle over territory. It was the longest and most costly of Indian Wars in United States history. Beginning in 1835 and ending in 1842, the land in which the war was fought is now known as Florida. -
The Mexican American War
The invasion of Mexico. During this war, Mexico lost what is now known as Texas and proclaimed that the Rio Grande would be the official dividing border between them and the United States. -
Period: to
Sioux Wars
As American settlers dominated land and moved across the Mississippi River into what's now known as Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wyoming, the Sioux fought to keep their land and hunting grounds. -
Puget Sound War
A battle over the Washington territory by Indians vs United States. Once again, the pattern continues with a battle over land. By now it is able to be seen how the current shape of the United States came to be. -
Utah War
A war between Mormon settlers and the United States Government. -
The American Civil War
A war lasting from 1861-1865. Arguably the war that created true American equality. North vs. South. Black vs. White. Wrong vs. Right. This war was fought so many have the freedoms they have today. -
The Colorado War
The Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes fought to retain control over the state of Colorado but were defeated by U.S. Troops in 1865.
