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Oct 12, 1492
Christopher Columbus Arrives in America
Christopher and his crew make landfall on one of the Bahamas islands. -
Apr 2, 1513
Florida's First Spanish Explorer
Juan Ponce de Leon comes ashore the Florida coast and claims the territory for the Spanish. -
Jun 9, 1534
Cartier Journeys up the St. Lawrence River
This journey caused the Spanish to fortify and settle their North American border. -
May 8, 1541
Hernando de Soto Explores the Mississippi River
He was one of the first Spanish explorers to reach the Mississippi River. He took 400 troops along with him. -
Sep 8, 1565
Establishment of St. Augustine
A Spanish expedition leads to the discovery and then the settlement of St. Augustine located in Florida. -
England Defeats Spanish Armada
This was the beginning of the end of the Spanish imperial dreams. Approximately 130 boats attacked England. -
Peace Treaty Signed by Spain and England
Signed in London,the treaty is known as the Treaty of London. They stayed at peace until 1625. -
Jamestown, Virginia
Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement founded by John Smith. -
First Anglo-Powhatan War
This war ended with by a peace settlement sealed by the marriage of Pocahontas and John Rolfe. -
Second Anglo-Powhatan War
Indians made one last effort to dislodge the colonists but were again defeated. -
Act of Toleration
Also known as the Act of Religion. They had religion toleration for Christains. Maryland was the first colony to introduce the Act of Religious Toleration. -
Carolina Colony Created
Carolina was named after King Charles I of England because he granted the Lords Properties to 8 of court favorites. -
French Expedition Down Mississippi River
This expedition ed to the development of settlements in Texas in 1716. Robert de La Salle led the expedition. -
North Carolina and South Carolina Seperate
To honor King Charles I of England, they named the whole colony Carolina. -
13th and Last of English Colonies is Founded
Georgia, was the last colony founded. It was founded by James Oglethorpe. -
The Trial of John Zenger
He printed a publication called the New York Weekly Journal. This journal pointed out the actions of the corrupted governor. Zenger was then accused of libel. -
The Spread of the Great Awakening
George Whitefield follows Edwards footsteps. He toured colonies and preached his own testimonies. -
Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle
This treaty was also known as the Treaty of Aachan. This treaty was negotiated by Britain and France. They also had other powers following their lead. This put an end to the War of the Austrian Succession. -
First Blood of the French and Indian War
Virginia militia, George Washington defeats a French reconnaissance party in southwestern Pennsylvania. They killed 10 French soldiers from Fort Duquesne. -
The French and Indian War begins
The French and Indian war was the French and Indians fighting against the British. It was also known as the Seven Years' War. The British defeated the French and the Indians. -
Braddock' Fails to Capture Fort Duquesne
He took two thousand men along with him to capture Fort Duquesne. A few miles away from the fort, his fleet met with another fleet resulting in him being defeated. -
William Pitt becomes the leader in London Government
After becoming a leader, he focused his efforts on Candada and stopped going after the French West Indies. He claimed victory against Louisbourg, granting Britain their first major victory of the war. -
French are defeated by the British in the Battle of Quebec
This war is one of the most significant battles in American and British history. The French had been expelled from Canada. -
The Signing of the Treaty of Paris
At the ending of the French and Indian War, France ceded all North America's territories. It was signed by Great Britain, France and Spain with the agreement from Portugal. -
Proclamation of 1763
This proclamation was issued by the British King George III. The proclamation was designed to calm the fears of Native Indians. -
The Sugar Act
This was the first attempt to finance the defense of colonies by the British government. Taxes on molasses was dropped, production of rum was encouraged, a levy was placed on the colonial export of iron and on foreign Maderia wine, and lumber and other goods has to first pass through British customs. -
The Stam Act
A levy was placed for all legal documents, newspapers and pamphlets to use a watermakered, or stamped paper. -
The Boston Massacre
A crowd began harassing a group of soldiers quarding the customs house. They were angered by the troops and Britain's colonial policy. -
Huge Profit Made by the Triangular Trade
The Triangular Trade Route involved the areas North America, Coaast of Africa, West Indies, and England. North America and Africa traded slaves and rum. England and North America traded tobacco, fish, lumber and textiles. The West Indies traded sugar and molasses and in return received timber and foods from America. -
The Boston Tea Party
This happened because people were angered by the Tea Acts. Americans disguised as Mohawk Indians dumped East India Company tea into the Boston harbour. -
Anglican and the Congregational were Created
These two churches were the only two established churches in colonial America. The Congregational church was a tax supported church in New england. The Anglican church was a tax supported church in the Southern Colonies. -
Congress Votes for Independence
The Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia. They adopted Lee's Resolution for independence. It was only abstained by New York. -
The Declaration of Independence
The declaration was adopted by Continental Congress. 13 American colonies cut ties from Great Britain. They had officially established their independence. -
Washington Attacked Hessian Soldiers at Trenton
George Washington threw a surprise attack at the Hessians camp. After the voctory, more Americans were enlisting. His plan was to encourage more people to enlist so their army could grow stronger. -
Americans Win More Than a Battle at Saratoga
John Burgoyne surrenders his 5,000 British and Hessian troops to General Horatio Gates at Saratoga, New York. -
John Paul Jones Burns Whitehaven, England
John Paul Jones along with 30 volunteers from his ship launched a surprise attack on the two harbor forts at Whitehaven, Englan. The attack was successful on the first fort, but volunteers who were supposed to attack the second fort claim they were frightened by a strange noise. -
France becomes an Ally
The French began helping the Americans. They provided them with supplies. France didn't officially became allies until 1778. They were making sure they weren't going to lose everything to Britain. -
Spain Declares War Against Great Britain
Spain declares war creating a defacto alliance with the Americans. King Charles III would not consent to a treaty of alliance with the United States. -
John Paul Jones Wins in English Waters
The Bonhomme Richard engaged the Serapis and the Countless of Scarborough. This took place off the eastern coast of England. -
Americans Suffer Worst Defeat of Revolution
After a siege began on April 2, 1780, Americans suffer their worst defeat of their revolution. Major General Benjamin Lincoln surrendered to British Lieutenant General Sir Henry Clinton and his army at Charleston, South Carolina. -
Benedict Arnold Commits Treason
On this day, Bendict Arnold meets with British major John Andre to dicuss handing over West Point to the British in return for a large sum of money. -
Benedict Arnold Captures and Destroys Richmond
American traitor enjoys his greatest success against Americans on this day. Arnold and his men arrive at the undefeated capitol city of Richmond. They burn much of the city the following morning. -
The Battle of Yorktown Begins
George Washington begins the siege known as the Battle of Yorktown against British General Lord Charles Cornwallis. This is one of the most important battles of the Revlotuionary War. -
Congress Adopts the Great Seal of the United States
The United States had finally adopted the Great Seal after having a six year discussion. -
Congress Ratifies Peace with Great Britain
The Continental Congress of the United States officially ratifies the preliminary peace treaty with Great Britain that was signed in November of 1782. -
Treaty of Paris Signed
American Revolution officially comes to an end when representatives from the United States, Great Britain, Spain and Fance signed the Treaty of Paris. Signing signified America's status as a free nation. -
Land Ordinance of 1785
This ordinance provided the acreage of the Old Northwest should be sold and that the proceeds be used to pay of national debt. This answered the question, "how will the new land in the Ohio Valley be divided up?" -
Constitutional Convention
Congress called a convention for the purpose of revising the Articles. Representatives fromevery state exceot Rhode Island attended. At the convention, they came up with a series of compromises. -
Washington Unanimously Elected to First Term
Washington becomes the first and only president to be unanimously elected by Electoral College. -
The Whiskey Rebellion
This is an uprising in western Pa due to an excise tax on distilled spirits. This was the largest organized resistance against federal authority. A number of the whiskey rebels were prosecuted for treason. -
Establishing the First National Bank
Hamilton asked Congress to charter the bank of the U.S. He argued that the bank would provide financial stability by making loans to merchants. -
Bill of Rights Adopted
The Bill of Rights are 10 rights that are guarenteed freedoms for everyone that the government can't take away. They were adopted and added to the Constitution. -
France Protests Jay's Treaty
France refuses to recieve the newly appointed U.S. minister to France. They believed the treaty signaled a de facto alliance between the U.S. and Britain. As a result, France increases harrassment on American ships. -
Convention of 1800
Also known as the Treaty of Mortefontaine. This treaty was signed between France and the U.S. This treaty was to settle the hostilities that had erupted during the Quasi-War. -
Judiciary Act of 1801
The Judiciary Act of 1801 created 16 new federal judgeships and other offices. John Adams filled these positions with "Midnight Judges" before he left. This act plays a role in the Marbury v. Madison case. -
Marbury v. Madison
William Marbury was suing because he was never appointed his commission. The decision that John Marshall ruled established the Court's power of judicial review over acts of Congress. Marshall ruled it unconstitutional. -
Louisiana Purchase
Jefferson bought 828,000 square miles of land for $15 million from Napoleon. The purchase of land sprouted national pride and ensured expansion. -
Lewis and Clark Expedition Begins
Jefferson sent Mariwhether Lewis and William Clark to investigate the land acquired from the Louisiana Purchase. They recorded the types of wildlife, plants, and number of Indian tribes. They mapped the region and promoted fur trade. -
Hamilton v. Burr
When Alexander Hamilton exposed vice president Aaron Burr's plot to separate the New England states from the Union. Burr then challenged Hamilton to a duel and killed him. Burr fled to the West so he could be among people who hated Hamilton. -
Embargo Act of 1807
The Embargo Act was passed by Congress forbidding all exportation of goods from the United States. British and France had countinuously harrassing the U.S. and seizing U.S. ships. Jefferson hoped to weaken Britain and France by stopping trade. -
War of 1812 Begins
A war between the U.S. and Britain caused by American outrage over the impressment of American sailors by the British. The war lasted 32 months. -
Treaty of 1818
A negotiated treaty between the Monroe Administration and England. This treaty was passed after the War of 1812 to settle disputes between Britain and U.S. This treaty permitted Americans to share Newfoundland fisheries with the Canadians. This treaty also fixed the vague northern limits of Louisiana. -
The Caroline Affair
On the night of December 29, a small group of British and Canadians crossed the river to the U.S. side where the Caroline was moored. They loosed her, set fire to her, and sent her over the falls. One American was killed in the incident. -
Webster-Ashburton Treaty
This was a treaty signed to resolve several border issues between the United States and the British North American colonies. This was treaty was signed under John Tyler’s presidency and resolved the Aroostook War. -
Treaty of Wanghia
This was the first diplomatic agreement between China and America in history. It assured the United States the same trading concessions granted to other powers. This greatly expanded America’s trade with the Chinese. -
Election of 1844
This election was between Henry Clay and James K. Polk. Henry Clay was a Whig and James Polk was a democrat. Polk favored the expansion, demanded that Texas and Oregon be added to the U.S. and Clay had already spoken out against annexation. Polk won the election by the difference of one state. -
Acquisition of California
California was acquired by the United States under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. John Slidell was sent to Mexico City to make an offer of $25 million to purchase California. Mexico turned them down so the United States then used force to acquire the land. -
Restoration of the Independent Treasury
The Democrats won the election of 1844 and re-established the Independent Treasury System. This system was for the retaining of government funds in the United States Treasury. The treasury was to pay out its own funds and be completely independent of the banking and financial system of the nation. -
California Gold Rush
Gold was found by James Marshall at Sutter’s Mill. The news of gold brought thousands of gold-seekers to California. Most newly arrived were Americans, but the news also brought tens of thousands from Latin America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. -
Free Soil Party is Created
This third party was a short-lived political party. It was founded by Martin Van Buren, who also ran for president under this party in 1848. This party was against slavery in the new territories. They advocated federal aid for internal improvements and urged free government homesteads for settlers. -
Election of 1848
Polk stepped aside and did not seek another term in office. This election was between Lewis Cass, Martin Van Buren, and Zachary Taylor. Taylor won by 30 electoral votes. They believed if Van Buren did not run, then all the vote’s he gained would’ve went to Cass, giving him the win instead. -
Seventh of March Soeech
This was a two day speech delivered by Daniel Webster. He stated that territory gained from Mexico was not physically suitable for slavery, but encouraged compromise from north. He called upon his fellow senators to give their full support to the Compromise of 1850. -
Clayton-Bulwer Treaty
This was a treaty signed between the United States and the United Kingdom. They agreed that neither country would try to obtain exclusive rights to a canal across the Isthmus of Panama. -
Compromise of 1850
The compromise was a set of five separate bills passed by the United States Congress. The Mexican-American War was resolved in the Compromise of 1850. Its laws consisted of California being admitted as a free state, creating Utah and New Mexico territories with the question of slavery to be determined by popular sovereignty, settling a Texas-New Mexico boundary dispute in the former’s favor, ending the slave trade in Washington, D.C., and making it easier for southerners to recover fugitive slav -
Fugivtive Slave Law of 1850
This was passed as a part of Compromise of 1850. The Fugitive Slave Law authorized local governments to seize and return escaped slaves to their owners. They were also able to impose penalties on anyone who aided in their fight. -
Election of 1852
Franklin Peirce was a democrat who ran against Winfield Scott who was a Whig. Peirce was not well known, but had no enemies. He won the election by a landslide. This election marked the beginning of the end of the Whig party. -
New England Emigrant Aid Company
This was created to pay anti-slave settlers to go into Kansas. When the state voted on whether or not to allow slavery. the vote would be on the anti-slave side. This of course caused tension between the North and South. -
Bleeding Kansas
Kansas was being disputed for free or slave soil by popular sovereignty. Disagreements led to killing in Kansas between pro-slavery and anti-slavery people. -
First Railroad Bridge
Built across the Mississppi River. Started in Rock Island, Illinois and ended in Davenport, Iowa. -
Sumner/Brooks Incident
Sumner, an unpopular Massachusetts senator, made an assault towards the pro-slavery of South Carolina and the South in his speech. This angered Brooks, coongressman of South Carolina. Brooks walked up to Sumner's desk and beat him unconscious with his cane, -
Pottawatomie Creek Massacre
John Brown and a band of abolionist settlers killed five pro-slavery settlers North of the Pottawatomie Creek in Kansas. -
Election of 1856
It was Fremont vs. Buchanan vs. Fillmore. There was a lot of trash talking, Buchanan tried to avoid issues. Buchanan wins the election. -
Dred Scott v. Sandford
Missouri slave sued for his freedom after living in a free state for four years. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled he couldn't sue in federal court because he was property. -
The Impending Crisis of the South
Book written by Hinton Helper. He used this book to prove that non-slave owning whites were the ones who suffered the most. He had to go to the North to get the book published. After publishing the book, the South banned it. -
Panic of 1857
California's gold rush had increased inflation. This hit the North harder than the South. It caused an increase in tariffs and a lot of unemployment. Also, it created two new issues in the upcoming election. -
Lecompton Constitution
This was a pro-slavery constitution. It was voted for in Kansas after anti-slavery people boycotted the election. -
Lincoln-Douglas Debates
Lincoln challenged Stephen Douglas to a series of seven debates for a seat in the senate. Stephan won the senate seat, however, this gave Lincoln fame and helped him to later on win the presidency. -
Freeport Doctrine
This was the second site of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates. They occured in Freeport, Illinois. Douglas argued that a territory had the right to exclude slavery. -
Harpers Ferry Raid
John Brown attempted to create a major revolt among the slaves. He over takes an armory and provided the slaves with weapons. Brown was later captured by Robert E. Lee. -
Election of 1860
It was Douglas vs. Lincoln vs. Beckinridge vs. Bell. Lincoln had won the majority of popular vote and sppealed to everyone besides the pro-slavery. Lincoln won the election. -
Cittenden Compromise
This was an attempt to prevent Civil War. Senator Crittenden offered a constitutional amendment recognizing slavery in the territories south of the 36, 30 line. This just proposed conflict with the South.
