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Arrival of the Pilgrims
The arrival of the PIlgrims in Massachusetts was a very important part of American History. The creation of the Mayflower Compact started the beginning of the modern government we still see in our country today. The significance of leaving England for religious freedom is also important as we follow how that promise was actually lived out. As Puritans, they were the religious majority most powerful. The initial landing of the Pilgrims ultimately led to discrimination against other colonists. -
"City on a Hill" Speech
The "City on a Hill" speech given by John Winthrop marked the beginning of egotistical America. Winthrop's main sentiments can be summarized into the idea that the colonists should lead a life free from evil and unjust acts. They are the role models of all and should they fail, would be punished by God. By self-proclaiming themselves and chosen to be leaders in this new land, the audience views themselves as better than the rest, resulting in possibly more oppression against those who disagree. -
Bacon's Rebellion
Bacon's Rebellion is an important part of history as it displays the people's power once banded together, against their ruling power. The people of Virginia fought back after their governor William Berkeley raised taxes and restrictions as well as didn't send aid while they were battling against the Natives. This established a right to rebel when not treated fairly and also set an example for other leaders to treat their subjects justly. -
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Growing Colonial Population
During this time period, each regions' population increased by a minimum of 100%, ranging all the way to 940%. The most populated region at this point was in New York near the Hudson River Valley. England made up the majority of the population yet other European countries as well as Africa had a significant number of immigrants. -
Turn of the French and Indian War
In 1754, the 1.5 million British officially outnumber the 70 thousand French troops. Previously, France had the upper hand in North America and this marks the change in outcome in favor of Britain. -
Treaty of Paris
Officially documented Frances's loss of power in North America and transferred their previously owned land to Britain. After the treaty was signed, Britain gained control of Canada, the Great Lakes Region, Ohio River Valley, and Florida. -
Sugar Act
Passed by Parliament in 1764, the Sugar Act made the colonies pay taxes on sugar in order to make back the money Britain had spent on the French and Indian War. The colonists revolted and Britain responded by protesting and confiscating cargo if the tax was unpaid. -
The Boston Massacre
British occupation in Boston adds to increasing tension. One winter night, a group of colonial protesters physically threaten a couple of British soldiers by chucking rocks and shouting death remarks. One soldier ends up firing,which triggers the rest and four colonists end up dead. Paul Revere illustrated the scene which was used as propaganda against the British and helped unify the 13 colonies. The drawing depicted an innocent crowd of settlers being fired upon by British soldiers. -
Tea Act
The Tea Act was passed in order to make British tea marketable in America and to help the British East India Company sell its surplus of tea. The colonists believed that this was just another instance of Britain controlling their actions so they at first economically protested by boycotting. They eventually increased to violence as they became physically hostile to British soldiers. -
Adams Presidency- Election of 1796
The Election of 1796 is considered to be the first official campaign for presidency as the only prior runner had been George Washington. Though a close race, John Adams won and Thomas Jefferson, the runner up, became vice president. Like Washington, Adams was a Federalist, but unlike Washington, Adams didn't receive the country's unanimous support. -
Adams Presidency- XYZ Affair
As tension rose between the United States and Britain and France, an American diplomatic group journeyed to France to try and fix their problems before a war ensued. Before any negotiations were created, France (represented by three agents "X","Y", and "Z") demanded bribes and government loans. The diplomatic group declined but just when war was about to be declared, the Treaty of Mortefontaine saved French-American relations. -
Adams Presidency- Alien & Sedition Act
Throughout his presidency, Adams was paranoid that everyone on his staff and around the country, was out to sabotage him. He ended up signing the Alien and Sedition Acts which gave the government the powers to deport foreigners and made it harder for new immigrants to vote. The Acts also prevented the public from speaking negatively about the government. -
Jefferson Presidency- Louisiana Purchase
More than doubling the size of the United States overnight, the Louisiana Territory was bought from France at the price of $15 million. Originally only wanted the land around the Port of New Orleans at $10 million, President Jefferson couldn't pass up France's sweet offer. After confirming the purchase, Jefferson was ashamed that he potentially committed an unconstitutional act, but in the end, everything was fine. -
Jefferson Presidency- Embargo Act
In 1807, President Jefferson attempted to avoid war with Britain and France by banning all outside trade opportunities. This ban was intended to hurt foreign economies but ended up hurting America the hardest. From farmers to merchants, nobody was happy about the lack of profit due to the Act. This disagreement to the Act led to an increase of smuggling and illegal activity. -
Jefferson Presidency- Non-Intercourse Act
Just before ending his presidency, Jefferson repealed the Embargo Act and instead, put forward an Non-Intercourse agreement that allowed foreign trade, unless the foreign power was Britain or France. While this appeased some people, the economy was still low and in the coming days of war between Britain and France, they needed some type of ally. -
Tariff of 1816
In 1816, Congress decided to place a tax on imports in order to protect American Industry from foreign companies who were mostly British. The tariff raised the price of the imports by 20-25% and heavily impacted farmers. The South felt like the tax was a slap in the face because they had to pay higher prices for consumer goods. -
National Road
Made of crushed rock, the National Road could be traveled from Maryland to the Ohio River. Besides the profits gained by the federal government by tolls, the route increased the speed of travel for merchants and settlers heading west. -
Lowell Girls
A product of Francis Cabot Lowell's industrial system in the 18020, the Lowell girls were young women who worked in factories in Lowell, Massachusetts. Only lasting in the environment for around three years, the women were required to board at a local house and follow strict rules. The workers manufactured cloth and completed difficult tasks in less than desirable conditions. -
Erie Canal
The Erie Canal was 363 miles long and extended from New York State to the Hudson River. This canal completed slashed the high price of trading from $100 a ton, to $4. It also cut down traveling time from months to just a matter of a week or two. Even though building canals quickly went out of fashion, the Erie Canal made more efficient trading and transportation seem attainable. -
Riots between Protestants and Catholics
Due to the growing American industry, many immigrants came pouring into the States. Mostly Irish and German, they were generally Catholic and a rift began to form between them and the native Protestants. Nativists who didn't like how immigrants were stealing their jobs, emphasized the tensions between the groups. In 1844 and also 1854, there were riots among the Catholic and Protestant people.
