-
U.S - NC & SC Now Royal Provinces
In 1730, North Carolina and South Carolina were both confirmed as being royal provinces. Martin, K. (2020, November 28). American History Timeline 1726 to 1750. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/american-history-timeline-1726-1750-104295 -
1. James Oglethorpe Requests A New Colony- Georgia
James Oglethorpe requested a new colony which would be named Georgia in honor of King George II. Not only is this date important because this request led to Georgia as we know it now, but it is also important because of the purpose this new colony would serve. Oglethorpe, who was notably interested in fair chances for those in debtors' prison, saw this new colony as a chance at a fresh start for small farmers, merchants, and craftsmen (Meyers and Williams, 2012). -
U.S. - Treaty of Paris 1763 signed
Although the treaty of Paris ended the war between Great Britain and France, it affected US history because now all areas East of the Mississippi River belong to Great Britain. Griffith IV, W.R. (n.d.). “The French and Indian War (1754-1763): Its Consequences”. Retrieved from https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/french-and-indian-war-1754-1763-its-consequences -
2. Treaty of Augusta Signed In 1763
The Treaty of Augusta was signed in 1763 which is one of the earliest treaties in Georgia with the Creek and Cherokee tribes. This treaty led to Georgia owning the strip between the Oconee River and the Ogeechee river which led to the expansion of the colony. This marked a defining historical moment in Georgia's history because it certainly would not be the last time that Georgia sought land from the indigenous people of the area (Meyers and Williams, 2012). -
3. Council of Safety Announces GA Must Sign the Oath Of Allegiance
Council of Safety, primarily made up of whigs, announced Georgians must sign an oath of their allegiance to the Continental Association (in other words, their loyalty to this new country and independence) or leave the colony forever. This is an important part of Georgia's history because it was floundering on whether they wanted to be loyalists or not. This announcement forced the colonists to officially decide on their loyalty to Great Britain or their independence.(Meyers and Williams, 2012) -
U.S.- Congress Declares Independence
A few months after Georgia’s push for its colony to be all-in with independence from Great Britain, Congress declares the 13 colonies to be the newly independent United States of America. Meyers, C. C. and Williams, D. (2012). Georgia: A brief history. Macon, GA: Mercer University Press. -
U.S. - Spain is Ally to America and France, Declares War on Great Britain
Spain declares war on Great Britain. By doing this Spain and cutting ties with Great Britain, Spain declares itself an ally of France and America. A&E Television Networks. (2020, June 18). “Spain declares war against Great Britain”. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/spain-declares-war-against-great-britain -
4. Savannah Seized and Still Held By the Brittish
After the British took control over Savannah the year prior, American troops sought to reclaim it for their own, with the help of the French, but Savannah still was held by Great Britain. The significance of this event in Georgia history is not only due to the importance of the city of Savannah but also the fact that Georgia almost completely had the British government re-established during the war by giving the British a foothold in Savannah.
(Meyers and WIlliams, 2012) -
U.S. - Federal Court System Now Recognized as Branch of Government
A few days prior to the Compact of 1802, on April 19, 1802, the Judiciary Act recognized the federal court system as a branch of the government. (Meyers and Williams, 2012) -
5. Compact of 1802- GA Sells Yazoo Land to Washington
Georgia sold the land used in the Yazoo land Act to Washington. The areas which are now Alabama and Mississippi were sold to the federal government. The importance of this event is that Georgia citizens did not own the land gained in the Yazoo Act. However, neither did the nearby Creek and Cherokee Indians that resided there. As part of the buyout, the federal government sought to remove all native tribes from the newly acquired land. (Meyers and Williams, 2012) -
6. The Federal Road is Built Through GA Opens
The Federal Road connected Macon, Georgia to New Orleans. This road gave opportunities to trade and expand easily, but was met with great hesitation by the Creeks who saw it as a way to drive them out or attack them. The Federal Road did lead to battles with the Creeks and a civil war among the Creek Nation. The end of this battle resulted in the Treaty of Fort Jackson which reduced their land by 23 million more acres. This marks the importance of the Creeks and their land in Georgia's history. -
U.S. - Battle of Tippecanoe With Native Tribes
Also during the tensions of the federal road, the Battle of Tippecanoe was occurring. Although this battle was in Indiana, it was between Americans and the Native tribes over acquiring 3 million acres of land. American Battlefield Trust. (n.d.). “Tippecanoe”. Retrieved from https://www.battlefields.org/learn/war-1812/battles/tippecanoe -
U.S.- Cherokee Phoenix Issued for Cherokee Tribes in the Various States
A few months prior to the discovery of gold in Georgia, the Cherokee Phoenix newspaper was first issued. This united Cherokee tribes that were in multiple U.S. states on important issues. Cherokee tribes had an opportunity to hear stories and be informed about things that directly affected them such as the threat of removal. Smith, A. (2022, February 21). “Feb. 21, 2022 On This Day”. Retrieved from https://www.wnchistory.org/february-21-1828-the-cherokee-phoenix-debuts/ -
7. Gold Discovered in Georgia
Benjamin Parks discovered gold by accident while hunting in Dahlonega, GA. From the boom of 15,000 miners rushing the area, to the branch mint in Dahlonega, to the growth the town saw, Dahlonega would forever be changed. The significance of this is that the desire for gold led to the removal of the Cherokee in Georgia. Georgia Historical Society. (2022). “October 27 - Dahlonega Gold Rush”. Retrieved from https://www.todayingeorgiahistory.org/tih-georgia-day/dahlonega-gold-rush/ -
8. GA Resident, Patrick Hues Mell Writes Slavery is Not Wrong
Patrick Hues Mell writes slavery is biblical and not morally, politically, or socially wrong. This reinforced many people to view slavery as correct and biblical. Many Georgians who may have felt on the fence about slavery now supported it and Georgians who previously supported it now viewed it as their God-given right. These ideas in his work would trickle down to have devastating effects on the way Georgia felt about slavery. The importance of this is event that it led to Georgia seceding. -
U.S. - The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Publushed
A book written by Frederick Douglass was published titled: The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave in 1845. The book gave a true look into the horrors of the lives of slaves. Horn, P.E. (n.d.). “Frederick Douglass, 1818-1895”. Retrieved from https://docsouth.unc.edu/neh/douglass/summary.html#:~:text=American%20slave%20narratives.-,Narrative%20of%20the%20Life%20of%20Frederick%20Douglass%2C%20An%20American%20Slave,in%20the%20first%20four%20months. -
9. Georgia Votes to Secede
Georgia took a vote as to whether or not they should secede from the Union. Voting ruled in favor of succession. Georgia feared that along with Lincoln’s new presidency there would be abolitionist movements pushing for the end of slavery which would destroy their livelihood. This decision, however, would turn out to be a momentous moment in history for Georgia as it ultimately led to the beginning of the civil war. (Meyers and Williams, 2012) -
U.S. - Confederate States of America Formed
A month after Georgia seceded, several states met to form their new government: the Confederate States of America which showed their official stance on the separation from the Union. (Meyers and Williams, 2012) -
10. Sherman’s March to the Sea Burns Atlanta & Moves South
Sherman’s March to the Sea attempted to use psychological tactics to force the confederate states to surrender. Beginning with the burning of Atlanta and continuing south through GA, union troops destroyed crops, homes, and businesses to show the confederacy that they were not strong enough to stop the union. This marked history by proving to be a catalyst for the end of the civil war and causing devastating effects on Georgia as it struggled to rebuild after the war. (Meyers and Williams, 2012) -
U.S.- Civil War Ends by Confederate Surrender
Just a few months after Sherman's march, in the spring of 1865, the Civil War came to an end when the last of the confederate troops were surrendered to the union by Robert E. Lee at the Appomattox Courthouse. American Battlefield Trust. (n.d.). "Appomattox Courthouse Lees Surrender". Retrieved from https://www.battlefields.org/learn/civil-war/battles/appomattox-court-house -
11. Johnson’s Plan of Reconstruction Enacted
This plan would allow the majority of confederates to be pardoned, the state constitution be rewritten, the state’s debt would be forgiven, and the state’s succession ordinance would be nullified. The changes to the constitution would also include things such as abolishing slavery, limiting governor terms, and placing more concrete terms on who could vote. This event marked Georgia history as it led to freedom of slaves and pushed for Georgia to re-join the union (Meyers and Williams, 2012). -
U.S. - CSS Shenandoah Fired Last Shot of Civil War
The CSS Shenandoah fired the last shot of the civil war which indicates surrender after being informed by a passing British ship that the Confederacy lost the Civil War. A&E Television Networks. (2022). “CSS Shenandoah learns the war is over”. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/css-shenandoah-learns-the-war-is-over -
U.S. - Civil Rights Act of 1866
The Civil Rights Act was passed by congress stating that all people born in the U.S. (with the exception of indigenous tribes) were considered citizens. This was not received well by the state of GA. United States House of Representatives. (n.d.). “The Civil Rights Bill of 1886”. Retrieved from https://history.house.gov/Historical-Highlights/1851-1900/The-Civil-Rights-Bill-of-1866/ -
12. Georgia Rejected the 14th Amendment
Georgia refused to ratify the 14th amendment which meant that Georgia would not be allowed to rejoin the union. This fact is a significant part of Georgia's history because it marks the time Georgia could have rejoined the union versus the time they finally did join (1870) and it shows their continued mindset toward the idea of citizens for those who were previously enslaved. -
13. Georgia Fully Represented in Congress
In February 1871 Georgia became fully represented in congress which marked the first time Georgia has been represented since before the Civil War. Now, it was no longer Georgia vs the Union or other states. Georgia became a part of the union again. This new inclusion meant that Georgia would also need to allow the Democratic party to obtain control of Georgia’s government. -
U.S. - President Grant Addresses the KKK
During the reconstruction era, the Klu Klux Klan was created and terrorized the southern states. In an effort to control the situation, President Ulysses S. Grant warned that these acts would not be tolerated and stated that all people should have protection and peace. Ulysses S. Grant National Historical Site. (2021, December 16). “President Grant Takes on the Klu Klux Kan”. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/president-grant-takes-on-the-ku-klux-klan.htm -
U.S. - Railroad Strikes of 1877
The United States saw a series of railroad strikes that practically stopped railway transportation. As a result, there wasn’t much change for railroad workers. Although this occurred primarily in the north, transportation of goods affected the south as well. Had it continued, the strikes may have eventually occurred in the south. Adamczyk, J. (2020, May 19). Great Railroad Strike of 1877. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Great-Railroad-Strike-of-1877 -
14. Atlanta is the New Capital of Georgia
The capital of Georgia was moved to Atlanta. Atlanta was the fifth capital that Georgia had, but it still stands as the capital today, 145 years later. The move of the capital was due to the state’s growth as well as Atlanta’s proximity to rail travel and transportation. This piece of history marks the physical change in Georgia and the growth that the state experienced. Peterson, L. (2017, September). “Tour five Georgia capital cities”. Retrieved from https://www.exploregeorgia.org -
U.S. - Civil Rights Act Deemed Unconstitutional
The Supreme Court declared that the Civil Rights Act that was passed in 1875 was now unconstitutional. This essentially led to the “separate but equal” idea that promoted segregation. United States Senate. (n.d.). “Landmark legislation: Civil Rights Act of 1875”. Retrieved from https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/CivilRightsAct1875.htm#:~:text=The%20Supreme%20Court%20declared%20the,behavior%20of%20states%2C%20not%20individuals. -
15. Jim Crow in Georgia
Laws that mandated racial segregation, coined Jim Crow laws, were passed in Georgia. This was a few years after the Supreme Court declared the civil rights act unconstitutional. The Jim Crow laws really show the feeling of support that Georgia had for segregation. The history of this time would also serve as a significant indicator that the equality hoped for after the civil war was still extremely far away (Meyers and Williams, 2012) -
16. Atlanta Compromise
Booker T. Washington gave a speech regarding how African Americans should not strive for political or social equality, but rather work in trade jobs to help further the southern economy. The importance of this speech in Georgia history is that it solidified segregation in the minds of white Georgians and silenced the black community from speaking out. History Matters. (n.d.). “Booker T. Washington Delivers the 1895 Atlanta Compromise Speech”. Retrieved from http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/39/ -
U.S. - Plessy Vs. Ferguson
Plessy vs. Ferguson argued that an individual’s constitutional rights were attacked when segregation was enforced, especially when criminal charges were enforced when not followed. The supreme court decided that segregation was, however, constitutional and that the final ruling would be that they would have “separate-but-equal” facilities. History.com Editors. (2022, September 27). “Plessy vs. Ferguson”. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/plessy-v-ferguson -
17. Georgia Creates Chain Gang
Georgia created its chain gang as a response to prison reform. Georgia was seeking to end convict leases, but it created a system in which prisoners were essentially slaves to working on the state’s railroad. There was a need for prison reform, but the creation of the chain gang forever marks Georgia's history as an attempt that fell short and showed that reform was still an ongoing struggle (Meyers and Williams, 2012). -
U.S.- Federal Parole System Created
One year after the chain gangs creation, the federal parole system was created which allowed prisoners to be eligible for parole if they were sentenced to a year or more in prison. This was a hopeful change for prisoners who imagined they would be working in the chain gang without any hope of ever leaving. U.S. Department of Justice (2003, May). “History of the Federal Parole System”. Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/uspc/legacy/2009/10/07/history.pdf -
18. Boll Weevil Enters Georgia
The Boll Weevil pest enters Georgia and begins to destroy the cotton crops in the state. For a state that relied on its cotton crops, it was especially damaging. The historical significance of this pest is more than its damage to cotton. The pest forced Georgia to consider what other crops they may plant, such as tobacco. This changed agriculture and the economy in Georgia to this day (Meyers and Williams, 2012). -
U.S. - Woodrow Wilson Passed Federal Reserve Act
President Woodrow Wilson passed the Federal Reserve Act which helped create a stable financial system in the country. One year later, this would help to create war bonds and support the economy in the war. Federal Reserve History. (2013, November 22). “The federal reserve’s role during WWI”. Retrieved from https://www.federalreservehistory.org/essays/feds-role-during-wwi -
19. New Deal to Help Georgia
President Roosevelt proposes the New Deal in March 1933 which aims to help boost Georgia’s floundering economy by providing jobs, financial aid, and more funding for important infrastructure projects in the state. This would prove to be a huge turning point in Georgia history because it eased the financial strain in Georgia, provided an opportunity for growth in the future, and established social security numbers and benefits that we know today (Meyers and Williams, 2012). -
U.S. - United States Gold Price Raised
President Roosevelt signed the Gold Reserve Act which raised the gold price and gave the Federal Reserve control over money increases. A&E Television Networks. (2022). “How did the gold standard contribute to the great depression”. Retrieved from https://www.federalreservehistory.org/essays/gold-reserve-act -
U.S. - Onion Strike in Ohio 1934
McGuffey, Ohio saw its onion farmers strike over better wages. The union president was beaten during this strike and this instance marked the first strike of agricultural workers with a union. This shows the tensions over workers across the U.S. Fischer, W. (2022 July 6). “Village of McGuffey/ Great 1934 onion strike”. Retrieved from https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=29062 -
20. Georgia Textile Worker Strikes
Textile workers in Augusta joined ongoing strikes which lasted three weeks and shut down the textile mills. The Great Depression was a direct cause of this strike because the pay was less while the push for production was higher. The fight for workers' rights would continue for years and this event marked the history of tensions in the industrial revolution. Bynum, J. (2022 February 25). “The Uprising of ‘34”. Retrieved from https://westgatextiletrail.com/feature-stories/the-uprising-of-34/ -
U.S. - Hoover Dam Construction Completed
The Hoover Dam was finally finished. This dam, located in Nevada, gave hydroelectric power to Nevada, Arizona, and California. This shows that states throughout the U.S. were filling the need for more electricity. US Bureau or Reclamation. (2018, August 1). “Hoover Dam”. Retrieved from https://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/faqs/powerfaq.html#:~:text=Hoover%20Dam%20generates%2C%20on%20average,one%20of%20the%20country's%20largest. -
21. Rural Electrification Administration
The Rural Electrification Act (REA) led to electricity in Georgia. This act is important for Georgia's history because prior to this, 97% of GA farmers had no electricity. Homes and businesses began to be connected to the electrical grid and by the early 50’s in Georgia, over 90% of homes had electricity. Dobbs, C. (2016). Rural Electrification Act. In New Georgia Encyclopedia. Retrieved Jan 6, 2021, from https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/business-economy/rural-electrification-act/ -
U.S.- Rationing Continues For the War, Now Shoes
During World War two the rationing of items was common to help contribute to items and materials needed for the war. One example was when rubber workboots were rationed and people were encouraged to “make do and mend”. Sundin, S. (2018, February 5). “Make It Do- shoe rationing in World War II”. Retrieved from https://www.sarahsundin.com/make-it-do-shoe-rationing-in-world-war-ii-2/ -
22. Georgia Voting Reform
Georgia lowered its voting age to 18 and allowed soldiers the chance to vote as well. The historical significance of this event is great because this decision is still in place today and because Georgia was the first state to lower the voting age from 21 to 18. Other states did the same shortly after. Beaudoin, D. (2021, August 3). “78 Years ago today, Georgia lowered the voting age”. Retrieved from https://news.ballotpedia.org/2021/08/03/78-years-ago-today-georgia-lowered-the-voting-age/ -
23. Georgia Vs. Pennsylvania Railroad Co.
The Georgia governor went before the supreme court to argue that the fixed higher rates in the south were unjust and limited the market for the south. The ruling was in favor of Georgia and the historical significance can be seen today as the railroad business in our state is still ongoing and traveling throughout the U.S. and even up into the north. This also helped Georgia's economy expand (Meyers and Williams, 2012). -
U.S.- President Roosevelt Dies and V.P Truman Takes Over
President Franklin Roosevelt died suddenly leaving Vice President Truman to take over the office as the new president. Luechtenburg, W. E. (2022). “Franklin D. Roosevelt: Death of the president”. Retrieved from https://millercenter.org/president/fdroosevelt/death-of-the-president -
U.S.- Brown vs. Board of Education Ruling
Brown vs. Board of Education was considered a huge reason for the start of the fight for civil rights. In this ruling in Topeka, segregation was overruled and the idea of “separate but equal” in schooling was deemed unconstitutional. U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). “Brown Vs. Board of Education (1954). Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/brown-v-board-of-education -
24. Change of the Georgia State Flag
The Georgia flag was changed to represent features from the confederate flag as a symbol for this disinterest in change regarding civil rights. Govenor Griffin stated that he promised that segregation would continue. His thoughts and actions had an impact on history by preventing any changes regarding integration and setting the state back years in its racial opinions. Change would be very slow coming for Georgia as a result
(Meyers and Williams, 2012). -
25. Desegregation of Georgia Transportation
A group of ministers sat in the “white seats” on a bus as a stance on integration. The ministers were arrested but it led to the case of William vs. GPSC which resulted in the desegregation of public transportation in Georgia. This is an important event in Georgia because it would be the first major desegregation to happen in Georgia. Soon to follow were schools and colleges becoming integrated (Meyers and Williams, 2012). -
U.S.-Civil Rights Act of 1957 Signed
President Eisenhower signed the Civil Rights Act which would persecute anyone who tried to stop an individual from voting. This act protected black men and allowed them to vote easily and safely now. Digital Library of Georgia. (2022). “Civil Rights Act of 1957”. Retrieved from https://crdl.usg.edu/events/civil_rights_act_1957/