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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta signed
Magna Carta
Before the Magan Carta was signed, King John of England was abusing his power. He would use taxes for his pleasure and not give any rights to the citizens. The Magna Carta was created by the people with new rights. The people forced King John to sign the document, reducing his power as king. It became the basis of the English citizens rights. -
Mayflower Compact signed
Mayflower Compact
While the Mayflower was docked in North America, the Mayflower Compact was signed by 41 men. it was a document that put in a temporary government that allowed them to settle in New England until a formal one could be created later on. The more official one would give them the right to self-govern themsleves in New England. -
Formation of the New England Confederation
Formation of the New England Confederation
The New England Confederation established a bond/alliance between Massachusettes, Connecticut, New Haven, and Plymouth (the 4 Puritan colonies). Two commisioners from each colonie would meet annually to discuss issues. This alliance solved issues of trade, boundaries, religious disputes, and most importantly, defense in case of an attack by the French or Dutch. -
Albany Plan of Union announced
Albany Plan of Union
Proposed by Benjamin Franklin at the Albany Congress, the Albany Plan of Union was an idea to unite all the existing colonies under a single governement and direction. It was justified becasue of the need for defense against possible attacks from the French and Indians. -
The Treaty of Paris
[The Treaty of Paris](hhttp://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=true&doc=6ttp://)
This treaty was signed in agreement to end the French and Indian war by Britain, France, Spain, and Portugual after Britains defeat of France and Spain.This marked the beginning of an era British dominance outside Europe. -
Royal Proclamation
Royal Proclamation
This Proclamation from the king did not allow the colonists to expand west into the indian territory. This was to keep the indians calm because they didn't have to worry about the colonists taking their land as they expanded west. The colonists thought that it was to keep them pinned against the Atlantic ocean so that they are easier to control and regulate. -
Sugar Act
Sugar ActAn act passed by king George the Second. This act put a tax on sugar, wine and other imported goods. This gave Britain mmore money and a better way to provide security for the colonies. -
Stamp Act
Stammp Act
The Stamp Act was taxes created by the British that would pay for British soldiers to remain in the colonies. This act caused the anger of the colonists to turn to a boiling point. The next step was an overt rebellion -
Stamp Act Congress
Stamp Act Congress
James Otis suggested a meeting af all the colonies to agree on a united course of action against the British Parliment because of the unfair taxes and the claim of taxation wihtout representation. -
Townshend Acts
Townshend Act
This was an act created by Townshend that was passed by the British Parliment. They put tax on every day objects such as paint, lead, glass, and oil. -
Boston Massacre
Boston Massacre
On March 5th a group of colonists harassed a British watchman by throwing snowballs, sticks and anyhting they could find. More British soldiers were called for back up> It is said that one fell and accidentally fired into the crowd. At the end of the "massacre" only five men were killed, all colonists. -
Boston Tea Party
Boston Tea Party
Out of anger for the tax on tea and the law that the colonists can only buy tea from the East Indian Tea Company, colonists dressed up as Mohawk Indians and dumped the tea that was sitting on the four British regiments, into the Boston Harbor. -
First Continental Congress
Congress meets for the first time
The first time congress met was in Carpenter's Hall for about a month and a half in the year of 1774. All the colonies except for Georgia sent delegates. The discussion was about how to act towards England. Some wanted to resolve the issues and others just wanted to seem powerfula dn forget about them. -
Congress meets for the first time
Congress meets for the first timeThe first time congress met was in Carpenter's Hall for about a month and a half in the year of 1774. All the colonies except for Georgia sent delegates. The discussion was about how to act towards England. Some wanted to resolve the issues and others just wanted to seem powerfula dn forget about them. -
The French and Indian War Begins
The French adn Indian War Begins
This war was between Britain and France to decice who would be the larger power in North America. The sides were dependant on their colonists or Indian aliies to win. -
Patrick Henry "Give Me Liberty"
Patrick Henry "Give Me Liberty"
At the Second Virginia Convention meeting, Patrick Henry said a speech about resolutions to raise militia and to put Virginia in a posture of defense. This speech is called "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death." -
Midnight Ride of Paul Revere
Midnight Ride of Paul Revere
On the night of April 18th Paul Revere waited for lanterns to burn in the church across the water. When two finally shown, he knew the Birtish were heading towards Concord. he got on his horse to head to Lexington because that was where two important men were staying. He needed to warn them before the british came because they were mariching right through that town. -
Battles of lexington and Concord
Battels of Lexington and Concord
These battles began in Lexington when the British soldiers were on their way to Concord to capture Samuel Adams and John Hancock. No one knows who fired first but 8 minutemen died. The British then travelled to Concord for ammunition where they ran into minutemen at the North Bridge. The British were forced to retreat. -
Fort Ticonderoga
Fort Ticonderoga
It was heard that munition supplies was being held at Fort Ticonderoga by the British soldiers. Expiditions began to be sento out to raid the fort. 100 men snuck into the fort and forced the captain to surrender the fort in the middle of the night. -
Second Continantal Congress
Second Contintental Congress
This was held in Philadelphia. It was agreed that the continental army would be created to fight against the British troops. George Washington was issued as the supreme commander. They also authorized the printing of money. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
Battle of Bunker Hill
The colonists were supposed to go to Bunker Hill but accidentally went to Breed's Hill instead, so that is where the battle actually took place. Having the advantage of height, the colonists were able to hold off three British charges but had to retreat from the third. -
"Common Sense" Published
"Common Sense" PublishedThomas Paine wrote "Common Snese" to challenge the monarchy and British rule. It spoke in plain language that everyone could understand and it was the first work to openly request American independence. -
British evacuate Boston
British evacuate Boston
The colonists placed cannons at Dorchester Heights, forcing the British to evacutate Boston and go north to Nova Scotia. -
Declaration of Independence announced
Declaration of Independence announced
After it had been secretly voted on to approve the Declaration of Independence, it was announced to the public and read outloud to a crowd behind Independence Hall. -
"The Crisis" published
"The Crisis" publishedThe goal of "The Crisis", written by Thomas Paine, was to motivate tories tojoin the revolutionary cause and support in any way they could. -
Washington captures Trenton
Washington captures TrentonOn Christmas night, George Washington and his troops crossed the frozen Delaware River and in the morning surprised the Hessian mercenaries hired by the British and defeated them. -
British defeated at Saratoga
British defeated at SaratogaThe victory at Saratoga is considered the turning point in the war for the colonists. The Continental Army surrounded the British and forced them to surrender. -
Winter at Valley Forge, PA
Winter at Valley Forge, PAGeorge Washington and his army spent the winter freezing in Valley Forge, PA. Many of them didn't even have shoes and they were recieving irregular supplies of meat and bread. Many soldiers also became very sick or were otherwise made unfit for duty. -
Benedict Arnold plans found out
Benedict Arnold plas found outBenedict Arnold was a Colonist who thought America’s future was going down the drain. In result he had a plan to switch sides. He started speaking with Major André a British spy chief. -
Articles of the Confederation signed
Articles of Confederation signedThe Articles were written during the early part of the American Revolution. It served as a bridge between the initial government by the Continental Congress of the Revolutionary period and the federal government provided under the Constitution for the United States. -
Cornwallis surrenders
Cornwallis surrendersThe French fleet blocked the bay and the Americans were attacking the British by land at Yorktown, Viginia. They bombarded the British and gave them no choice but to surrender. -
Newburgh Conspiracy
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Treaty of Paris (1783) signed
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Spain closes Mississippi River
Sapin Closes the Mississippi RiverSpain closed the Mississippi River in hope to lure the farmers away from America and join Spanish North America. -
Land Ordinance of 1785
Land Ordinance of 1785Befoere the Land Ordinance was passed, under the Articles of Confederation, Congress could not tax the citizens of the United States. This ordinance said that the uninhabited areas of the United States west of the Mississippi (about 3/4) was to be sold to raise money. The money that was raised went to educating the children of the areas sold. -
Ordinacne of Religious Freedom
Ordinance of Religious FreedomThe Virginia legislature passes Jefferson's Ordinance of Religious Freedom guaranteeing that no man may be forced to attend or support any church or be discriminated against because of his religious preference. This will later serve as the model for the first amendment to the U.S. Constitution -
Annapolis Convention
Annapolis ConventionDuring the Annapolis Convention, only 5 of the 13 states met. The main success of the meeting was to decide to meet once agani to discuss the changes needed to be made to the Articles of Confederation. Alexander Hamilton then sent letters to each state asking them to come to the meeting. -
Constitutional Convention opens
Constitutional Convention opensAfter the Annapolis Convention the states, except for Rhode Isalnd, elected delegates to attend the Constitutional Convention. Dleiberations began on May 25, 1787. It lasted until September 17, 1787 -
Shays' Rebellion
Shay's RebellionThis was the movemnet of the farmers demanding to be paid for their service in the Revolutionary War. Daniel Shay lead the attack on federal arsenals in Springfield, MA. -
The Great Comprimise
The Great CompromiseThe argument was about how many representatives each state should have in the United States Congress. The Compromise was that the Legislative Branch was to be split into two chambers, the Senate and the House of Representatives. Each state would send one representative to the Senate and one to the House of Representatives for each 30,000 people -
Northwest Ordiance of 1787
Northwest Ordinance of 1787This document charted a government for the Northwest territory, provided a method for adding new states to the Union from the territory, and listed a bill of rights in the territory. -
Constitution sent to states for ratification
Constitution sent to states for ratification
After the end of the Constitutional Convention the Constitution, signed and finished, was sent out to the states for ratification. It was sent to every existing state. -
Anti-Federalist articles appear
Anit-Federalist articles appear
These papers are written as going against the ratification of the UNited States Constitution. Unlike the Federalist papers these were not an organized project and many were written under pen names. -
Federalist Articles appear
Federalist Articles appear
These are a series of 85 articles promoting the ratification of the United States Constitution. -
Delaware ratifies
Delaware ratifiesOn November 26, 1787, Delaware elected thirty delegates to a state convention to consider the ratification fo the Constitution. On December 7, 1787 the delegates (unanimously) made Delaware the first state to ratify the Constitution. -
Massachusettes ratifies
Massachusettes ratfies
MAssachusettes was the sixth state to ratify the Constitution. It was the first state to include a list of desired changes; some including ways to protect the states some including ways to protect the individual. -
New Hampshire ratifies
New Hampshire ratifiesNew Hampshire was the ninethe state to ratify the Constitution on June 21, 1788. With it's ratification, the Constitution was officially in effect. New Hampshire requested the change of some laws including the Congress may never disarm a citizen unless the have or are about to be part of a rebellion. -
George Washington elected President
George Washington elected presidentGeorge Washington was elected president in the first presidential election of the United States. It occured after the ratification of the United States Constitution. John Adams was elected as his vice president. -
John Paul Jones defeats the Serapis
John Paul Jones defeats the SerapisJohn Paul Jones commanded the Bonhomme Richard and in August 1779, fought against the much more powerful British Serapis and defeated them. -
Bill of Rights sent to the states for ratification
Bill of Rights sent to states for ratification
The Bill fo Rights is a collection of ten amendments that were proposed to the state legislatures after the First Federal Congress. These were then sent to the states for ratification. -
Bill of Rights ratified
Bill of Rights ratified
The ten amendments known as the Bill of Rights were officially ratified by every state on December 15, 1791. -
Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions written
Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions written
These resolutions gave the Virginia and Kentucky the right to declare un constitutional any acts of Congress that were not authorized by the Constituition. -
Hartford Convention meets during War of 1812
Hartford Convention meets during the War of 1812
New England Federalists decide to meet in Hartford to discuss the ongoing issue of the War of 1812 and the political problems coming frm the federal governments increasing power. -
Missouri Compromise
Missouri Compromise
Missouri wanted to enter the Union as a slave sate. This would ruin the balance in the Senate. To keep the balance, Maine entered as a free state. This also banned any state north of the 36" 30" line from slavery. -
Tariff of Abominations passed
Tariff of Abominations passed
The Tarrif of Abomination was a protective tax made on imported goods. The tariff increased the cost of imported goods. This protected some of the new industries of the North. In the South, however, their economy was based on the trade of cotton and they did not manufacture significant products. -
South Caroline tries to nullify
South Carolins tries to nullify
South Carolina was suffering from the Tariff of 1828 taxes, so they tried to declare the law unconstitutional and ignore it within the state. They claimed the government was taking away their rights. They threatened to break off from the Union. The Force Bill was passed in response, making it easier for the federal government to collect the tariff, even if troops had to be sent in. -
Abolition of Slavery Act (1833)
Abolition Act of Slavery (1833)/
The Abolition of Slavery Act (1833) took place in Britain and most of its territories, except for some islands. The law was passed by British Parliament. Former slaves of a certain age would be gradually phased out of slavery. Masters were paid for their loss of slaves. This showed that the British were ahead of the Americans in fostering freedom and equality in ri -
Texas declares independence from Mexico
Texas delcares independence from Mexico
Texas had been part of Mexico territory. Mexico no longer wanted US citizens living in Texas, so slavery was abolished. Texans rebelled against Mexico, and wrote their own Declaration of Independence. They wanted to join the US as a slave state. Texas was annexed by the US, angering Mexico. This later led to a war with Mexico. -
James Polk elected
James Polk electedJames Polk was elected president. He ran against Henry Clay of the Whig Party. He was not expected to win the election. At the time, the greatest issues were over slavery and expansion of territories into the west. Because Polk did not want to immediately abolish slavery and wanted to expand land into Texas, his ideas went best with those of the Americans, helping him to be elected. -
Mexican War
Mexican WarMexico was not recognizing Texas' independence, but the US wanted territory in Texas and the west. Congress declared war on Mexico. The American troops fought to push the Mexicans out of Texas and California. In 1848, a treaty was signed giving the US new territory as long as they paid Mexico an amount of money that totaled over $15 million. -
Wilmot Proviso
Wilmot ProvisoDavid Wilmot did not want slavery to exist in territories gained during the Mexican War. He wrote the Wilmot Proviso as an amendment to a bill over territories conquered during the war. The Senate did not pass the bill, but it showed the growing frustration of northerners that the president favored the South. -
California enters the Union
Califonia enters the UnionCalifornia wanted to join the Union as a state after the Mexican War. At that time, there was a balance in the 30 states between slave states and slave-free states. California wanted to be a slave-free state, and would break this balance. After a while, California became a state through compromises by Congress. -
Fugitive Slave Law enacted
Fugitive Slave Law enacted
The Fugitive Slave Law was part of the Compromise of 1850. It stated that every person in the United States has to turn in any fugitive slaves. The south was happy with this becasue they wanted their slaves returned to them if they ran away. The norht was not happy because they did not believe in slavery. This enhanced the division between the north and the south even more. -
Publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin
Publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin"Uncle Tom's Cabin" was written by Harriet Beecher Stowe. She based the novel on the stories of slaves she met while living in Ohio. Stowe wanted to expose how slaves were treated as property and could be sold and mistreated. The book was very popular and taught many Americans about the reality of slavery. -
Formation of Republican Party
Formation of Republican PartyThe Republican Party was formed in response to the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Its members opposed slavery and laws such as the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the Fugitive Slave Act. They met first in a Wisconsin schoolhouse, then grew into a stronger, lasting party that summer. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act passed
Kansas-Nebraska Act passedThe Missouri Compromise had outlawed slavery in any new states north of the border of Missouri. The Kansas-Nebraska Act would bypass the compromise when the territories of Kansas and Nebraska were created, which were both west of Missouri. People could choose whether or not to have slaves in this territory. This act angered abolitionists by destroying a law they liked, and pleased Southerners by supporting slavery. -
"Boarder Ruffians" attack Lawrence
"Boarder Ruffians" attack LawrenceLawrence, Kansas was drawing attention due to its anti-slavery position in the debate over whether Kansas would be a free or slave state. In opposition of this, pro-slavery men rode over the Missouri border into Lawrence and forcefully destroyed homes, newspaper offices, and buildings. This signaled a period of conflict in Kansas. -
Charles Sumner attacked
Charles Sumner attackedCharles Sumner was a Massachusetts senator who opposed slavery. He had given a speech opposing Senator Butler and Southerners for supporting slavery. This greatly insulted them, causing Butler's nephew, Representative Brooks, to severely beat Sumner with a cane. This act of violence represented the growing conflict between supporters of the abolition and slavery. -
Pottawatomie Creek
Pottawatomie CreekIn response to the pro-slavery destruction at Lawrence, Kansas, John Brown and his followers went to Pottawatomie Creek, Kansas in support of the abolition. They killed five supporters of slavery with swords to demonstrate their anger. This retaliation gave Kansas the name "Bleeding Kansas," representing the violent conflicts over slavery there. -
Dred Scott decision announced
Dred Scott decision madeDred Scott went to Supreme Court when he sued his master for enslaving him after he and his wife had lived in free states. Scott did not win the case. He was not considered a citizen, and living in a free state did not change his slave status. The Supreme Court decided that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional because people had a right to property, including slaves. Abolitionists could no longer ban slavery in Congress. -
Lecompton Constitution passed
Lecompton Constitution passedSupporters of slavery in Kansas held a convention to write a constitution that would recognize Kansas as a state. Voters did not pass the constitution, as many were against slavery. President Buchanan supported it in an attempt to end conflicts in Kansas. He had ignored popular sovereignty, so the constitution was voted on again, and again rejected, showing the lack of support for slavery in Kansas. -
Lincoln-Douglas Debates
Lincoln-Douglas DebatesThe seven Lincoln-Douglas Debates occurred in Illinois in 1858 when Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln ran against each other to be elected as senators. Douglas promoted popular sovereignty in contrast to Lincoln's policy of abolition of all slavery. Douglas was elected, but Lincoln gained support to later be elected president. -
Raid at Harper's Ferry
Raid at Harper's FerryJohn Brown, the freesoiler who organized the attack at Pottawatomie Creek, took a group to seize the government-owned store of weapons at Harpers Ferry, VA. He wanted to start a rebellion by gaining support from slaves and other freesoilers. This did not happen, and Brown was captured and hanged. This event created more tension between supporters and opposers of slavery. -
Democrats split in 1860
Democrats split in 1860At the Democratic convention, Douglas and Breckinridge both wanted to be the candidate. The Northern and Western Democrats supported Douglas, while the Southern Democrats supported Breckinridge. This developed the conflict between popular sovereignty (Douglas) and total slavery (Breckinridge). The party split into Northern and Southern Democrats, each supporting their own candidate, showing the conflict in 1860. -
Formation of Constitutional Union Party
Formation of Constitutional Union PartyThe Constitutional Union Party formed during the 1860 presidential election. Its members did not like the division in the Democratic Party and did not agree with the Republican Party. They supported the Union, and did not want the states to split. John Bell was the candidate for the party. This new party represented the conflicting ideas in the US in 1860. -
Election of 1860
Election of 1860Abraham Lincoln (Republican), JC Breckinridge (S. Democrat), John Bell (Constitutional Union), and Stephen Douglas (N. Democrat) ran for presidency in 1860. Lincoln won by electoral votes, but lost in popular votes. Because he was elected by mainly Northern free states, the election represented the split between North and South, which would quickly lead to the Civil War. -
Abraham Lincoln Announces Plans for Reconstruction
Abraham Lincoln Announces Plans for Reconstruction
Lincoln's plan was called the 10% Reconstruction Plan becasue in order for a Southern state to re-enter the Union, 10% of the vote in that state must pladge alliance to the Union. -
Wade-Davis Bill Recieves Pocket Veto
Wade-DAvis Bill Recieves Pocket Veto
This Bill provided administration of the affairs of Southern states by provisional governers until the end of the war. I was passed by the House of Representatives and by Senate but Lincoln refused to sign the document. -
Lincoln Re-Elected President
Lincoln Re-Elected President
Lincoln beats Geneeral George B. McClellan. He makes Andrew Johnson his Vice President. -
Formation of the Freedman's Bureau
Formation of the Freedman's Bureau
Lincoln signed a Bill creating a federal aganecy that would oversee the difficult transition of African-Americans from slavery to freedom. -
Assassination of President Lincoln
Assassination of President Lincoln
On a night at the Ford's Theater with his wife, lincoln was shot in the head by John Wilkes Booth. -
President Andrew Johnson Announces Plans for Reconstruction
President Andrew Johnson Announces Plans for Reconstruction
Andrew Johnson's plan was a little forgiving of the South. It was less forgiving than Lincoln's plan but more forgiving than the Radical Republican's plan. -
Black Codes created in Mississippi
Black Codes created in Mississippi
these were laws created in Southern states, towns, and cities to limit the liberties and freedoms of the newly-freed slaves after the civil war. -
Civil Rights Act (1866) Enacted
Civil Rights Act (1866) Enacted
This civil rights act granted citizenship and the same rights of all white males to all black males and anyone in the United States "regardless of race, color, or previous condition of servitude". -
Ku Klutz Klan created
Ku Klutz Klan created
This group was formed in Tennessee to put terror on any supporter of the thirteenth amendment or any other laws protecting blacks. They burned houses and crosses in front yards. -
Reconstruction Acts Enacted
Reconstruction Act Enacted
The key part of these acts created five military districts in the South, each commanded by a general from the north whihc would serve as the acting government for the district. -
President Andrew Johnson Impeached
President Andrew Johnson Impeached
President Johnson removed the secreatary of war from his cabinet without consent of the Senate. This was a way for the Radical Republicans to attack Johnson because they were not happy with the reconstruction plan that was Lincoln's that Johnson was planning on carrying out. -
Ulysses S. Grant elected President
Ulysses S. Grant elected President
During the Presidency of Andrew Johnson, Grant fought with him on many topics and aligned himself with the Radical Republicans. When a new election came, it was easy for Grant to win the support of many citizens with the Radical Republicans behind him. -
Ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment
Ratification of the Thriteenth Amendment
This amendment took 309 days to ratifie and 36 states ratified it. -
Ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment
Ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment
This Amendment gave citizenship to "all persons born or naturalized in the United States. -
Ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment
Ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment
This Amendment gave African American men the right to vote regardless of "race, color, or previous condition of servitude." -
Hiram Revels elected to Senate
Hiram Revels elected to Senate
Hiram Revels was the first person of color to be in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. Congress overall. He represented Mississippi in 1870 and 1871 -
Ku Klutz Klan Act Enacted
Ku Klutz Klan Act Enacted
With this Congress autorizes President Grant to declare martial law, impose heavy penalties against terrorist organizations, adn use military force to surpress the KKK. -
Freedman's Bereau Abolished
Freedman's Bureau Abolished
Only after seven years, the Bureau was abolished because of its "interference" with reconstruction. -
Civil Rights Act (1875) passed
Civil rights Act (1875) passed
Ths Act granted African Americans equal treatment in public accomodations, public transportation, and prohibited exclusion from any jury service. -
"Jim Crow" enters the American Cultural Language
"Jim Crow" enters the American Cultural Language
These laws mandated rules of segregation in public facilities in Southern states of the former Confederacy. For example, blacks were seperate from whites in public schools, public transportation, restaurants and even the US military. -
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Rutherford b. Hayes elected President
Rutherford B. Hayes elected President
Hayes' opponent won the popular vote and had a lead in the elcetoral vote when three southern states were in disputes about teh election. After a horrible leagl fight, the 20lectoral voted were al given to Hayes, electing him president of the U.S. -
Civil Rights Act Overturned (1883)
Civil Rights Act Overturned (1883)
The courts said that the Act did not have the constitutional authority to outlaw racial discrimination under the enforcement provisions of the Fouteenth Amendment. -
Florida Requires Segregation in Places of Public Accommodation
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Case of Plessey v. Ferguson
Case of Plessey v. Ferguson
This was a case that tested the equality of balcks and whites in America. A blakc man purposefully got on a white train cart and was arrested. He was tried and found guilty. The reasoning was that blacks are "seperate but equal".
