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10 BCE
Bering Land Bridge Migration
People from the ancient Eastern World used the Bering Land Bridge to migrate to the Western World (Americas). These people spread throughout the North and South American continents, creating different cultures as they traveled. -
Feb 14, 1491
The culture of the Great Plan Indians
They were nomadic hunters and farmers. They used bison skin for clothing. The Great Plain Indians lived in teepees and in lodges found near the river. -
Feb 14, 1491
The Culture of the Southeastern Native Americans
The Southeastern Native Americans were nomadic hunters, fishers, and farmers. They wore deer skin clothing and rabbit fur. They lived in beehive houses made from thatched grass. -
Aug 3, 1492
Christopher Columbus Discovers America
Columbus lands in an island that he named San Salvador. By arriving in ther Americas, Columbus brought over European culture. -
Aug 14, 1492
Native American and Spanish Weapons
Part of the Native American culture was having rustic weapons, like the bow and arrow. The Europeans were more advanced in their weapons,; they had swords and steel weapons. In the conflicts between them, the Europeans were more advantageous because of their superior weapons. -
Oct 28, 1493
Blended Race
A new culture and ethnicity emerged when the Spanish and Portuguese had children with Native Americans. These mixed children were known as Mestizos. -
English Colonization
The reason behind English Colonization were to have religious freedom, escape poverty, and prestige. These motivations for colonization would lead to England having a profound cultural impact on America. -
Jamestown
The first permanent English colony in North America was Jamestown, Virginia established in 1607. The goal of the people of Jamestown was to have economic success, which they did with the growth of tabacco. Colonists became wealthy off of the sale of tobacco. This was the beginning of Southern colonies dependance on agriculture for economic prosperity. -
Spanish Colonization
In 1610, the Spanish established the first permanent European settlement in the American Southwest. This establishment was established in Sante Fe, New Mexico. The Spanish spread their cultural influence in this area. The Mestizos of Sante Fe would later revolt in 1680, because they were angry over the destruction of their religious artifacts and forced conversion to Catholicism. -
Development of Slavery
During the first years of colonization, tabacco farmers relied on indentured servants to cultivate tobacco. These indentured servants had to live a certain life style; they couldn't marry during the completion of their service and had to work long and hard days in the fields.
Due to many indentured slaves fulfilling their labor requirements, tobacco farmers had to find a new source of labor. They began importing African slaves who were subjected to even more harsh treatment. -
Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade
Between 16th and 19th century, over 12 million slaves were taken across the Atlantic Ocean, this voyage was known as the Middle Passage. These African slaves had children with Europeans, and these children were given the name of Mulatto. -
Dutch Colonization
The reason behind Dutch colonization was commercial; they were interested in the fur trade.
In 1625, the Dutch established a seaport on Manhattan Island. This seaport, New Amsterdam, had a very diverse culture. New Amsterdam was tolertant of many religions. In fact, it was so tolerant that it became the most the most religiously and ethnically diverse colony in North America. -
Arrival of the Puritans to Massachusetts
Most of the colonists of New England were Puritans. Puritans came over to America, because they wanted to have religious freedom. They believed that the Church of England's religous ceremonies and rituals were beginning to resemble Catholicism, and they were highly against that. They wanted to read the bible themselves and listen to the sermons of educated ministers. -
Creation of Rhode Island
A man, Roger Williams, expressed his opinion which was against Church authority, and this angered Church officials. Williams decided to leave MA and establish his own colony named Rhode Island. Rhode Island was a safe haven for Baptists, Quakers, and Jews. -
Religious Conversion of the Wampanoag
The Puritans believed the "solution" to the Native American issue was setting up "praying towns" for the Native Americans to live in. In these praying towns, Native Americans were forced to adapt to the English way of life; they would have to give up the their clothing style, rituals, and convert to Christianity. -
Anglicization in the British Colonies
Anglicization is to make yourself more "English" by adopting more of their cultural customs. The colonists became more English by reading Trans-Atlantic Print Culture, which was was literature that used to be popular in England. The colonists were also influenced by the English Philosopher John Locke's Enlightment ideas. -
Bacon's Rebellion
Bacon and his men protested against Governor Berkeley refusing to allow the colonists to exterminate the Natives. Bacon and his men killed Natives Americans and marched into Jamestown to drive the Governor out. This was an example of people fighting for what they believed in, and also the first example of colonial Americans attempting to overthrow a tryannical government. -
French Colonization
By 1681, French explorers had claimed all of the Mississippi River Valley region for New France. The claim on that river valley explains why New Orleans has a strong French influence over it.
The French believed in peaceful trading with the Native Americans. -
Establishment of Pennsylvania
William Penn founded Pennylvania in 1681. He founded this colony to be a safe haven for Quakers. -
Salem Witch Trials
The Salem Witch Trials were religious trials held in Massachusetts. Young girls accused members of the community of committing witchcraft on them. These accused members were put on trial to prove that they weren't a "witch". The results was that twenty members were executed. -
Social Mobility and Individualism
Benjamin Franklin represented the trend of social moility. He was able to represent that trend because he rose from a poor life to a life of wealth and accomplishment. He put an emphasis on individualism. This idea of individualism caused a shift in power from institutions (church, monarch) to individuals. -
The Great Awakening
In the 1700s, the practice of religion changed dramatically, Sermons placed more emphasis on individual religious experience. These passionate sermons laid the groundwork for the strong, religious origins in the fight for independence. -
French and Indian War
The French and British war was fought to determine who would have dominance in America. The natives sided with the French, whereas the colonists sided with their mother country. The end result was a British victory, which resulted in Britain being able to spread its influence on the colonies even more. -
Proclamation of 1763
The British signed the Proclamation of 1763 in effect which declared that its colonists wouldn't settle west of the Appalachian Mountains. Many colonists ignored this rule set by Britain; this was the first example of colonist resentment against British rule. This shows the colonists beginning to think for themself and value their own beliefs. -
Aftermath of the French and Indian War
After the war, Britain amassed a huge war debt, which they took out on the colonists by heavily taxing them. The colonists from all the colonies were extremely upset and angry over those taxes. Before the war, the colonies viewed themseleves as being seperate, but after the war and taxes, the colonies began to see themselves as being united against the British. -
Organizations against the British
As a result of the taxes and Boston Massacre, various orginzations formed to protest against the tryannical rule of England.
The Sons of Liberty formed to organize & implement tax protests. Some of these protests included burning an effigy of British soldiers.
The Committees of Correspondence formed to act as "shadow governments",created to help organize communication lines between the colonies.
The Daughters of Liberty led boycotts against British cloth by making their own clothes. -
Patriots v. Loyalists
Although there were many who rebelled against British rule, there were still some colonists who remained loyal to them.
Those who protested were known as Patriots; their belief was centered around the goal of independence.
Those who remained loyal to the crown were known as Loyalists. -
Thomas Paine's Common Sense
In an effort to persuade more colonists to join the patriot side, Thomas Paine published Common Sense anonymously. Common Sense was very popular among the colonies; it had the largest circulation of any book in American history -
Declaration of Independence
On 1776, the Continental Congress issues the Declaration of Independence which formally annouced that the colonies are no longer under the authority of Britain. This document is symbolic for the beliefs that Americans believe in: "life, liberity, and pursuit of happiness. -
American Independence
In 1783, American was officially declared its own country. This victory caused people to feel very patriotic. -
Second Great Awakening
The Second Great Awakening is a Protestant religious revivial moment that occurred in response to deist leaders like Thomas Jefferson. Baptist and Methodist ministers traveled across the
South and West hosting tent revivals and converting thousands. These ministers created the fear of "fire and brimstone" and eternal damnation within their audience. This religious revivial and idea of perfectionism fueled the Antebellum Reform Movement. -
Whiskey Rebellion
A common cultural trend in American history is the American people fighting againt something they deem unjust. After the American revolution, America was in debt, which caused Washington to place a tax on distilled drinks (whiskey). Farmers were extremely angered, so they led a revolt against the tax collectors. -
Star Spangled Banner
The Star Spangled Banner was inspired after the US victory in defending a Boston port from British navy (Bombing of Fort McHenry). The song and victory led to an increase in nationalism. -
Era of Good Feelings
James Monroe was elected president in 1816, and his presidency is known as the Era of Good Feelings. This time is known as the Era of Good Feelings because Americans were experiencing a sense of independence and national pride. However, there were tensions below these "good feelings". There were issues over taxes, slavery, and political power. -
Rise of the Common Man
By 1820, there was a huge chage in the electoral process. Before, one of the voting requirements was property ownership, however that voting requirement was removed in many states. As a result, more middle and lower class men were having their opinions heard in politics. The common men wanted a president who represented their beliefs: hardworking, modest, and Protestant. -
Cult of Domesticity
The market revolution moved work from the home to factories. Due to more men working in factories, there was less of a need for women to work. This led to women being given the role of homemakers and mothers. -
Temperance Movement
Temperance was an organized campaign to eliminate alcohol
consumption, and it was mostly led by women. Its goal was to help men abstain from alcohol, which caused a dramatic amount of alcohol consumed between the 1830s-1860s. -
Women in the Antebellum Reform Movements
Women played a key role in the reform movements; they were involved from everything from temperance movement to abolitionism. Despite their involvement in politics and society, people continued to believe that women should remain at home. Also, their rights were limited, becaue they couldn't vote. Despite promoting social progress for others, women continued to have cultural and legal limitiations placed on them. -
Romanticism
The Romanticism movement emphasized a connection between man and nature. The Romanticism movement was popular in America due to the writings of the Transcendtalists. Transcentalist authors, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, embraced self-reliance over materialism. These writers encouraged Americans to find truth in nature. Also, their writings/philosophies served as an inspiration for utopian communities. -
Abolition Movement
The Abolition Movement began around the early 1830s by a group of free African Americans and whites. The movement picked up speed which caused nearly 50 African American anti slavery groups to form. Key figures to this movement were Harriet Tubman, Sarah & Angelina Grimke, Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth and William Lloyd Garrison. -
Education Reform Movement
The Education Reform Movement was led by Horace Mann, and his goal was to promote public education for all. The reasoning behind people needing to attend school and learning how to read was that people needed to be able to know how to read the bible. -
Influx of Immigrants
Between the years of 1830s-1860s, there was a dramatic increase in the migration of German and Irish people. These immigrants brought over their culture to America. -
Lone Start Repubic
Texas was very sparsely populated territory of Mexico and the Mexican government actually encouraged the settlement of the area by American pioneers. But there was a cultural issues Americans were expected to become mexican and covert to catholism. With the pass of time a tejano culture started to emegred -
Development of American Architecture
American architecture was heavily influenced by the architecture of the Romans and Greeks. They borrowed the styles of Romans and Greeks because their architecture expressed pride in their republic. Buildings that were built using this architecture style were Monticello and the White House. -
Cultural beliefs behind Manifest Destiny
At the heart of manifest destiny was the pervasive belief in American cultural and racial superiority. Native Americans had long been perceived as inferior,The Hispanics who ruled Texas and the lucrative ports of California were also seen as "backward." -
Shakers
The Shakers was one of the utopian communities formed during this time. They were called the Shakers, because they shook during church service. The reason for them shaking is that they felt the spirit of God pulse through them. However, there utopian community died out due to them forbidding sexual relations. -
Knickerbockers
Knickerbockers, a New Yorker, including Washington Irving developed "American" fiction. They created popular stories that remain popular today, such as the legend of sleepy hollow and T'was the Night Before Christmas. -
German Migration to the Texas
Many Germans fled the civil unrest of the 1830s and 1840s in Germany seeking intellectual and religious freedom in Texas. Despite the situation, German Texans grew into one of the most prominent cultural groups of the era. They established the towns of New Braunfels and Fredericksburg in 1845 and 1846 and continued to build communities in larger towns. -
Nativists
As a result of the influx of immigrants, people began to feel resentment towards them for "taking" American jobs. People who disliked these immigrants were known as nativists. Some of these nativists formed the party that was known as the know nothing party. -
Mormons arrive in Utah
Joseph Smith founded the Mormon Church, or Church of the Latter Day Saints in 1830. The new religious group, which in early years advocated polygamy, was pushed out of several communities. In 1844 a mob stormed the Carthage, Illinois, jail, and murdered Smith and his brother, and the Mormons began to seek settlement much further afield. Under the leadership of Brigham Young, Mormons emigrated to present day Salt Lake Valley, Utah. -
Oneida Commune
The Oneida Commune were another utopian society. Their philosophy was to share everything amongst members. They died out due to leadership struggles. -
Seneca Falls Convention
The Seneca Falls Convention was held from July 19-20, 1848. The Seneca Falls Convention was the first women ’s rights convention in U.S. history; it called for women suffrage. The convention was led by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. Stanton drafted the Declaration of Sentiments which demanded the rights of women/ -
Years Prior Civil War
Northern and Sourthern culture had become extremely different. the North had a Industrial culture, while the South had agricultural culture. The North was more open to ideas as they were influence by immigrants seacher for labor opportunities in factories. The Sourtern population was consisted of african slaves, mixed races and whites. -
The Civil War
The Civil War was a time of division. The difference in ideals let the country to devided into two the Confederates and the Union. The Southern States did not feel part of the union anymore and developed a new national identity and did not felt like part of the United states of America. -
Patriotism through music (The CiVil War)
Music proved to be a much-needed diversion for both Union and Confederate troops. Before 1862, new volunteer regiments usually included a regimental band. Whether played by these organized bands or simply sung by the soldiers themselves, popular songs ranged from patriotic melodies meant for marching or to rally the troops to aching ballads that reflected the soldiers’ yearnings for home. Among the Union favorites were “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “The Star Spangled Banner” and “John Brown’s Body”. -
The Ku Klux Klan
With the passege of the 13th, 14th and 15th amendment opposition started to form. This started an era of hate and culture of separation and inequality. The KKK was founnded on the year with purpose to resist new black freedoms.they used terror to incite fear and prevent blacks from voting. -
The Cowboy
The Cowboy peaked from the 1860s-1880sStyle adapted from Mexican vaquerosCowboys undertook long cattle drives along drives along trails stretching across the country. This cowboys would use big hats, boots, they were viewed as strong etc. -
The Gilded Age
The Gilded Age was characterised by the gap between the poor and the rich. The rich culture was based on the nuclear family, which consisted of the parents a one or two kids. the lower class ussually had more children who could later help with the house and work. -
Chinese Exclusion Act
With the increase of Chinise immigration and the pressure fro the nativism the government felt the need to pass the Cinise Exclusion Act. This affected the culture of America besause this not only prohibited the entrance of Chinses people to the country but it also made it difficult for the chinses already living here. Nativists viewed Chinses people as savage and unable to assimilate to American Culture. -
Plessy v. Ferguson
This Court Case opened the are of segregation known as Separate but Equal. Once more our country was divided. whites and blacks did not enjoy the same treatment and the same privileges. -
Urbanization and Immigration
Factories offer work for skilled laborers, job opportunities for womenand education for children.Seizing on these new opportunities, a new waves of immigrants began
arriving on America’s shores.the origins of immigrants change from Western Europe to Southern and Eastern Europe.
Hundreds of Italian, Polish and Russian immigrants arrived daily.Many immigrants were forced to live in tenements – low-cost, urban family housing developments that squeezed in as many families as possible. -
Nativism
An nativist culture started to emerge in the US by this time in history. Nativism was the belief that native-born white Americans were superior to newcomers. just like Native Americans, many immigrants were forced to assimilate to American culture. -
Dawest Act
The objectives of the Dawes Act were to lift the Native Americans out of poverty and to stimulate assimilation of them into mainstream American society. This were the origins of modern Native Americans -
The Muckrakers
The muckraker culture started with a group of young journalists that wanted to show the world how poeple were living and how their conditions were horrible. -
Costumer Culture
New opportunities to buy appliances, automobiles, and even stylish clothes caused a cultural shift away from the thrifty idals of the prevoius generations. Installment plans grew in popularity throught the 1920s. Spending and borrowing became the norm. -
The Harlem Renaissance
a flowering of African American culture in the 1920s when New York City's Harlem became an intellectual and cultural capital for African Americans; instilled interest in African American culture and pride in being an African American. -
Okies
Families devastated by the Dust Bowl relocated to the West Coast or large cities in hopes of finding work. In the 1930s in California, the term Okie came to refer to very poor migrants from Oklahoma (and nearby states). The Dust Bowl, and the "Okie" migration of the 1930s brought in over a million newly displaced people; many headed to the farm labor jobs advertised in California's Central Valley -
Japanese-American Internment
Many Americans worried that citizens of Japanese ancestry would act as spies or saboteurs for the Japanese government. Fear — not evidence — drove the U.S. to place over 127,000 Japanese-Americans in concentration camps for the duration of WWII. in many cases Japanese- Americans felt fear of showing their culture. -
Culture during the Cold War
During this time people were scared and culture started to reflect that everything was around the fear the threat of a nuclear war; and espionage. Music, Movies and Literature ilustrated this! -
Americans Move to the Suburbs
After World War II baby boom families moved to the suburbs to towns known as Levittowns. The culture in this towns consisted of nuclear families. A dad, a mom and two to four children. The car culture made this possible. -
Early Civil Rights Movement
While many aspects of American life were segregated, Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play baseball in the major leagues. Marshall would be appointed the first African American to the Supreme Court. the Supreme Court ruled unanimously in Brown v. Board of Education that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. And Ruby Bridges was the first child to attend an all-white elementary school in the South. all of this was the start of the non segragated culture we kn -
Counterculture
A new generation (the baby boomers) that started a new teenage culture based on peace and love. rock'n'roll, colorful clothes, and the use of drugs, lived in large groups their lifestyles and values opposed to those of the established culture; "hippies" who accepted drugs and sexuality. -
MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY
With the internet and other forms of communication, the US is now connected to the whole world and its being influnced by it. Immigration also increased between 1965 and 2000. with this the US which ahs also been influanced by others part of the world, once more becomes multicultural and thats what e love about it. -
FEAR OF TERRORISM
After 9/11 our society has been affected with the fear of terrorism, transforming the way Americans live their lifes. Thanks to all the terrosits attacks in the US and around the World, now we are forced to have stricter security laws. Our actual culture do not trsut easily we are always suspesious and like to investigate everything in fear we can get hurts. -
GRAYING OF AMERIC
Thanks to advances in healtcare and The baby boomers of WWII are expected to have a life span greater then previous generations. This makes our culture richer since we are still influenced by the culture and values of this baby boomers that once revolutionised our country with thier innovative ideas.
