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Period: 25,000 BCE to
Beginnings to Exploration
25000BC - 1600 -
1200 BCE
Mesoamerica
10,000 years ago, corn, beans, squash, tomatoes, and potatoes developed by natives in this area. The Olmec were the first advanced civilization, they had a long count calendar, practiced bloodletting, ballgame, and many more. The next advanced civilization were the Mayans, and they continued bloodletting, ballgame, and the calendar. They advanced human sacrifice, had hieroglyphics, and a caste system. Next were the Aztecs, and they had the largest population, and were a materialistic culture. -
500 BCE
Bering Land Bridge
The Bering Land Bridge was a land bridge used by the First Americans to come over from Siberia to Alaska. There were a total of three waves, and the first wave was about 27,000 years ago and it was blocked by glaciers. During the first wave, Clovis points were discovered and this was the start of culture. The second wave was 8,000 years ago and these people were the ancestors of modern SW Natives. The last wave was 5,000 years ago, and these people were ancestors of the Arctic Natives. -
1300
The Renaissance
The Renaissance was a cultural movement, and the word itself meant rebirth. During this time period, post-feudal economy was used, and technologies and ideas were imported. During this era, artistry began to blow up, and the printing press was created, which would replicate and spread literary works, allowing knowledge and literacy to spread. Science was also a big interest among people, which would allow science and medicine to advance. -
1347
The Black Death
The Black Death was a disease that arrived in Europe in the 1340s when ships docked at the Sicilian port after a long trip across the Black Sea. Most of the sailors on board were either dead, or severely ill, and they had black spots on their skin, which gives the name. This spread throughout Europe by rats and fleas, and would wipe out 40%-50% of the whole European population. This changed society as there were no workers, and so a new merchant society forms, and with it a new economy. -
1492
Christopher Columbus pt. 2
He has a total of four voyages, the first one his crew almost mutinied, but they found land days later. The second one, he brought 1,000 Spaniards with him and disease wiped out natives. The third, the colony was mismanaged and Columbus was brought back as a criminal. The last voyage was allowed by Isabella, and he sailed to the coast of Central America and he will die rich. -
1492
The Columbian Exchange
After Columbus discovers new land in 1492, a network of trading system began. The trade was happening between the New and Old worlds. Many things were being traded between the Worlds, including many plants and animals, and this lasted throughout the expansion and discovery of new land. This exchange allowed advancements in agricultural production, evolution of warfare, and increased mortality rates and education. However, this also brought disease to the New World killing many Natives. -
1492
Christopher Columbus pt. 1
Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy, and he grew up to be a very talented maritime navigator. He believed that the shortest route to Asia was West, and he petitioned many European monarchs for financing. Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, say yes to Columbus and so he sets sail on August 3, 1492 from Southern Spain. -
English Colonization
England was late to colonization of the New World because of issues between Protestants and Catholics, high prices for wool, the conquest of Ireland, and Spanish dominance overseas. They start colonization however, after the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, which would allow England to begin naval dominance. Colonization in the Americas then begin. -
Period: to
English Colonial Societies
1600 - 1700 -
Jamestown
The voyage to find a British settlement began on December 6, 1606, and then on May 13, Jamestown, Virginia was picked for the first and permanent English settlement and was named after King James I. The settlers of Jamestown were devastated by the first winter, and so John Smith negotiated treaties with local natives, which established trading, thus ensuring survival during later winters to come. Tobacco then began to be grown as a cash crop in the colony, and slaves became a necessity. -
Caribbean Colonies
Castaways from an English vessel, which had set sail to Virginia, had found safety on the Bermuda islands. News reaches to England, and settlers were sent there in 1612 and thus started the colonization of the Bermuda islands. These colonies were primarily used for sugar, since sugar was very important to the Europeans. Slaves were getting sent to the islands to farm the sugars, and eventually they will outnumber the whites but slaves didn't do anything against them. -
Plymouth
During King James rule, on September 1620, around 100 English men and women-many were members of the English Separatist Church- set sail to the New World on the Mayflower. The Mayflower Compact of 1620 was created and Plymouth became a legally made settlement. Settlers believed England and Holland too corrupt, and they later called themselves Pilgrims. Life was hard there, but Natives (Squanto) taught them how to make corn, fish, and hunt. -
Massachusetts Bay Colony
One of the original English settlements settled by a group of about 1,000 Puritan refugees from England under John Winthrop and Thomas Dudley. The settlers obtained a charter for trade and colonization in New England. The patents were joint proprietors with rights of ownership and government. The crown had the intention to create a commercial company, but the patents decided to transfer the management and the charter to Massachusetts, paving local management in the colonies. -
Maryland
In 1632, King Charles I issued a charter to George Calvert, allowing him proprietary rights, and when the colonists landed in Maryland, they named it after the King's wife. This colony was for settlers seeking escape from religious persecution in England. Cecil Calvert then became the new Lord of Baltimore, and he required settlers to have provisions. Eventually, the colony will be taken by protestants, banning Catholicism. Tobacco became a cash crop, and indentured servants were constructed. -
Glorious Revolution
King James II wanted a Spanish style colonial government and he angered many people. Parliament asked Mary, daughter of James, and her husband to invade New England and take over. William and Mary will sign the English B.o.R. and this excluded Catholics from the monarchy, and protected basic rights of people. The Revolution greatly impacted colonial governance and caused future problems. -
Salem Witch Trials
During Spring of 1692, the Salem Witch Trials began when a group of girls in Salem Village, Massachusetts was claimed to be possessed by the devil and accused several local women of witchcraft. This caused hysteria to spread and more cases were happening, and many woman more women ,like Tituba, were being accused of witchcraft and they were ALL hung. -
Triangular Trade
The Triangular Trade was a network system of trade between three parties. The three parties were the New World, the Old World, and Africa. The system would go like this, Britain would ship goods to Africa, and in return they would get slaves and the slaves would be transported to the Americas, where they would be put to work to get raw resources in order to send them back to Britain where they would be turned into goods. All this would profit the British. -
The Atlantic Slave Trade
Since the discovery of the New World, Europeans needed a strong source of labor. Africans could provide that labor, and so the Inter-African slave trade began. This increased in the late 1600s, and Spain, Portugal, and Holland led the slave trade. However, by the 1700s, Britain was the largest slave trading nation. Slaves would be purchased and would be sent in ships to the New World, in which there were horrible conditions. -
Period: to
Colonial America to 1763
1700 - 1763 -
The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment was a time where things start transitioning to science and reasoning. Instead of superstition, science became the normal way of thinking and so people would question pre-conceived notions like the Bible. Some important people were Sir Isaac Newton, John Locke, and Benjamin Franklin, who was a man with many talents. Because of this, Deism started and it was that people would believe in God if there was proof. -
Slavery in the North
Slavery in the North was not vital at all, since land was not suitable for farming. Most slaves worked as field hands on small farms, domestic servants, or metal workers. Northerners generally didn't like slavery so slaves were more 'free' and didn't work as intensive as slaves in the South. -
The French and Indian War
The French and Indian War, also known as the 7 Years War, was fought between England, France, and Spain. This war was mostly between the British and the French, and Britain and the colonists desired more land to the West. The British sends in an army and militia to control Ohio territory, and they take Quebec and Montreal to defeat the French. A 10,000 man army and a large navy was used to win. The war ends with the Treaty of Paris 1763. -
Treaty of Paris 1763
The Treaty of Paris 1763 ended the war between the French and British, known as the French & Indian War or 7 Years War. In the treaty, France gave up all territories claimed in mainland Northern America, which would end all and any foreign military threats to the British colonies there. -
Slavery in the South
During the colonial period of America, a lot of work labor was needed. In the South, land was more fertile, so more cash crops could be grown there, especially tobacco. In the Upper South, tobacco required less overseeing, so the slaves were treated better, than the Lower South. In the Lower South, rice became a staple crop, and it required more oversight, causing it to be more labor intensive. Culture was preserved among slaves, which was 2/3 of the pop. and they worked under a task system. -
Period: to
The Revolutionary War
1763 - 1783 -
Revenue Act
On April 5, 1764, parliament passed an act called the Revenue Act, also known as the Sugar Act. This act was put in place to tax sugar products, because before the Molasses Act had put a tax on sugars but most people evaded it. With this new act in place, it angered many colonists, and many resisted and voiced their displeasure. This act was also challenged through petition, and eventually search of private property without warrants. -
Stamp Act
After the Revenue Act, parliament passed the Stamp Act, which required ALL papers to be taxed, and the tax was also more harsh than the Revenue Act. Lawyers and printing press was mostly affected by this tax. During the Stamp Act, a Stamp Act Congress was formed by 9 of the 13 colonies. Representatives were sent to parliament, and during this many protests erupted. -
Boston Massacre
With the many acts passed by Parliament, the colonists kept on resisting and protesting against it, and they were very violent. One day, a crowd of Bostonians harassed British soldiers, and eventually the soldiers fired at the crowd. Paul Revere then goes on to create a fictitious story, and this further angered many colonists. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was an event that was the last straw for the British, and this really angered them. Drunk Bostonians one night had thought of a plan, and their plan was to dress up as Indians and terrorize the British import of tea. The Sons of Liberty got on the ship and started getting the chests full of tea, and dumped it all into the water, causing the British to lose a massive amount of money. -
Olive Branch Petition
The Olive Branch Petition was a petition drafted by the Second Continental Congress, and it was a letter hoping for peace between the British and the Colonies. This was the last attempt to avoid war, and King George III rejected this cry for peace, and this gave furthermore reason for the colonists to fight for independence. -
Patriots vs Loyalists
During the War, the population among the the colonies was 40% Patriots, 40% Neutral, and 20% Loyalists. Throughout this whole war, the Loyalists, who were loyal to Britain, were absolutely ostracized and they had legal disabilities and their property was seized. This caused many loyalists to flee. -
The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was a document written by Thomas Jefferson, declaring independence from Britain. Independence to the colonists was not a choice, they needed to do it, and so the draft was completed on July 2, but was signed July 4. In the document, many grievances were stated against Britain, and they avoided anti-monarchical sentiment, and also hoped to look for European allies. -
Problems with the Articles of Confederation
After the Revolutionary War, the Articles of Confederation was seen as weak. Many colonists would begin revolting against the U.S gov't, but George Washington would put down the rebellions. The colonists were angry that the Congress couldn't get anything done with no central government authority. Some weaknesses of the AOC were that it couldn't enforce taxation, relied on requisition, and states simply didn't comply with it. There were also constant shortages of funds. -
Problems with the British
After the War, and the Treaty of Paris 1783 was signed, Britain didn't uphold their terms in the Treaty. They remained in the forts that they had sieged, they also gave weapons to Native Americans so that they could attack the Americans, and they left their debts unpaid. The Spanish also denied access to the Mississippi River, and did not trade with the U.S. because of this. -
Period: to
The Constitution
1783 - 1789 -
Shays' Rebellion
Shays' Rebellion was one of the movements for a new constitution. Daniel Shay, along with many other colonists faced post-war recession, and it was bad for everyone. Shays led the Revolutionary War veterans to rebel, and it soon began to spread, but however it was put down. This rebellion will create a sense of urgency for a new constitution, and leaders were on board with the change, inevitably causing the U.S. to survive. -
Northwest Ordinance
Congress enacts the Northwest Ordinance, in which it would structure settlement of the Northwest Territory and creating a policy for the addition of new states to the nation. The members of congress knew that if their new confederation were to keep surviving, it had to resolve the states' competing claims to new territory. -
Two Plans for Reform
The Virginia Plan was mostly for larger populated states, and it included two-house legislatures, where the lower house would be elected by people, and the upper house will become senate. This plan abandons the AOC, and when given, there would be strong govt' authority. The other plan was the New Jersey Plan, which was for the small states and was a modified version of the AOC. Legislature will be the supreme law and 1 state will get 1 vote, and executive will be elected by congress. -
The Great Compromise
The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Plan, was an agreement between both large and small states reached during the Constitutional Convention in 1787. This set the foundation for modern-day congress, and it stated that there was a bicameral legislature, composed of the House of Representatives and Senate. This was a "great" compromise. -
The Great Debate
The Great Debate was a series of protests and debates between two political parties, the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists. The Federalists supported constitution and a powerful central government, and they opposed the Bill of Rights. They would use check and balances to preserve government. The Anti-Federalists supported a weak centralized government, states' rights, and the Bill of Rights. Republicanism would depend on informed population. -
Election of 1788
The Election of 1788 was the first every election for presidency. Washington ran for president, and to the people he was seen as a god-like figure, and he was obviously everyone's choice. The Vice President would be the second place runner up, and not the running mate of the elected, and John Adams assumed that position. -
Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights was created in 1789, and was ratified in 1791. The Bill of Rights included the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. The Bill of Rights was written by James Madison and it protected individual rights and liberties, and it limits the power of the government. -
Bank of the United States
The Bank of the United States was the first national bank to ever be created in America. This was Alexander Hamilton's idea, and the point of it was to be a depository, make loans, and more importantly it was to stabilize currency and economy. The creation of this set constitutionality issues, and made people wonder if it was constitutional or did government have too much authority. Washington however sided with Hamilton and it was chartered. -
The Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey Rebellion was the first test of the Constitution. The rebels were Pennsylvania and Kentucky farmers, and they rebelled because whiskey was so economically important to them because it provides large profit and income. These farmers will revolt and 6,000 will threaten to attack Pittsburgh, however Washington leads his army and puts down the rebellion. This was also the first major domestic test. -
International Conflicts
Britain still has forces laying in the forts that they remained in. They still traded with Natives and gave them guns to raid Americans, yet they were still the largest trading partner. However, Jay's treaty was made between Britain and America and then the British vacate it, which outrages Republicans. Spain still has control over the Mississippi River which interferes with American trade and commerce, but Pinckney's treaty resolves the issue. And Barbary pirates still harass the Americans. -
Election of 1796
Washington decides not to run for a third term and so he leaves his Farewell Address behind. In it, he says that three terms was enough, wanted U.S. to avoid international conflicts, didn't want permanent allies. So the election was mainly between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson (Republicans vs Federalists), and John Adams will win and Jefferson will be the VP. -
XYZ Affair
John Jay's treaty caused problems, mainly between the french because it limited their trade and the French decides to seize American ships. They ignored American envoys and wanted concessions, but soon word got out and so an undeclared naval war called the Quasi-war happens. -
Period: to
The New Republic
1789 - 1800 -
Jefferson Presidency
During Jefferson's presidency, he planned to do many things. He reduced the size of government, and encouraged agriculture. His administration was mocked by the Federalists, but it was a simple demeanor. His plan was to reduce size in government, eradicate national debt, severe connections with the U.S. bank, sell Western lands, and slashing military budgets and reliance on militias. -
Period: to
The Age of Jefferson
1800 - 1824 -
Louisiana Purchase
During Jefferson's presidency, he wanted a nation of farmers. Spain at the time will cede Louisiana back to France, and so Napoleon threatens to close New Orleans. Jefferson then begins to negotiate with Napoleon, and they come to terms and Jefferson plans to buy Louisiana, and he buys it immediately because he was afraid Napoleon would back out of the offer. This would secure the Mississippi River, and double the size of the nation. -
Embargo Act of 1807
Before the Embargo Act had passed, Americans faced problems with Britain. Americans were being forced into naval services, and the British would act American ships, this will cause the U.S. to react. The U.S. then passed the Embargo Act which deprived British and France of American goods. -
War of 1812
Many Americans wanted to have war with Britain, but their navy was still very powerful. So Americans will take a land based strategy but the British will beat back Americans from Canada, and blockaded American ports. Then the British will take Washington D.C. and burn the "White House". Then more battles will occur, such as Fort McHenry, the Great Lakes, and the Battle of New Orleans. Andrew Jackson will defeat the British at New Orleans, and this would technically end the battle. -
The Star Spangled Banner
The Star Spangled Banner was a poem made by Francis Scott Key. During the battle at Fort McHenry, Key was captured by the British and was forced to watch them bombard the Fort, and so he made a poem about what he saw. It was mainly about the battle, the slaves that were involved, and most importantly the end. After the bombing stopped, he saw that the American flag still stood high. -
European Immigration
During the Industrial Revolution, many Europeans immigrated to the Americas for a variety of reasons. The Irish immigrated because of the potato famine at the time. The Germans were facing a political turmoil and it was a poor harvest at the time. Scandinavians and British immigrated because they sought economic opportunities. However, conflicts rose because of immigration and racial tensions. -
Slavery
There were 2 regions of slavery, the Upper and Lower South. In the Lower South, land was fertile and the climate was ideal for cotton, so big money can be made from cotton cultivation in this region. In the Upper South however, land wasn't fertile and the growing season was shorter, so slavery was dying in this region and led to slaves being sold to the Lower South. Also, many southern slaves converted to Protestantism because it served spiritual needs and created hush harbors and ring dance. -
Changes in Agriculture
As Americans transitions to a more industrialized nation, many things have changed, such as the agriculture. The iron plow, invented by John Deere, was created to help harvest the crops more easily, and it's more durable and strong. The crank churns were created to make butter, an essential to some people. And lastly, and probably the most important, the cotton gin, which would inevitably increase slavery, even though it was made to help decrease it. -
Period: to
The American Industrial Revolution
1815 - 1848 -
Florida
The United States wanted Florida, but was owned by Spain at the time. Andrew Jackson attacked Florida Seminoles, and captured Spanish forts. Then the Adams-Onis Treaty of 1819 was passed, in which Spain will cede Florida to the U.S., and they recognize U.S.' claim to Louisiana. -
Temperance Movement
The Temperance Movement is a movement that started to protest against alcohol, or abstain from it. During the time, alcohol was consumed at any time during the day, and at large amounts. Women were strongly involved with this movement because of abuse, and this movement dramatically reduced alcohol consumption, and some states even banned it. -
Missouri Compromise
Missouri wants to apply for admission as a slave state, but the Northern states are against it and the Southern states are for it. So the Missouri Compromise was created as a balance between slave and free states by creating an imaginary line at 36* 30* latitude, and the states above this line would be free, and the states below would be slave. This was only a temporary solution, and slavery would have to be dealt with eventually, this guaranteed future conflict. -
Labor Changes
With the increase of factories and industries, there would also be increase in production. Mass produced products would be priced lower, which is better for the people because it would be affordable. Women and children would be able to work, especially in the Lowell Mills. In the Lowell Mills, there was a Waltham System, which is a centralized factory with a large labor force, and woman would earn more money, but they would work long hours and have bad conditions. -
The Second Great Awakening
The Second Great Awakening began around 1800, but it really picked up around 1820. It emphasized religious romanticism, and it was emotional and supernatural, rejected secularism and deism, and morality was taken over by economics and politics. Grades were now assigned to students, and there would be textbooks and instructions, and attendance was important. This however caused a backlash, as higher tax was feared and there were labor issues, and Catholics feared Protestant education. -
Period: to
Cultural Changes
1820 - 1850 -
Election of 1824
During the Election of 1824, there were 4 candidates, John Q. Adams, Andrew Jackson, William Crawford, and Henry Clay. Jackson wins the popular vote, but not the electoral college. This would cause Adams to win the election, and Jackson was very angry and bitter, thinking that there was a corrupt bargain. -
Texas
Starting in 1824, Spain granted land for Americans and Moses Austin and Stephen F. Austin secured it, and the conditions for living in the settlement was to become Catholic, learn Spanish, and get rid of slaves. Eventually, whites outnumbered the Hispanics and Texians disobeyed Mexican laws. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna became a dictator and this led to the Texas Revolution, where they declare independence. -
Period: to
Age of Jackson
1824 - 1840 -
Adams' Presidency
During Adams' presidency, he developed the American System. In this system involved industries and tariffs, he also created a new national bank, and had many internal improvements. Also, the National University Observatory was established during this time, which was a scientific and economic development. -
Millenialism
Millenialism is the belief that Jesus and Judgement Day was coming. William Miller was one of the people that had picked the day of return already. Shakers and Mormons were people who believed in Millenialism. Shakers were celibate and communistic, and the believed in equality between the sexes and rejected domesticity. Mormons were the Church of Jesus Christ of Letter Day Saints, Joseph Smith was among them and supposedly found Golden Tablets written in ancient language. -
Prisons
Prisons during the time were penitentiaries, where prisoners would be isolated. Sing Sing was a prison located in New York, where prisoners were housed at night and worked during the day. Eastern State Penitentiary was located in Pennsylvania, and prisoners would think about their actions and were constantly watched. For the mentally ill, they were confined with the general population, and they will get their own prisons (asylum) during this time. -
Election of 1828
Jackson's new strategy includes his humble origins, military career, democratic values, and the modern Democratic Party. Jackson and Adams made personal attacks to each other, they attack each other as womanizers, but Jackson's wife was also attacked, and this all got very nasty. Jackson's nickname was Old Hickory, and this got his name out everywhere. Jackson ends up winning the election overwhelmingly, but his wife dies before the inauguration. -
Jackson Administration
During Jackson's presidency, he created the Spoils System which replaced bureaucracy with own supporters. During the first term, there were many scandals early on, and this forced most of the cabinet to resign. The Nullification Crisis was also happening at the time where Congress raises import taxes, which is the Tariff Act of 1832, which affects Southern ag. John Calhoun, who was VP, advocated nullifying law, and took Kentucky Resolutions further, and he was forced to resign over the issue. -
Changes in Transportation
With the transitioning to a more industrial society, transportation was also being industrialized. Around this time, modern roads were being created, as well as railroads. Railroads were a cheaper way to ship goods around the nation. For the waters, canals were created for the use of steamboats. Canals made it easier for things to be transported through water, and steamboats would carry people and goods. -
Abolitionists
Abolitionists began to increase during this time period, and they believed in gradualism, where they would gradually free slaves back to Africa, Liberia specifically. They also believed in immediatism, where there would be an immediate end to slavery. -
Changes in Communications
Another major change during the Industrial Revolution is the communication. Printing became easier and cheaper so news would be spread around quick, and also literacy would increase. The telegraph was also a new invention which would allow communication to be made from long distances, with the use of Morse Code. -
Native Americans during Jackson's Presidency
Andrew Jackson hated Native Americans. Some assimilated tribes were Cherokee, Seminoles, and Chickasaws, and they assimilated to Americans ways, meaning they converted to Christianity. In the Cherokees, gold was found so the Indian Removal Act of 1830 was passed, and this gave the President power to exchange Indian land. This led to the Cherokees going legal, Cherokee Nation vs GA, and Worcester vs GA, this gets the SCOTUS involved. -
Trail of Tears
During Jackson's presidency, Native Americans were being discriminated against even more, and they tried going legal, but nothing would work. Eventually, the Cherokees were forced to leave their homes, and thousands will die from relocating to Indian territory, which was Oklahoma. -
Nat Turner's Rebellion
Nat Turner was an African-American slave who many thought would be the man to bring slaves to a better future. Turner was an educated slave, and he was a preacher as well. He saw many signs which led him to believe that he should lead a rebellion to overturn the Whites, and so one day Turner and a group of African-Americans killed their masters and began moving around to kill other whites, woman and children as well, but eventually they were all caught and killed. -
Parks
To connect with nature, people thought of a new idea to create a designed place to escape from the fast-paced life. This led to the creation of parks, where people would settle down and connect with each other in nature. Cemeteries would eventually follow the same design, and this was a rural cemetery movement. -
Texas Revolution
Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna becomes a dictator and this will cause the Texians to revolt against the Mexican government. The Revolution started with the Battle of Gonzales, and then Goliad, and the Siege of Bexar, or commonly known as The Alamo. Texians will win the Revolution and would be an independent nation, but then a fight will occur in U.S. politics over the admission of Texas. -
Election of 1836
During the Election of 1836, Martin van Buren, who's nickname was Old Kinderhook "OK", ran against the Whig party, and he barely won against them. Unfortunately for him, he inherited a terrible economy, and this eventually led to the Panic of 1837, and soon people would call him Martin Van "Ruin" (a play on his last name). -
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Westward Expansion
1840 - 1848 -
Period: to
Westward Expansion
1840 - 1848 -
Manifest Destiny
Manifest Destiny is the notion of the U.S. being a continental nation from and during Jackson's presidency, he believed in the extinction of Native Americans and the white's future is westward. This led to the Great Migration, which was an overland trail that lasted about 5 to 6 months. -
Western Frontier
Due to Manifest Destiny, fur trade became common on the Western frontier, and Americans will dominate the fur trade market by the 1820s. This will give huge profits to Americans and eventually beavers will almost be hunted to extinction, but fashion will change because of this. Trappers will bring a lot of info about Western lands, however, they will disappear by the 1840s. With Westward expansion, Native Americans will have their homes taken away from them, and htey will be forced to move. -
Mexican-American War
The Mexican-American War started because of border disputes in Texas between Taylor and Mexico, and then Mexican dispatches will attack Taylor. This will lead to Polk asking for a declaration of war, and it passes. Americans will march from Kansas to California, and this will lead to the Bear Flag Revolt, where California declares independence from Mexico. There will be many battles and many American war generals. -
Seneca Falls Convention
The Seneca Falls Convention was a convention that took place in New York. Elizabeth Stanton and her husband created this women's rights movement and Lucretia Mott was named president of the activist group. 300 men and women were involved in this and had the declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions which secured rights in economics and voting. -
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, also known as Treaty of Peace, Friendship, Limits and Settlement between the United States of America and the Mexican Republic, is a peace treaty that will end the Mexican-American War. This treaty settled border disputes, and over half of Mexico's territory will be ceded to America, and this will eventually lead to problems over slavery. -
Election of 1848
During the Election of 1848, there were 3 major people running, Lewis Cass for Democrats, Zachary Taylor for Whigs, and Martin Van Buren for the Fre-Soil. Zach Taylor was a Mexican-American war general and a slave owner, and he was a no party man, and most of his views were unknown. In the South, he would campaign as proslavery, but in the North he would say he is for Wilmot Proviso. Zachary Taylor will win this election easily. -
California Gold Rush
Gold was found in California and thousands of people will migrate, from 1849 to 1852, the population went from 14k to 200k, making this area rich. Gold was easy to find at first, but then mining needed to start in 1852, and this supported industries. Chinese people will migrate as well, but they would work in the worst mines, and many would die and face racism. However, politicians had hoped for slow population increase, and slavery will now be at the forefront, and lead to popular will. -
Period: to
Sectionalism
1848 - 1861 -
Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 was made as 5 separate bills to avoid conflict between the North and the South. California will be entered as a free state, New Mexico & Utah will decide on slavery or free, Texas will relinquish disputed Western lands, and federal government will take over Texas debt, and lastly slave trade will be banned in Washington D.C. -
Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad wasn't really a railroad, but as a route to escape slavery in the South. Many runaway slaves will become political, and abolitionists in the North will assist the salves to escape the North using the "Railroad". Many used safehouses to hide from the Southern whites. Harriet Tubman and along with many other abolitionists will help free about 100,000 slaves between 1830 and 1860 -
Election of 1852
During the Election of 1852, Franklin Pierce, a Democratic, won against Winfield Scott, who was part of the Whig party. Franklin Pierce was a member of Young America, a group of people who promoted territorial expansion, increased international trade, and spread democratic ideas. With Scott's lost, the Whig party began to fall apart, leading to the end of the party. -
Dred Scott vs. Sanford
Dred Scott was a former slave who decided to sued his master's widow for his freedom. This led to the case being handled by the Supreme Court, but they will rule that slaves aren't U.S. citizens and so Scott can't sue. The Supreme Court will also rule that Congress can't regulate slavery in territories. -
John Brown's Raid
John Brown was an abolitionist who sought to end slavery on his own, and many abolitionists thought God called on him to destroy it. Brown wanted to invade the South and start a slave revolt, and he led raiders to Harper's Ferry, Virginia to take control of the town and federal arsenal. He planned to revolt across the South, but Robert E. Lee quickly defeated him, and Brown and his raiders were hung. He became a martyr, but this outraged the Southerners, this was the last straw... -
Election of 1860
During the Election of 1860, Democrats had much competition and this split the party, which caused Abraham Lincoln, a member of the Republican party to win. Lincoln had few political enemies and he had a moderate approach to slavery. There were many candidates who appealed to different sections of the country, but this regional party won for the first time. -
North
The North had a general population of 22 million, and their industrialization was very powerful. The North had 110,000 factories, $1 billion industry, they produced 97% of weapons manufacturing, 94% of clothing, and 90% of shoes and boots. They also had a large railroad system that had about 22,000 miles of track. The Union believed they were fighting to uphold constitution. -
South
The South had a general population of 5.5 million and 3.5 million slaves. The South's industry was not as big as the North, as it only ha 18,000 factories and $155 million industries. They also only had 3% of weapons manufacturing and 9,000 miles of track. This puts the South at a huge disadvantage, however, the South has many great competent military leaders. The Confederates compared themselves to American colonists fighting for independence. They also hoped to gain a European ally, Britain. -
The Battle of Bull Run
The Battle of Bull Run was the first major battle in 1861 Virginia. 30,000 union troops, the Army of Potomac, will march South, and they will have a humiliating defeat and were forced to flee back to Washington D.C. This will lead to Lincoln doing 2 things, authorizing enlistment of 1 million men and making George McClellan leader of the Army of the Potomac. -
Period: to
The Civil War
1861 - 1865 -
Peninsular Campaign
President Lincoln wanted to take the Confederate capital of Richmond, which was 100 miles away from D.C. McClellan took 3 weeks to land his army on the peninsula, and General Robert E. Lee becomes the leader of the Army of Northern Virginia. Gen. Lee will defeat the Union army at the Second Battle of Bull Run. -
Battle of Antietam
The Battle of Antietam was fought between General Robert E. Lee's Army of North Virginia, and George McClellan's Army of the Potomac and this would be a quasi Union victory, but Lee's army was not defeated. However after this, President Lincoln will pass the Emancipation Proclamation. -
10% Plan
Lincoln has two plans for reconstruction. One of the plans is the 10% Plan, also known as the Amnesty & Reconstruction Plan 1863, and it would pardon all Southerners except for officers and officials. They would have to take an oath and apply for federal recognition and form the new state government. -
Wade-Davis Bill
Lincoln has two plans for reconstruction, and one of the plans is the Wade-David Bill, which would punish all Confederate leaders, destroy slave society, and take an oath declaring they never aided the Confederacy. Confederate officers would also be stripped of U.S. citizenship and the Confederate states would be readmitted to the Union after long punishment and clear commitment to the Union. -
Lincoln's Assassination
President Lincoln will attend a play at Ford's Theater, which was 5 days after the Appomattox Courthouse. John Wilkes Booth, who was one of the actors in the play, will shoot Lincoln in the head from behind, and Lincoln will die the next day. Funeral procession attracts millions on the railroad trucks en route to Illinois, and Lincoln will be embalmed so much that his body looked fresh, years after his death. -
Appomattox Courthouse
After the Confederate defeat at the Battle of Gettysburg, everything went down for the South. The Union had many advantages, and they would surely win in the long run. The Siege at Petersburg/Richmond caused General Lee's army to starve and forced them to retreat. This will lead to General Lee surrendering to Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865 at the Appomattox Courthouse. This brought the official end of the Civil War. -
Freedmen's Bureau & Freemen's Movement
The Freedmen's Bureau was a relief agency to the slaves in the war-torn South. Slaves would be given food and will be educated in schools, and confiscated lands will be given and emergency services will be granted. This was the main institution for reconstruction and its policy. The Freemen's Movement is where many former slaves would wander around the places they haven't ever seen. There would also be former slaves looking for lost loved ones. -
40 Acres and a Mule
After the Civil War, some planters will abandon their land, and this will be taken by Union forces. Formers slaves would be allowed to own or rent these lands to farm, and they were entitled to a mule. Former slaves saw this land as true independence and freedom, but eventually these lands will be given back to its white owners. -
Black Codes
The Black Codes were laws passed by Democratic Southern states, in which Southern states will limit civil rights and economic opportunity for African-Americans. Their workforce was exploitable and interracial marriage and serving on juries was outlawed. The Black Codes also got on vagrancy, and African Americans were arrested for wandering and not having a home. They would be forced to work on plantations to pay for fines, and their children were forced into apprenticeship until age 21. -
Andrew Johnson Administration
Andrew Johnson was Lincoln's Vice President, but he became president after Lincoln's assassination. Johnson opposed succession, and he was blatantly racist. He also promoted a lenient policy for readmission, which is to take an oath and return all property and renounce succession and ratify the 13th amendment. High ranking Confederates will also be pardoned and their property will be restored, but in the end most states will fail to live up to the terms. -
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Reconstruction
1865 - 1890 -
Mississippi Plan
The Mississippi Plan was a form of white resistance, where whites in Miss. allied with each other for the ELection of 1874. They created terror for black and white Republicans, causing them not to vote, and Grant rejects sending troops to stop them. This tactic will spread across the south, and thus the Democrats will win the election easily. This is where the reconstruction government starts falling apart.
