-
2000 BCE
The Mayans
The Maya were one of the first societies to develop within Mesoamerica. They're an indigenous people who inhabited the southern gulf coast of Mexico. This region is now known as the Yucatan peninsula. These people participated in the religious practice of bloodletting, to make a human sacrifice for the gods. The Mayans also developed hieroglyphics and a caste system. Their caste system was made up of priests, nobles, and rulers at the top. And farmers and slaves at the bottom. -
Period: 2000 BCE to
Beginning to Exploration
-
100 BCE
Pueblo/ Anasazi
These ancient people lived in the dry lands of the American southwest. Specifically, in the Mesa Verde region. They lived in villages that were made up of adobe houses. Adobe is a clay mixture that's made up of sand, and straw. These infrastructures allowed their homes to stay cool in the dry, hot climate. The Pueblo Indians had a long tradition of farming and herding. They were also known as the "peace-loving people". -
500
Dark Ages
The Dark Ages refers to the Middle Ages when both the demographic and the culture began to deteriorate within Western Europe. This event occurred after the collapse of the Roman Empire. During this time, Europe suffered from a weak economy and had no higher learning. Also, at the time the western world was completely dominated by the Catholic church. -
1346
The Black Death
The Black Death was a devastating pandemic that transformed society in Europe. Up to 50 percent of the total European population was killed off due to this plague. Eventually, there were no workers and the merchant society began to form. Once the merchant population began to grow, the new European economy soon began to grow and was better than the economy they had acquired before. -
Aug 3, 1492
Christopher Columbus
Born in Genoa, Italy, Christopher Columbus was a talented navigator who developed the new idea that the quickest route to reach Asia was to head west. He wanted to find such route to make more profit out of trade without spending so much time traveling. At this time, Europeans were aware of the Earth being round, Columbus had petitioned many European monarchs for financing his voyage. The Catholic Monarchs gave him permission to travel on this journey, setting sail August 1492 from South Spain. -
Jun 7, 1494
Treaty of Tordesillas
Spain and Portugal fight over the newly discovered territories by Christopher Columbus. The pope then divides these lands between the two countries: Brazil going to Portugal and lands west going to Spain. The treaty neatly divided the New World by drawing a land through the Atlantic about 370 leagues west of the Cape Verde Islands. Spain believed that they've recieved a raw deal after the treaty -
Jan 1, 1503
Leonardo DaVinci
Born in Anchiano, Italy, Leonardo DaVinci was an artist, inventor and a student of science during the Renaissance period. Today he is know as one of the genius minds to have exited during this time period. His most recognizable works of art are the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. DaVinci also used his previous studies and knowledge of science to inform his work. -
Period: to
English Colonial Societies
-
Tabacco
At first, the colonies had no profit early on and were in search of gold and silver when they first arrived at the Americas. Then tobacco was brought to Virginia from the Carribean and became a big profit maker within the Chesapeake colonies. This crop made a lot of money for the colonies because many people smoked tobacco it in Europe and it could be easily grown. This is because the soil was rich in the Chesapeake colonies. -
Plymouth Colony
The Puritans were reformers who found that England and Holland were too corrupt to live in. They believed that their children were becoming too Dutch and the Puritans did not like this. Thus, they sailed on the Mayflower looking to purify their religion and politics in the New World. Life was hard once they landed in Massachusetts. A native amerian named squanto taught them how to survive, allowing the colony to thrive. The May Flower Compact then legally made the settlement. -
Anne Hutchinson
Born in England, Anne Hutchinson followed Puritan leader, John Cotton to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1634. She would hold meetings of women within the colony to discuss recent sermons. There, she gave her own theological views and found that an individual's intuitions as a means of reaching God and salvation. Ministers were displeased with her claims and banished her from the colony by John Winthrop due to antinonmianism. -
Sugar
Sugar was the lifeblood of the Carribean Colonies. The Europeans loved sugar and they used it for everything. Thus, sugar was high in demand. Since so many people wanted sugar, the Carribean colonies were able to make a big profit out of the crop. It was also the engine of the slave trade. Many slaves were brought to the Carribean from Africa to increase the labor force that wasrequired to grow the crop. -
Navigation Acts
The Navigation Acts were a series of Acts passed in the English Parliment. These acts were designed to tighten the control of trade between Egland and the colonies. These acts also gave England the ability to collect taxes from the colonies. The purpose of the acts was to encourage British shipping and secured the profits to be made from the natural reasources and industries in the colonies. -
Quakers
The Quakers were a Christian religious grow that faced prosecution in England. This is because their religious practices rejected religious ceremonies and included the belief of spiritual equality for men and women. The Quakers then traveled to the New World, led by William Penn in search of religious freedom. They landed in what would be later known as Pennsylvania. Since the king owed Penn a large debt, Penn was granted a land west of New Jersey. Hence forming the colony for the Quakers. -
Salem Witch Trials
The Salem Witch Trials were a series of court cases that began after a group of young girls in Salem Village, Massachusetts claimed that they were being possessed by the devil and blamed several women from the village of witchcraft. Most women who were accused of witchcraft were outcasts, so they were an easy target. And as more women claimed to be possessed, a state of hysteria grew in the village. After the trials, a total 200 people were executed due to suspicions of practicing witchcraft. -
Period: to
Colonial America
-
The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment is defined as the Age of Reason, it was a philosophical movement that took place in both Europe and North America. This movement dominated the world of ideas, for people began to question traditional authority and focused more on realistic thinking. The Enlightenment also encouraged the notion that humans could be improved through rational change. Both the American and French REvolutions were sparked by Enlightenment ideals. -
Sir Isaac Newton
Isaac Newton was an influential English physicist during the Age of Enlightenment. Newton made discoveries in optics, motion, and mathematics. He also wrote a book on physics called, Principia, containing almost all concepts on physics. Newton is credited with developing the basic laws of physics and essential theories of calculus. After his death, Newtons work became more famous, his work having a large impact on the development of the western world, now known as one of the greatest geniuses. -
The Great Awakening
The Great Awakening was a religious revelation movement that swept across the Atlantic region, especially in the American colonies. The campaign was a reaction to the secularism of the Enlightenment. During this movement, ordinary people were given a voice and wanted to find their spirituality rather than being scared into being religious. At this time, elite American universities were found. -
The Seven Years War
Also known as the French-Indian war, the Seven Years War was a European conflict between the English, French, and Spanish. All three nations were in dispute over territory in North America. The British wanted more land to the west. The French and British fight in Quebec and Montreal. The British had a way stronger army which lead to the fall of Quebec, then the capture of Montreal. Once the Treaty of Paris had ended the war, French rule ended in North America and Britain had control of Canada. -
Fort William Henry
Fench general conducted the siege of Fort William Henry, Louis-Joseph de Montcalm, which was under control of the British at the time. The fort lied between the British and French provinces at the southern end of Lake George. It was guarded by a weakly supported force of British regulars and a provincial militia that was led by George Monro. After being bombarded, Monro surrendered to Montcalm with the withdrawal of his garrison to Fort Edward. -
Treaty of Paris - 1763
The Treaty of Paris of 1763 ended the French and Indian War/ Seven Years War between Great Britain and France. This treaty will put an end to all French rule within North America. Thus, stopping all foreign military threat to the British colonies. Then, Britain will take control of New France, which is today known as Canada. Therefore altering the map of North America. The French were only able to maintain Haiti and other small islands off of Canada. -
Revenue Act
The Revenue Act, also known as the Sugar Act, was made in order to improve the revenue of the British kingdom. The British placed a tax on molasses in order to pay for their precious expenses.The colonists resisted this act and voiced their displeasure. They challenged then began to protest the act, the colonists were more concerned with the economic impact of the act rather than the constitutional issue of taxation without representation. -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was a form of taxes that the British had placed on the American colonies during the Revolutionary Era. This new taxes required colonists to pay a tax on any piece of printed paper they used. Licenses, legal documents, newspapers and other publications were taxed. The purpose of this tax was to pay for the debt that accumulated after protecting the American frontier near the Appalacian Mountains. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre occurred when a crowd of Bostonians began to harass British soldiers by throwing snowballs, some being filled with rocks. The soldiers then felt endangered and started to fire into the crowd, killing a total of five people. Paul Revere then creates a fictitious account. This becoming one of the first great examples of American propoganda. Many of the colonists were outraged which then leads to the repeal of the Townshend Acts. -
Coercive Acts
The Coercive Acts, also known as the Intolerable Acts were harsh laws that were passed by the British Parliment in the year 1774. These acts were meant to be a punishment to the American colonists for the Boston Tea Party and other recent protests. The acts restricted Massachusetts political institutions did away with the Massachusetts colonial charter and allowed the quartering of troops. Like the Stamp and Townshend Acts, the Coercive Acts pushed the colonists towards war with Britain. -
Period: to
Revolutionary War
1775-1783 -
Olive Branch Petition
The Olive Branch Petition was a written letter to King George lll, from members of the Second Continental Congress. They were hoping for peace. This represents the last attempt by the moderate party in North America to prevent a war of independence between Great Britain and the thirteen colonies. The Olive Branch Petition did not achieve did not achieve peace, and was rejected by the king. The American war for independece then followed this event. -
Prohibitory Act
The Prohibitory Acts was put in place as a measure of retaliation by Great Britain against the rebellions and protest that were occurring within the thirteen colonies. These acts declared naval blockades against the American ports. These bans outraged the American colonists. Therefore, strengthening the push for independence, making it overwhelming. -
Thomas Paine
Thomas Paine was an England-born philosopher and writer. He helped develop many of the ideas and concepts that came up during the Age of Revolution. Paine published the first advocate for American independence, Common Sense, in 1776. His writing argued for independence, a democratic represetative government, and attacked the monarchy. Common sense then grew very popular among the colonists and changed the American colonial views of the monarchy. -
Period: to
The Constitution
-
Article of Confederation
The Article of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States. This document was very insufficient and came with many issues. It was weak and did not have a strong central government. Therefore, Congress couldn't get anything done. Also, Congress was not able to enforce any taxes, so it made the government even weaker. Since the document did more harm than good, the government knew they needed a stronger and more unified agreement to help guide the nation, so the AOC was ratified. -
Shay's Rebellion
Shay's Rebellion was a series of protest that put the Article of Confederation to the test. American farmers were upset about the state and local law enforcement of tax collections and the government's judgment of debt. They were afraid that they would lose their farms and their livelihood. This rebellion was what proved that the Articles of Confederation was inefficeint and the country needed to be govern by a new document. -
Age of Enlightenment
During this time, the Age of Enlightenment still existed. Education was even more popular than before and religion became less and less important. The ideals of this movement lead to the separation of the church and state. Now, ordinary citizens had more to say and were more open to their ideas and beliefs. It was still a time that valued philosophical, and scientific practices. And more people took part in this movement by trying to focus on rational ideas rather than spiritual beliefs. -
Virginia Plan
The Virginia Plan was a proposal by the Virgina delegates for a bicameral legislative branch. This plan was drafted by fellow Virginian, James Madison. It was later presented by Edmund Rudolph in the Constituional Convention of 1787. The Virgininia Plan proposed a strong, powerful central government that would be composed of three branches. These three branches of government would be the Legislative, Executive and Judicial. -
New Jersey Plan
The New Jersey Plan, also known as the Small State Plan, was a proposal for the United States government that modified the existing Articles of Confederation. This proposal had a single legislature and called for an executive to be elected by Congress and had a less powerful judiciary.The plan called for each state to have one vote in Congress rather than a number of votes being based on the population of the state. William Patterson presented this plan in the Constitutional Convention of 1787. -
Northwest Ordinance
The Northwest Ordinance was a law that was passed in order to regulate the northwest territory that was formed after the American Revolution. This territory was eventually divided into several states of the middle west. At this time, the United States was being governed under the Articles of Confederation. -
The Conneticut Plan
The Connecticut Plan, also known as the Great Compromise was another proposal that was put in place to replace the Articles of Confederation. This plan proposed a bi-cameral legislature. Also, it called for proportional representation in the House and one representative per state in the Senate. This plan is similar to the modern-day Congress we have today. It was proposed by Conneticut delegates, Roger Sherman and Olliver Ellsworth in the Constitutional Convention of July 16, 1787. -
Election of 1788
This was the first presidential election in the United States. George Washington was the winning candidate of this election. Everyone loved him and saw him as a god-like figure. This was because he was a key factor and a war hero from the American Revolution. Washington had no running mates during this election. Therefore, the vice presidential position went to his second place opponent, John Adams. -
Period: to
New Republic
-
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin was a man of many talents and was the symbol of American Enlightenment. He embraced science, reason, natural human rights, free-thinking, and morality. He didn't agree with most of the rules taught in church but took on the basic moral virtues. He also discovered the basic principles of conservation of electric charge. By the time of his death, he was famous worldwide as a scientist, inventor, journalist and diplomat. -
Alexander Hamilton
Alexander Hamilton was an American statesman and one of the founding fathers of the United States. He was a Federalist and a firm believer in the Constitution. Hamilton catered to the rich, for he claimed that they were the key to the country's future. He had a strong influence over Washington, and as the first secretary of the Treasury, he founded the first national bank in 1791. Hamilton then became troubled with personal scandals in his later years and was shot and killed in a duel. -
Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights was written by the author of the Constitution, James Madison. The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, in response to the calls of several states for greater constitutional protection for individual liberties, this document lists prohibitions on government power. Federalists were against the Bill of Rights, finding it unnecessary to add it to the Constitution. The Anti-Federalists were for it and believed it was necessary to safeguard individual liberty. -
Whiskey Rebellion
After the new government was developed, Hamilton wanted to make more money in order to reduce government debt by placing a tax on whiskey. This lead to the Whiskey rebellion which put the new Constitution to the test. During these revolts, the executive, George Washington, was sent to control the protesters. Those participating in the rebellion didn’t realize how powerful the new government was. Therefore the Whiskey rebellion proved how much more strong and efficient the Constitution is. -
Election of 1796
During the presidential election of 1796, Washington didn't seek a third term. The candidates for this election were John Adams, a Federalist and Thomas Jefferson, a democrat-republican. During this election, Washington gave his farewell address, stating that he wanted the U.S to avoid conflicts by forming permanent alliances, yet temporary alliances were deemed acceptable.John Adams will win this election with no running mates, making Jefferson the vice president. -
XYZ Affair
The XYZ Affair was a diplomatic and political episode that occurred during the presidency of John Adams. This incident was between the French and the Americans. Jay's Treaty was causing problems for the two nations, limiting French trade which caused them to seize American merchant ships. The word got out, which then led to an undeclared war at sea. John Adams then sent a three-man delegation to Paris in an effort to restore peace between the two countries. -
Election of 1800
The candidates for the presidential election of 1800 were once again, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson will win this election but will tie with Aaron Burr. Thus, the House of Representative will deal with the tie, which leads to deals being struck. Hamilton is one of the people to presuade the House to vote for Jefferson. The House chooses Jefferson, for he's the lesser of two evils. Once president, Jefferson doesn't undo Federalist policies. -
Period: to
Age of Jefferson
-
Hamilton vs. Burr
Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr were furious rivals. At the time Burr was the vice president. But the scandal grew to the point where the two decided to duel each another. When two people would duel, they would each stand away few feet away from the other person, both facing their opponent. Then the two opponets would pull out their guns and take turns shooting at each other until there is a winner. Duels were illegal, therefore when Burr fatally wounds Hamilton, he became an outlaw. -
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a conflict between the two nations, the United Kingdom and the United States. At the time, many Americans wanted the war with Britain, but the British navy was still had a lot of power. The British will blockade American ports, then take Washington D.C and burn the White House. This was revenge for burning Montreal. During this war in Fort McHenry, Francis Scott Key wrote the national anthem. The war will end at the Great Lakes where the Americans defeat the British. -
Cotton Gin
The Cotton Gin was one of the technological adavantages during the war of 1812. It was invented by Eli Whitney, revolutionizing cotton agriculture. This is because the machine would easily remove seeds from the cotton, this then led to the cotton industry to explode. During this time, slavery was starting to decline, but this invention had it make a big comeback since more cotton could be produced. -
Period: to
Early Industrial Revolution
-
Battle of New Orleans
The Battle of New Orleans was fought at the end of the War of 1812. It was deemed an unnecessary battle since the war was technically over by the time the battle took place. Nonetheless, the Americans were led by Andrew Jackson who then defeated the British army with a bi-racial ragtag army. This battle made Andrew Jackson a war hero and gave him a name across the United States. -
Conclusion
The conclusion of the War of 1812 was a draw, but it did not solve any of the diplomatic issues that caused it. This war was considered the second war for independence from Great Britain. And once again, the native Americans will be big losers in the outcome of this war. After the war, the Hartford Convention took place where Federalist threatened to leave the Union. Also, the Era of Good Feelings started. During this era, there will not be any political bitterness. -
McCulloch v. Maryland
McCulloch v. Maryland is a landmark Supreme Court case. This case gave the federal government implied powers. Maryland had placed a prohibitive tax on the bank notes of the Second Bank of the United States. Meaning that states could not take the place of the federal government. The bank then in the name of James W. McCulloch, appealed to the Supreme Court. This then led to the South to start having more radical views of state's rights. -
Adam-Onis Treaty
The Adam-Onis Treaty, sometimes referred to as the Florida Treaty was a treaty between the United States and Spain in the year 1819. This document was named for John Quincy Adams from America and Louis de Onïs from Spain. This treaty ceded Florida to the United States and defined the boundary between the United States and New Spain. The treaty also recognizes the United States' claim to Louisana. -
Steamboats
Steamboats use a steam engine that actively propels the boat rather than using the force wind and currents. This innovation allowed goods and products to be transported efficiently. Since more goods could be transported at a faster pace, this made the goods cheaper and increased commercial trading capabilites. The steamboat increased dependency on manufactured goods and finacial stablity was more reliant on the market force. -
Second Great Awakening
The Second Great Awakening began around the year 1800 but started to pick up around the 1820's. During this time industrialization was happening due to necessetiy after the War of 1812. This movement was a Protestant religious revival. It emphasized religious romanticism, meaning it made the religion appealing. The movement was more emotional and supernatural and rejected Deism and Secularism. Also, morality was taken over by economics and politics. -
Period: to
Cultural Changes
-
Election of 1824
During the election of 1824, the was no picked successor. The poll had a total four candidates: John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, William Crawford, and Henry Clay. Jackson won the popular vote but didn't achieve the electoral college vote. Therefore, Adams, who won the majority electoral college vote, was chosen as president by the House of Representatives. This made Jackson angry and bitter, deeming the results of the election as a corrupt bargain. -
Period: to
Age of Jackson
-
Planters
In southern society, planters were considered upper class. They were the top 1% of the society. They had wealth and exercised both political and social power. They also had the ability to control much of the wealth within the southern region. Not many of them owned slaves, most planters owned about 1 to 9 slaves, it was uncommon to have any more than 9. The Planters ruled over the other classes: Tenant and Yeoman Farmers. -
Yeoman Farmers
The Yeoman Farmers were considered the middle class of the Southern society. 75% of these people did not own any slaves. This was because slaves were way too expensive for them to maintain. Most of these farmers relied on the planters, yet other resented them. This is due to the fact that planters would often make Yeoman Farmers feel inferior. The Yeoman Farmers also formed southern militias. In these militias, they would catch and return any runaway slaves and gaurded against slave rebellions. -
Tenant Farmers
Tenant Farmers were the low class of the southern society, they made up about 30-50% of the population. The only class that was below them was the slaves. Yet, the two classes had many similarities. They both faced discrimination from the higher classes. The Tenant Farmers and slaves were then in the process of forming a fraternity. The upper-class whites didn't want this, so they encouraged white supremacy, making the Tenant Farmers believe that they better than the slaves. -
Spoils System
The Spoils System was introduced to the United States by Andrew Jackson during the first year of his presidency. This system proposed to remove the existing bureaucracy from the federal office and replace them with loyalists/ party supporters. The purpose of the system was to reward loyal supporters of the Jackson party. It also helped emphasize how important it is to have loyalty. -
Election of 1828
The election was a rematch between John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson, the two candidates that ran against each other in the last election. Jackson had a new strategy in this election, he claimed he came from humble origins with more democratic values. During this time, the democratic-republican party faded. The election was filled with personal attacks, one of the attacks were aimed towards Jackson's wife, Rachael. Jackson wins the election overwhelming, as the first common man elected. -
Death of Jackson's wife
Jackson's wife, Rachel, became ill just before the inauguration of Jackson in the year 1828. Her death completely devastated Jackson, putting him in a bad emotional state. Jackson had strong, careing feelings for his wife, he adored her. Therefore, when she died, he blamed his political enemies for her passing. This is because, during the election of 1828, Jackson's opponents used Rachel as a target to hurt his chances of taking the presidential title. -
Lowell Mills
Lowell Mills refers to the centralized mills that operated in the city of Lowell, Massachusetts.Usually men and even children would in factories. But women were given the opportunity to work here and earn more money. The women would work long hours and work in bad conditions. Here Waltham or Lowell system was developed. This system was designed so that every step of manufacturing could be done under one roof. -
American System
The American System was an important economic plan that was based on many of the ideas of Alexander Hamilton. This system made up of three mutually reinforcing parts. These three parts were the tariffs that would promote Amerian industry, internal improvements in roads and canals to develop profitable markets for agriculture and the second national bank of the United States. -
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith was an American religious leader who had founded Mormonism. He wrote the Book of Mormon in the year 1830, claiming that it was a translation from the gold plate that an angel named Moroni showed him. Smith had also established the Church of Latter Day Saint. He also justified polygamy and believed that a society of moral perfection could be achieved. -
Trail of Tears
After gold was found near the settlement of Cherokee tribes, the Indian Removal Act of 1830 was passed. The Cherokee goes legal, the Supreme Court gave them the right to govern but Jackson refused to enforce this decision. Therefore, the Cherokee are forced to leave their land and had to be relocated. Thousands of Indians will die relocating to Indian Territory in Oklahoma. -
Nullification Crisis
This was a United States section political crisis that took place during the presidency of Andrew Jackson. At this time Congress had raised import taxes. Therefore, South Carolina adopted the ordinance to invalidate the tariff acts and deemed them to be unconstitutional. Vice president Webster-Haynes debates on the issue and says states could judge the constitution. Then the South Carolina Convention is called where Henry Clay reaches a deal and Congress scales back the tariff. -
Temperance Movement
The Temperance Movement was a social movement that was against the use of intoxicating liquors. Meaning, people would abstain from drinking alcohol. At this time, alcohol consumption was at an all-time high, people would drink all day. Women were for this movement due to the fact that many of their husbands would become abusive when intoxicated. But this movement dramatically reduced alcohol consumption, some states even banned alcohol. -
Antislavery Movement
The AntiSlavery Movement, also known as the Abolitionist Movement was concerned with the immediate emancipation of all slaves and the end of racial discrimination and segregation. Those who followed this movement were known as Abolitionists. Some wanted gradual emancipation while others wanted to restrict slavery to existing areas in order to prevent it from spreading. This movement was power by the religious vigor that came out of the Second Great Awakening. -
William Miller
William Miller was a self-educated farmer from New York and a religious leader, who was credited with the beginning of the American religious movement that is known as the Millerites. This movement is also referred to as the Adventism Movement. The Millerites followed Miller's interpretations of the Bible, believing that Christian redemption would occur roughly between the years 1843 and 1844. -
New York Female Moral Society
The New York Female Moral Society (NYFMS) was founded in the year 1834, under the leadership of Lydia A. Finney. This society was established for the purpose to prevent prostitution in early nineteenth century New York. The NYFMS was based on the ideology of the Magdalen Society. This society was also working to educated and inform the young women of New York to avoid those who took any part in prostitution. -
Invention of Steel Plow
This tool was invented by John Deere during the settlement of the Midwest. It is used for farming to break up tough soil without soil getting stuck to the tool. John Deere first developed this idea because he found wooden plows as insufficient when plowing the soil in the Midwest since it would almost always break the plow. Therefore, John Deere found that a plow made of more durable material like steel would be more effective -
Period: to
Westward Expansion
-
Oregon Trail
The Oregon Trail refers to the route that American pioneers took when traveling to the west, beginning in Missouri. It was approximately two thousand miles long, pioneers would travel on this path by wagon. They traveled along this trail because they saw Oregon as a new opportunity, for they were in search of vast, fertile lands. This trail was the key for the United States to expand west and achieve manifest Destiny. -
Election of 1844
The candidates that ran during the election of 1844 were, James K. Polk as a Democrat and Henry Clay as a Whig. Polk had three main goals: Annex Texas, and settle both the Oregon border and the Mexican border. James K. Polk wins the election favoring the annexation of Texas while Clay opposed. Since Texas was annexed before Polk's presidency after being signed off by John Tyler, Polk sends diplomats to discuss buying the Southwest from Mexico. -
Mormon Migration
During this time, Mormons were victims of discrimination and were under attack. People did not like their religion and how they interpreted the bible. They knew they had no choice but to migrate west when their leader, Joseph Smith was killed by an angry mob. Therefore, led by Brigham Young, they set a course to the Salt Lake Valley of Utah. In Utah, the Mormons were able to practice polygamy in peace and built a new, isolated civilization. -
Mexican American War
This war was the United States' first armed conflict that was mainly fought on foreign territory. This war was caused by a skirmish along the Rio Grande. President James K. Polk asked for the declaration of war. Mexico was politically divided and had little military power, making them no match for the United States. The fighting lasted for 2 years and ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. In result, Mexico had lost more than one-third of its territory to the United States. -
Free-Soil Party
The Free Soil Party was a single party issue that was made to prevent the expansion of slavery into the western territories of the United States.This movement was founded by Martin Van Buren who supported the Wilmont Proviso. The party argued that freed men on freed soil were superior to the existing slavery system. Although it was a minor party, it was heavily influential since it gradually increased the number of abolitionists within the north. -
Period: to
Secionalism
-
California Gold Rush
California was one of the new territories from the Mexican-American War. After gold was discovered here, thousands will migrate west in hopes of finding it. By 1849, 14 thousand people would have traveled to California. Here, gold was easy to find, the mining industry would be in 1852. This then led to the start of Chinese migration, many of them worked in the worst mines and faced racism. Since the population grew so fast, politicians were concerned about the fate of California's statehood. -
Seneca Falls Convention
The Seneca Falls Convention was a convention that took place in the state of New York. It was the very first women's rights convention to be held in the United States. Nearly two hundred women had attended this convention. This event was organized by two female abolitionists, Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Here women would discuss the injustices they faced in the country and called upon other women to speak up and petition for their right. -
Wilmont Proviso
The Wilmont Proviso proposed an American law to ban slavery in the territories that were acquired from Mexico. It was designed to eliminate slavery in this new territory. David Wilmont created this proposal because he feared the addition to the pro-slavery territory which would then lead to the spread of slavery to the west. Although the proposal was never put it in place, it increased controvery over slavery and then lead to the development of the Republican party of 1854. -
Zachary Taylor
Zachary Taylor was a war hero from the Mexican American War. He was also the winning candidate from the election of 1848, where he ran against Democrat, Lewis Cass. During the election, Taylor would campaign in the south as pro-slavery and then campaign in the north for Wilmont Proviso. Although he was a slave trader, he wanted to keep the nation together, he tried to do the by urging Congress to admit California to the Union as a free state. But he then suddenly fell ill and died in 1850. -
Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad was a network of people, mostly African Americans that would shelter and aid to escaped slaves that were fleeing to the North for freedom. Many abolitionists would contribute by providing safe houses for the escaped slaves to lay-low in. Harriet Tubman is one of the most notable abolitionists from the Underground Railroad. She made at least 40 trips back to the South to help other fleeing slaves reach the North safely. -
Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 was made up of 5 separate bills. It was made in attempt to resolve the existing issues between the North and the South at the time.They stated California will enter as a free state, New Mexico and Utah will decide on slavery, Texas relinquishes disputed western land, the federal government will take care of Texas' debt and the slave trade will be banned in Washington D.C. -
Fugitive Slave Act
The Fugitive Slave Act was a law passed by the United States Congress, stating the required return of all runaway slaves. This law was even enforced in the North. The act created commissioners for returning slaves and stated that fugitive had no right to a trial. If whites did not comply with this law, they would be jailed and fine for refusing to help. This law led to the abolitionists in the North to become more radicalized. -
Aunt Phillis's Cabin
Aunt Phillis's Cabin, also known as Southern Life as it is, was a novel that was written in response to Stowe's novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin. Aunt Phillis's Cabin was used to justify slavery. It claimed that slaves are treated well and their masters were like mentors to their slaves. The novel portrays slave owners as kind, respectful, happy beings. This is because the author, Mary Henderson Eastman, was a slave owner herself. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin
Uncle Tom's Cabin was an anti-slavery novel that was written by Harriet Beecher Stowe that helped lay the groundwork for the civil war. Stowe wrote this novel in reaction to the recent enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act. It had a strong influence on how the American people viewed slavery. It gave people an insight into the horrific events that could occur in a slaves life and displayed the inhumanities they faced on an every day basis. Thus, increasing the amount of abolitionists in America. -
Kansas Nebraska Act
The Kansas Nebraska Act was a law that was passed by the United States Congress. The law allowed the two states to chose for themselves whether or not slavery should be allowed within their borders or not. Nebraska voted to be a free state. In contrast, Kansas had voted on becoming a slave state, thus the Missouri Compromise that prevented slavery from existing past the 36 30 latitude line, was abolished. -
Women at Work
The Civil War gave women new roles that were traditionally male-dominated. This gave them more opportunities to prove themselves. In this process, will take over the teaching profession, become nurses and take on civil services. They also take on jobs like managing stores, farms and plantations (south). One significant woman from this time was Clara Barton who started the American Red Cross in an effort to help wounded soldiers. -
Period: to
Civil War
-
North
During the Civil War, the North had many advantages such as population, industrialization, and railroads. The North had a population twenty-two million people. They also had 110,000 factories, that was worth about 1.5 billion dollars. The North had access to 97% of weapons manufacturing and 94% of clothing manufacturing. This made them better equipped for the war. The Union also had 22 miles of railroad tracks that helped with transportation. -
South
Although the South lacked a large population and manufacturing during the Civil War, they had better military leaders. The reason the Union wasn't able to defeat the South more quickly was that the North had poor military leadership compared to the South. With these advantages and disadvantages, Southerners believed they were like the American Colonists during the American Revolution. The South also hoped to gain Britain as an alley to help them win the war. -
Trent Affair
The Trent Affair was a diplomatic incident that occurred between the United States and Great Britain during the Civil War. The crisis began after the captain of the USS San Jacinto orders the arrest of two Confederate ambassadors aboard the RMS Trent. These ambassadors were seeking British support in the Civil War. The British were outraged and demanded an apology. Therefore, Lincoln orders the release of the diplomats and sends U.S diplomats to secure both French and Britsh neutrality. -
Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation an executive order given by President Abraham Lincoln after the battle of Antietam in order to increase morale. In this proclamation, Lincoln will declare all slaves free unless the rebellion ends on January 1, 1863. This order stopped Britain from entering the war, thus ruining the South's chances of gaining an alley. Also, Lincoln declared that the boder slaves were allowed to keep their slaves. -
Gettysburg Address
The Gettysburg Address was a speech given by the president, Abraham Lincoln and is remembered as one of the most important speeches of American history. In this speech, he emphasizes the importance of the principles of human equality that are stated in the Declaration of Independence. Lincoln used this speech to compare the sacrifices of the Civil War with the desire for freedom and preservation of the Union. -
White Resistance
White resistance was very common in southern states after the Civil War. This is because many whites resented the new rights African Americans were given. This lead to the establishment of white brotherhood and the Ku Klux Klan. This type of idealogy made poor whites feel like they weren't at the bottom of the social ladder. Therefore, whites grew violent and would punish blacks and supportive whites for challenging social order. -
Lincoln's 10% Plan
When reconstructing the South after the Civil War, there were two plans. One of the plans was Lincoln's 10% Plan, which was also referred to as the Amnesty and Reconstruction Plan 1863. This plan pardoned all Southerners except officers and officials. The plan stated that a southern state could be readmitted into the Union after 10 percent of its voters take on an oath of allegiance to the Union. This plan was also very lienent. -
Wade-Davis Bill
The Wade-Davis Bill was one of the two plans for the reconstruction of the south after the civil war. This bill punished Confederate leader destroyed the entire slave society, and required southerners to take an oath declaring they never aided the Confederacy. Also, officers were stripped of citizenship. States could readmit after a long punishment and clear comitment to the Union. Meaning they show that they won't break any laws or go against the Union. -
Period: to
Reconstruction
-
Freedman's Bureau
The Freedman's Bureau was established in 1865 by Congress to help former slaves and poor whites in the south after the Civil War. It was considered a relief agency for the war-torn South. It provided food, schools, and emergency services. This was the main institution for Reconstruction and Policy. However, this bureau couldn't be fully carried out due to shortage of funds and personnel. -
Appomattox Courthouse
Appomattox Courthouse was where Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to the Union General, Ulysses S. Grant. This agreement generously allowed the pardon of all Confederate officers and men. Then the men were sent home with their property, some men of high rank were able to keep their horses. With this event, the four year long Civil War was brought to an end. -
13th Amendment
The 13th Amendment was one the three Freedom Amendments that were put into place during the reconstruction of the South. The 13th amendment abolished slavery and all forms of involuntary servitude. The only time this type of labor is permitted is if it is enforced as a punishment for a crime. While the amendment was being put into place, Lincoln and radical republicans reached a common ground. -
Black Codes
The Black Codes were laws that were passed by the Democrat-controlled South that ended in the year 1877 due to the era of reconstruction in the South. These codes allowed southern states to limit economic opportunities and civil rights for African Americans. They will be exploited in the workforce, interracial marriage will be outlawed and African Americans won't be able to serve on a jury. -
Black Friday Scandal
The Black Friday Scandal, also known as the Gold Panic, was an attempt by two Wall Street speculators, Jay Gould, and his partner James Fisk to corner the gold market on the New York Gold Exchange and drive up the price. During the time, Ulyssese S. Grant was president, when he found out about this scandal, he ordered 4 million dollars worth of gold to break the corner. Thus, hurting both the economy and the reputation of the Grant administration.
