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Feb 3, 1440
Johann Gutenberg
Gutenberg invented the printing press in the 1440s. His invention spread technological knowledge and information, as well as communication. This allowed explorers to document and communicate their explorations with the world, so all the countries knew who discovered and had control of certain terretories. The prinitng press aided in the colonization of North America, as it was easier to communicate routes and find settlements, do to better technology communication and awareness of travel. -
Jul 12, 1492
Reconquista (Spain)
Due to militant faith between monarchs, Castile and Aragon went to war against the independent states of Southern Spain that were in Muslim control. The kingdom (Granada) fell and the Iberian Peninsula was lead under Christian rulers, driving out Jews and Moors. The Reconquista helped spread/introduce Christianity to the Americas during colonization, which is now the dominant religion of the contient. -
May 14, 1493
Encomienda System
The encomienda system was created by the crown (leaders). Leaders of the conquest were rewarded with Indian villages by the monarch. The people who lived in the Indian villages "provided the encomenderos with labor tribute" and recieved legal protection and religious guidance in exchange for their work/labor. The encomienda system put the Spanish conquistadors and the king in control of the Native Americans/Indians, aiding in Spanish domination of the colonization of North America. -
Jun 7, 1494
Treaty of Tordesillas
Pope Alexander VI issued a treaty regarding New World "treaures" that pleased Spain and Portugal. The treaty divided the world "along a line located 270 leagues west of the Azores." New lands discovered to the west of the line belonged to Spain, and any new lands discovered to the east of the line belonged to Portugal. The treaty divided the two major colonial powers, so that neither one of the countries could have complete domination over North American colonization. -
May 20, 1497
John Cabot/ Sebastian Cabot
John Cabot was a venetian sea captain. He completed the first recorded transatlantic voyage by an English vessel in 1497, while searching for a northwest passage to Asia. He died in 1498 trying to find a route to Cathay. His son, Sebastian, continued John's expeditions in the Hudson Bay region from 1508-1509. Their voyages established England's "claim to American territory." -
Oct 31, 1517
Protestant Reformation (Henry VIII & Elizabeth I: mid-late 16th century)
Henry VIII and his daughter Elizabeth I developed a "strong central administration," turning England into a Protestant society. When English Protestantism merged with English nationalism, England began to have a central role in European affairs and had a "powerful sense of identity" throughout all the different social classes. The Protestant Reformation helped dwindle the religious concerns in England, allowing England to join in on the race for the exploration and colonization of North America. -
Roanoke (The First Colony)
The Roanoke colony started by Ralegh, was difficult to reach by sea. Richard Grenville, a leader of an expedition to Roanoke, destroyed an entire Indian Vilage do to suspected theft. In the fall of 1585, Grenville returned to England turning the settlement/colony into a ghostown. The Spanish Armada severed communication and stopped supplies from reaching the colonists, so they went back to England. Roanoke was the first unsuccessful colony in North America, taken over by other groups of Natives. -
Richard Hakluyt
Hakluyt publicized explorers' accounts of the New World for all explorers to see, to help other countries in the quest for the exploration and colonization of North America. His version of the Americas shaped English "public opinion." He persuaded European settlers that the America's was theirs to take and to claim. This idea lead to ecological disasters and human suffering. -
Founding of Jamestown (Virginia) (New England colony)
Edwin Sandys created sweeping reforms, wanting private investors to develop their own private estates in Virginia. He promised an elective representative assembly called the House of Burgesses to make the colony more attractive to wealthy speculators. -
Founding of Jamestown (Virginia) (New England colony)
The joint-stock company, a business investment, appeared in Virginia. Jamestown was founded for commercial venture along the swampy lands of the James River. Jamestwon was the first "successful" civilization by the British in North America leading to their dominance in New World exploration, but was full of contaminated drinking water and disease. John Smith kept the town flourishing and prevented it from turning into Roanoke. -
Quebec
Jaques Cartier traveled up the Gulf of St. Lawerence, he got discouraged as he was not getting closer to China, and returned home to France. Sixty five years later, Samuel de Champlain resettled the Canadian region for France, fouding Quebec in 1608. The discovery of Quebec marked a turn in North American colonization for France, as they now had a substantial amount of power over Indians/ Native Americans in Canada. -
Founding of New York (Made English colony in 1664) (Middle colony)
New York (New Amesterdam) was founded for commercial venture. The Dutch West India Company sponsored the expedition to New York, the colonists primarily came to gather animal furs not land. The colony had a very diverse ethnic culture, which led to to an increase in racial population and eventual, but not immediate, racial acceptance throughout the nation. -
Founding of Plymouth (New England colony)
Plymouth was founded as a refuge for English Separatists by William Bradford, consisting of Pilgrims and non-Pilgirms who came to America and created the Mayflower Compact to prevent the community from anarchy. Bradford convinced the colonists they could survive in the New World. Squanto, a native helped the colonists survive indicating not all Natives were savages but helpful in British colonization. Plymouth gave birth to the first Thanksgiving (1621) and was absorbed by Massachusetts (1691). -
Founding of New Hampshire (separate colony in 1677) (New England colony)
New Hampshire was founded for commercial venture by John Mason. New Hampshire was spawned from Massachusetts Bay with a slowly growing population. The colony was economically dependent on Massachusetts. The colony contributed important exports of wood and naval stores. -
Founding of Massachusetts Bay (New England colony)
Massachusetts Bay was founded as a refuge for English Puritans by John Winthrop. People migrated to the colony in nuclear family units. The lifespan was long, with a healthier climate and clean drinking water. The church reform instituted led to the formation of the "city on a hill." 40% of the colony's adult males could vote in elections. Massachusetts Bay was an example of a thriving civilization and an example for all other British colonies. -
Founding of Maryland (contributed to religious discrimination) (New England colony)
Marland was founded as a refuge for English Catholics. Lord Baltimore was granted absolute authority over the land. The people refused to follow Baltimore's feudal system, causing tension within the government. The colony consisted of Protestants and Catholics. After the "Act Concerning Religion," toleration extended to all individuals who accepted the divinity of Christ. Local Puritans then seized the colony's government and repealed the act, temporarily driving Baltimore out of Maryland. -
Founding of Connecticut (New England colony)
Connecticut was founded as an expansion of Massachusetts. Connecticut had fertile lands. The colonists created a society much like Masachusetts Bay with the help of Thomas Hooker. In 1639, the representatives passed the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, a blueprint for civil government, getting its own charter. Connecticut was an example of a proserous colony derived on the fundamnetals of civil government by the Fundimental Orders, a model for other colonies. -
Founding of Rhode Island (New England colony)
Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams as a refuge for dissenters from Massachusetts, he believed Massachusetts had no right to punish people for their religious beliefs. Williams was banned from Massachusetts and founded Rhode Island. His wife Anne Hutchinson's spiritual teachings could not be tested by scripture so her and her followers were also exiled to Rhode Island. Rhode Island led to the movement towards religious toleration, because no one was persecuted for religious beliefs there. -
Slave Trade
The Portuguese went to Africa in search of gold and slaves. Slaves were transported to the coast by merchants and offered to European traders in exchange for iron or gold. "European slave traders accepted these terms largely because they had no other choice." Many Africans died from European diseases within a year, as they were not immune. By 1650, most African slaves were sent to the New World rather than the Middle East. There were more Africans than Europeans in America. -
Founding of the Carolinas (Southern Colonies)
The Carolinas were founded for commercial venture. The colonies had a liberal headright system. Most of the migrants were from Barbados. Migrants came as individuals and in family groups, some even brought slaves with them. Many crops and commercial resources led to a good market, helping the nation's economy. However, factions were always facing political uproar. -
Bacon's Rebellion (This led to a century in which the local gentry formed a united front against greedy royal appointees.)
Bacon's Rebellion was an armed rebellion in Virginia from 1675-1676 led by Nathaniel Bacon against thee colony's royal governor Sir William Berkeley. Bacon wanted the right to attack and get rid of the Indians but the governor rejcted his idea. Bacon wanted his opinions and voice to be heard, so this angered him. Colonists had grievances against Berkeley's corrupt government and were demanding reforms as well as a share in the governor's fur monopoly. -
Founding of Pennsylvania (William Penn died imprisoned and in debt as a broken man) (Middle colony)
Pennsylvania was founded as a refuge for English Quakers and was determined it would be a commercial center with access to the Atlantic Ocean. The founder, William Penn encouraged movement in families due to rich farmland and conducted a holy experiment. Ethnic and religious diversity became essential in the development of the colony, which led to its impotance throughout the entire nation. A charter created provided political separation of the three lower counties ("their constitution"). -
English Bill of Rights of 1689
The English Bill of Rights lays down limits on the powers of the sovereign and sets out the rights of the Parliament and rules for freedom of speech in Parliament, the requirement to regular elections to Parliament, and the right to petition in the monarch without fear of retribution. It was a result of the Declaration of Right presented by the Parliament and led to the fundamentals of the American Bill of Rights. -
Founding of Georgia (Southern colony)
Georgia was founded to discourage Spanish expansion, and as charity. Georgia was also served as a debtor's prison, providing a clean start for London's worthy poor. The colony also served as an asylum and a garrison. Slavery and rum was prohibited. Colonists were given land amounts based on how many servants they brought with them to the colony. The colonists demanded for their voices to be heard, illustrating the importance in civil government. This led to the legalization of salves and rum. -
First Great Awakening (1730's-1760's)
The Great Awakening was a "widespread evangelical religious revival movement" of the mid-1700's. The Great Awakening divided congregations and "weakened the authority of established churches in the colonies." The movement impacted the lives of ordinary people. The Great Awakening caused a force of religious revival, adding a personal appeal to the "new birth" in Christ. This caused people of all backgrounds to rethink "basic assumptions about church and state, institutions and society." -
First Great Awakening (1730's-1760's)
Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield were the most influential evangelical preachers of the Great Awakening/ mid-eighteenth century. Colonists were taught to have a voice and an active role in their salvation during the movement and strengthen their education (New Lights). The men welcomed all groups of religious people and expanded new religious ideas throughout the colonies. -
French and Indian War- American Term (Seven Years War) (1756-1763)
Britain and France were fighting for control of North America. The American colonists helped the British colonists win the war, eliminating France as a power in North America. The British and French fought for land, power, control of colonial markets, and raw materials. The Peace of Paris ended the war in 1763. The war significantly put Britian in control of North American colonists, eliminating French power on the citizens. The French later help the colonists gain independence from Britain. -
Sugar Act
The Sugar Act revised duties on sugar, coffee, tea, wine, and other imports. The Sugar Act also expanded jurisdiction of vice-admiralty courts. The Sugar Act led to several assemblies protesting taxation for revenue. -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act printed documents such as, deeds, newspapers, and marriages. Stamps were issued only on special stamped paper purchased from stamp distributors. The act caused riots in cities and forced collectors to resign. Colonists refused to pay the taxes, as it was too difficult for them to afford on their slim budgets. The Stamp Act also led to the Stamp Act Congress of 1765. The Stamp Act was repealed on March 18, 1766. -
Quartering Act
Colonists had to supply British troops with housing, and other items, such as, candles, and firewood. The Quartering Act led to protests in assemblies. The New York Assembly was punished for failure to comply in 1767. The colonists were losing supplies and money to Britain without payment. -
Stamp Act Congress (New York City)
Leaders from different regions gathered to discuss common probelms. "No taxation without representation" was drafted to England. The Stamp Act Congress was the first intercolonial gathering since the Albany Congress of 1754. The Stamp Act Congress caused resistance to the Stamp Act to spread, effecting ordinary people, and more Stamp Act protests emerged. -
Declaratory Act
Parliament declared its sovereignty over the colonies "in all cases whatsoever." The act was ignored in celebration over the repeal of the Stamp Act. The Declaratory Act put the colonists under complete British control. -
Parlimentary Supremacy (Sovereignty)
Parlimentary Supremacy gave Britain supreme power over Americans "in all cases whatsoever" (described in the Declaratory Act). Parlimentary Supremacy was ignored in celebration over the repeal of the Stamp Act. Parlimentary Supremacy put Britain in complete control over the colonists. -
Townshend Revenue Acts
(June 26, 29, July 2, 1767) (all repealed except duty on tea, March 1770)
New duties on glass, lead, paper, paints, tea, and customs collections tightened in America. This led to the nonimportation of British goods, protests of assemblies, and newspapers attacking British policy. The Acts caused more taxes that the colonists did not want to pay. -
Boston Massacre
Young boys and street toughs threw rocks and snowballs at British soldiers, the mob grew larger, soldiers panicked, troops fired, and Americans died. The colonists became angered about the "murder" of the American colonists. The British became scared of revolt and sent an army to Boston Harbor, which led to the Boston Tea Party. -
Tea Act
Parliament gives the East India Company the right to sell tea directly to Americans. Some duties on tea were reduced. The Tea Act caused protest against favoritism, shown to the monopolistic company. The Tea Act also led to destruction of tea in the Boston Harbor on Decemeber 16, 1773 (Boston Tea Party). These severe consenquences from the Tea Act happened because the colonists did not want to pay for expensive tea, leading to the Boston Tea Party, Boston Massacre, and the American Revolution. -
Boston Tea Party
(Nighttime)
A group of men disguised as Mohawk Indians boarded British ships and pitched 340 chests of tea worth 10,000 euros over the side of the boats into the harbor. The Boston Tea Party showed the colonists' resistance of the tea tax, showing their "independance." This led to Britain issuing the Coercive Acts. -
Coercive Acts/ Intolerable Acts
(March- June 1774)
The Intolerable Acts closed the port of Boston, restructured the Massachusetts government, restricted town meetings, had troops quartered in Boston, and British officials accused of crimes were sent to England or Canada for trial. This led to the boycott of British goods, and led to the convening of the Firat Continental Congress in September 1774. The Intolerable Acts also contributed to the colonists decision for the American Revolution. -
First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress was held in Philadelphia. It was a gathering of 55 elected delegates from 12 colonies. The "Association" happened. The Continental Congress agreed to halt all commerce with Britain until the Intolerable Acts were repealed. Violaters were exposed, and were forced to give public apologies or they were shunned. -
Shot Heard 'Round The World
Troops were dispatched from Boston to seize rebel (American) supplies. On April 19th, there was a moment of confusion, a shot was fired, and eight Americans were dead. Otherwise known as Lexington and Concord, this was the start of the American Revolution that led to American (colonial) independence. -
Concord
This battle of the American Revolution was won by the Americans. Surrounded with American "minutemen," the British found nothing of significance, and retreated. Concord was the first battle won by the Americans in the American Revolution. The battle increased America's hopes and desires to win the revolution. -
Lexington
This battle of the American Revolution was won by the British. British troops were dispatched from Boston to seize rebel (American) supplies. On the road to Concord, there was a moment of confusion, a shot was fired, and eight Americans were dead. This battle was the start of the American Revolution. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress occured in Philadelphia and the representatives decided the colonies needed strong central leadership, they also took control/ agreed to the war. The Second Continental Congress purchased military supplies and issued paper money. Congressman refused to declare independance from Britain for the colonies (yet) but agreed to the war. -
Olive Branch Petition
The Olive Branch Petition was adopted by the Second Continental Congress as a final attempt to avoid the American Revolution. The Olive Branch Petition affirmed American loyalty to Great Britain and prevented furhter conflict with the king. -
Prohibitory Act
The Prohibitory Act declared British intention to coerce Americans into submission, created embargo on American goods, and caused American ships to be seized. The Prohibitory Act drove the Continental Congress closer to its decison for independence from Britain. -
Common Sense
"Common Sense" was the most important pamphlet in American history. "Common Sense" was an essay by Thomas Paine about democratic manifesto. It called out George III's mistakes. The essay persuaded ordinary folk to sever their ties with Great Britain and widened the popular support for the American Revolution. -
Trenton
This battle of the American Revolution was won by the Americans. The American colonists took 900 sleeping Hessian mercenaries by complete suprise. The battle of Trenton increased war involvement for the colonists. (The colonists were trapped and defeated on the second raid at Trenton.) -
Germantown/ Valley Forge
Germantown was a battle and Valley Forge was a camp ground. This battle of the American Revolution was won by the British. Americans launched a major counterattack on a fog covered battle field. When success seemed assured, the Americans broke off the fight. Confusion and incompetence caused the loss. Disease took 2500 American soldiers' lives at Valley Forge. -
Saratoga, Second Battle
This battle of the American Revolution was won by the Americans. This battle was the turning point of the revolution for the Americans. French aid and recognition of American independence was insisted by Benjamin Franklin. Saratoga (second battle) convinced the French that the American rebels had formidable forces and were serious in their resolve. -
Kings Mountain
This battle of the American Revolution was won by the Americans in North Carolina. British mistakes (too far from base) caused the British to surrender. After Kings Mountain, the American colonists had control of the war. -
Yorktown
August 30, 1781- October 18, 1781
This battle of the American Revolution was won by the Americans and the French. Cornwallis surrendered his entire army. Americans won the American Revolution and gained independence from Britain.
