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1492
Christopher Columbus lands in "New World"
Columbus, sponsored by Spain, sailed across the Atlantic hoping to discover a westward route to Asia but instead encountered the Americas. His voyages opened the door to European exploration and colonization of the "New World," expanding and altering global trade and beginning the Columbian Exchange, which allowed for the exchange of crops, goods, diseases, and ideas between the New and Old Worlds. -
English Settlement of Jamestown Established
English settlers established Jamestown in Virginia, the first permanent English colony in North America. The colony prevailed through disease, famine, and Native American conflicts with the help of the cultivation of tobacco. The settlement's success marked the beginning of European(specifically British) colonization in America, influencing the growth of English settlements and shaping future development. -
Mayflower Compact Signed
The Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower ship signed the Mayflower Compact, a contract establishing self-government for their Plymouth colony. The Compact agreed to create fair laws and govern collectively, marking one of the first steps toward establishing American democracy. It laid the foundation for self-rule in the future and contributed to the development of American political principles. -
End of King Philip's War
King Philip's War was a violent conflict between Native American Tribes and English settlers. Tensions over land and culture sparked widespread fighting. The war devastated both Native and settler populations but mainly ended with the weakening of Native resistance. The war reshaped the balance of power, leading to increased white expansion and the near-collapse of many Native communities in New England. -
First Great Awakening Beginning
The First Great Awakening began because of preachers like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, who emphasized emotional, personal experiences of salvation and repentance. Edwards's speeches and Whitefield's revivals spread across the American colonies. The movement led to a rise in evangelical denominations like Methodism and Baptism, fostered religious community, and encouraged independence and individualism. -
British Victory at Battle of Quebec in French and Indian War
The Battle of Quebec was a pivotal turning point in the French and Indian War. British forces defeated the French, securing control of Quebec. This victory effectively ended French power in Canada and shifted the balance of power in North America to Britain. The loss of Quebec led to France ceding much of its North American territory in the Treaty of Paris. -
The Treaty of Paris(1763)
The Treaty of Paris ended the French and Indian war, reshaping North American territory. France ceded Canada and all of its lands to the east of the Mississippi to Britain, while Spain ceded Florida to Britain and gained Louisiana. This expanded British territory significantly. The Treaty also marked the end of the French colonial power in North America. However, the British debt from the war increased taxes on American colonies, fueling tensions between Britain and its colonies. -
Stamp Act Passed
The Stamp Act was a British law imposing a tax on the American colonies, requiring them to purchase stamped paper for printed materials to help pay for the costs of the French and Indian War. It angered the colonists(taxation without representation in Parliament). The Stamp Act catalyzed colonial unity and resistance, fueling widespread outrage and many boycotts of British goods. Overall, it highlighted the growing tensions between Britain and its American colonies. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was a violent confrontation between British soldiers and colonists. Tensions had been rising due to the enforcement of taxes in the colonies. Five colonists were killed, fueling anti-British sentiment. It was portrayed as a brutal massacre by the press and colonial leaders, galvanizing resistance against British rule, increasing colonial unity and pushing for increasing autonomy and independence. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was a protest on the Tea Act by the Sons of Liberty in Boston. They boarded British ships holding tea and threw the tea into the Boston Harbor. The British Government considered this protest an act of treason and consequently passed the Coercive(intolerable) Acts that angered the colonists and paved the way to further resistance against British rule. -
Coercive(Intolerable) Acts
The Coercive, or Intolerable, Acts were a series of four laws passed by Britain in response to the Boston Tea Party. They included the Boston Port Act(closed the port), the Massachusetts Government Act, the Quartering Act, and the Administration of Justice Act. These acts galvanized colonial resistance, leading to the First Continental Congress and escalating tensions that led to the beginning of the American Revolution. -
Signing of Declaration of Independence
The Continental Congress issued and signed the Declaration of Independence, which summarized the colonists' motivations for seeking political independence from Britain and justified the decision to separate and establish a new nation based on rights and liberties. By doing so, they established themselves as an independent nation and unified their colonies against Britain. -
Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga, a turning point in the Revolutionary War, was an American victory against the superior British army. The defeat of the Brits lifted patriot morale, further fueled hope for independence, and helped secure the support of France that was ultimately one of the most important contributions to America's winning of the Revolutionary War. -
Surrender at Yorktown
To end the Battle of Yorktown, an entrapment of British troops on a Yorktown peninsula, British General Charles Cornwallis surrendered his army to George Washington. This effectively ended the Revolutionary War and, lacking the finances to raise a new army, the British government appealed to the Americans for peace. From this, Americans could now establish a new post-war nation without British threat. -
Treaty of Paris 1783
The Treaty of Paris, signed after the British surrender, effectively ended the American Revolution. The Treaty recognized American independence and granted the U.S. significant western territory. Native Americans were largely excluded from the treaty negotiations, which encroached on their land. -
1787 Constitutional Convention
Held in Philadelphia, the 1787 Constitutional Convention aimed to address the weakness of the Articles of Confederation. Delegates created a new framework for government, resulting in the U.S. Constitution, which established a stronger federal system with three branches. Compromises balanced representation and slavery issues, and the Constitution's adoption laid the foundation for the American government and strengthened national unity. -
George Washington Inaguration
Washington's inauguration marked the beginning of the U.S. presidency and set key precedents for the nation's governance. Held in New York City, Washing took the oath of office and affirmed the new Constitution. His speech emphasized unity and neutrality. His leadership helped solidify the authority of the federal government, shaping the role of the presidency and the nation's political traditions. -
Beginning of Second Great Awakening
The Second Great Awakening consisted of events like camp meetings and revivalist preaching. Prominent figures, such as Charles Finney, emphasized personal salvation, moral reform, and the importance of individualism. The movement spurred the growth of new religious domination and ideologies, like Methodism and Transcendentalism, and led to social reform movements, like abolitionism, women's rights, and temperance. -
Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey Rebellion was a protest by farmers in western Pennsylvania against a federal tax on whiskey. The tax affected small whiskey producers, leading to violent resistance. Washington responded by sending a militia to suppress the rebellion, demonstrating the federal government's ability to enforce laws. The rebellion highlighted tensions over federal authority and government role, deepening political divisions between federalists and anti-federalists. -
Pinckney's Treaty
Pinckney's Treaty was an agreement between the United States and Spain, resolving disputes over territory and securing America's rights on the Mississippi River. Spain also agreed to define the boundary of Florida and withdraw troops from the region. The treaty strengthened U.S. western expansion, improved relations with Spain, and facilitated trade. It was crucial for the nation's economic growth and territorial expansion. -
Election of 1796
The presidential election of 1796 was the first contested presidential election. After Washington's resignation, John Adams of the Federalist ticket went against Thomas Jefferson of the Democratic-Republican ticket. John Adams won the election, and Jefferson was named Vice President, despite representing differing ideals. -
Alien and Sedition Acts
The Alien and Sedition Acts were four laws passed by Congress that aimed to suppress opposition during the conflicts with France. The Alien Acts gave the president power to deport non-citizens(aliens) deemed "dangerous," while the Sedition Act criminalized criticism of the government. These laws were widely opposed for violating free speech and individual rights. They were strongly criticized, especially by Democratic-Republicans, who supported states' rights and individual liberties. -
Louisiana Purchase
In the Louisiana Purchase, a transaction with France, the United States purchased 828,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi River for $15 million, doubling the size of American territory and expanding the nation westward. The Purchase, however, encroached increasingly on Native lands, therefore increasing tensions between westward settlers and Native tribes. -
Battle of Tippecanoe
The Battle of Tippecanoe was a pivotal conflict between U.S. forces, led by General Harrison, and Native American warriors of the Shawnee Confederacy, led by The Prophet. The American victory weakened the Native resistance to westward expansion and heightened tensions with Britain, as many Americans believed the British were supporting Native uprisings. The Battle of Tippecanoe was one of the hallmarks of the beginning of the War of 1812. -
Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent ended the War of 1812 between the U.S. and British/Native forces, The treaty restored pre-war borders and resolved none of the issues that had caused the war, such as impressment or trade restrictions. However, it marked the beginning of improved U.S.-British relations and fostered national pride in America. It put a relative end to Native resistance in the Northwest for some time and led to the decline of the Federalist Party. -
Missouri Compromise
The Missouri Compromise was an agreement that admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state in order to maintain the balance of power in Congress. It also established the parallel line, north of which slavery was prohibited in future states, and below which slavery was legal. The compromise temporarily eased sectional tensions between the North and South over slavery, but it foreshadowed future conflicts and was ultimately repealed by the Kansas-Nebraska Act. -
The Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine, issued in 1823 by President James Monroe, declared that the Western Hemisphere was closed to further European colonization and warned powers in Europe against interfering in the affairs of independent nations in the Americas. In return, the U.S. promised not to intervene in European conflicts. The doctrine established the U.S. as the dominant Western power, shaping American foreign policy and marking the beginning of American isolationism and neutrality. -
Indian Removal Act
The Indian Removal Act, signed by President Andrew Jackson, authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from southeastern states to lands west of the Mississippi River. It led to the Trail of Tears, a tragic journey where thousands of Natives died due to harsh conditions. The Act had devastating social, cultural, and economic impacts on Native communities, further entrenched U.S. expansion, and fueled ongoing debates over Native rights. -
Battle of the Alamo
The Battle of the Alamo was a pivotal event during the Texas Revolution. A small group of Texan defenders held the Alamo mission in San Antonio against a much larger Mexican army led by Santa Anna. After 13 days of fighting, all of the Texan defenders were killed. While the Mexican army won, the battle became a symbol of resistance and sacrifice, inspiring others to support the revolution. It was used as a rallying cry, which eventually led to Texas's victory and independence. -
Battle of San Jacinto
The Texas Revolution ended with the Battle of San Jacinto. Led by Sam Houston, Texan forces surprised and defeated the Mexican Army under Santa Anna, capturing him and forcing him to sign the Treaty of Velasco, which recognized Texas's independence. The revolution and treaty established the Republic of Texas, which remained until its annexation. The revolution led to heightened tensions with Mexico, contributing to the Mexican-American War, as well as slavery tensions. -
Annexation of Texas
The Annexation of Texas occurred when the United States incorporated the Republic of Texas as a state. Texas had declared independence from Mexico in 1836, but Mexico still considered it as part of their territory. The annexation angered Mexico and heightened tensions between the two nations. The event contributed directly to the Mexican-American War. It also deepened slavery divisions, as Texas was a slave state. -
Seneca Falls Convention
The women's suffrage movement began with the Seneca Falls Convention, led by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. The convention, the first of its kind, called for women's rights, including the right to vote. The Declaration of Sentiments was signed, demanding gender equality and suffrage. Although it would take many decades for women to gain voting rights, the convention began a long movement that was a crucial step toward women's rights in America. -
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American war and resulted in the Mexican Session, the ceding of vast territories to the U.S., like California, Nevada, and Utah. In exchange, the U.S. paid Mexico $15 million and assumed claims against Mexico. This treaty significantly expanded the United States' territory and intensified debates over slavery regarding the new states, overall contributing to westward expansion and tensions leading to the Civil War. -
Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 was a series of five laws aimed at resolving tensions between free and slave states. Some key factors were California entering the U.S. as a free state, establishing popular sovereignty in new states, and enacting stricter fugitive slave laws. It temporarily eased sectional conflicts but deepened divisions over slavery. While it delayed the Civil War, it worsened North-South relations, leading to more conflict. -
Dred Scott Decision
The Dred Scott decision was a landmark Supreme Court decision where it was decided that African Americans could not be citizens by virtue of their race. It stated that Congress could not prohibit slavery, invalidating the Missouri Compromise. The ruling intensified divisions over slavery, angered abolitionists, and contributed to the Republican Party's rise. It also deepened sectional conflicts and racial prejudice. -
Emancipation Proclaimation
The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by Abraham Lincoln, declared the freedom of all enslaved people in Confederate territory. Although it did not immediately free all slaves, it shifted the war's focus to abolition and weakened the Confederate morale and army. It also allowed Black men to serve in the Union Army, changing the character of the war and advancing the motivation for and cause of freedom and equality in America. -
Battle of Fort Sumter
The Battle of Fort Sumter marked the beginning of the Civil War. Confederate forces fired on the American Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina after Major Robert Anderson refused to surrender. No lives were lost, but the division between North and South states was solidified. Abraham Lincoln began recruiting for troops and to suppress the rebellion, leading to the war escalating into violent conflict. -
Pacific Railway Act
The Pacific Railway Act was a law that authorized the construction of the first transcontinental railroad, granting land and federal loans to two companies: The Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads. The railroad connected the East and the West, revolutionizing trade and travel. It boosted the economy, facilitated westward expansion, and grew towns and industries. However, it also caused a massive displacement of Native tribes in the West. -
Homestead Act
The Homestead Act of 1862 granted hundreds of acres of public land to settlers for low prices and sometimes free. Its goal was to encourage land cultivation, westward expansion, and the development of the frontier. The act resulted in the distribution of hundreds of millions of acres of land. It grew the agriculture industry, but also displaced Native populations and contributed to environmental challenges. -
Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg was the turning point of the Civil War. Union forces, under General George Meade, defeated Confederate General Robert E. Lee's forces, halting Lee's plans to invade the North. It was the bloodiest battle of the war, with over 50,000 casualties. The Union victory boosted Northern morale and the outcome of the war began to become clear. -
Lincoln's 10% Plan
Abraham Lincoln's 10 Percent Plan aimed to reintegrate Southern states into the Union after the Civil War. It offered pardoning to Confederates who pledged loyalty to the Union, and a state could form a new government and rejoin the Union after 10% of its citizens took the oath. The plan sought a quick reconciliation, but it faced resistance from Radical Republicans, who felt as it was too lenient. It was never fully implemented, but it paved the way for other integration plans. -
Sherman's March to the Sea
Sherman's March to the Sea was a Union Civil War campaign in which William Tecumseh Sherman, a Union General, led troops through Confederate states near the end of the war. The Union troops pillaged the countryside, destroyed military establishments and civilian properties, and raided homes for weapons and resources. The March caused significant Confederate losses and diminished morale while giving the Union war advantages and demonstrating its authority. -
Freedmen's Bureau Established
The Freedmen's Bureau was a federal agency created to assist formerly enslaved people in the South after the Civil War. It provided housing, food, medical care, legal assistance, and education to African Americans as well as establishing many schools. However, it faced significant opposition and limited funding. Nonetheless, it played a crucial role in reconstruction, laying the groundwork for civil rights advancements and aiding the transition from slavery to freedom. -
13th Amendment Ratified
The 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. It was a landmark achievement following the Civil War, formally ending the institution of slavery and ensuring that no slavery existed in the U.S. This amendment marked a major step towards civil rights and equality for African Americans. However, there was still extreme racism, especially in the South, and prejudiced actions were still implemented(Jim Crow Laws) to ensure white supremacy. -
Reconstruction Act
In 1867, Congress overrode President Johnson's veto of the First Reconstruction Act. The act established reconstruction as a period of post-war transition that motivated African American men and excluded former Confederate officials from holding office. Along with that, military rule over Southern states was established to ensure loyalty to the Union and to prevent further secession and/or rebellion. -
14th Amendment Ratified
The 14th Amendment gave citizenship to all people who were formerly enslaved. It was designed to protect the rights of newly freed slaves after the Civil War. The amendment has been pivotal in many areas, addressing issues like racial segregation and gender discrimination. It solidified civil rights and protections, laying a foundation for future equality movements in the United States. -
15th Amendment Ratified
The 15th Amendment prohibited denying any men the right to vote on the basis of race, ethnicity, or previous enslavement. It was designed to ensure that former enslaved people could vote and participate in elections. While this amendment aimed to protect voting rights, it was undermined by discriminatory practices to restrict voting eligibility like literacy texts and poll taxes. However, over time, it paved the way for voting rights activism and broadened the scope of eligible voters. -
Battle of Little Bighorn
The Battle of Little Bighorn was a significant clash between the U.S. Army, led by Lieutenant Colonel Custer, and a coalition of Native American tribes, like the Sioux and Cheyenne, commanded by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. Custer's forces were defeated and all soldiers were killed. The battle was a major victory for Natives, but led to a harsh U.S. crackdown on resistance, accelerating the decline of Native sovereignty. -
Native American Assimilation Schools Start
Native American assimilation schools, such as those established by the U.S. government, aimed to forcibly integrate Native American children into white culture. Students were often removed from their families at young ages, forbidden to speak their languages, and taught European customs. The schools led to the loss of cultural identity, trauma, and disruption of family structures. These schools had long-lasting effects on Native communities and disintegrated Native culture. -
Dawes Act of 1887
The Dawes Act of 1887 aimed to assimilate Native Americans by breaking up tribal lands into individual areas. The law sought to encourage farming and private ownership, undermining communal tribal structure. Excess land was sold to white settlers. The act led to the loss of millions of acres of Native American land and weakened tribal sovereignty. It caused significant disruption to Native cultures, economies, and way of life, contributing to their marginalization. -
Wounded Knee Massacre
The Wounded Knee Massacre occurred in South Dakota when U.S. Army troops opened fire on a group of Sioux, including women and children, at Wounded Knee. It began because of American suspicion of the Ghost Dance movement, a Native spiritual revival. The massacre resulted in the deaths of over 150 Sioux, marking the violent end to Native resistance. It symbolized the brutal suppression of Native American culture and deeply accelerated Native forced assimilation and marginalization.