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The Colonial Roots of America's Founding Ideals
Colonial America was built on ideals such as liberty, democracy, and equality, though they were not universally applied. Colonists sought religious freedom, economic opportunity, and self-governance, setting the stage for the principles later embedded in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. These ideals often conflicted with realities like slavery and Native American displacement. -
The first enslaved Africans
The first enslaved Africans arrive in Jamestown, marking the beginning of institutional slavery in America. -
Pilgrims
Pilgrims sign the Mayflower Compact, establishing a form of self-governance. -
Americans Revolt
Tensions between Britain and the American colonies escalated due to taxes and restrictions, such as the Stamp Act and Tea Act. Colonists united under the idea of independence, leading to the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This section highlights the revolutionary spirit that led to the fight for freedom. -
Boston tea party
Boston Tea Party protests British taxation without representation. -
Declaration
Declaration of Independence adopted on July 4th. -
Creating the Constitution
After the Revolutionary War, the Articles of Confederation proved too weak to govern effectively. The Constitutional Convention of 1787 produced a stronger framework, balancing federal and state powers and addressing the need for checks and balances. -
The Constitutional Convention
The Constitutional Convention is held in Philadelphia. -
The U.S Constitution
The U.S. Constitution is ratified and takes effect. -
An Enduring Plan of Government
The Constitution created a government that could adapt to change, with amendments like the Bill of Rights ensuring individual freedoms. This section emphasizes how the Constitution's flexibility and durability have allowed it to endure over time. -
The Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights is added to the Constitution. -
Changes in a Young Nation
The U.S. experienced rapid growth and challenges, including westward expansion, industrialization, and social reforms. This period saw tensions between progress and the preservation of traditional values. -
Marbury v. Madison
Marbury v. Madison established judicial review. -
Louisana Purchase
Louisiana Purchase doubles the size of the U.S. -
Missouri Compromise
Missouri Compromise addresses the balance of free and slave states. -
A Dividing Nation
Growing divisions over slavery, economics, and states' rights created tensions between the North and South. Key events like the Dred Scott decision and John Brown’s raid highlighted the nation's deepening divide. -
Dred Scott v. Sandford
Dred Scott v. Sandford denies citizenship to African Americans. -
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln is elected president, sparking Southern secession. -
The Civil War
The Civil War (1861–1865) was fought over slavery and the preservation of the Union. It resulted in the abolition of slavery and established federal supremacy over states' rights, reshaping the nation's identity. -
Emancipation Proclamation
Emancipation Proclamation declares freedom for slaves in Confederate states. -
Robert E. Lee
Robert E. Lee surrenders at Appomattox, ending the war. -
Reconstruction
Reconstruction aimed to rebuild the South and integrate formerly enslaved people into society. Despite some successes, such as the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, the era ended with unresolved racial tensions and systemic inequality. -
13th Amendment
13th Amendment abolishes slavery. -
Compromise of 1877
Compromise of 1877 ends Reconstruction and federal military presence in the South.