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Decleration of Independance
Before this date we, the colonies, were part of England. Representatives from each state signed a document. This document proclaimed our independence. We said that we weren't going to stay with England. We were going to be independant. -
Eli Whitney and the Cotton Gin
In this time period slaves and workers had to hand clean the cotton. It was time consuming and they could only clean one pound of cotton a day. Then, Eli Whitney created the cotton gin. Now they could clean 50 pounds of cotton a day. This would change the production rates more than a thousandfolds. (McDougal-Littel, 373-374) -
The Louisiana Purchase
The United States was expanding. There was a region of land westward of the colonies known as the Louisiana Territory. Right now the French owed that territory. President Jefferson wanted to purchase New Orleans for trading. When he made the offer he was suprised by the answer. The french offered him the whole territory. Jefferson bought the land for 15 million dollars. (McDougal-Littell, 344) -
Lewis and Clark Journey West
Lewia and Clark set out not knowing what they will find. They were told to explore the Missouri River in hopes to find a water route across the nation. On the journey they met Native Americans and Canadian trappers. After one long year they made it to the pacific ocean. (American History, 348) -
The Steamboat (Robert Fulton)
The only way for the northern traders to trade was to boat down the Mississippi river on a small raft and walk back. With the help of Robert Fulton, they would be able to travel upstream. The steamboat would make it quicker for traders to go south to trade. Robert Fulton was one of the important men to make the steamboat able to go. He used a special engine for the steamboat. (pbs.org) -
Trail of Tears
The U.S. territory was expanding. The population was moving into Native American territory. The governement had to think of something to move then indians out of the territory. The solution was to move the indians off of their land and into a reserve. Not one group of Native Americans ejoyed the move. They were forced to walk hundreds of miles ro the reserve. (McDougal-Littel, 402) -
The Alamo
Mexico and Texas are fighting over the Texas territory. Texas wanted to be its own independent republic. Mexico wanted it to be their land. The Alamo was the big battle of the war. The Mexicans brought all of their power. The Texans held the Mexicans for 12 days. On the 13th the mexicans over powered the Texans. The Alamo was over. McDougal-Littel, 430) -
Texas Revolution
The Texas Revolution was the battle over the texas territory. The The Mexican owned Texas. The United Stated wnated to have it because it was near their land. There was no military force. It was all political and groups of colonists. The colonists eventually pushed the Mexicans out. (McDougal-Littel, 427) -
Donner Party
The Donner Party set out to find a new life out west. When they came to The Great Basin. One of the travelers said they knew a shortcut across the basin. However, it was not easy traveling. It was a rough trail. One of the axles broke on one of the wagons. They had to stop. That night it snowed 5 feet. They were stuck. They had no food left. Starvation took over and it is said they resolved to cannibalism. When a resuce party came only one man was left. (Legendsofamerica.com) -
Mexican American War
The U.S. and Mexico are fighting over the Mexican-American border. The U.S.military pushed west to flush out the Mexicans. The war was back and forth the whole way. However, in the end the U.S. came out victorious. the U.S. was able to acquire land previously owned by mexicans. (McDougal-Littel, 433) -
California Gold Rush
In 1848 a carpenter found a little nugget of gold in California. This would be the beginning one of the greatest migrations in American history. People from across the globe can to California to strike rich. However, many would leave for home empty handed. Many people would stay in California after the Rush. This would increase the population of the United States. -
Attack on Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter was surrounded by Confederate troops. The first shot was fired from Fort Johnson. This fort would open the Charleston harbor. This was the beginning of thye civil war. -
The Battle of Gettysburg
On this date the Union is about to make their final stand against the Confederate forces. This battle changed the war and America. This battle would be key for us to win the war. -
Attack on Pearl Harbor
The Japanese decide to strike aginst U.S navy. This wou;d help them have more territory. This would raise awareness of the U.S. and the would become part of the war. -
The Supreme Case: Brown v. The Board of Education
Up to this date the blacks and whites had seperate schools and public facilities. An African American girl lived next to a white school, but because she was not white she had to go across town to go to her school. Her father and the NAACP sued to allow the girl to attend the white school. It reached the Supreme court and they voted in favor of the girl. This impacted the U.S. because the case got rid of the segregated schools and facilities. (United States History) -
Sputnik Satellite
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March on Washington
Martin Luther King jr. gathered almost 25,000 people to march with him. This march was for civil rights. This march influenced the civil rights act and demolished seperation of the races. -
The Death of Elvis
On this day "The King", Elvis Presley, died. He was a major american icon. Mystery surrounded his death. Some thought he was still alive in another form, -
September 11, 2000
On this date a group of islamic terriosts launched attacks on the twin towers of New York and the Washington D.C area. After this date, the U.S. tigtened up on security to make sure this never happens again. (Wiki) -
My Birthday
This was the day I was birthed.