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Oct 12, 1492
Christopher Columbus "Discovers" America
Christopher Columbus sets foot in America. This event is significant because it led to subsequent voyages of other empires like the French and Spanish, new trade commodities such as: beaver fur, and the discovery of a new people, namely, the Native Americans. Brought disease European disease of small pox as well which massacred an enormous amount of Native American people.
Sources:
Linda Rhodes Schwartz and Jerry Baydo, Early American History to 1877, (National Social Science Press, 2012) 33. -
May 1, 1501
Beginning of the Second Voyage of Amerigo Vespucci
This event was significant because the discovery of the lands of America that Vespucci explored made him to believe that the country he was in wasn't Asia but rather a whole new world entirely. The word "America" is derived from his name.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Amerigo Vespucci," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
1513
Vasco Nunez Finds the Pacific Ocean
Vasco Nunez is thought to have been one of the first people to gaze upon the Pacific Ocean. He thought it was the Indian Ocean and claimed the land for Spain. This is significant because it caused jealousy amongst people he worked with and led to his execution for treason and a reinvigorated search to find a way through or around America.
Sources:
Linda Rhoades-Schwartz and Jerry Baydo, Early American History to 1877, (National Social Science, 2012) 35. -
1513
Juan Ponce de Leon Finds Florida
In the same year as the discovery of the Pacific Ocean made by Vasco Nunez de Balboa, Juan Ponce de Leon discovers Florida on his search for the Fountain of Youth. This is significant, because it caused Florida to be heavily influenced by the Spanish even up until this day where in many towns in Florida, the remnants of Spanish colonization and architecture remain today.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Juan Ponce de Leon," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
1519
Hernando Cortes conquers Tenochtitlan (modern day Mexico City)
Hernando Cortes leads a conquest in the beginning of 1519 of the Aztec city Tenochtitlan with help of other Native American tribes and results in the victory of the Spanish over the Aztecs. This event is significant because it allowed the Spanish to have a strong foothold in Central and South America, which helped expand the Spanish empire to Guatemala, Chile, Peru, and Columbia.
Sources:
Linda Rhoades-Schwartz and Jerry Baydo, Early American History to 1877 (National Social Science, 2012) 35. -
1534
Cartier Claims Canada for France
After traveling up and down the St. Lawrence River and finding Canada, this event is significant because it allowed The French to have a major foothold in North America and the impact of French culture is still present today in Canada.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Jacques Cartier," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
1540
Coronado's Expedition Begins
This event is significant because it leads to the discovery of the Grand Canyons and other major landmarks in modern southwest America. This expedition was considered a failure and Coronado returns to Mexico and dies in 1554.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Francisco Vasquez de Coronado," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
Sep 8, 1565
Establishment of Saint Augustine
The establishment of Saint Augustine was very important because it marks the oldest permanent settlement in the United States of America.
Sources:
James O'Donnell, "St. Augustine," (Encyclopedia Britannica). -
The Acoma Massacre
When Acoma Native Americans killed 12 Spanish soldiers in present-day New Mexico, the soldiers retaliated and massacred around 800 men, women, and children. This was important because it showed that the Native Americans were willing to stand up against the Spanish, despite being severely outmatched.
Sources:
Ryan Bunker, "The Acoma Pueblo Massacre," (storify.com, 2015). -
English Colony "Jamestown" is founded
Jamestown, was a colony founded in Virginia on May 14, 1607. This event was significant because it was considered to be one of the first successful English Colony in the New World.
Sources:
History.com Staff, "Jamestown Colony," (A+E Networks, 2010) -
Introduction of Slavery in the Colonies
The introduction of slavery in the U.S. colonies was a major cause of contention throughout the colonies even up to this day, and the introduction of slavery also boosted the economy of tobacco and cotton in the U.S.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Slavery in America," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
Pilgrims Land on the Shores of Cape Cod
This event is significant because it was the first of many religious refugees coming to America to seek religious freed.
Sources:
History website Staff, "The Pilgrims," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
Mayflower Compact
The Mayflower Compact, signed by 41 English Colonists, set in motion self-governance ideas that made sure that the social structure wouldn't crumble in the New World.
Sources:
History.com Staff, "Mayflower Compact," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
Pequot War
The results of the Pequot War gave advantage of military power to the English in the New World instead of the Dutch which led to the colonization of New England.
Sources:
War Paths 2 Peace Pipes website Staff, "Pequot War," (warpaths2peacepipes.com). -
The Maryland Toleration Act
This was significant because it was the first law that granted religious freedom to those who believed in the Trinity on the North American Continent.
Sources:
Wiersema Gary, "An Act Concerning Religion. The Maryland Toleration Act, 1649," (odor.let.rug.nl, 2010). -
Bacon's Rebellion
This event was significant because it was one of the firsts acts of defiance against British rule and in showing that blacks and whites could work in unison with one another.
Sources:
PBS online Staff, "Bacon's Rebellion," (PBS.org). -
Salem Witch Trials
These trials led to the hangings and executions of many women who were accused with being possessed by women. This was significant because it instilled fear in many of the colonists to the point that if someone was accused of witchcraft, she would be sentenced to death immediately.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Salem Witch Trials," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
Father Junipero Serra's Birth
Junipero Serra was the man who established the first Catholic mission in the United States of America. He would go on to be sainted in 2015. Also accredited with the founding of California.
Sources:
San Francisco Museum website Staff, "Junipero Serra (1713-1784) Founder of California," (sfmuseum.net). -
The First Great Awakening
In the early 1700s, there was a Great Awakening of religions in America. It emphasized the terrors of the law to sinners and led to many arguments between religions and therefore subsequent establishments of many different religions.
Sources:
Encyclopedia Britannica Editors, "Great Awakening," (Britannica.com, 2017). -
Georgia Established as a Colony
This event was significant because it was the last of the 13 colonies to be established and be recognized as a colony.
Sources:
Local Government Staff, "Colonial Settlement 1600s - 1763," (Library of Congress). -
The Beginning of the French and Indian War
The war between the French and Native Americans against the British colonies led to the French conceding all of their land possession in North America to the British.
Sources:
John Barton, History 2700 lecture, (Lecture #3, 2017). -
Treaty of Eason
This event was a significant turning point in the French and Indian War because in exchange for the return of land to Indian tribes in Delaware and Pennsylvania, Indian tribes, who were allied with the French at the time, agreed to cease fighting against the British.
Sources:
Shmoop website Staff, "The French and Indian War Timeline," (shmoop.com). -
Pontiac's Rebellion Begins
This was a rebellion of Native American tribes against the British to try and conquer the British's settlements and forts. This almost completely destroyed the relationship established after the French and Indian War of the British and the Native Americans.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Pontiac's Rebellion Begins," (A+E Networks, 2010). -
Proclamation of 1763
This Proclamation, made after the French and Indian War, was significant because it checked the encroachment of the colonists on Indian land.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Proclamation of 1763," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
The Currency Act
This act gave the British a hold of currency making in the colonies. The colonists vehemently opposed this act. This severely weakened trade between Great Britain and the Colonies.
Sources:
U.S. History website Staff, "The Currency Act," (ushistory.org). -
The Stamp Act of 1765
The Stamp Act placed taxes on every piece of paper printed in the colonies. It angered the colonists because the British passed this act without the approval of the colonial legislature. Another major event that led to the eventual Boston Massacre and Revolutionary War.
Sources:
History.org Staff, "A Summary of the 1765 Stamp Act," (Colonial Williamsburg). -
Parliament Passes the Quartering Act
The Quartering Act required the colonies to be able to house British soldiers in colonist made barracks. Under the circumstance that the quarters were too small to house the soldiers, the colonists would be forced to find another place to house the soldiers. This angered the colonists and led to the Boston Massacre.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Parliament Passes the Quartering Act," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
Andrew Jackson Elected President
Andrew Jackson's election moved the central power of the government from the east to the west. Important in the removal of the Native Americans from their homelands.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Andrew Jackson," (A+E Networks, 2009) -
Boston Massacre
In Boston on March 3rd, 1770, there was a street fight between the American colonists and British soldiers where the colonists were jeering, throwing things, and getting angry at the British soldiers. This event is significant because it led to men of the colonies being killed and colonists calling for the cession of the 13 colonies and Britain.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Boston Massacre," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
The Boston Tea Party
This event was significant because it was served as a major protest against colonial taxation in an ever-increasing hostile environment of the British and the American Colonies against one another. It would serve as another major event that led to the American Revolutionary War.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Boston Tea Party," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
American Revolutionary War
The American Revolutionary War was significant because it signified the beginning of the war of the 13 Colonies against the British which would lead to the eventual cession of the U.S. colonies and independence.
Sources:
History website Staff, "The American Revolution Begins," (A+E Networks, 2009) -
The Battle of Lexington and Concord
The Battle of Lexington and Concord was the first battle of the American Revolutionary War. This battle features Paul Revere whose ride is famed and has been reenacted throughout history.
Sources:
History website Staff, "The Battle of Lexington and Concord," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
Signing of the Declaration of Independence
This event was so crucial to our American history because it was a request from the American colonists to King George III to allow the 13 colonies to be separate from the rule of England.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Declaration of Independence," (A+E Network, 2009). -
Articles of Confederation Ratified
This document was intended to keep each state sovereign from each other and only resorting to congressional appeal as a last resort.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Articles of Confederation," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
Washington Ends the Newburgh Conspiracy
Army officers were angry with the government for not being paid during the war, and so they staged a coup to overthrow the new government but was stopped by George Washington. This event was very important because it allowed the formed government to stay intact and stable.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Washington Puts an End to the Newburgh Conspiracy, (A+E Networks, 2009). -
The Treaty of Paris of 1783
This treaty formally ended the American Revolutionary War and recognized America's independence from Britain.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Treaty of Paris," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
Shays' Rebellion
Shay's Rebellion exposed the weaknesses of the government which justified the revision of the Articles of Confederation to focus on a more centralized, unified governmental system.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Shays' Rebellion," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
The Great Compromise of 1787
This compromise was important because it created the House of Representatives and Senate.
Sources:
Robert Longley, "The Great Compromise of 1787," (Thought Company, 2017). -
Congress Enacts the Northwest Ordinance
The Northwest Ordinance was a method to unite the western territories into the Union so that they would become eventual states. This idea was very important because it made it possible for the western territories to become part of the United States of America.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Congress Enacts the Northwest Ordinance," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
U.S Constitution Drafted
This event was significant in American history because it was agreed that the focus would be on a strong national government instead of colonists worrying about their own state government. It also led to legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government that we still use today.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Constitution," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
George Washington Elected President
This event is significant because it marked the first time when a U.S. President was elected, a person, who would play a crucial role in shaping our nation.
Sources:
History website Staff, "George Washington," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
The Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey Rebellion was a rebellion of the people against a excise tax placed on alcohol by the government. This rebellion was significant because it legitimately threatened the stability of the U.S. government and forced George Washington's personal hand in ending the rebellion.
Sources:
Digital Encyclopedia, "Whiskey Rebellion," (Mountvernon.org). -
The Industrial Revolution
During this year, the cotton gin was produced by genius, Eli Witney. The Industrial Revolution helped bring more modernized technology that would be used for centuries in America.
Sources:
frugolimike, "American History (1492-1877)," (Timetoast.com). -
Lousiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase was significant because it extended the United States land by approximately 828,000 square miles from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Louisiana Purchase," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
The Marbury vs. Madison Case
This case determined that the Supreme Court would be able to void an act of Congress if it wasn't in accordance with the Constitution.
Sources:
History.com Staff, "Marbury v. Madison," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
Lewis and Clark Expedition
The Lewis and Clark Expedition was important because these two gentlemen explored the western uncharted part of the North American Continent that would eventually become part of our nation.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Lewis and Clark," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
The War of 1812
The War of 1812 played a significant role in providing the colonists with national self-confidence and excitement in expansionism.
Sources:
History website Staff, "The War of 1812," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
Birth of Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass was known for his stance against slavery being an African-American himself, and was a very important abolitionist, orator, and writer.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Frederick Douglass," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
The Missiouri Compromise of 1820
As a result of the Missouri Compromise, there was an imaginary line, drawn by the government, in the territory of Louisiana distinguishing the pro-slave states from the anti-slave states. This compromise also allowed Missouri to become a slave state and allowed Maine to become a free state.
Sources:
History.com Staff, "Missouri Compromise," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
The Monroe Doctrine
This Doctrine played an important role in the United States regarding it's foreign policy, "The American continents … are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers."
Sources:
History website Staff, "Monroe Doctrine," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
Erie Canal Opens
This event is significant because it allowed goods to be shipped at a relatively quick speed from the east to the west.
Sources:
History.com Staff, "Erie Canal Opens," (A+E Networks, 2010). -
The Invention of the Telegram
Samuel Morse came up with a much-advanced way of long distance communication with the invention of the Telegraph and Morse Code.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Morse Code and the Telegraph," (A+E Networks, 2009) -
Nat Turner's Rebellion
Nat Turner's rebellion was a slave rebellion against slave owners that sent a ripple effect in the South that prohibited education, assembly of slaves, movement, and hardened slavery laws.
Sources:
History.com Staff, "Nat Turner," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
Trail of Tears
The Trail of Tears are significant because although the Cherokee attempted to assimilate their culture to one that resembled the non-Native American peoples, they were still uprooted from their home in Georgia, forced to traverse terrain that to them was unknown.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Trail of Tears," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
The Beginning of the Mexican-American War
The results of the battle would end up in the defeat of the Mexicans, which forced them to concede New Mexico and California to the United States.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Mexican-American War," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
Uncle Tom's Cabin is Published
This book being published played a huge role in shaping the view of slavery in the United States of America at that time, and the horrors it brought.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Uncle Tom's Cabin is Published," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
Bleeding Kansas
This violence was caused by the battle over whether the territory of Kansas would be pro-slavery or against slavery. It was important because it was one of the first times that the federal government allowed residents to decide its destiny regarding slavery.
Sources:
History.com Staff, "Bleeding Kansas," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
Republican Party founded
This event signified the formation of the party that openly opposed the spread of slavery to the west, an issue that would culminate into the Civil War.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Republican Party Founded," (A+E Networks, 2010). -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
This was a popular bill that allowed settlers of a territory decide between being a pro or anti-slave state.
Sources:
History.com Staff, "Kansas-Nebraska Act," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
The Dred Scott Decision
This case allowed slave owners to transport their slaves with them to the West, which heightened regional tensions and led up to the Civil War.
Sources:
History website Staff, "The Dred Scott Decision," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
John Brown's Raid
The abolitionist raid by John Brown on Harper's Ferry provided extra and necessary tension against the South and North so that they wouldn't accommodate each other's wishes further.
Sources:
History website Staff, "John Brown's Raid on Harper's Ferry," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
Election of Abraham Lincoln
The election of Abraham Lincoln allowed for Lincoln to establish his stance unification of the Union and the Confederacy. During his tenure, he would do many great things such as drafting the Emancipation Proclamation, which would proclaim freedom for the slaves in the ten rebellious states.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Abraham Lincoln," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
Confederate States of America Formed
This event played a huge role in defiance against the North who were against slavery, and the South seceded in order to preserve the practice of slavery in the south.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Confederate States of America," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
Commencement of the Civil War
This event was significant to our nation's history because it started a war between the north and the south parts of the United States of America which threatened permanent divide and cession of the north and south regions of the United States.
Sources:
History website Staff, "The Civil War Begins," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
Homestead Act Signed
This allowed any American, with the inclusion of freed slaves, to settle land of up to 160 acres in the west.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Homestead Act," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
Emancipation Proclamation
President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation address was significant because it proclaimed freedom in the ten states that were rebelling against the North.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Emancipation Proclamation," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
Battle of Gettysburg - American Civil War
This battle is significant because it's considered as one of the most crucial battles for the advantage of the North and their eventual victory against the Southern Confederates.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Battle of Gettysburg - American Civil War," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
Establishment of Freedmen's Bureau
This establishment was very important because it provided food, housing and medical aid, legal assistance, and establishment of schools for poor Whites and former slaves in the South, following the aftermath of the Civil War.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Freedmen's Bureau," (A+E Networks, 2010). -
End of the Civil War
The end of the war resulted into eventual freedom of southern slaves and disbandment of the Confederate States of America.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Civil War," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
Invention of the Telephone
Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone that expanded and yet simplified communication, an invention of which is still utilized today.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Alexander Graham Bell," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
The Reconstruction Act of 1867
This resulted in creation of five military districts in the seceded states, voters had to be registered, and freed blacks could vote, states were required to ratify the 14th Amendment, and the military official of the state had to appoint and remove state officials.
Sources:
United States History website Staff, "Reconstruction Acts of 1867-1868," (u-shistory.com). -
The 14th Amendment
The 14th Amendment gave freed slaves citizenship which was vital to the eventual equal treatment of African-Americans amongst white men and women.
Sources:
Law.Cornell website Staff, "14th Amendment," (law.cornell.edu). -
Completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad
This allowed individuals to travel across the expanse of almost the entire United States of America and linked the east to the west.
Sources:
History website Staff, "Transcontinental Railroad," (A+E Networks, 2010). -
The 15th Amendment
The 15th Amendment was significant because it gave Blacks the right to vote.
Sources:
History website Staff, "15th Amendment," (A+E Networks, 2009). -
Civil Rights Act of 1875
This act was important because it promised equal treatment of African-American citizens in the public on transportation, ability to serve on juries, and accommodations in public as well.
Sources:
Melvin I. Urofsky, "Civil Rights Act of 1875," (Encyclopedia Britannica).
