-
1400
CHANGES IN EUROPE
The history of the United States is a fascinating subject. Its roots go back to the Middle Ages when people first began to realize that life might extend beyond their immediate villages. In time, they ventured out and found prosperous cities and unusual items that would make their lives easier and more interesting. -
1400
MEDIEVAL SOCIETY
Life during the Middle Ages was uncomplicated but difficult in terms of personal freedoms. People were members of one of three classes: noblemen, serfs, and clergy. They and other members of their particular family remained rigidly locked in the same class. Most houses were small cottages with dirt floors and simple furniture that was fashioned of available materials, such as straw and wood. Food primarily consisted of bread and vegetables with little meat and no herbs or spices. -
1500
NEW IDEAS
New thinking and new ideas were important also in changing people's lives. In addition to the trading of goods, the Crusades were responsible for the trading of ideas among people. The explorations of Marco Polo, for example, were significant because they unearthed new products for trade and new ideas for the people to ponder. Marco Polo also returned with tales of ports at which hundreds of boats were docked waiting to be loaded with silk, fine woods, gold, and precious stones. -
1500
EARLY COLONIZATION
In the 1500s when most European countries were colonizing in other lands, England was not motivated to venture beyond its shores. England was slow to colonize because of political struggles between crown, clergy, and nobility. The results of this struggle, however, would eventually strengthen England's future colonies in their development of self-government. The threat of Spain also kept the English close to their shores. Spain was determined to re-establish the Catholic Church in England. -
COLONIZATION OF NEW ENGLAND
The New England colonies were Plymouth, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. Unlike Virginia, settled primarily as a colony to provide raw materials to England, the New England colonies were settled by people who had experienced religious persecution in England. -
COLONIZATION OF NEW ENGLAND
The New England colonies were Plymouth, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. Unlike Virginia, settled primarily as a colony to provide raw materials to England, the New England colonies were settled by people who had experienced religious persecution in England.The religious motivation for colonization in America began with Martin Luther and the Reformation many years before the New England colonies were established. -
EARLY COLONIZATION
In the 1500s when most European countries were colonizing in other lands,not motivated to venture beyond its shores. England was slow to colonize because of political struggles between crown, clergy, and nobility. The results of this struggle, however, would eventually strengthen England's future colonies in their development of self-government. The threat of Spain also kept the English close to their shores. -
RISING TENSIONS IN THE COLONIES
The colonists had originally been enthusiastic about the accession of George III. Soon, however, they became disillusioned and even rebellious. The colonists were unhappy with the trade restrictions and taxes placed on them. Still harder to accept by the colonists were the British restrictions placed on their personal rights and liberties. The trade restrictions and taxes were evidence enough to the colonists that they were not free. -
CHANGES IN EUROPE
The history of the United States is a fascinating subject. Its roots go back to the Middle Ages when people first began to realize that life might extend beyond their immediate villages. In time, they ventured out and found prosperous cities and unusual items that would make their lives easier and more interesting. -
SECOND CONTINENTAL CONGRESS
In an effort to determine the colonial position toward Britain, the representatives of the Second Continental Congress drew up a "Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking up Arms," which explained to the king and to Parliament the reasons the colonists were fighting the British in Boston. The explanation was called the Olive Branch Petition. The British refused to discuss the petition and prohibited all trade with the colonies. -
COLONIAL GOVERNMENT
In anticipation of an American victory in the Revolutionary War, the Second Continental Congress had already begun to establish a central government for the colonies. Individual states had also begun to develop state governments after the Declaration of Independence was written. Many of the colonies wrote state constitutions similar to their charters, but government powers were limited. -
CIVIL WAR
In 1860, four candidates ran for the office of President. Stephen Douglas, who had failed to be nominated at the Democratic convention, ran without support from the South. The South subsequently nominated John Breckenridge, who supported Federal protection of slavery in the territories. The Republican Party nominated Abraham Lincoln, who was, at that time, more moderate on slavery. The fourth candidate was John Bell of Tennessee. -
THE '80S AND BEYOND
Throughout the '80s, Americans looked for ways to deal with the nation's domestic and international problems. Political shifts to an era of conservatism began with the Reagan and Bush administrations. Economic, educational, and technological changes affected the daily lives of every American. Education and technology added to changes in the workplace through improved communication and production of better products.