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1493
Second Voyage of Christopher Columbus
After the first voyage in 1492 Columbus was keen to return to the newly discovered Americas. This time he began to ship and bring European plants and animals to the New World. He then with his ships took back some New World goods and brought them back to Europe. This was the small scale beginning of the large scale Columbian Exchange which exchanged livestock, plants, and goods among Europe and the Americas for the first time. -
1519
Spain's Early Exploration of the Americas
After decades and decades of the initial discovery of the New World Spain is among the first Old World powers that seeks to use the new continents to gain wealth and resources. Conquistadors explore in South/Central America to gain as much gold and wealth possible. Despite the negatively affected Native peoples of the region. -
1521
Fall of the Aztec Empire (Battle of Tenochtitlán)
Conquistadors led by Hernan Cortes had swiftly defeated the majority of the Aztec Empire. The European weapons and means of transport overwhelmed the unprepared Aztec people in the Battle of Tenochtitlán. Establishing European hold and power within the New World for centuries to come. -
Establishment of Jamestown
The British in search of land and opportunity sent 104 Englishmen to settle on the East coast of North America. With time the men would establish Jamestown which would have an extremely difficult start. In the ensuing winter from 1609-1610 was named "The Starving Time" since even with 500 residents at the start of winter on 61 people were left when the winter was over. Despite the hardships British colonies in the East coast would continue to grow more and more over the years. -
First French Settlements in North America
After Spain ravaged South and Central America the French took to North America in search of new resources. French settlements began to appear and were primarily based around fur trapping In the modern Midwestern area. A mutually beneficial relationship between them and Native Americans was encouraged due to both peoples trading goods to each other on friendly terms. This trading also gave Native Americans new opportunity to buy items such as guns, clothing, and trapped furs. -
Advent of the Head Right System
As the first British colonies started to establish themselves the British government needed to give new motivation to bring more people to the new colonies. The Head Right System was made and stated that any new settlers who moved into an established colony would be given 50 acres of land. Then any passengers who are payed for on the voyage would also be given 50 acres of land but would have to pay any debt with indentured servitude. The system worked well to bring new people to the settlements. -
First Slaves of North America
The first African slaves had reached the New England region after being shipped from the Caribbean. All though in small numbers the first slaves would be spread across the East coast with time. Early plantations would arise in southern marshes. This was the beginning of the dark side of American history that changed the nation in the coming centuries. -
Founding of Plymouth Rock
After the oppressive rule of the English Church those who wished to separate from the church left England. On the famous voyage of the May Flower the first pilgrims/separatists would land on Plymouth Rock. With help from Native Americans the separatists began to settle. The separatists and their own extremely strict religious views left them as outlaws outside of the English King's grace. There waning future population would contribute to puritan growth in the new colonies. -
Founding of the Massachusetts Bay Colony
The Puritan lead colony of the Massachusetts area are among the first established towns and early urban areas in the British colonies. This colony would quickly grow over the years and would have Boston as a primary city.
The puritan based colony unintentionally drove away younger separatists with their less strict religious views and practices. Separatist power would be drained and absorbed into the Puritan colony. -
Exile of Roger Williams
With the European Enlightenment the ideas of the Old World would follow into the Americas. Roger Williams was an Established member of the British colonies who was well respected. However he had many ahead of time ideas and questions. One such idea was that he believed in separation of church and state. In ear of his ideas spreading officials exiled him from their colony were Roger then went on to build the colony of Rhode Island with a select few number of people. -
George WhiteField and the New Light Movement
In the early 1700's new ideas of religion would spread throughout the colonies. The 'New Lights" was a movement that depicted christianity as a relationship with a loving and fearful relationship with god. New Light minister George Whitefield would use his speeches about a loving god combined with daily life to bring out emotion in to the audience. These new ideas would challenge old beliefs and would create more new ideas which challenged previous ideas of religion. -
End of Benign Neglect
During and after the French and Indian War the British monarchy began to enforce old laws that previously were left unused for nearly a century. This lack of enforcement of older colonial laws was called Benign Neglect. With old and new laws now suddenly being enforced rebellious ideas would emerge among the many spiteful colonists in the coming years. -
Proclamation of 1763
After the French and Indian war The Proclamation of 1763 was enacted in the colonies. The Proclamation restricted any colonist from settling past the Appalachians. First of many acts that were designed to control the colonies after decades of Benign neglect. Colonists were outraged due to winning the war in their eyes and them deserving new land to use. -
The Quartering Act
Years after the french and Indian War and Benign neglect ended British soldiers stayed after the war in order to 'protect' the colonists. This had became official with the Quartering Act which allowed any British Soldier to demand food and shelter in a colonists home. This was one of the if not the most hated British acts in the colonies. The act greatly impacted freedom of speech with the threat of British soldiers living in the homes of those considered not loyal to the king. -
Boston Massacre
With the new British laws and effort to re-control the colonies hatred for the monarchy was building. On one snowy night within Boston a crowd was harassing a line of British soldiers seeing if they would react to their words and and rock filled snowballs. The first shot from one of the soldiers was fired soon followed by more and 5 members of the crowd were killed. Anti-British news exaggerated the ordeal naming it a 'Massacre'. This was the boiling point of American hatred toward the king. -
The Shot Heard Around the World
In Concord 77 militia men assemble against the giant 700 man British army. It is unknown who fired first but that shot heard around the world was the unofficial start of the American Revolution. The skirmish resulted in 17 out of the 77 militia men dead in the crossfire. Later when 1,500 militia men were assembled they had killed off 250 fleeing British soldiers. This first shot would forever change the direction of the colonies of Britain to become the United States of America. -
Thomas Paine Publishes 'Common Sense'
After the fighting near Boston Thomas Paine began to write his most famous work 'Common Sense'. The book detailed all of Paine's arguments to become independent from Britain. With his use of commonly used language his work was easily accessible to the masses. With his writings and ideas becoming widespread the a fairly large amount of colonists began to support the push towards independence. Paine would go on to serve in the Continental Army and donate towards it. -
Declaration of Independence
After the king rejects the Continental Congress's Olive Branch petition. What was then write mainly by Thomas Jefferson and other members of the Continental Congress in Philadelphia would become the Declaration of Independence. The first official act of rebellion and government from the colonies. Those who signed the final copy knew if their movement was lost that they would be the first targets from the king. The Revolution would officially start shortly after with the Continental army. -
Steam Engine is brought to the States
Steam engines were invented in Britain where they were used to power machines inside of factories. The design was copied from tours within the factories were the new engines were being used to power factories which allowed factories to not need to be water/wind powered. Future trains and steamboats would be the backbone for trade, westward expansion, and information. -
Battle of Saratoga
A true turning point of the Revolutionary war. A large scale American victory was desperately needed.When a first British army retreating away hoping a second army would aid them. The second army caught in a swamp didn't show up on time leaving the first army vulnerable. After capturing a entire army of British troops in Saratoga. the playing field was evened for the Americans and the war would be favored towards them. -
France Allies with the Americans
Further evening the war against the British the Americans gain the support of France. France would help to bolster the Continental Army with money, food, and additional troops. This alliance would later fuel France's own Revolution after our war with Britain. -
Treaty of Paris
Signed by British and American Representatives formally ending the war with the independent colonies considered the victor. Britain was forced to retreat their soldiers from the colonies and all land owned in North America was lost. Britain also had to formally acknowledge the U.S as an independent nation. The United States was finally independent. -
The Constitutional Conventions
After removing the Articles of Confederation a new government was set to be created. In the debates of what federal government could and couldn't do arose the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists. The creation of the Constitution would set the base of government still in place to this day. The future Bill of Rights was set forth by Anti-Federalists who feared the possible power of the new government and wanted to insure rights to American citizens. -
Shay's Rebellion
A rebellion of 5,000 poor farmers many of whom served in the Continental Army and were in debt. Forced to sell their possessions and even land Led partially by William Shay the men attacked local courthouses to stop hearings where debtors would be sent to jail. Under the Articles of Confederation the government couldn't have a standing army with the elite of Boston assembling a private militia to stop the rebellion. This revolt would expose the weakness of the Articles of Confederation. -
Ratification of the Constitution
After the full removal of the Articles of Confederation and the weaknesses it presented a new government was needed. This time with a stronger emphasis on the Federal government. Checks and Balances among the Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary branches were used to make sure the no one person among the Federal government couldn't gain too much power. Constitutionality and what that means has been used for over two centuries to create new laws and amendments when needed. -
Washington's Presidency and his Precedents
With the entire nation's worth of popularity and power on his side Washington could have molded the presidency into anything he wanted with little to no penalty. But he humbly began the precedents of two terms in office, swearing into office, and inaugural/ farewell speeches. None of which was a strict law but a precedent that would be followed by almost every future president. He would humbly exit the presidency after his second term. -
Amendments and Bill of Rights are made to the Constitution
With the new U.S Constitution being put into place Anti-Federalists feared of monarch-like power emerging from the new government. No way of changing the Constitution was put into place with this Anti-Federalist refused to ratify the Constitution unless a Bill of Rights and amendments were added with it. The Bill of Rights would list the various rights free citizens were granted with no government involvement. Adding amendments made it so that when needed the Constitution could be changed. -
Whiskey Rebellion
With the new Constitution in place the government could have a standing army. An army which was first used during the Whiskey Rebellion. Smaller/poor farmers enraged by a new tax on whiskey uprose in a similar manner to Shay's Rebellion. George Washington had led a small army of U.S soldiers to threaten the rebels with canon and gunfire. The rebellion ended as soon as it began with the U.S army under the new Constitution being allowed to have and use a standing army. -
Pickney's Treaty
A treaty that had been signed between Spain and the United States. The treaty allowed for U.S merchants and travelers to freely use the Mississippi river. This gave merchants direct access to New Orleans which was a massive port for goods. This treaty had greatly helped U.S economy and trade. -
Revolution of 1800
As far as known human history has been recorded the transfer of power has always been an unstable and violent part of many nations and governments. However under the Constitution as intended John Adams left office after his first term with Thomas Jefferson being elected as president with no violence. Many nations across the world doubted that the U.S could have such a peaceful transition of power however they were proven wrong. The election of 1800 further cemented the new U.S government. -
Marbury V. Madison
Marbury being promised a position into the supreme court sues James Madison for not giving him the position he was promised. The law around Marbury's judgeship was struck down. This was the invention and first time use of Judicial Review which is used to alter or void any law deemed to be unconstitutional. Every major Supreme court case since has used Judicial Review to decide on what is constitutional causing it to become a vital part of the Judicial system. -
Louisiana Purchase
With Thomas Jefferson as president wanting his dream of an Agrarian Republic to come to life he seeks to expand the U.S in any way possible. So he strikes a deal to buy the important port of New Orleans for $3million. Napoleon declined the offer but created another deal. For $15million he would not only give New Orleans to the U.S he would also sell the entirety of the Louisiana territory. Struggling with the decision Jefferson bought the territory despite its possible unconstitutionality. -
Embargo of 1807
Among Jefferson's last policies while in office the Embargo banned foreign trade due to Jeffersons worry of supporting a side while Britain and France were fighting each other. The U.S economy is heavily affected negatively but despite Jefferson's view of an Agrarian Republic the embargo had now jumpstarted industry in the north. This alone would shape the north into a far more industrial area of the U.S especially compared to the south. -
Invention and Patent of the Cotton Gin
Although it was invented by Eli Whitney in 1794 the patent for the cotton gin was given in 1807. The cotton gin now made cotton profitable and with it being well suited in the south plantations soon rose with the owners becoming unimaginably wealthy. In order for the plantation owners to become as profitable as possible slavery which was declining in popularity in the late 1700's sky-rocketed in the south with workers being 50 times as profitable. -
British Impressment of American Sailors
With the Revolution not far in the fast many in the British military were bitter of Americans who often traded near Britain. The practice of kidnapping and forcing American sailors into British servitude was called impressment. These acts outraged the American public after the British government failed to notice these incidents of impressment. The U.S in fear of British rule and a need to prove themselves would declare war against Britain starting the War of 1812. -
Battle of New orleans
Even after the War of 1812's official end fighting still occurred as the news of the wars end had not reached the states yet. General Andrew Jackson leading his makeshift army defended against the British using an earthen hill and with superior tactics brutalized the British army. With Jackson's victory being unquestionable this battle launched Jackson's name as a household name and his future career as the U.S president. -
Missouri Compromise of 1820
Tensions between free and slave states was on the rise as both sides feared a un even balance of free or slave states would be detrimental. So as Missouri became a state it was to be a slave state but then slave states would outnumber free states. So a compromise was made where Maine would become its own separate state that was a free state to balance Missouri's admission as a slave state. Furthermore a line at the south Missouri border setting all states below to be slave states. -
Election of 1828
The Election of 1828 had several important additions to American history. This election was seen as the first modern-style election with campaigns that were brought to the local level. The voting requirement of property ownership for white men was now gone allowing more of the population to have a say in politics that ever before. This election had lead to the Andrew Jackson becoming the president which alone had changed politics to the way we see to this day with the Spoils system. -
Invention of the Mechanical Reaper
For decades in the U.S farming food based agriculture was only some what profitable. But with the mechanical reaper being pulled via animal harvesting large amounts of crops became easier and faster than ever before. Making farming far more profitable than ever before. This allowed for farmland to expand greatly and for the food and the nation to grow larger. -
Invention of the Miracle Plow
In much of western land and especially the Great Plains had very good soil for farming but such soil was covered in a layer of dust or sod. John Deere would invent the Miracle plow which could cut through the sod allowing for farmers to live in the Great Plains. This gave new opportunity to people seeking to move westward as now they could grow food for sale and themselves with this new plow design. Further growing northern and western agriculture in the future. -
Start of the Mexican American War
As American settlers in Texas rebel against the Mexican government they find themselves under attack by the Mexican army. Eventually the U.S army comes to aid the Texans and sweeps through Mexico forcing it to surrender. This war drastically changed the U.S as it took much of Mexican owned land in the west as war concessions. California and Texas were the biggest additions to the states as they were previously owned by Mexico. -
Compromise of 1850
As California's applied for statehood great conflict emerged wether or not it would be a free or slave state. If California became a free state they would outnumber southern representation and possibly could begin to outlaw or slow slavery. Henry Clay in order to ease tension proposed this compromise that allowed California as a free state but gave other territories the choice to become slave or free states. Additionally the south gained new fugitive slave laws. -
Border Ruffians attack Lawrence, Kansas
As Kansas nears state hood great separation of the territory grows. During the election that would decide Kansas as a free or slave state a group of armed southerners attacked the abolitionist town of Lawrence and began to commit voter fraud by replacing every abolitionist vote with pro-slave votes. This outraged those in the north and abolitionists while in the south these border ruffians were seen as heroes. The time of Bleeding Kansas would emerge as tensions rose across Kansas. -
South Carolina Secedes from the Union
After Abraham Lincoln is elected as president his mere presence in office causes South Carolina and nearby states to secede from the Union. This was caused by the southern fear that an abolitionist president like Lincoln could outlaw slavery even though Lincoln had no intention of doing so as president. His goal in the early years of the Civil War was to maintain and expand the Union not purely to outlaw slavery until the end of the war. -
Homestead Act of 1862
With large cities in the east becoming overpopulated Lincoln sought to relieve the pressure and give Americans an opportunity at a new life. So he passed the highly successful Homestead Act of 1862 which granted any single settler/household leader to claim 160 acres of land for free. All with only a brief list of requirements such as farming land for 5 years and making visible improvements. 2 of 3 homesteaders became successful however this new swarm of settlers put pressure on native Americans. -
Emancipation Proclamation
In order to prevent European involvement in the Civil War Lincoln made the war have a new moral purpose. With passage of the Emancipation Proclamation it turned the Civil War into a moral war not just about re-building the Union but ending slavery too. The Proclamation had limits as it only applied to Union territory and wouldn't apply to southern slaves until the Union won the war and claimed the Confederate territory. -
Impeachment of Andrew Johnson
After violating the Office and Tenure Act after firing a member of Congress Johnson became the first president to enter the impeachment process. The sheer shame of the impeachment stripped Johnson of his political power. He would lose the next election after this event. For the first time a president had ever been impeached giving a counter to a dictator like leader in the U.S. -
Passage of the 15th Amendment
The 15th amendment passed by the Radical Republicans in Congress was an extreme amount of progress in policy. The amendment extended voting rights and citizenship to anyone regardless of race born on U.S soil. This not only protected rights of African Americans across the nation but also gave immigrants a chance to vote in the future. -
Completion of the Trans-Continental Railroad
With its construction starting in 1862 under Lincoln the project aimed to further Unionize the nation by rail. Many people had believed building a railroad from the east to the west coast would have been impossible. However the Central Pacific and Union Pacific rail companies teamed and competed to finish the project before the 1872 deadline. The project was completed 3 years ahead of schedule in 1869 which allowed easy access across the nation for the first time ever. -
Civil Rights Act of 1875
Another highly progressive policy that stated that public discrimination based on race was to be illegal. However unfortunately in the south this law was barely enforced. This lack of enforcement would allow segregation to go into full effect until the 1960's when the next Civil Rights Act was put into place.