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Founding of Georgia- (Work Cited) Meyers, C. C., & Williams, D. (2023). In Georgia: A brief history, second edition, expanded and updated. essay, MERCER UNIVERSITY PRESS
Georgia was the last of the thirteen British colonies, founded by James Oglethrope in 1732 named after King George II. Oglethrope had a vision for people living in debt to start new in the colony and work towards paying off their debt. The colony was governed by a group of Trustees. Georiga was also a buffer between SC and Florida. This event is important to understand how Georgia became the last colony founded by Britain. Contemporaneous US event: 1720-1730 Expansion of Pennsylvania -
Banning of Slavery (Work Cited) Meyers, C. C., & Williams, D. (2023). In Georgia: A brief history, second edition, expanded and updated. essay, MERCER UNIVERSITY PRESS
*The Trustees wanted to create a society where people could work off debt. Oglethorpe wanted men to serve in the military and thought the slaves would rebel in a bloody insurrection, seeking freedom. The Trustees thought the slaves were a bad influence on the new colony.
*This event is important because it marked a crucial moment in the political development of the Trustees over the colony people. Contemporaneous US event: 1739 Stono Rebellion -
War on Jenkin's Ear (Work Cited) Meyers, C. C., & Williams, D. (2023). In Georgia: A brief history, second edition, expanded and updated. essay, MERCER UNIVERSITY PRESS
War on Jenkin's Ear was a battle between Britain and Spain over Britain's right to the slave trade in Spanish America. The fight stemmed from a British sea captain, Robert Jenkins, getting his ear cut off by a Spanish officer. Britain was smuggling in Spanish waters, which increased tension between the two countries.
This event is important because it shows the conflict between Britain and Spain. The two countries fought over land and trade. Contemporaneous US event: 1744-1748 King George's War -
Georgia becomes a Royal Colony (Work Cited) Meyers, C. C., & Williams, D. (2023). In Georgia: A brief history, second edition, expanded and updated. essay, MERCER UNIVERSITY PRESS
Georgia was the poorest colony, so Parliament refused to give the Trustees any more money. Due to funding problems, the Trustees relinquished their charter a year early. Parliament allowed Georgia to become a royal colony with its own government. The ban on slavery was lifted. *This event is essential because it shows the shifts in governance, economy, and political stance in the history of Britain over the royal colony. *Contemporaneous US event: 1754-1763 French and Indian War -
Georgia sends delegates to the contental Congress (Work Cited) Meyers, C. C., & Williams, D. (2023). In Georgia: A brief history, second edition, expanded and updated. essay, MERCER UNIVERSITY PRESS
On July 4, Whigs met at the Second Provincial Congress in Savannah. It declared that GA was no longer subject to acts of Parliament and banned trade with Britain. Georgia was able to take a stand with other US colonies, and this was the beginning stage of gaining their independence from Britain.
*This event is essential because Georgia was able to show that they were disappointed with British rule and wanted their independence.
*Contemporaneous US event: Declaration of Independence -
Siege of Savannah (Work Cited) Meyers, C. C., & Williams, D. (2023). In Georgia: A brief history, second edition, expanded and updated. essay, MERCER UNIVERSITY PRESS
During the American Revolution, the British controlled Savannah, and the Patriots attacked, hoping to protect Savannah from the British. The attack was poorly conducted and is considered the bloodiest battle. GA was again under the control of Governor James Wright. The colony had to regroup to prepare for a new offense on their British attack.
This event is crucial because it led to the British government gaining control of Savannah.
**Contemporaneous US event*: 1781 Battle of Yorktown -
Ratification of the U.S Constitution (Work Cited) Meyers, C. C., & Williams, D. (2023). In Georgia: A brief history, second edition, expanded and updated. essay, MERCER UNIVERSITY PRESS
After the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, the US drafted the Constitution. GA ratified the Constitution in 1788 to create a stronger government that could impose taxes, regulate trade, and enforce laws. GA was the 4th state to sign the ratification.
*This is important because it shows the unity between the different states, creating a federal government that would structure and operate the nation.
*Contemporaneous US event: 1787 U.S. Constitution Drafted -
Yazoo Land Fraud (Work Cited) Meyers, C. C., & Williams, D. (2023). In Georgia: A brief history, second edition, expanded and updated. essay, MERCER UNIVERSITY PRESS
The Yazoo Land Fraud stems from millions of acres sold multiple times to different companies, with cries of bribery and corruption. Senator James Jackson later nullified the sales while destroying all papers from the transactions. GA sold the land to the federal government.
*This event is important because it highlights political corruption and made changes to land-buying policies.
*Contemporaneous US event: 1790s into 1800s Mississippi Land Controversy -
Land Lotteries (Work Cited) Meyers, C. C., & Williams, D. (2023). In Georgia: A brief history, second edition, expanded and updated. essay, MERCER UNIVERSITY PRESS
In 1805, Georgia bought Indian land. They decided to end corruption and have a land lottery instead. Tickets for land lots and citizens were placed into two wooden drums, and one was selected. It didn't end the corruption; land companies would cheat people out of money. This helped the state of GA expand westward.
This event was essential because it gave people who could never get land a chance with the headright system.
**Contemporaneous US event* 1803 Louisiana Purchase -
Dahlonega Gold Rush (Work Cited) Meyers, C. C., & Williams, D. (2023). In Georgia: A brief history, second edition, expanded and updated. essay, MERCER UNIVERSITY PRESS
Gold was found in GA, and people came from all over to get rich. People were panning for gold in rivers and blasting hillsides. People were taking over Cherokee Indian's land without any regard for them. Indians were removed from their lands so their lands could be placed into a lottery.
This event shaped the history of the Indian tribes that were displaced from their homes and sent on the Trail of Tears to start over.
**Contemporaneous US event*: 1830-1850 Trail of Tears -
Indian Removal Act (Work Cited) Meyers, C. C., & Williams, D. (2023). In Georgia: A brief history, second edition, expanded and updated. essay, MERCER UNIVERSITY PRESS
President Andrew Jackson signed into law the Indian Removal Act, which was a treaty to relocate Indians west of the Mississippi River. In GA, the tribes were rounded up and forcibly made to move even though the Cherokee Tribe was pushing back, but the thought of gold was too much.
This is an important event because it led to the Trail of Tears and the march of the Indians out West so their land could be put into a lottery.
**Contemporaneous US event*:1828 Andrew Jackson Elected President -
Secession from the Union (Work Cited) Meyers, C. C., & Williams, D. (2023). In Georgia: A brief history, second edition, expanded and updated. essay, MERCER UNIVERSITY PRESS
Some people in the South were against President Lincoln and wanted to leave the Union. People living in the South did not want to give up slavery. The Confederate States of America was formed in Feb. 1861. Some people in the South did not have faith in the Republican government and wanted to get away from the Union.
This event is important because it was the turning point in the South before the Civil War.
**Contemporaneous US event*: In 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected president -
Sherman's March to the Sea (Work Cited) Bailey, A. J. (2002). Sherman’s March to the Sea. In New Georgia Encyclopedia. Retrieved Sep 30, 2020, from https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/shermans-march-to-the-sea/
After Sherman captured Atlanta, he wanted to prove that he could break the Confederate soldiers will to keep fighting to destroy the resources and the morale of the South. He marched from Atlanta to Savannah, destroying civilians' property and practicing psychological warfare. Confederate soldiers were deserting the war to protect their women and children.
This event is essential because it signified the ending of the Civil War.
Contemporaneous US event: 11/30/1864 Battle of Franklin -
The Fall of Atlanta (Work Cited) Davis, S. (2005). Atlanta Campaign. In New Georgia Encyclopedia. Sep 17, 2018, from https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/atlanta-campaign/
Sherman wanted Commander Hood to leave the city. He had his men line up the artillery and begin firing at the Confederate line and the city. Hood refused to leave, so he cut off the Macon Road to cut supplies. Atlanta was evacuated on Sept. 1. This was the downfall of the Confederacy.
This battle was important because it boosted the Union army, brought the Civil War to the South, and helped elect Abraham Lincoln.
**Contemporaneous US event*: 1863 Battle of Gettysburg -
Slaves Freed In Georgia (Work Cited) Meyers, C. C., & Williams, D. (2023). In Georgia: A brief history, second edition, expanded and updated. essay, MERCER UNIVERSITY PRESS
After the Civil War, GA had to ratify the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery, to rejoin the Union. After becoming free, they still faced the challenges of not owning land and being able to support their families. Blacks had to return to the farms where they were slaves, as sharecroppers, to help support their families.
This event is crucial because it marked the end of an era of slavery and set the stage for the Civil Rights Movement.
**Contemporaneous US event*: End of Civil War -
Georgia readmitted to the Union (Work Cited) Meyers, C. C., & Williams, D. (2023). In Georgia: A brief history, second edition, expanded and updated. essay, MERCER UNIVERSITY PRESS
With the South losing the Civil War, it had to comply with the North to be readmitted to the Union. It took three attempts to be readmitted finally. Georgia was the last state to rejoin the Union. Georgia had to ratify the 15th Amendment, which gave rights to African Americans. Blacks were now allowed to vote.
This was an important event, as Georgia was the last to rejoin the Union, ending the Reconstruction Era.
Contemporaneous US event: 1865-1977 Reconstruction Era -
Atlanta Race Riot (Work Cited) Meyers, C. C., & Williams, D. (2023). In Georgia: A brief history, second edition, expanded and updated. essay, MERCER UNIVERSITY PRESS
Atlanta newspaper companies were writing stories that were fabricated and exaggerated and depicted African Americans in a bad light. The riots lasted for three days. Whites were roaming the streets, looking for blacks to attack. The police did not stop the riot. This was one of the most severe racial violence in the history of Georgia.
This event is important because it shows the racial tension for blacks and the need for Civil Rights.
Contemporaneous US event: 1906 The Brownsville Riot -
The Great Migration 178 (Work Cited) Meyers, C. C., & Williams, D. (2023). In Georgia: A brief history, second edition, expanded and updated. essay, MERCER UNIVERSITY PRESS
African Americans were tired of how whites were treating them and decided to move to another area, even out of the state of Georgia. During WWI, Blacks moved to the Northern states where jobs were available. Over 50,000 left the state during the war, seeking a better life for their families.
This event is essential to understand how blacks were leaving the state to find jobs, better living conditions, and escaping racial violence.
**Contemporaneous US event* 1914 World War I -
The New Deal (Work Cited) Meyers, C. C., & Williams, D. (2023). In Georgia: A brief history, second edition, expanded and updated. essay, MERCER UNIVERSITY PRESS
President Roosevelt implemented the New Deal to help the economic downfall in GA. Governor Talmadge opposed it and tried to slow it down. Numerous agencies were able to provide relief to families. The REA program brought electricity to many in rural GA. 97% of farmers did not have electricity.
This event is important because it helped many in Georgia find relief from the Great Depression and help with unemployment.
**Contemporaneous US event* 1932 Franklin D Roosevelt was elected president -
Bell Bomber Plant (Work Cited) Meyers, C. C., & Williams, D. (2023). In Georgia: A brief history, second edition, expanded and updated. essay, MERCER UNIVERSITY PRESS
The Bell Bomber plant was in Marietta. 37% were women workers and 8% were African American. They build B-29 bombers for the Army Air Forces to use during WWII. This plant helped boost the economy. They produced 663 by the end of the war.
This event is important because this plant built the B-29 bomber that played a crucial role in bombing during WWII. It also helped turn the economy around that was still recovering from the Great Depression.
**Contemporaneous US event* 1939-1945 World War II -
Three Governors Controversy (Work Cited) Meyers, C. C., & Williams, D. (2023). In Georgia: A brief history, second edition, expanded and updated. essay, MERCER UNIVERSITY PRESS
After Talmadge died, three people proclaimed themselves the new governor: Thompson, Talmadge, and Arnall. The state's constitution was unclear on who would become governor if the elector was to die. All three were fighting to be the next governor. The GA Supreme Court voted on Thompson, but in a special election, Talmadge won.
This event is essential because it shows the importance of electing individuals into political offices.
Contemporaneous US event Harry Truman became President -
Atlanta Sit-ins (Work Cited) Meyers, C. C., & Williams, D. (2023). In Georgia: A brief history, second edition, expanded and updated. essay, MERCER UNIVERSITY PRESS
African Americans were fighting for their equality rights with protests throughout the city. 200 college students conducted a sit-in at lunch counters throughout the city, and 77 were arrested. Businesses stated they were willing to negotiate but were unsuccessful until the fall of 1960 when more protests were held.
This event was an essential turning point in the civil rights movement, showing their willingness to stand up for themselves peacefully.
Contemporaneous US event:Freedom Rides -
Civil Rights Act (Work Cited) Meyers, C. C., & Williams, D. (2023). In Georgia: A brief history, second edition, expanded and updated. essay, MERCER UNIVERSITY PRESS
The Civil Rights Act prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin and helped end the segregation of public spaces, including schools. Schools that did not segregate lost federal funding. It also helped disband Jim Crow laws and helped
This event is important because it was pivotal in the Civil Rights Era to help with racial equality
Contemporaneous US event 1963 Martin Luther King Jr. March on Washington; I Have a Dream speech -
Maynard Jackson Elected the First Black Mayor of Georiga (Work Cited) Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2024, June 19). Maynard Jackson. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Maynard-Jackson
Maynard Jackson was the first African American mayor of a major southern city. He served three terms in office. He won in a runoff election against his white incumbent, whom he served as vice mayor. His victory was a turning point for the "New South," as Atlanta's population was 50% African American. His achievements included expanding Hartsfield Jackson Airport into a central transportation hub and reforming the police force.
Contemporaneous US event: 1965 Voting Rights Act -
Senate Bill 202 (Work Cited) SB 202 changes. Fulton County Government. (n.d.). https://www.fultoncountyga.gov/inside-fulton-county/fulton-county-departments/registration-and-elections/sb-202-changes
SB202 was adopted by the GA General Assembly, which changed how people could vote. It placed restrictions on absentee voting and voting access. People must write their driver's license number on mail-in ballots to prove their ID. Voters have to use their correct precinct unless it is after 5 p.m.
This event is important because many people thought the election was inaccurate and that voting should be changed.
**Contemporaneous US event* 2020 Joe Biden Elected President