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Period: to
1600-1700
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Jamestown, Virginia is Founded
Jamestown, Virginia became the first established English city in the New World. However, half of their population was diminished during their first winter, due to starving times. In order to survive, the settlers ate dead corpses, horses, and leather. Although, the introduction of tobacco saved Jamestown, as it eventually grew in wealth. -
Slavery Begins in Virginia
The first 20 slaves land in the New World through Dutch Slave Ships, sparking the birth of slavery. -
Pilgrims Voyage to the New World
The second boat of English settlers board the Mayflower in search of a better life. However, realizing that they needed structure and order as a society, the adult male passengers agreed to sign the Mayflower Compact as a promise to a civil society. -
Indian Massacre
Settlements of the Virginia Colony gets attacked by the tribes of the Powhatan Confederacy, resulting in the hundreds of deaths of colonists. -
Navigation Acts
Acts set by the government that restricted colonial trade to England in order to promote self sufficiency in Great Britain. -
Comprehensive Slave Codes
In Virginia, several slave codes were established in order to determine the nature for slaves within colonies: slave marriage wasn't recognized, slaves were seen as property, if a child was born to a slave they're automatically considered a slave, and slaves were tied to the church in which their owner paid a sum amount of money to the church for a certain amount of slaves he owned. -
King Philip's War
King Philips War was a last attempt for the Native Americans to avoid recognition towards English authority, as well as prevent their settlement on their lands. As a result, the Natives suffered starvation and encountered the settlers of Plymouth's aggression as they beheaded King Philip's head and used it as a a gate decoration. Ultimately, this war proved to the colonists that they could fight for themselves. -
Bacon's Rebellion
Bacon's Rebellion was an act of war of which that included the contribution to the major turning point of the history of slavery. More specifically, the types of slaves that were used in the Americas popularly changed from indentured servants to slaves. All of which was a result of the burning of Jamestown and an organized militia that attacked Natives, which included indentured servants behind the rebellion. -
Glorious Rebellion
Also known as the Bloodless Revolution, the Glorious Rebellion was practically an attempt at overthrowing King James II. However the significance was the power that Parliament had over the current Monarchy. As a result of Parliaments power, it paved the way for the construction of a political democracy. -
Salem Witch Trials
The Salem Witch Trials were a series of accusations made by two little girls who lived in colonial Massachusetts, that would randomly point their fingers at women who were thought to have used witchcraft with no evidence whatsoever. As a result, many women were sentenced to their death charged with the use of witchcraft. However, the girls in the end were never punished for later recognizing that they were wrong with their accusations -
Period: to
1700-1800
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The Great Awakening
The Great Awakening included religious events where communities would come together in large crowds and hear preachers. -
French and Indian War
The French and Indian War was also known as the Seven Years War in accordance to its duration. This war included Britain and the French fighting over the territory of the Americas. As a result of this war, many colonists were angered due to the massive war debt they were required to pay off through taxes. -
First Continental Congress
The first Continental Congress structured the emphasis of equality and the promotion of free debate. These free debates then led to the Declaration of Rights and Grievances. -
Battle of Lexington and Concord
Led by British commander General George, the Battle of Lexington and Concord became famous for being the "shot heard around the world" sparking the start of the American Revolution. -
Common Sense by Thomas Paine
Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" pamphlet was written with the purpose of challenging the authority of the British government and royal monarchy. This became the first mark of openly asking Great Britain for independence. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence became the first official document for the colonies' separation from Great Britain, declaring their right to to choose their own government. -
Pennsylvania Constitution
The Pennsylvania Constitution was of importance, due to the fact that it abolished property ownership as a test of citizenship and protected citizens from imprisonment for debt. -
Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga was significantly a turning point in the Revolutionary War, due to the fact that it motivated the colonists even more for their fight for independence from their lost during this battle. -
Valley Forge
Washington's Continental Army faced the most difficult winter one could experience. His army was exhausted, cold, and hungry as they marched through traitorous snow, which eventually led them to shortages in everything. As a result of this experience, they were well prepared for the next battle they faced. -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation became a league of friendship instead of a nation. It declared one state with one vote and had the powers of maintaining the post office and establishing uniform weights and measurements. -
Shay's Rebellion
Shay's Rebellion threatened to collapse the young nation of the Americas. Tax laws favored trade at the expense of agriculture with the demand of property taxes to be reduced, and denied slavey. Its importance, however, showed the need for a stronger central government. -
Period: to
1800-1876
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Embargo Act
The Embargo Act closed all U.S. ports to export shipping in both U.S. or foreign vessels. Restrictions were also placed on imports from Great Britain. As a result, the American economy depleted. -
Burning of Washington
Near the late end of August, British troops marched into Washington burning down several landmarks: local landmarks, the U.S Capitol, and the President's Mansion. -
Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine was a message to Congress by President James Monroe in which he warned European nations that the U.S would no longer stand further of colonization or puppetry. -
U.S. - Mexican War
The Mexican - American War head butted politically divided and militarily unprepared Mexico against the administration of U.S. President James K. As a result of this war, the U.S. was allowed to fulfill their "manifest destiny" dream, expanding westward. -
Fugitive Slave Act
The Fugitive Slave Act required slaves to be returned to their owners, even in a free state, if they ever ran away. -
Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 were several bills that were passed, all of which contributed to the compromise of free slave states and non-free slave states. -
Abraham Lincoln becomes President
Announced as the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation declaring the freedom of slaves within the Confederacy during 1863. -
Beginning of Civil War
Confederate troops fired on Fort Sumter, marking the beginning of the civil war. The Civil War consisted of both the Northern and Southern states fighting for rights and slavery, ultimately dividing them creating the Confederate States of America as a result. -
Battle of Gettysburg
Fought in the town of Gettysburg, the Battle of Gettysburg became the turning point for Union victory, keeping the United States together and ending slavery, as it was once divided. -
First Continental Railroad
The first Continental Railroad began in Omaha, Nebraska to Sacramento, California. This railroad connection ultimately revolutionized the settlement and economy of West America. More specifically, transporting messages, food, and people from coast to coast, saving money and time.