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Jamestown
John Smith the explorer becomes the founder of Jamestown when he landed near the mouth of James River in Virginia with 105 other colonists. This event is relevant because it was the first European settlement in America. -
The French and Indian Wars
These wars were fought between England and France for control over certain lands in Norther America and resulted in England gaining control of all French land in North America. -
Declaration of Independence
On July 4th the Declaration of Independence was signed. This document declared independence from Britain and was the start of the formation of a new country, the United States of America. -
The Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights were passed which were 10 amendments (or additions) to the beginning of the Constitution that ensured the American people their rights, for example the freedom of speech. The Bill of Rights being passed was significant as it showed that America was truly it's own independent country. -
War of 1812
The War of 1812 between the US and Britain began in 1812 when America declared war because of trade restrictions, impressments, British support of American Indians tribes against American expansion and humiliation of America's honor. The results of the war were that the federalists lost power. -
The Mexican War
The war fought between the US and Mexico after the annexation of Texas. It was caused because Mexico still considered Texas to be its territory. The war ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe where Mexico gave up all claims to land from Texas to California for $15 million which widely expanded America. -
The California Gold Rush
When thousands of miners traveled to California after the news of the discovery of gold in January. The news of the newfound gold quickly spread around the world and was an epidemic. The people that went to California traveled across the country in covered wagons facing hardships along the way. The gold rush ultimately resulted in California becoming a state. -
The Civil War
The Civil War was fought between the north and the south in America and was caused by disagreements over slavery, sectionalism, and states rights. The southern confederacy lost the war and was the spark of a period of reconstruction in the future. -
Emancipation Proclamation
Was issued by Abraham Lincoln to free all of the slaves in the Confederate states. However, the slaves in border states loyal to the Union remained enslaved. This led to slave rebellions and defiance from the south. -
Reconstruction
The period after the Civil War during which northern political leaders created plans to better govern/ improve the south and made a procedure for the southern states to rejoin the Union. -
The Civil Rights Act of 1866
This act granted equal rights to all males regardless of their age, race or previous enslavement. This was one of the first steps into the equalization of African Americans and Whites.This act put every male on the "same" playing field despite their history, slavery or otherwise. -
The Completion of the Transcontinental Railroad
It was the first railroad built that crossed the nation from the Atlantic to the Pacific and was finished in 1869 after being built for 6 years.This railroad helped the US grow in areas in regards to communication, trade, business, travel, and the building of new tows. -
"The Panic" of 1873
Starting during the Civil War, the U.S. stopped backing up people's paper money with silver or gold, causing the "panic" through the nation.The result of this was bank failures and many losses of jobs. As money currencies through the world changed, the U.S. found itself having paper bills with little monetary value. With the crash of Jay Cooke & Company the first global depression started partially because of the panic and caused a stock market crash. -
Spanish American War
War fought between the US and Spain in Cuba and the Philippines. It lasted less than 3 months and resulted in Cuba's "independence" as well as the US annexing Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. It was started in part by the influence of yellow journalism after the explosion and sinking of the USS Maine. It was a one side fight with America winning. -
The Open Door Policy
Secretary John Hay attempts to open the world markets and to give back to China their integrity. The plan was to give America power in the financial position of the world, but they only gained a little part of what they hoped for. The world wanted a way into China for their market and economy which would also keep China from becoming too great of a world power. -
The Election of Theodore Roosevelt
The 26th president was elected and was known for conservationism, trust-busting, Hepburn Act, safe food regulations, "Square Deal," Panama Canal, Great White Fleet, Nobel Peace Prize for negotiation of peace in Russo-Japanese War. -
Treaty of Versailles
Marking the end of World War 1, the Treaty of Versailles is signed. One of the most important statements in the Treaty is that Germany was responsible for the war and they had to pay for the damages. This is one of the events that would later lead to WWII and was essentially a temporary peace agreement. -
The Great Depression
The economic crisis and period of low business activity in the u.s. and other countries, roughly beginning with the stock-market crash in October, 1929, and continuing through most of the 1930s. People lost their homes and jobs and moved into Hoovervilles. It can be defined as the most severe economic downturn in US history. -
The Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
In retaliation to the attack on Pearl Harbor, America took action against Japan to show that they were not a force to be reckoned with. The first bomb was dropped in Hiroshima and the second bomb was dropped Nagasaki killing thousands of people. -
The Nuremberg Trials
Were a series of military tribunals held by the allied forces after WWII It's goal was to serve justice to those who were important members of the political, military, and economic leadership of Nazi Germany. It relates to the American dream because it shows the effort to bring the world up from the "lowest low" in history. -
Truman Doctrine
Was made in order to prevent the further spread of communism into Western Europe. American military protection was extended to Western Europe and the fear of Communist parties winning elections across the globe. This fear of communism sprouted from people falling into the cookie cutter beliefs and didn't want anyone to be different. -
The Beginning of the Cold War
After the end of WWII, there was a long period of tension between the two largest superpowers, the Soviet Union and the United States. This tension was the result of a power struggle but there was no actual fighting during the cold war. -
Marshall Plan
5 billion dollars was given to Europe from the US to help repair social and political damage that had been done by the war. The negative of the Marshall Plan was that it didn't provide aid for Eastern Europe because it was run by communism. -
NATO is Established
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was created during this time as a mutual defense system. It included Canada, the US, Britain, France, and most of western Europe. This treaty meant that if there was an attack one of of these countries it would be considered an attack on all of them. This relates to the American dream and the need for security. -
Brown vs. Board of Education
The supreme court decision that overturned the Plessy vs, Ferguson decision that was led by chief justice Earl Warren. The court ruled that "separate but equal" schools for blacks was unconstitutional. This is evidence of everyone wanting the same things in life which is evidence of the pursuit of the American dream. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
During this time Cuba was suspected of holding missiles. This was discovered by American spy plans and caused a 13 day panic at the idea of nuclear war in the states. The US wanted Cuba to move the missiles or else military action would be taken, but thankfully they complied. -
Apollo Lands on the Moon
During this time, America was in a great race with Russia to see who could send a man to the moon/ space first and bring them home safely. The mission was successful because the men on the mission made it home safely and it put the US ahead in the "race". It relates to the American dream in that it shows the strive to be the best at everything. -
The EPA is formed
The Environmental Protection Agency is signed into law by Richard Nixon. It was designed to regulate emissions, pollution, and other factors that could be potentially harmful to the environment. This act showed a newfound commitment of the government to improving environmental risks. -
The Election of Ronald Reagan
When Reagan was elected, the tension between the US and the soviets grew. This was due to the fact that Reagan made his main focus building up military arms and modernizing nuclear weapons which sent off a wrong message to the soviets.
