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Founding of Jamestown
This was the first permanent English Settlement in North America. It was established by the VA Company of London as a business venture (Joint stock Company). -
The Enlightenment
New political ideas about the relationship between people and their government. This revolutionary generation formulated the political philosophy and formulated the institutional foundations for the system of government under which we live. This was a time period in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries that saw the development of new Ideas about the rights of people and their relationship to their rulers throughout the world for many generations. (lasted until 1789) -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
This was the 4th resistance to British rule, and the 1st battle of the American Revolution. It occured when minutemen fought a skirmish with british troops at Lexington and Concord. The 2nd Continental Congress was called in May as a result, and all colonies sent representatives. -
Signing of the Declaration of Independence
The signing of this document was important because the ideas that inspired it, Natural rights and Political authority (and the writings of John Locke and Thomas Paine), laid institutional foundations for a system of government that would unify the American people. The DOI was authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson, became the foundation of American thought, and inspired the world to invoke democracy. -
The Constitutional Convention
This is where the original Constitution was created. American leaders feared a powerful central gov., so they created a weak national system of gov. George Washington was president of The Convention, and James Madison, Father of the Constitution, led the debates and kept detailed notes at The Convention. Significant powers were given to the states at this convention, which would ultimately make the national government ineffective. (lasted until September 17, the date above is the day it started) -
The Election of 1800
This was the 1st American presidential election in which power was peacefully transferred from one political party to another. Thomas Democratic Republican Jefferson defeated Federalist John Adams in this election. (lasted until December 3) -
The Louisiana Purchase
"The Deal of the Century" Jefferson purchased land from France in 1803 for 15 million dollars (3 cents per acre) This purchase doubled the size of the US and granted them control of New Orleans and the Mississippi River. This control helped to facilitate western trade. -
The War of 1812
This War was caused by British interference with American shipping, or British violations of US maritime rights, westward expansion, and impressment of soldiers by the British. It lasted until February 18, 1815. A major result of this war was the British and the US agreeing to establish the 49th parallel as the boundary between the US and Canada along the Louisiana territory. It also led to the Hartford Convention, runaway slaves, and had many economic effects. -
The Missouri Compromise
Missouri became a slave state and maine became a free state under this compromise. It created an East-West line through the Louisiana purchase to show what slavery allowed south of the line, and prohibited above the line, with the exception of MIssouri. -
The Monroe Doctrine
Created by President James Monroe to protect American interests in the Western Hemisphere. It had 4 main points: 1) The newly formed Latin Americans were recognized as independent 2) The American Continents should not be considered for future colonization by any European Powers 3) The US would regard as a threat to its own peace and safety any attempt by European powers to impose their system on any independent state in the western hemisphere. 4) The US would not interfere in European affairs. -
Nullification Crisis
A conflict between the state of SC and the US federal government. It was driven by SC politician John C. Calhoun, who opposed the federal imposition of the tariffs of 1828 and 1832 and argued that the Constitution gave states the right to block the enforcement of a federal law. This Crisis was the first time tensions between state and federal authority almost led to a civil war! The Compromise Tariff of 1833 was eventually accepted by South Carolina and ended this Crisis. -
Texas Independence and Annexation
Americans migrate to Texas and decide they want independence from Mexico. This led to an armed revolt: The Alamo. At The Alamo, 200 Texans would fight to the last man against 1800 Mexican soldiers. The result: Texas eventually defeats the Mexican forces and would subsequently be brought into the US. (lasted until 1848) -
Battle of Fort Sumter
Commonly known as: "The Shot Heard 'Round the World". Confederate troops fire on fort Sumter, SC - making the first confrontation of the Civil War. (lasted until April 13, 1861) -
Civil War
Caused by sectional issues, slavery, and states rights. It resulted in reconstruction plans presented by Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, and The Radical Republicans. (lasted until April 9, 1865) -
The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln was killed 6 days after Lee's surrender at the end of the Civil War. Because of this he did not get to carry out his 10% plan for Southern state governments, and Vice President Andrew Johnson became president.