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Aug 21, 1492
Colombus discovers North America
Christopher Colombus was sent over seas by Spain. When he discovered the New World, he actually thought he was in India! When he discovered North America he opened up a whole new continent for people to start their lives on. -
Period: Aug 21, 1497 to
Early American History
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Jamestown is founded
This was the first successful colony in North America. It was a settlement that grew because of the production of the tobacco crop. Jamestown started the trend for the towns and cities we have today. -
Colonies declare independence
Richard Henry Lee said that the united colonies should be free and independent states. Congress then appointed a committee to prepare the Declaration of Independence and colonies declared freedom from Britain. This was a huge turning point in history because this is why the United States is what it is today. -
George Washington is elected president
George Washington was a Revolutionary hero. The nation elected him as their very first president. He helped congress create an entirely new government and most of american government techniques were based off of them. -
Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase more than doubled U.S territory. This was bought for fifteen million dollars. This amazing bargain led to further exploration. -
Trail of Tears
The Native Americans were forced by settlers to relocate West. Many Natives died on the Trail of Tears because of the cold and starvation. This created conflict between them and the settlers, but also opened up new territory. -
War with Mexico
The Americans went to war with Mexico to gain California. They ended up gaining Texas. Texas has played a huge part in Amwerican history and is still a part of our country today. -
Abraham Lincoln is elected President
Abraham Lincoln believed slavery was morally wrong and won over the Republican party. Him being president gave him the power to make the Emancipation Proclamation. His election aslo spurred the secession. -
The Confederacy is formed
Sountherners were upset with Lincoln's win and viewed it as the government getting in the way of their self determination. They wanted slavery and were determined to keep it. The secessions of the souther states spurred the Civil War. -
Civil War begins
This was caused by southern states seceding from the nation. The Civil War caused huge political, economic, technological, and social changes in the U.S. There was also a tremendous loss of life and freedom for the African Americans.
