US History: VHS Summer: Zachary Merchant

Remarkable Events throughout the Years

Period: Jan 1, 1492 to Jan 1, 1877

This timeline displays events that have happened in U.S. history. The events range from Pre-Columbian times to the New Millennium.

Jamestown Colony established

May 13, 1607

http://www.ushistory.org/us/2c.asp In 1607, 144 English men made their way to the soils of Jamestown and established what they hopes would become a prospering economic colony. John Smith took the role as this new colony's ruler.

House of Burgesses created

Jun 30, 1619

http://www.ushistory.org/us/2f.asp The House of Burgesses was created in order for the Virgnia settlers to be able to make decisions regarding local laws and taxes. This was the first legislative assembly seen among the American colonies.

Mayflower sets sail

Sep 6, 1620

http://www.ushistory.org/us/3a.asp In 1620, the voyage of the Mayflower begun. These pilgrims lived on this ship for numerous months, until they finally landed ashore. After landing, they discovered what is now known as Plymouth Rock, and created Plymouth Colony where they would establish a government and live.

Founding of Rhode Island

May 1, 1636

http://www.ushistory.org/us/3e.asp In the Massachusetts Bay colony, the Puritans preached one true religion. However, Roger Williams did not agree with these standards.In the spring of 1636 he purchased land from the Narragansett Indians and established the colony of Rhode Island where individuals could have complete freedom of faith.

Maryland Act of Toleration passed

Apr 21, 1649

http://www.ushistory.org/us/5a.asp This ruling was passed by the House of Delegates. It was created in order to grant religious freedom to all Christians, and would be used as the basis for the First Amendment of the Bill of RIghts.

Bacon's Rebellion

Jul 9, 1676

http://www.ushistory.org/us/7e.asp Nathaniel Bacon led a group of angry settlers from Virginia in hopes of overthrowing Governor Berkeley. These individuals felt that their voice was not being heard in government and decidd to enter into Jamestown and burn it down.

Indentured servant

Aug 8, 1680

http://www.ushistory.org/us/2d.asp A labor system used by many planters which allowed for exponential economic growth. This system gave both the works and planters benefits.

Quakers

Jan 1, 1681

http://www.ushistory.org/us/4b.asp The religious movement revolving around Christianity that professes the priesthood of all believers and pacifisim. Its followers were also known as the "Society of Friends."

Manumission

Aug 9, 1700

http://www.ushistory.org/us/6e.asp Manumission was the act of deliberately allowing a slave back into freedom.

Germans arrive in Pennsylvania

Aug 14, 1700

http://www.ushistory.org/us/7f.asp In the 18th century, the Germans were inticed by ads placed in Germany to come to the U.S. for more opportunities. They arrived in Pennsylvania hoping for religious freedom and a more peaceful life. These individual became known as the Pennsylvania Dutch.

Birth of Benjamin Franklin

Jan 17, 1706

http://www.ushistory.org/us/4d.asp Benjamin Franklin did many great things in his life. He founded not only the College of Philadelphia, but other household items such as the wood burning stove and bifocal glasses. However, his most accredited discovery was of electricity.

Founding of Yale College

Oct 9, 1707

http://www.ushistory.org/us/7a.asp Yale College was founded by Massachusetts ministers in New Haven, Connecticut. They hoped that this school would help to preserve liberal and Calvinist beliefs. However, their plan was not successful and most ministers ended up converting to unitarianism in the following years.

Slave Codes

Aug 9, 1712

http://www.ushistory.org/us/6f.asp Slave codes were put into place because of the fear that white settlers had of African American slaves rebelling. These codes placed strict enforcements on slave freedom and acceptable behavior for them.

George Washington is born

Feb 22, 1732

http://www.ushistory.org/us/8c.asp George Washington was a crucial figure for the growth of the United States. He not only was a key leader in the Revolutionary War and the French and Indian War, but also helped make decisions that brought the U.S. to where it is today. He helped with the creating of the U.S. Constituion and would go on to become the first president.

Nationalism

Aug 9, 1763

http://www.ushistory.org/us/8d.asp Nationalism is the extreme pride that one feels in its country. After the French and Indian war, the American colonists felt so united and closer to eachother, and their nation.

Signing of Declaration of Independence

Jul 4, 1776

http://www.ushistory.org/us/13a.asp The signing of this legal document signified the birth day of the United States and is now celebrated as Independence Day. This was an important landmark in U.S. history for it showed the steps this country was making toward equality. It also showed the rest of the world that their 13 colonies would now be free of British rule. Its purpose was to not only inspire a new government but empower the people of the country.

Kansas Nebraska Act

Jan 4, 1854

http://www.ushistory.org/us/31a.asp The Kansas Nebraska Act was influenced by Senator Stephen A. Douglas. This act was placed into effect in order to permit slavery in certain territories again, overuling the Missouri Compromise. Ultimately this act was passed and allowed Kansas and Nebraska to determine if slavery would be allowed based on their own authorities' wants. This caused another dispute between the North and the South yet again.

Start of the Civil War

Apr 12, 1861

The Civil War was instigated by the differences of views on slavery within the United States. The unresolved views between the free states and the slave states had gone too far and now Abraham Lincoln and General Pierre Gustave T. Beauregard where brought into combat at Fort Sumter. As Lincoln lead the Union and Beauregard the Confederate Army, many deaths were taken as this long war continued on.

Military Reconstruction Act

Aug 13, 1867

http://www.ushistory.org/us/35.asp This act divided the South into five military districts and served as a guide to how the new and improved government would be ran. Under this act, African Americans were given the right to vote and other freedoms. This was a landmark for racial equality.

First African American Governor

Dec 9, 1872

http://www.ushistory.org/us/35d.asp P.B.S. Pinchback of Louisiana served as the first elected African American governor. The ability to hold an office in government showed how far the country had came with racial freedom and equality. This election served as a perfect demonstration of these new civil rights.