-
Period: 30,000 BCE to
Beginnings to Exploration
-
9600 BCE
Bering Land Bridge
During the last global Ice Age, the world was covered in continental glaciers, allowing lowered global sea levels and a land bridge connecting Asia and America to be accessible. Native Ancestors used this land bridge (or The Bering Strait) for their migration and population needs. These hunter-gatherers traveled in small groups and used vegetable, animal, and marine resources to trek through Beringia. DNA evidence shows ancestors rooting themselves in between Asian and America for 15,000-years. -
2000 BCE
Maya
The Maya Civilization was located in the Yucatan Peninsula or modern-day Guatemala, Belize, parts of Mexico, and Western Honduras and El Salvador. These indigenous people valued culture and social rank. For example, ball game, a written calendar, human sacrifice, pyramids, and a hieroglyphic writing system, were major aspects of their beliefs. In this civilization, not only was culture important, but a caste system existed, meaning people were unable to improve their social rank easily. -
500
The Dark Ages
This era took place during the early medieval period of western European history. After Rome fell, quality of life in Western Europe diminished as well and resulted in no higher learning and a weak economy. Since there was no Roman or Holy Roman emperor at the time, the Catholic Church rose to claim power. Once the Catholic Church came into power, they used the Bible to substantiate their literacy and religious status to culturally and educationally dominate the majority of the population. -
1347
The Black Death
The Black Death was a pandemic in medieval Europe. This crisis was caused by fleas on rats that carried the bacterium Yersinia pestis and led to 40-50% of deaths in Europe's population. Once most of the population died off, there became a limited supply of workers and peasants became valuable. This allowed peasants to move up socially and develop a new merchant society. With the creation of the merchant society, a new economy was created and made it possible for the Renaissance to take place. -
1350
The Renaissance
The Renaissance was a cultural (artistic and scientific) movement in Europe where Classical ideas resurfaced. Artistry became prevalent and included classical realism paintings and sculptures by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci. Not only did Leonardo da Vinci work on art, but he also contributed to the scientific and medicinal advancement of this era. Along with art and science improvement, the printing press was created and improved literacy rates and decreased the Catholic Church's power. -
1492
Columbian Exchange
The Columbian Exchange was an exchange of goods from the Old World to the New World and vice versa. Christopher Columbus brought diseases, culture, commodities, and people to the New World. With the many different fruits and animals exchanged between the two regions, the Old World benefited from the new crop source (such as potatoes, tomatoes, and chocolate) and were able to sustain and grow their population. However, Native exposure to European diseases caused a decimation in their population. -
Jul 24, 1534
New France
Jacques Cartier, a French explorer, entered the Gulf of St. Lawrence and took possession of New France for King Francis I. He attempted to create a colony but ultimately failed. Instead, Samuel de Champlain founded the first French colony in North America (Port Royal) and began the Quebec settlement. In order to maintain relations with the Natives, the French practiced cooperative conversion and fur trading. This colony became a fur trading empire and held the best relationship with natives. -
Period: to
English Colonial Societies
-
Virginia (Slaves)
Along with the economy booming because of the tobacco crop, slaves were imported to Virginia in August 1619. These slaves were originally transported on a Portuguese ship on its way to the West Indies but had been attacked by an English-Jamestown ship that took these slaves to Virginia. Out of those 50 slaves taken, 20 were purchased. The slaves lived a hard life while working for cash crop plantations, and eventually became a major economic source for the Southern colonies and Virginia. -
Plymouth Colony
Plymouth Colony (formally named New Plymouth) was founded by Pilgrims who wanted to escape religious persecution in England. These people were called Pilgrims (separatists from the Church of England) who sailed on the Mayflower ship and had intended to land towards the Hudson River but landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts instead. They came in contact with Squanto, an English-speaking native, who taught them how to farm corn and helped form an alliance with the Pokanoket against other enemy tribes. -
Caribbean Colonies
Originating from when Christopher Columbus had learned that the sugar plant responded well to Hispaniola, this led to sugar production that required enslaved Africans and Natives for labor. It was planted throughout Barbados, Jamaica, and other English-held islands. Sugar became a cash and main crop produced on plantations throughout the Caribbean. Sugar was a popular crop because Europeans used it for everything, causing Spain, France, England, and Holland to have high stakes in this region. -
Carolinas
Eight proprietors wanted the land south of Virginia and named the colony after King Charles. They used this land for two reasons. One reason was to act as a buffer between Spanish Florida so that the Carolinas would absorb the impact of attack instead of Virginia. Their second reason was to make money by producing tobacco, rice, and indigo. They also imported slaves and had aspects of Caribbean slave and West Indies culture influence the later overall Southern Colonies' belief toward slaves. -
Pennsylvania (William Penn)
Initially, William Penn and 11 other Quakers purchased proprietary rights to East New Jersey. Due to political turmoil in Britain at the time, he sought a refuge for the Quaker community. King Charles II was then inclined to give William Penn a large land grant to pay off a debt he owed to his family, so by 1681, Penn had received a province on the west bank of the Delaware River, which he named Pennsylvania after his father. He intended for this colony to be a refuge for all persecuted people. -
Salem Witch Trials
Due to war on the native frontier, a recent smallpox epidemic, and a rivalry with Salem town, panic and hysteria set in Salem Village, leading to colonists in Massachusetts believing a group of girls who claimed to be possessed by the devil and their accusations that local women were possessed by witchcraft. Tensions were so high that when the minister's daughter started acting strangely and accused others of being a witch, the villagers believed her and caused dozens to be executed over it. -
Triangular Trade
With the connection between the Old World and New World became established, there was a surge in economic boost and opportunities. A trade route in the shape of a triangle was formed between the Americas, Africa, and Europe. Europe traded rum, weapons, and clothing that were inaccessible to those in Africa for slaves which then led to these slaves going to the Americas as a workforce. In turn, the West Indies and British colonies sent raw materials to Europe to produce manufactured goods. -
Colonial Economies
Based on each colony's region and climate, their economies differed. For example, in the New England colonies, since their soil was not suited for agriculture, they based their economy on fishing, used their abundance of lumber for shipbuilding, and utilized Atlantic trade. The Mid-Atlantic focused on European trade, held a bit of agriculture in Pennsylvania, but relied mainly on their small manufacturing industry. The Upper South relied on tobacco and the Lower South used rice and slaves. -
Period: to
Colonial America to 1763
-
Act of Union 1707
After the Glorious Revolution, tensions between the two Parliaments of England and Scotland created the possibility of legislative warfare. The Act of Union of 1707 was meant to resolve and be a mutually beneficial political agreement between England and Scotland to avoid this catastrophe. This unification led to the rise of New Britain and the Parliament as head of this new empire. During this time, colonies still had local control but had to respond to Britain as their central government. -
Slavery (Upper and Lower South)
Upper South slavery included Virginia and had slaves replace indentured servitude. The main crop cultivated in this region was primarily tobacco. In terms of the slave labor force, slaves were divided into smaller groups and since whites had easier control over these smaller groups, African culture was unable to be kept in the way that it was in the Lower South. In the Lower South, their culture was based on the Caribbean and rice was the main staple crop. Their population was also 2/3 slaves. -
Virtual Representation
British parliament members said to represent British colonists from all areas and not just the district they were from. Along with Virtual Representation came salutary neglect, which was Britain's policy to not become involved with colonial affairs since they were so far away and allowed the colonies to govern themselves. Since the colonists had an autonomous government they valued it and formed their own militias. Once Britain decided to take away this neglect, the colonists became angered. -
The Great Awakening
The Great Awakening happened after the Enlightenment and was fueled by its ideals. It lasted for about 40 years between 1730 and 1770. During this time, Jonathan Edwards emphasized the importance of religion and George Whitfield preached to many colonies that, in order to save their soul, they must choose the congregation best suited for them. He addressed peoples' spiritual needs and gave ordinary people a voice. During this time, natives also looked towards Christianity and cultural change. -
The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment was a social and cultural movement that promoted science and reasoning rather than superstition. It made it a point to question all preconceived notions and focused on deism or the belief that God created the universe but decided to watch on the side and allowed humans free-will to make their own decisions. During this time, Georgia, named after King George II, was established as a penal (and buffer colony) for prisoners and poor people who could not pay off their debt. -
French and Indian War
The French and Indian War was fought between Britain, France, and Spain. Britain and France were in conflict over who owned the Ohio River Valley. George Washington was chosen as the leader for the battle of Fort Duquesne but lost to the French. This eventually became a worldwide conflict and after the British lost at Fort William Henry, they had a new resolve to win. Quebec then fell in 1759 and Montreal was then captured by British forces in 1760. The Treaty of Paris 1763 ended the war. -
Period: to
The Revolutionary War 1763 - 1783
-
Stamp Act
The British Parliament placed a tax on all paper goods such as legal papers, playing cards, newspapers, and pamphlets. This affected different social groups, such as printers and lawyers who used paper for their work and sailors who played with cards. This tax was imposed to help improve Britain's financial state who was in an economic deficit due to the high costs of the French and Indian War. Colonists were unhappy so nonviolent protest erupted even though Britons were being taxed the same. -
Boston Massacre
Bostonians threw snowballs filled with rocks at British soldiers. Due to being in fear of their lives, the British soldiers fired into the crowd and killed 5 colonists. This event became well known to the other colonies due to Paul Revere creating a fictitious account of what really happened. Revere turned the Boston Massacre into America's first propaganda and riled many people up. This led to the colonists turning against Britain's oppression and became a factor to the fight for independence. -
Boston Tea Party
The colonists were angry at the British Parliament for taxing the colonists without representation; such taxes included the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts. They were also fueled by the Boston Massacre, which was a propaganda that worked in adding onto the colonists' rage, so once the Tea Act was imposed by the Parliament, the colonists reached a peak in their anger. One drunken night, the Sons of Liberty and Bostonians dressed as natives and threw 340 chests of East India Company tea overboard. -
1st Continental Congress (Patrick Henry)
After Britain passed the Coercive Acts, the American colonies held its first Continental Congress meeting where Patrick Henry attended as a delegate for Virginia. During the Stamp Act, Henry introduced resolutions to the Virginia legislature in a speech. His speech became popularized throughout the colonies and established America's position against taxation without representation. He became most famous during the Second Continental Congress where he stated, "Give me liberty or give me death!" -
The Declaration of Independence
At the Second Continental Congress meeting, the colonists declared that they were united and wanted independence from Britain. Thomas Jefferson composed a draft on the Declaration of Independence and compiled a list of the colonists' grievances against the British. When writing the Declaration, Jefferson made sure to avoid anti-monarchal sentiment so France and Spain would eventually join the American cause. The Declaration of Indepndence was finished on July 2nd but ratified on July 4, 1776. -
Massachusetts Constitution
John Adams wrote the 1780 Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This constitution emphasized the importance of the common good, natural rights, and having the right to alter the government if necessary. Due to the creation of this constitution, a body politic was formed. It was a voluntary association that was entitled to a voice when it came to governance, a social contract, and the role of the citizen as the people. This later became a model for the later U.S Constitution. -
Articles of Confederation (Problems)
The Articles had problems until it was replaced in 1789. First, after the colonies won independence, it failed due to giving states more power than the federal government, not enforcing taxation, relying on requisitions (or by laying claim to property or material) and by being short on funds and states being allowed to reject pensions leading to war veterans revolting against the federal government. The government also failed due to printing an excess amount of money causing devalued currency. -
Battle of Yorktown
The Battle of Yorktown was a siege and the final, deciding battle of the American Revolution. General Cornwallis attempted to retreat to Virginia by first going through Richmond, near Williamsburg and eventually to Yorktown, Virginia. George Washington, who led the Contiental Army, made sure to block Lafayette to prevent Cornwallis from escaping by land and Franco-American naval forces blocked the Chesapeake Bay to prevent escape through the water. The British surrendered and the Americans won. -
Problems with the British
After the Treaty of Paris 1783 was signed, the British were supposed to vacate their forts in the Ohio River Valley and leave; however, due to the loyalists not being given their property back (despite the Treaty of Paris requiring this) the British stayed and kept their forts. During this time period, there were also concurrent problems with continued conflicts with Natives due to their lack of representation in the treaty and the Spanish denying Americans access to the Mississippi River. -
Period: to
The Constitution
-
Treaty of Paris - 1783
The Treaty of Paris 1783 ended the Revolutionary War and recognized the United States as independent from Britain. This treaty established the Northern border with British North America and Canada. This gave America most of Britain's territory east of the Mississippi River allowing for later western expansion. The treaty required that loyalist properties be restored, but never happened. This was finalized on September 3, 1783, but wasn't ratified by the Continental Congress till early 1784. -
Shay's Rebellion
Prior to Shay's Rebellion, a group of protestors went to courts to fight against the court-issued seizures for farmers' property. At the time, there was no executive leader to put down the rebellion and farms were being seized. Shay's Rebellion took place in western Massachusetts and was led by Daniel Shay who led rebelling farmers against the seizure of farms for unpaid debts. This rebellion was put down by the Massachusetts militia but made people realize a constitutional reform was needed. -
Constitutional Convention (Two Plans)
The Constitutional Convention met to discuss ideas for a new way of governing. The Virginia Plan was based on large states and consisted of a Two House Legislature. This legislature would have consisted of the Lower House, which was elected by the general population, and the upper house, which was elected by the lower house. The other plan was the New Jersey Plan which focused on small states wanted a single legislature. The Connecticut Plan was a compromise and created a bi-cameral legislature. -
The Great Debate
During the process of ratifying the Constitution, there was conflict between Federalists and Anti-federalists which led to protests, debates, and political campaigns. The Federalists party believed in a strong central government and an opposition against a Bill of Rights. The Federalists papers were created to defend the constitution. The Anti-federalists wanted less central government and supported the Bill of Rights. The Anti-federalists papers were created to oppose the Constitution. -
Three Branches
One of the three branches was the executive branch. The executive branch consisted of a cabinet system which was based on the Prime Minister's system. This cabinet system was important for the functioning of the government because if the executive branch ever needed advice, the cabinet was readily available. The Judiciary branch included the Judiciary Act of 1789 where a 3-tier system of courts was introduced. The Legislative branch included the House of Representatives and the Senate. -
Period: to
New Republic
-
Election of 1788
The first presidential election lasted between the years of 1788 and 1789. An Electoral College system was used and since there were no running mates, whoever was the second option to the president took the vice president position, in this case, it was John Adams. Washington was sworn in officially in 1789. His first cabinet consisted of Thomas Jefferson as secretary of state, Alexander Hamilton as secretary of treasury, Henry Knox as secretary of war, and Edmund Randolph as attorney general. -
Bank of the United States
Alexander Hamilton's fondness for monetary and economics led to his development of the first bank of the United States. It was a place that served as a depository, could make loans, have private investors, and its original purpose was to stabilize the country's economy and currency. Despite it repairing the United States' financial issue, there were some constitutionality issues. The Republican group did not like the first bank due to it not being written or included in the Constitution. -
Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey Rebellion was the first domestic test of the United States. After the war, debt was high and the United States faced an economic deficit. In order to counteract this financial crisis, Alexander imposed a 25% tax on whiskey. This tax gave tax breaks to larger companies but made smaller companies pay more. Pennsylvania and Kentucky farmers began a revolt but were stopped by George Washington and a state militia. This was the first use of federal government power through military means. -
Two Competing Forms of Government
After the election, two prominent political parties began to emerge. They were called the Federalists and Democratic-Republican. Alexander Hamilton led the Federalists party. Their beliefs consisted of a loose interpretation of the Constitution as a living document apt to change whereas Thomas Jefferson (leader of the Democratic-Republican party) had his party's political beliefs consist of a strict interpretation of the Constitution, a loose central government, and more power given to states. -
Changes in Agriculture (Cotton Gin)
Eli Whitney, creator of the cotton gin, was originally from New England. After graduating from Yale University, Whitney considered becoming a lawyer but decided to move to the South and become a private tutor on a Georgia plantation instead. While there, he learned that the South had efficiency issues when it came to picking the seeds out of cotton. At the time, slavery was in decline, but with the invention of the cotton gin, cotton production became much faster and slavery was revived for it. -
International Conflicts (Britain)
International conflicts existed between the United States and Britain. Regarding the United States relationship with Britain, after the Revolutionary War, Britain kept its forts in the West and traded with natives, arming them with guns, but was the United States biggest trade partner. The United States established Jay's Treaty with Britain so that they would vacate their forts and stop trading guns with natives. This caused a Republican outrage where they viewed Federalists as pro-British. -
Adams Presidency (XYZ Affair)
During the Adams Presidency, the French were angry over Jay's Treaty limiting trade and recalled their envoy. This matter led to the XYZ Affair. The XYZ Affair consisted of three unknown French diplomats who demanded $250,000 as a bribe or payment to work for Americans, they demanded a 10 million dollar loan, and wanted a public apology from Johan Adams. There was public outcry over how the French disrespected the Americans, but Adams managed to negotiate once more and prevented a war. -
Period: to
The Age of Jefferson
-
Election of 1800 (12th Amendment)
During the Presidential Election of 1800, due to Napolean wanting American support against the British, division was created among federalists and made people view John Adams as weak thus causing Adams to losing this election. Thomas Jefferson tied with Aaron Burr and because they were elected from the same party without differentiation between who would be president, the 12th Amendment was created to require separate ballots for the Vice President and President position and have running mates. -
Jefferson Administration (Louisiana Purchase)
Thomas Jefferson's greatest achievement during his presidency was the Louisana Purchase. Stemming from France being in debt and needing to pay off the money they owed, Napolean sold the Lousiana Territory for less than 3 cents an acre. Once the territory was purchased, Jefferson sent Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on an expedition to explore the unknown territory. On this expedition, a native woman (Sacagawea) served as a translator and demonstrated peaceful intentions to other natives. -
Madison Presidency
James Madison took over as the executive leader of the United States in 1809. At the time of his presidency, Madison inherited the Embargo Act of 1807. This act was the result of British impressment of American sailors or the taking of these sailors for naval service. The Embargo Act was unpopular in seaports and the merchant class due to deriving trade with Britain and France for American goods. The British were upset and gave weapons to natives, such as Tecumseh, to raid American settlements. -
Technological Benefits of the War of 1812
Major inventions that were created during the War of 1812 include the cotton gin, the steam engine, and the transition to mass production. The cotton gin made cotton production less tedious due to no more seeds needing to be picked and making it easier to remove seeds from cotton. Although slavery was decreasing, this invention resulted in the revival of it. The steam engine allowed for transportation to be cheaper and faster. Mass production allowed for parts to be created cheaper and faster. -
Labor Changes (Lowell Mills)
Within the Northern industry, women started to become incorporated into the workforce. In Massachusetts, the Lowell Mills, a textile industry, began. In the Lowell Mills, young, single women were attracted for work. Accompanying the Lowell Mills was the Waltham System. The Waltham System relied on centralized factories or mills, and utilized machinery, such as the power loom. With both the Lowell Mills and Waltham system, all manufacturing and textile work could be completed in a single factory. -
Changes in Transportation (Railroads)
The installation of railroads was an important part of the Industrial Revolution. Initiated by Colonel John Stevens, the legislature of New Jersey granted him the first U.S railroad charter. With the railroad system, transportation became much faster and cost-efficient. It allowed goods to be transported in bulk to other locations and at a cheaper price. Following the ease of transportation and shipment of goods, mass consumption, mass production, and economic specialization were encouraged. -
Period: to
The American Industrial Revolution
-
War of 1812 (Battle of New Orleans)
The Battle of New Orleans was the final battle of the War of 1812, even though it was not supposed to happen. The Treaty of Ghent was signed before the Battle of New Orleans and had already ended the war, yet the battle went on due to neither side knowing the message was delayed. This battle was led by Andrew Jackson who gained immense popularity and eventually became a household name due to his leadership role in this battle and for defeating the British Army with a biracial and ragtag army. -
McCulloch v. Maryland
The McCulloch v. Maryland case was significant because of the affirmation of Congress' implied powers. This case was based on the grounds of the state of Maryland wanting to tax a federal bank but the cashier of said bank refusing to pay the tax thus bringing into question the constitutionality of the bank. This case stated that the federal government was allowed power not implied in the Constitution, was supreme over states, and that states cannot take the place of the federal government. -
Panic of 1819
The Panic of 1819 was one of the worst Depression or recessions that the United States had ever faced. It was the first major economic depression the United States had ever experienced and it occurred after the War of 1812 when the United States was in a financial crisis. In order to resolve this matter, the Second Bank of the United States was issued. Banks had given loans to anyone at this time and most loans were not paid back. At this time, agriculture prices collapsed and banks had failed. -
Temperance Movement
The Temperance Movement revolved around limiting alcohol consumption, its intake, and the total abstinence of it. Since alcohol was prominent and an easy substance that was readily available, many people drank at all times of the day, resulting in ruined jobs (and a subsequent bad economy) and destroyed family lives. Although the refrainment from alcohol consumption was seen in churches during the 1800s, organizations did not extend to the total elimination of the substance till the 1820s. -
Missouri Crisis
The Missouri Crisis was based around Missouri applying for admission as a slave state. Before Missouri had applied as a slave state, tensions between the North and South (based on the use of slavery) was on the rise. This caused or elicited a possibility of the unbalance between free states and slave states, issuing the dilemma of a power imbalance. In order to resolve this issue, the Missouri Compromise consisted of an imaginary line to distinguish where slave states were or were not allowed. -
Immigration
With the American Industrial Revolution, rural migration and European immigration occurred. For those from rural areas, the Industrial Revolution attracted people because of the prospect of better work and economic opportunities. For European immigrants, different ethnic groups came to the United States for different reasons. The Irish came because of a potato famine, Germans came because of poor harvests and political turmoil, and the Scandinavians and British came for economic opportunity. -
Period: to
Cultural Changes
-
Age of Common Man
During the Republic of the Common Man, two men stood out: Andrew Jackson and Davy Crockett. With Andrew Jackson, before his presidency, Jackson was a frontiersman. Jackson used his background from the Carolinas to establish his roots as a "common man" and then used his status from leading the Battle of New Orleans (and winning) as roadwork for his later presidential campaign as a "common man." With Davy Crockett, he was a common man because he was from Tenessee and came from humble beginnings. -
Period: to
Age of Jackson
-
Election of 1824
In the Election of 1824, there were four candidates, Henry Clay, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, and William Crawford. The position came between John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson. While the election was ongoing, an event named the "Corrupt Bargain" by Jackson occurred. The Corrupt Bargain was an agreement between Adams and Clay, where Adams allowed Clay to be his Secretary of State if he persuaded the House of Representatives to vote for him. As a result, Adams won and became president. -
Presidency of John Q. Adams (American System)
During John Quincy Adams' presidency, he implemented the American System. The American System was originally created by Henry Clay and was inspired or based off of Alexander Hamilton's American School System of Economic Philosophy. This system was made of protective tariffs, the development of a new national bank, and internal improvements. These domestic improvements included building or improving infrastructures such as roads and canals. The goal of this system was to improve the U.S' economy. -
Election of 1828 (Andrew Jackson)
To ensure his victory, Andrew Jackson obtained a new strategy for his 2nd campaign. He decided to use his humble origins and present himself as the "common man" to try and get people to vote for him. Jackson also used his former military career where he led the Battle of New Orleans and seized Florida's territory. He also used personal attacks against his fellow competitors during his campaign and believed in a 2nd party system. He was also nicknamed Old Hickory for being as tough as that wood. -
Southern Society (Planters)
In the South, whites were divided into three classes. However, their ruling social class were the planters. In the planter class, they were considered to be the "elite of the South." Surprisingly, the majority of this class actually did not own slaves, but those that did, had between one to nine. In this social class, a white southern culture was established. This culture included honor and reputation being held in high regard and that dueling was a common happening despite being illegal. -
Jackson Administration (Native Americans)
Once gold was found on Cherokee land during Andrew Jackson's administration, he implemented the Indian Removal Act of 1830 which allowed him, the president, the power to exchange Indian land. Following this, the Cherokee Nations decided to take legal action and sue the state of Georgia who deprived them of their rights, in turn, the Supreme Court was unwilling to hear out the Cherokees. The Trail of Tears was also initiated by Jackson which forced Natives to be relocated to Indian territory. -
Transcendentalism (Henry David Thoreau)
The transcendentalism movement was philosophical and based in the 1800s. Henry David Thoreau was one of the most well-known transcendentalists during this time. Transcendentalists, such as him, believed in intuition over logic and favored European Romanticism and Eastern religious materials. Thoreau was a writer during this movement and influenced the transcendentalism movement by writing about nature, independence, and living simply, inevitably contributing to core transcendentalist ideas. -
Millennialism (Mormons)
Joseph Smith believed a divine entity or angel came to speak with him. In the year 1823, Smith claimed, with the advice of an angel, to have found a set of golden tablets with information about the ancient inhabitants of America. He used this to set up the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and became the founder of the Mormon religion. At the time, the Millerite Movement was also created by William Miller who believed the world was going to end in 1844 but was found to be a fraud. -
Slavery (Nat Turner's Rebellion)
A slave by the name of Nat Turner initiated a successful slave rebellion in Virginia. Although he was a slave, he was allowed to learn how to read, write, and have access to religion. With these skills, Nat Turner became a preacher. Turner eventually came to the belief that God chose him to lead a rebellion. He took many events as signs, and, once the lunar eclipse came, he led 68 slaves in a rebellion which resulted in the deaths of 55-60 whites, including women, children, and the poor. -
Revivalism (Charles Grandison Finney)
Revivalism was a movement within Protestant Christians. Revivalists centered their movement around the basis of free will where no predestination was involved, meaning that everyone made their own choices. They were also hypocrites since they did not like the Industrial Revolution but used print technology to spread their message. Charles Grandison Finney was a leader revivalist. He was the one that began to stress free-will and acting now, and used his position to preach revivalism onto others. -
Election of 1836
In the Election of 1836, Martin Van Buren barely defeated the Whig Party and became president. During his presidency, he faced economic hardship such as the Panic of 1837. This recession was based on former President Andrew Jackson's actions such as defunding the second federal bank which led to no financial regulatory system until the 20th century. The poor and bad economy former President Andrew Jackson left behind was inherited by Van Buren, which led to his nickname of "Martin Van Ruin." -
Second Great Awakening (Education)
During this time, education became taken as a matter of importance. Grades had begun to be assigned to students to teach students that they are held accountable for their actions. With grades being counted for, textbooks and instruction became standard for schools throughout the country. Education reformers also issued compulsorily attendance. This caused backlash from those in rural areas because they feared high taxes and that they would lose their labor source of their kids to school. -
Western Frontier (Native Americans)
Natives traded with the common men in the Western Frontier for their supplies. The common men wanted the animals that the Natives caught for fur and to turn the pelts into the finished goods of clothing, such as beaver hats, contributing to their fashion changes. They also used these furs for wool felt that was later made into robes and garments. It was a partnership between the Whites and Native Americans because the natives would trade fur while the Whites would trade goods such as teapots. -
Western Frontier (Fur traders)
The fur trade was prominent and Americans dominated this trade by the 1820s. Americans traded with natives, but also Europeans for a large and decent profit. They were in competition with Russians, British, Dutch and French for these fur-bearing animals. Due to so many people wanting these animals, they were overly hunted resulting in a decline and the near extinction of beavers. Due to fur being so highly regarded, fashion changes occurred but ended once trappers disappeared by the 1840s. -
Period: to
Westward Expansion
-
Election of 1840
Martin Van Buren tried running for reelection for the Democrats but General William Henry Harrison ran against him for the Whigs. The Whig Party then spread rumors about Martin Van Buren and accused him of being an aristocrat. This brought Van Buren unpopularity, because, at the time, the people wanted their president as a "common man," which is what Harrison claimed to be, thus allowing him to win. Despite winning, his old age caught up to him and he became the shortest-lived president. -
Manifest Destiny (Great Migration)
With the Great Migration, Elijah White moved almost 1000 people to Oregon, beginning the desire to head to this new territory. In the Mormon Migration, they used the Oregon Trail to cross from Illinois to Utah under the direction of Brigham Young. They did this because they felt violence and abuse from others for their religion and wanted to practice peacefully. By the end of the Mexican War, after Oregon became part of the U.S, Mormons had established a place where they could practice freely. -
Changes in Communication (Telegraph)
Created by Samuel Morse and others, the telegraph greatly affected changes in communication. With the invention of the telegraph, long-distance communication, which once could have taken days or months at a time to be sent and received, became instantaneous. Along with the telegraph, Samuel Morse created a special code, named Morse Code, to accompany it. Morse Code was based on dots and dashes that corresponded to a letter in the English alphabet which allowed for messages to be understood. -
Manifest Destiny (Texas)
By 1824, land grants were given by Mexico to the common white man. Stephen F. Austin brought about 300 settlers to Texas after his father died. Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana came to power and put Austin in jail. During the Texas Revolution, Texans won the Battle of Goliad, lost the Seige of Bexar or the Alamo, and due to their victory in the Battle of San Jacinto, they received independence with the Treaty of Velasco. 10 years later, Texas was annexed into the U.S despite the Congress imbalance. -
Manifest Destiny (Mexican American War)
Beginning with the Election of 1844, Jame K. Polk took over as president after John Tyler died. James K. Polk three main goals were to annex Texas (which already happened before he became president), to settle the Oregon border, and to settle the Mexican border. He incited the Mexican American War by sending Zachary Taylor to an unclear border between the 2 countries where Mexico attacked first. This instiaged the war, producing many great American generals and the U.S' victory in 1848. -
Slavery (Wilmot Proviso)
The Wilmot Proviso was a proposal offered by David Wilmot in 1846. David Wilmot was a Democrat from Pennsylvania who disliked slavery in the time of when the Republic Party favored slavery. Since he was a Democrat, he offered the Wilmot Proviso as an amendment to prevent slavery from being allowed in the new territory. Since this meant to forbid slavery in the new territory, political rage regarding the debate of slavery was fueled and increased tensions that divided the North and South further. -
California Gold Rush
When gold was found near Sacramento Valley in 1848 after the annexation of California, the gold rush began. Due to the finding of gold, thousands of people migrated to California in hopes of becoming rich. Many miners settled in the area and waited for California to turn from a territory in 1848 to a state by 1850. Chinese migrants also came to California in hopes to find gold but were given the worst mining position, such as getting trapped in mines because of it collapsing, and racism. -
Period: to
Sectionalism
-
Suffrage (Seneca Falls Convention)
The Seneca Falls Convention was held during the summertime in New York in 1848 and intended to discuss women's voting right. It was a two-day meeting that included strictly women on the first day, but later welcomed men on the second day, totaling to 300 people. Elizabeth Cady Stanton helped organize the event and was known for her strong advocacy of women's rights. Lucretia Mott also attended the convention and was known for her advocacy of anti-slavery, women's rights, and religious reform. -
Election of 1848
The Election of 1848 included the Democrats represented by Lewis Cass and the Whigs by Zachary Taylor. Zach Taylor was a favorable choice because he was known for being a general in the Mexican-American war and for being a slave owner. Because of the Wilmot Proviso and that some Whigs, such as Zach Taylor, approved of slavery, the Free-Soil Party was created to oppose slavery and Martin Van Buren was the chosen leader. The arrival of this party weakened the Democrats and let Zach Taylor win. -
Slavery (Abolitionist)
Abolitionists favored either gradualism or immediatism. In those favoring gradualism, they believed in freeing slaves gradually and eventually sending them back to Africa, specifically Liberia which was a country meant for slaves to turn to after receiving their freedom. This was never popular with African Americans because they grew up in North America and wanted to stay. In those who wanted immediate abolition, they wanted an immediate end to slavery which was popular for most abolitionists. -
Election of 1852
The Election of 1852 was between Franklin Pierce and Winfield Scott. Franklin Pierce was part of the Democrat party, and, despite not many people knowing who he was, was chosen to represent them. Winfield Scott stood for the Whig party and, based on the results of the election, the Whig party began its permanent downfall. In hopes to try and win, Winfield Scott allied himself with anti-slavery to become part of the popular opinion. However, he still lost and the Whig Party fell because of it. -
Slavery (Kansas-Nebraska Act)
The Kansas-Nebraska Act was based on Southerners being afraid of two new free states and wanting to abolish the Missouri Compromise. The Kansas-Nebraska Act was proposed by Stephen Douglas and Franklin Pierce due to the debate between slavery and anti-slavery, and, once popular sovereignty was permitted, settlers were allowed to decide whether or not they wanted slavery. With this act, the 36 30 line was repealed, meaning that Kansas was now a slave state and Nebraska was now a free state. -
Nativism
The concept that people who followed Nativism believed was that the United States' native population's needs were more important than immigrants. These nativists blamed immigrants, such as German and Irish Catholics, for their problems, so they took violent approaches against them to express their displeasure. At the same time, Know Nothings appeared, and became known as The American Party, and that was a secret organization whose sole purpose was to restrict immigrants. They disbanded by 1860. -
Industrialization vs. Agriculture (North)
Between the years of 1840 and 1860, the North had grown exponentially. They strengthened their industrialization processes and included weapons and interchangeable parts in their many factories. Due to so many jobs from factories arising and popping up, immigrants were drawn in looking to provide cheap labor in the hopes of benefitting economically. Railroads were also installed that went from East to West and connected the Northeast to Midwest. At this time, the population doubled in size. -
Election of 1860 (Abraham Lincoln)
In the Election of 1860, Abraham Lincoln was the representative of the Republican Party. Abraham Lincoln's beliefs consisted of a moderate approach to slavery, in other words, he was willing to let it stay or remain but not expand further than it already was. In politics, Lincoln had an advantage since he had little or no political enemies. Due to the divide the Democrat party experienced because of their sectional differences, their party was weakened allowing for Lincoln to win the election. -
South
Despite having less manufacturing and industrialization, the South made up for it with their excellent military leadership. Their main military leader was Robert E. Lee. The South even compared themselves to the thirteen colonies in the fact that they wanted to secede or break away from the Union, similar to how the colonies wanted to break away from England. Throughout this, the South hoped for Britain as an ally with their cotton trade, because they didn't have a navy, money, or supplies. -
North
The North had a much larger population. Their population consisted of 22 million people and they were put to fight in the Civil War. With their large population, they completed a large amount of industrialization. They created 110,000 factories, a 1.5 billion industry, and focused 97% of their factories on weapons manufacturing, 94% on clothing, and 90% on shoes and boots. They also implemented railroads that spread to 30,000 miles of track. They were able to finance themselves much more. -
Leaders (North)
Throughout the Civil War, the military leaders were rotated and changed since most were not that good. Most of these military leaders also served in the Mexican-American war. For example, General Winfield Scott fought in the Mexican-American war but he was also chosen as the first general for the Civil War. After him, General George McClellan replaced and took his place. Despiting hating President Abraham Lincoln, as the new leader of the Army of Potomac, he trained the army very quickly. -
Period: to
Civil War
-
Confederate States of America
The Confederate States of America was a group of Southern states that left or seceded the Union. Once these states formed the Confederate States of America, there was no going back, and so they chose Jefferson Davis as their leader. The first of the Confederate States of America's' attacks include the battle of Fort Sumter where the Confederates opened fired on the Union garrison causing them to surrender. With the beginning of the Civil War, the Union had started off on the foot of defeat. -
International (Northern Cotton Embargo)
At the beginning of the Civil War, a Northern Cotton Embargo was implemented by the South. They chose to place a voluntary cotton embargo on themselves so that the British and French would feel pressure to obtain this much needed raw material. Due to the Cotton Embargo Act preventing the sale of cotton to these European countries, clothing prices went very high up in Europe. The South blamed their actions on the North as a means to persuade the French and British to join the South's side. -
Armies
The Army of Potomac was the main army in the Eastern theater of the Civil War. This was created by General McClellan. They participated in the Battle of Bull Run. During the this battle, Union troops named the Army of Potomac, marched South. Despite going onto Southern territory, the Army of Potomac suffered an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the South. In turn, the South's main army in the Eastern theater of the Civil War was named the Army of Northern Virginia and was led by Robert E. Lee. -
Slaves (Emancipation Proclamation)
Despite the Civil War beginning because of trying to hold the Union together, with the Emancipation Proclamation, the war became slavery-focused. After the Battle of Antietam, President Abraham Lincoln used it as an excuse to begin the Emancipation Proclamation. The Emancipation Proclamation was a law meant to free on slaves on January 3rd, 1863, and allowed the Southern states to return to the Union if they gave up slavery. The South refused, so British withdrew the desire to help them. -
Politics (North)
During the Civil War, the North went through many political challenges and happenings. Such things include Copperheads who were peace-loving Democrats that wanted a ceasefire. Although there were those who supported the Confederacy, they were vilified in Pro-Union media for calling Lincoln a tyrant. Once the Conscription Act was started, this meant that males or immigrants who applied for scholarships were eligible to be drafted. This caused draft riots were Northern violently protested. -
The War (Gettysburg)
The Battle of Gettysburg was important because it was the turning point. It lasted for three days. On the first day of the battle, it had the least bloodshed. On the second day of the battle, the South tried to flank (or go behind the Union army and attack them as a surprise) while the North wanted to be on the defensive side. The third day, General Lee fled back to the South since he lost a third of his men. This meant the Union won. Afterward, Lincoln delivered the famous Gettysburg Address. -
Plans (Lincoln's 10% Plan)
When it came to Reconstruction, there were two plans for the South. One of these plans was Lincoln's 10% plan. This plan was also known as the Amnesty and Reconstruction Plan of 1863. In Lincoln's plan, he was willing to forgive the South and pardon all involved except for officers and other military officials who needed to be punished in some way. To apply for federal regulation, those in the South who could vote only needed 10% to take an oath of loyalty and create a new state government. -
Life for Whites Reconstruction South (Carpetbaggers)
After the Civil War, the South was left in a devastated state. They were economically and financially unwell, and once those in the North realized this, they went to the South to take advantage of their present hardship. These people were all considered Southern Republicans, but more specifically, called carpetbaggers. These carpetbaggers were Northerners who moved to the South to try and benefit themselves economically whilst shaping the South's government in a more Republican manner. -
Period: to
Reconstruction
-
Former Slaves (Freedmen's Bureau)
During the Civil War, the South was in a catastrophic state. To counteract this, the Freedman's Bureau was created as a relief agency in the South. The Freedmen Bureau's brought food and emergency services to those in need. They also implemented schools for freedmen and taught them how to read and write. Concurrent with this, federal troops were full in the South as the North was still occupying the South. Lands confiscated by federal troops were used as the main institution for Reconstruction. -
Assassination
After the Civil War ended at the Appomattox Courthouse, President Abraham Lincoln was shot in the head at Ford's Theater and subsequently died. He was shot by John Wilkes Booth, however, there is some conspiracy surrounding his assassination since it is unknown who else or if anyone else helped orchestrate the attack on President Lincoln. When it came to funeral processing, Lincoln was so embalmed, he looked the same once his body reached Illinois from the time it was originally preserved. -
Andrew Johnson Administration
When Andrew Johnson became president, he was one of the most racist presidents. Since Andrew Johnson was President Lincoln's vice president, he took over as President after Lincoln had been assassinated. He demonstrated prejudice tendencies by allowing the planter class to not be held accountable for their actions in the Civil War and did not hold repercussions. He promoted more lenient readmission for the South, pardoned all Confederate military officials, and was eventually impeached. -
The New South
The New South revolved around oppression and segregation. Since the South had lost the Civil War, they felt the need to justify their actions. This became known as the Lost Cause. During this time, Southerners claimed that they were virtuous and brave and that the only reason they had lost was that the Union had unfair advantages such as weapons, a larger population, and industrialization. At this time, the South diversified their economy in a way similar to the North and held an economic boom. -
Grant Administration (Election of 1868)
Due to Ulysses S. Grant's role as Union military leader in the Civil War, made him a popular choice in the Republican party to be elected as their representative. In this election, Grant's Democratic competitor was Horatio Seymour. Before this election, Seymour was politically involved in the state of New York. He acted as a military secretary, member of the New York Assembly, mayor of Utica, and Governor. At this time, Southerners held violence against black voters but Grant still won. -
Election of 1876
In the Election of 1876, Samuel Tilden was a Democrat who was associated with the South and Rutherford Hayes was the competing Republican. This election brought on an array or a plentitude of issues. At this time, it as surrounded with corruption, troubling Reconstruction, and poor economic matters. At the end of it, Tilden won the popular vote but the electoral votes were unclear. This led to the Compromise of 1877 where Hayes was allowed to be President as long as Reconstruction ceased.
