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Period: 30,000 BCE to
Beginnings to Exploration
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2000 BCE
The Maya
The Maya was one of the Mesoamerican civilizations located in Mexico & Central America. They were known for their art, knowledge, and traditions. They created the calendar system, math, symbolic art & architecture, & ancient hieroglyphs, which was the only major fully understood system of the pre-Columbian time era. They continued the tradition of bloodletting, ballgame, and human sacrifice from earlier Mesoamerican civilzations. The caste system was also a huge part in the lives of the Mayans. -
476
Dark Ages
The Dark Ages, also referred to as the Middle Ages, was a time between the fall of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance. The economy was weak and there was no opportunity for higher learning. There was a backwards way of teachings and practices, which included the Catholic Church's corrupt teachings. It was also during this time that the feudal system was created, where one would provide their services to their landlord in exchange for a place to live as well as protection while living there. -
1300
Renaissance
The Renaissance was a period that came after the Dark Ages. It was a time of "rebirth" that introduced new philosophies, art, culture, and technology. Artists, philosophers, and scientists thrived during the Renaissance. Some of these artists and intellectuals included Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, William Shakespeare, Galileo, and Donatello. Realism in art was a peak during this time period, in which the subject being presented was truthful and avoided elements that were unreal. -
1347
The Black Death
The Black Death was an epidemic caused by disease from wild rodents. Due to the increasing rates of trade at this time, this plague spread even more. Rats would get on the trade ships and the disease that was on them spread to people past Europe. Many died from the Bubonic plague, which is the disease's most common form. This tragedy resulted in the deaths of 2/3 of Europe's population, which was approximately 25 million people. Plaque also swept through Asia and lingered for centuries. -
1415
Exploration
Portugal was one of the countries that played a major role in the discovery of new routes and geography of the Western Hemisphere. Henry the Navigator was from Portugal, & he was in search for a route to Asia by sailing around & exploring the African coast. Christopher Columbus was not of Portuguese descent,but he was trained there. After his voyages to the New World,more European powers began to actively set out and explore the new found lands,which was the beginning of the Age of Exploration. -
1492
The Columbian Exchange
After the discovery of the New World from the voyages of Christopher Columbus in 1492,Europeans began to travel to the Americas and bring goods from the Old World in exchange for those from the New World. Not only did these goods only include food,but also plants, animal, technology, and disease. However,with disease came the death of many Natives. All the things exchanged during this time has influenced culture for both the Old and New Worlds. This was considered a time of cultural diffusion. -
1517
The Reformation
The Reformation was a movement that initially began with Martin Luther and the 95 Theses. It was a series of documents that exposed the Roman Catholic Church for its corrupt teachings and beliefs. This involved the Church's selling of indulgences to liberate the people from their sins. Martin Luther used the printing press to his advantage and spread the 95 Theses to the people, allowing them to become aware of the unethical teachings of the Catholic Church. This led to the Thirty Years War. -
English Colonization
England was a latecomer due to multiple reasons: dynastic issues (Protestant v. Catholic), high prices for wool, Spanish dominance overseas, & privateers-raided Spanish ships. England eventually gets into the game and the Spanish Armada is defeated in 1588. This allowed England/Britain to begin naval dominance. With Elizabeth I, there began to be dynastic stability and the wool prices were falling. They were looking to colonize the Americas to increase their power/wealth. -
Chesapeake Colonies
The Chesapeake Colonies began in Jamestown, Virginia in 1607. It started as a private charter from the English Crown/ Virginia Company of London. This settlement had 105 settlers, but only 32 were able to survive the first winter. They were isolated from the natives. Tobacco was an important crop. Many Europeans smoked it, and it was a huge profit maker. There was also a headright system, where 50 acres would be granted to anyone who paid for passage of indentured servants to the colonies. -
Period: to
English Colonial Societies
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New England Colonies
Plymouth was apart of the New England colonies. The colonists befriended an English-speaking Native American named Squanto. He assisted the colonists on ways to survive, such as the farming and hunting. The Mayflower compact was a compact that allowed anyone who signed it would to be apart of the law-making of the colony. This document started the idea of "govern by consent", which would lead way for more historical documents later on. In 1691, Plymouth would join the Massachusetts Bay Colony. -
Triangular Trade
The Triangular Trade was a trade route between the colonies, Europe, the Indies, and Africa. It was a trade for raw goods, manufactured goods, and slaves. Slaves would be traded for raw goods from the colonies, such as rum, tobacco, & sugar. Europe would trade guns, cloth, an gold in exchange for African slaves. Slaves would be transported across the Atlantic Ocean in a route called the Middle Passage. The conditions on this passage were horrible and many would die before reaching the Americas. -
The Enlightenment
People started to believe in reason & science, rather than superstition. They questioned all previously conceived notions, so the Bible was especially targeted. Sir Issac Newton came up with the laws of gravity. John Locke defined individuals' natural rights. Benjamin Franklin was a man of many talents, being an inventor, philanthropist, etc. He became a symbol of American Enlightenment. Deism became popular, where people believed God created the world and chose not to control it afterwards. -
Slavery
Slavery in the North was not vital like the South. Northerners generally disliked slavery and allowed slaves to earn or buy their freedom. Generally, slaves tried to sabotage their masters and rebel. The Middle Passage was a trade route to get slaves across the Atlantic to the Americas. These conditions were terrible and many would die before reaching the colonies. Spain, Portugal, and Holland led slave trade in the 1600's, however in the 1700's, Britain became the largest slave trader. -
Navigation Acts
The Navigation Acts were a series of laws that regulated and restricted the use of ships for foreign trade. It limited trade to only being between England and the colonies. No other ships would be allowed to be used for the trading between England and the colonies except English and Colonial American Ships. This also brought up the theory of mercantilism, which was a system that promoted the idea that benefits from trade with the colonies will come back to the mother country: England. -
Proprietary Colonies
Those that settled in Pennsylvania were called Quakers and sought religious refuge. William Penn was apart of this, and since the king owed a large debt to Penn, he granted him the land west of New Jersey. Proprietors wanted Carolina and used it to serve as two things: a buffer between Spanish Florida and to make money. Most settlers in Carolina came from the West Indies in the Caribbean. It became a storage colony and it would later on be divided into two parts: North and South Carolina. -
Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution was the overthrow of James ll. James ll wanted a Spanish style colonial government, enforce new taxes, and become allies with England and France. However, Parliament gets James' daughter and her husband to invade England to overthrow him. This invasion was bloodless and quick, and James ll was ousted. This revolution was important because it led a pathway to democracy, where the powers of the monarchy would be limited. It also resulted in the English Bill of Rights. -
Salem Witch Trials
War was on the Northern Frontier and there was many native raids. Fear was rampant and the Minister's daughter began acting strange. There were rumors of girls being possessed and practicing witchcraft. Because witchcraft would be punishable, many in the town were accused of practicing witchcraft, afraid that they themselves would get caught and be punished. It would be eventually brought to court, and many would be executed by being hanged. By the time this was over, dozens would be dead. -
Colonial Economies
New England colonies economies were based off ship-building, fishing, and manufacture. They had religious toleration. The mid-Atlantic colonies traded with Europeans. Their economy was based on agriculture and small manufacturing. They were religiously and ethnically diverse. The upper south/Chesapeake colonies planted tobacco as a cash crop. Many were of English and Scottish decent. The lower south was religiously diverse. Rice was their main cash crop. They had the largest amount of slaves. -
Act of Union 1707
Scotland sought for the benefits of England's trade empire. The Act of Union of united England and Scotland, which came to be the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Enemies would be brought together through negotiation for the sole profit of trade. New Britain is now an empire, with Parliament being the head of it. The colonies were still able to have local control. It was a federal system with central authority and local governments. This paved way for modern United States system of governments. -
Period: to
Colonial America to 1763
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The Great Awakening
This was a reaction to the Enlightenment secularism, which was a belief that religion and government should not clash when ruling. This movement was focused on purification and restoring one's faith in God. George Whitfield preached gospel, attempting to make people realize their failures & fix them in order to be able to reconnect with God and religion. John Edwards wanted a consumer oriented society. Many were scared to become religious. Many elite universities were founded during this time. -
French and Indian War/Seven Years War
This was a war fought between England, France, and Spain for territory. Britain and the colonies desired more western, while France desired more land south. The governor of Virginia ordered Fort Duquesne seized, which is the starting point of the war. Britain sends militia to control Ohio Territory, but it has many setbacks and goes bad. The British have a new policy to defeat the French. Fort William Henry was the turning point. Treaty of Paris 1763 ended the war and french rule in America. -
Virtual Representation
Virtual Representation was the idea that members of the Parliament would be able to represent all parts of Britain. Britain had royal inherited positions, known as the House of Lords, and elected commoners, known as the House of Commons. The colonists would be elected to meaningful positions. Salutary Neglect was where Britain/the motherland would leave the colonies alone because it was believed that they benefited better on their own, as long as the colonies still remained loyal to Britain. -
Period: to
The Revolutionary War
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Acts of Parliament
The British were near bankruptcy after the French & Indian War so they placed new taxes on the colonies. Colonists resisted the Sugar Act and voiced displeasure. Next was the Stamp Act, which was required on all paper. Lawyers and printers were the most affected. 9/13 colonies sent representatives for the Stamp Act Congress & protest erupted. Many began to boycott, which was known as the Nonimportation Movement. Intolerable Acts closed the port of Boston, which upset the colonists even more. -
Boston Massacre
A crowd of Bostonians were harassing British soldiers, and the soldiers panicked and opened fire. This turned into a riot and ended up killing 5 people. Paul Revere's fictitious account was the first example of American Propaganda, and it outraged the colonists. Colonists began using the slogan "No taxation without representation" because they felt as if they were not being properly represented in Parliament. This was due them being taxed by Britain and having no say in it, which angered them. -
The Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was a reaction from the angered colonists after having the Tea Act placed on them by Parliament. They did not want to pay the taxes placed on the tea, so they began to protest in various ways & boycott. In December, drunk Bostonians dressed up as Indians and went on to three British ships located at Boston Harbor. They proceeded to dump all of the tea cargo into the ocean. As a result of this, Parliament placed the Intolerable/Coercive Acts, which closed the port of Boston. -
First Continental Congress
The colonial leaders were concerned with the issues with Britain, so 12 out of 13 colonies sent delegates to meet for a congress in Philadelphia. They all rejected the idea of being united under British rule. It was recommended that all British goods and services should be boycotted. The delegates agreed that each colony should from their own militias.The Intolerable Acts were denounced. Patrick Henry warned of the future coming conflict. His slogan was, "Give me liberty, or give me death". -
Olive Branch Petition
The Second Continental Congress sent a petition to the King in an attempt to regain peace because they did not want to go to war against Britain. But it was rejected because the King believed that the colonies were in a state of rebellion,& that they would be put to death if the betray him. The colonies realize they must now go to war with England, & support for the Revolution picks up. They have motivation to win this war because if they don't, they will lose everything, including their lives. -
Battles
The war started with the Battle of Lexington and Concord, which became known as the "shot heard around the world". The British won the Battle of Bunker Hill, but it showed that the colonists wouldn't be easy to defeat. The British had change in tactics and retreat to New York,& they would hold NY for the rest of the war. Washington came up with a new strategy known as the war of attrition. The Battle of Saratoga was a major American Victory & Yorktown was the last battle before independence. -
Declaration of Independence
At this point, independence was no longer an option. It was their their only chance. The colonies declared themselves united and independent states. Thomas Jefferson wrote the draft on July 2 and it was signed on July 4, 1776. It discussed the grievances with the British, avoided anti-monarchal sentiment, and looked for European allies. Loyalists were ostracized, and had legal disabilities, meaning they could not sue. Many loyalists will end up fleeing because they were still loyal to Britain. -
Articles of Confederation
During the time that the government was under the laws of the Articles of Confederation, they were very weak. The Confederation Congress went from 1777 to 1781. They could not force taxation on the colonists and they relied on requisitions. States did not want to comply. The government was very short on funds and there were many pensions. Veterans revolted against the United States government. Congress was not able to get anything done, and there was no central government authority. -
Period: to
The Constitution
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American Virtue
The Age of Enlightenment was still going on. The population was educated, & religion became less important. There was a separation of church & state. Republican ideals spread and citizens would have more to say. Furniture and architecture would begin to have democratic symbolism. There was no more British style. New unique styles would be introduced post-revolutionary America. Greek language, at one point, was questioned to be the new national language due to inspiration inspired from Greece. -
Shays' Rebellion
Many farms were seized in western Massachusetts. Farmers were angry because the government raise taxes in order to pay off nationl debt. Daniel Shay led Revolutionary War veterans to create an uprising so that the government would not be able to foreclose their farms. Shays' rebellion created a sense of urgency. Many would begin to realize that the government under the Articles of Confederation was weak and criticize it. The leaders would soon be on board with the idea of a new Constitution. -
Constitutional Convention
Meetings were held around the country about the Articles of Confederation. Eventually, Congress came up with two plans. The Virginia Plan was for largely populated states. It had a two house legislature and a single executive. Representation would be based on population. The New Jersey Plan was for small states. It was a modified version of the AOC,& consisted of a single legislature. The Connecticut Plan was the Great Compromise. It consists of a bicameral legislature & is modern day congress. -
Northwest Ordinance
The Northwest Ordinance became the new system for admission into the Union created by the Continental Congress. The Continental Congress needed an orderly system. This system rejected slavery. In order to become a state in the Union, their population had to be of at least 60,000 people. Governors would be appointed, but with a large population, the people would be able to elect the legislature. This system is how western territories would continue to enter the Union as a state in the future. -
The Great Debate
Many protests and debates were going on between the Federalists & Anti-Federalists. Anti-federalists supported less government, states rights, & supported the Bill of Rights. They believed that republicanism depended on informed population. Federalists supported the Constitution, believed in a powerful central government, & opposed the Bill of Rights. The Federalists win & the Constitution becomes the law of the land. A powerful central government would be able to take care of pressing matters. -
Election of 1788
After 5 years under the new constitution, the first election occurred in 1788. At this time, George Washington was a god-like figure in everyone's perspective, & he would be everyone' choice. Before the 12th amendment of having separate ballots for president & vice president was written, the runner up would be vice president. In this case, John Adams was Washington's runner up, and would be the first vice president, alongside George Washington who was the first president of the United States. -
Three Branches
The executive was important for running the government because it carries out the law. The executive includes the President, Vice President, and the cabinet system which was based on the Prime Minister's system. The Judicial Branch was purposely left incomplete. There was a 3 tier system of courts: district, circuit, supreme. This system interprets the laws. The Legislature involves the congress: senate and the house of representatives. This branch makes the laws. No one branch could overpower. -
Period: to
New Republic
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Bank of the United States
In 1791, the first Bank of the United States was open. People would be able to make deposits as well as make loans. The goal of this bank was to stabilize the currency and the economy of the new United States. There would be private investors. However, the bank set off constitutionality issues. Many would question whether the government had too much authority. Eventually, George Washington sided with Alexander Hamilton & the bank was set for a twenty year charter by the United States Congress. -
Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey Rebellion mainly affect the farmers of Pennsylvania and Kentucky. Whiskey was an economically important product because it earned the farmers large profit. Farmers were angered from being taxed & started to revolt. About 6000 farmers threaten to attack Pittsburgh. Washington led the army to shut down the rebellion. This is significant because it was the first major domestic test of the newly written Constitution. It'd show whether the government would be strong and effective enough. -
Two Competing Forms of Government
There was differences in ways that the people preferred to interpret the constitution. Alexander Hamilton was a federalist, and he believed in having a strong central government and a loose interpretation of the constitution. He believed that it should be a "living document", where changes could be made to it through time. Thomas Jefferson was a democratic-republican, and he believed in having a loose government with more power to the states and strict interpretation of the constitution. -
International Conflicts
Britain controlled the forts in the west. They traded with natives and gave them guns. The British was our largest trading partner. Jay's Treaty was written by John Jay and it would say that the British would have to vacate the forts. Republicans were outraged and saw the Federalists as pro-British. Pinckney's Treaty would give the United States access to the Mississippi River. It set New Orleans as a port for trade. The treaty also set the boundary with Florida and created favorable trade. -
Election of 1796
After being president for 2 terms, George Washington does not seek a 3rd term. In the Election of 1796, John Adams would be running against Thomas Jefferson. It would be federalist versus republican. John Adams wins and Thomas Jefferson becomes vice president. In Washington's Farewell Address, he stated that 2 terms would be it. No permanent alliances should be made and it was important to remain neutral in any case of foreign affairs and keep the states united. This was all to avoid conflict. -
Adams' Presidency
The French are angry and recall envoys/diplomats. The Jay Treaty caused problems. It limited the French trade, so the French began to seize ships. The Army would triple and the Navy department would be created due to the Quasy War/XYZ Affair. American envoys go to France with three concessions: meet with the diplomats, which would be 250k to meet each one, give France a 10 million dollar loan, and come with a personal apology from President John Adams. It was an undeclared naval war. -
Election of 1800
This election would, once again, be John Adams versus Thomas Jefferson. However, Thomas Jefferson is tied with Aaron Burr. Because Alexander Hamilton hated Aaron Burr, and vice versa, Hamilton struck a deal with Thomas Jefferson. Alexander would persuade the House of Representatives to vote for Thomas Jefferson, and in return, Thomas Jefferson would promise not to undo the Federalist Legislation. Thomas Jefferson wins with the help of Hamilton and becomes the 3rd president of the United States. -
Period: to
The Age of Jefferson
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Jefferson Administration
The Jefferson Administration was mocked by federalists. Thomas Jefferson wanted a nation of farmers. He makes the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. This purchase contradicted his views, since he believed in the limited power of government, but he made the purchase suddenly. The purchase secured the Mississippi River and doubled the size of the nation. With all the new unknown land, Jefferson sent Lewis, his secretary, and Clark on an expedition to explore and retain information on the new territory. -
War of 1812
Leading up to the war, many Americans were forced into naval service. The British fired on the U.S.S. Chesapeake. Many wanted war with Britain, although their navy was the most powerful. America declared war on Britain. America took a land-based strategy. America burned York. However, the British beat back Americans from Canada. They blockaded American ports. In 1814, the British take Washington DC and burn down the White House as revenge for York. The war was a draw & didn't solve any issues. -
Technological Benefits of War of 1812
The embargo during the war caused many innovations, such as firearms, steam engines, and agricultural innovations. One of the innovations that changed history was the cotton gin, created by Eli Whitney. This invention allowed for easy removal of seeds from cotton. It revolutionized cotton agriculture, and cotton production exploded. Slavery was beginning to have its downfall, but due to the cotton gin, it began to make a comeback due to the increase need for slave labor to work the gins. -
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The American Industrial Revolution
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Changes in Transportation
Advances in transportation has made traveling, trade, and transporting much easier and faster. For an immense period, it would take weeks and months to get things and people to where they needed to be. With the invention of roads, steamboats, canals, and railroads, transportation definitely advanced. The invention of railroads made products cheaper, since it would be easier to transport more goods at a faster rate. Steamboats and canals allowed for faster inland transportation between cities. -
Florida
The United States wanted to buy Florida from Spain. The Adams-Onis Treaty was created and the U.S. would pay Spain five million dollars for Florida. John Q. Adams was secretary of state at the time. Andrew Jackson "defends" from Indians because the Indians would attack other states then proceed to retreat back to Florida. Slaves would also run away and go to Florida. Spain cedes and recognizes the Unites States' claim to Louisiana and the claims of Texas were given up by the United States. -
McCulloch vs Maryland
The McCulloch versus Maryland case was a landmark Supreme Court of the United States case. The main issue of this case was the balance of powers between the federal and state governments. This case brought up implied powers, which are powers not mentioned in the Constitution. It was ruled that the federal government was supreme over states' governments and that the states' governments could not take the federal government's place. The south led to more radical views of the states' rights. -
Panic of 1819
Following the war of 1812 was the end of economic expansion. The Panic of 1819 was an economic crisis that arose in the United States. Agriculture prices collapsed, banks began to fail, there were many foreclosures & unemployment, & manufacturing businesses began to fail as well. The economy went into a tailspin. This was one of the worst economic depressions in the United States history. Many blamed this crisis on the Second Bank of the US for tightening credit in attempt to control inflation. -
Labor Changes
The labor changes in the North went from agricultural to industrial. From this change, the North became very powerful. Due to the increase in factories and factory workers, artisans, the people that originally made the products by hand, would have declines in their wages. Whole families began working. The Lowell Mills system employed women to work. There was a large labor force in the mills. Women earned more and worked long hours under terrible conditions. Many even started living on site. -
Second Great Awakening
The SGA emphasized religious romanticism. It would reject the ideas of secularism & deism. Morality was taken over by economics & politics. Salvation was earned through the act of good deeds. Education also became more crucial, as grades started being assigned, books & instructions were given, & attendance was required. Prison reforms were also being made, & prisoners would be isolated & rehabilitated. Sing Sing was a penitentiary that housed prisoners at night & made them work during the day. -
Western Frontier
There was fur trade in the western frontier. Americans would dominate by the 1820's. Huge profits were made off fur trading. However, there would be a decline in trade because of the decline in animals. Fashion began to change & the fur became a fad. Trappers went on expeditions to bring info about Western lands, but they began to disappear in the 1840s. American settlers feared Native attacks, but it was rare for them to attack. Native Americans would soon be removed after the Black Hawk War. -
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Cultural Changes
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Revivalism
Charles Grandison Finney was the most famous and inspiring preacher during revivalism. Revivalism was about teaching people to awaken and/or revive their religious faith through passionate preaching and praying. These people believed in free will, meaning that one's life is not predetermined, and that you are able to choose your own will. Through Charles Grandison Finney's emotional preaches, many were revived of their religious faith. He became known as the Father of Modern Revivalism. -
Monroe Doctrine
The Spanish Empire was crumbling, and the United States wanted influence over these areas. President James Monroe would come up with a policy in 1823, which would be called the Monroe Doctrine. He created this policy in fear that European powers would attempt to take back the lands that have recently gained independence from them. The Monroe Doctrine declared to Europe that there would be no intervention/colonization on Latin America nor the Western Hemisphere. It would be our influence zone. -
Election of 1824
The four candidates running in this election were: John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, William Crawford, and Henry Clay. There was no picked successor. Andrew Jackson won the popular votes, but not the electoral college. Adams was chosen and Jackson was angry and bitter. Clay dropped out of the election and started to support Adams by convincing the House to elect Adams. Jackson accused the others of a corrupt bargain. With the support of Henry Clay, John Quincy Adams won the election of 1824. -
Age of Common Man
There was a new democratic culture and a sense of being American. In this new democracy, people would hold most of the power. Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville was viewed as: mixed society, all men are created equal, individualism. There was universal suffrage. Common men began to be recognized in the nation, and their views would be represented in government. Political leaders, like Andrew Jackson would try to appeal to the common man. Davy Crockett represented Tennessee in House. -
Presidency of John Q. Adams
The American System was created by Henry Clay. The purpose of the American system was to reform the economy as well as stabilize it to create a more self-sufficient America. In order to do this, new tariffs were put in place. There was also a new National bank, and new internal improvements were made. These improvements included public schools/universities, an observatory, roads, and canals so that the United States would become more modernized. They were also planning to abolish slavery. -
Texas
In 1824, there was a new constitution. They were given land grants. Moses Austin was secured. Stephen F. Austin is known as the Father of Texas, & he successfully brought settlers to Texas and colonized the region. The conditions for settling in Texas were: become Catholic, be Mexican citizens, learn Spanish, and to get rid of all slaves. Texas would soon separate from Mexico. They fought in the Texas Revolution for their independence and the Treaty of Velasco made their independence official. -
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Age of Jackson
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Election of 1828
The candidates that ran for the election of 1828 were Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams. Both candidates had nasty campaigns against each other. However, this time Jackson wins overwhelmingly. He had a new strategy that involved humble origins, military career, & democratic values. Democratic-republicans faded and this was the beginning of the modern democratic party. Jackson was first elected by common man. The inauguration was very rowdy, and his wife Rachel died before the inauguration. -
Jackson Administration
Andrew Jackson created the Spoils System, where he replaced the bureaucracy with his own supporters. Scandals forced most of the cabinet to resign. The Nullification Crisis was a conflict between South Carolina & the federal government. Congress raised import taxes which affect S. Carolina heavily. South Carolina convention would be called and the crisis would end. Jackson hated Indians & removed them with the Indian Removal Act of 1830. They traveled on what became known as the Trail of Tears. -
Free Black Communities
Free black communities were the largest in the North and Midwest. There was much segregation, discrimination, & prejudice. Many African Americans had to compete with immigrants for jobs. These communities developed where there was not a dependency on slavery to benefit the economy, and in some religious refuge areas as well. Some whites hated those that freed their slaves, and they were angry with the blacks & wanted to send them back to Africa because they were competing with them for jobs. -
Transcendentalism
Transcendentalism was the the idea that everyone was able to directly communicate with God. Connection with a simplistic life and nature was also part of this new philosophy. Ralph Waldo Emerson was a transcendentalist author that emphasized self-reliance and improvement within oneself. He wrote the book, "Nature". Henry David Thoreau put the idea of transcendentalism into action. During his life, he followed the ideas of this philosophical movement & also wrote the book," Civil Disobedience". -
Election of 1832
The candidates in this election were Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay, & William Wirt. National nomination conventions were created for party platforms. Jackson hated the 2nd Bank of the United States, but Clay thinks the bank is the issue to win the election. Jackson defunds the bank. Congress petitioned Nicholas Biddle. Many hoped for Jackson's veto, which he would explain why he did. He laid out a vision for democracy which appealed to common man. Jackson ended up destroying Clay in the election. -
Slavery
Abolitionists were those that were against slavery. Gradualists believed that slaves should be gradually freed to Africa. Immediatists believed that slavery should be put to an immediate end. Anti-abolitionists were those for slavery. Rallies were held to denounce abolitionists. Bonfires were held to burn abolitionist literature. The American Anti-Slavery society was formed. They did not handle conflicts and disagreements with violence, but rather with the principles of religion and reasoning. -
Changes in Communication
Before the industrial revolution, it would take weeks and/or even months to get a message across. However, with the invention of the telegraph, messages would be able to travel faster than ever before. The Morse Code, written by Samuel Morse, would be used for the long-distance communications. Also with printers, more newspapers and books would be printed and sold at a cheaper cost. This would pave way for mass advertising. People would be able to receive news much faster than before. -
Election of 1836
Andrew Jackson picked his successor, Martin Van Buren (Old Kinderhook) . He had barely won the election against the Whigs, which was a party formed based off of their dislike of Andrew Jackson and his views. Whigs had multiple candidates in attempt to beat Buren. During his presidency, Buren inherited a bad economy, which resulted in the Panic of 1837. Businesses would fail, banks foreclosed, & many would become unemployed. After this crisis, many started to call him Martin Van "Ruin". -
Changes in Agriculture
The agricultural society was undergoing many changes as new agricultural innovations were created. Some of these inventions include the steel plow, crank churns, and the cotton gin. The steel plow was created by John Deere because he realized that other iron plows would not be able to handle tough soil in the midwest. Crank churns would mass produce butter. The cotton gin, invented by Eli Whitney, would revolutionize cotton agriculture as well as increase the demand for slavery once again. -
Temperance Movement
The Temperance Movement was a movement to abstain from alcohol. Alcohol consumption was very bad, and the results from people getting drunk was beginning to get violent and destructive. People would neglect their duties, responsibilities, and families to drink alcohol all day. It even got to the point to where some states would ban alcohol. The second great awakening would try to reduce and eliminate alcohol consumption. This movement would eventually lead to the creation of the 18th amendment. -
Manifest Destiny
There was a belief that the United States should be a continental nation from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The Jackson Democracy had a vision for a white future in the west. Many people migrated to Oregon on an overland trail of about 2,000 mi to seek better opportunities. The journey lasted 5-6 months. The Mormon Migration consisted of people that were harassed & discriminated. It required members to deed property to church. Brigham Young wanted to get away & led the Mormons to Salt Lake City. -
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Westward Expansion
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Generals
Zachary Taylor was a Unites States General who led the American Army during the Mexican American war. Winfield Scott was a United States general who led the American troops to capture Mexico city in 1847. Robert E. Lee was general of the Confederate troops and led them during the Civil War. George McClellan was a general for the army of Potomac. George Meade was a general of the Union and helped them win the battle. Ulysses S. Grant was a union general and led the union to many victories. -
Bear Flag Revolt
Californians wanted California to become an independent republic from Mexico. A group of settlers planned a rebellion against Mexico. This event triggered the Mexican-American War. In 1846, California was able to overthrow Mexican rule. John C. Fremont assisted in putting up California as the Bear Flag Republic, however it was short-lived. The United States would soon declare war on Mexico. The present-day California flag has a bear on it as a representation of the Bear Flag Revolt. -
Mexican American War
James Polk ran against John Tyler in the Election of 1844. Polk won the presidential election & had 3 main goals: annex Texas & to settle the Mexican & Oregon border. Polk asks for declaration of war, & America declared war. The war was over in 2 years and Mexico was overwhelmed. Mexicans could not handle the US military & political problems. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo settled the border dispute. It seized over half of Mexico's territory. There would be future issues to come about slavery. -
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Sectionalism
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California Gold Rush
When news of California having gold traveled, 14,000-90,000 people migrated west in hope of finding some themselves. California was a territory in 1848, but within 2 years, it had enough people settle in it to gain eligibility to join the Union. Gold was easy to find at first, but in 1852, the mining industry began. The Chinese also migrated in thousands. They were hard workers and were looking for opportunities, but they faced racism. California's statehood would create a new problem: slavery. -
Suffrage
During the period of industrialization, women started to become more involved in politics. In NY, 1848, the Seneca Falls Convention was held, organized by Elizabeth Cady Staton and Lucretia Mott. At the convention, there were discussions about women's rights to vote/suffrage and drafted the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions. It would secure rights in economics and voting. The media was mostly negative in coverage, but nonetheless, this would be the beginning for future suffrage. -
Slavery
Many foresaw slavery growing in the new territories. Wilmot Proviso was an attempt to ban slavery in the new territories. It was a political firestorm and was defeated in Congress. Democrats and Whigs split into pro-slavery and free-soil factions. Zach Taylor campaigned in the south as pro-slavery and campaigned in the North for Wilmot Proviso. Martin Van Buren was the free-soil party. Taylor won the Election of 1848 easily. Popular sovereignty would allow the states to choose their own path. -
Growing Cities
Urban growth in the north resulted in the first slums and working class neighborhoods. People would live together in multiple family dwellings in order to save money. By 1850, there were sprawling metropolises and mass transportation was crucial. Old cities became hubs for goods coming in and finished goods coming out. These cities were in New York, East coast, and Europe. The new inland cities were all near water and became industrialized. These cities were Chicago, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, etc. -
Southern Society
Farmers in the south were classified into three main groups: the planters, the tenant farmers, and the yeoman. Majority of planters did not own slaves. They were the ruling class of the South. 30-50% of the tenant farmers owned slaves. White supremacy was encouraged. Yeoman farmers had communal effort. 75% of the yeoman did not own slaves. Some relied on the planters, while other resented them. The Yeoman formed southern militias that caught runaway slaves and guarded against slave rebellions. -
Architecture
Following transcendentalism was the ideas of new architecture. There was a growing fascination with Greek & Americans celebrated Ancient Greece through architecture & furniture. Many towns were named after Greek cities. An architect named Frank Lloyd Wright would base his designs off of the transcendentalist ideas of Emerson. He created geometric designs that reflected Emerson's theory relating to microcosmic. The Unity Temple was one of his works that represented the natural ideas of Emerson. -
Slavery
California's statehood created a new problem: slavery. Fire eaters were southerners who were angry over northern aggression & urged succession. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 enforced the returning of runaway slaves. The fugitives had no right to trial. Whites could be jailed/fined for refusing to help. Fugitive slaves became political. Abolitionists began helping slaves escape to through the Underground Railroad. Harriet Tubman saved 5000 slaves. 100,000 slaves would be freed between 1830-1860. -
Election of 1852
The candidates of the election of 1852 were Franklin Pierce, a Democrat, and Winfield Scott, a Whig. Pierce accepted slavery, while Scott despised the Fugitive Slave Acts. Scott allied with the anti-slavery Whigs. Franklin Pierce won through the electoral college, with 254 votes over Scott with 42, and became the 14th President of the United States. There was extreme polarization and democrats became weak and started disappearing from the North. The Whigs Party would completely disintegrate. -
Republican Party
The Republican Party was a northern party that started in Wisconsin. This party was created from a combination of free-soilers, anti- slavery whigs, and democrats. These parties were all angry over the expansion of slavery and the Kansas-Nebraska Act. The Kansas-Nebraska Act allowed popular sovereignty, where the settlers would be able to vote whether they wanted the state to enter the Union as a free or slave state. The purpose of this new party was to stop the westward expansion of slavery. -
Nativism
Nativists believed that white people were superior to any other race. Nativists would blame the immigrants for problems. They believed that they took their job opportunities and brought over diseases. The American Party became known as the "Know-Nothings" because when they were asked about anything, they answered that they knew nothing. It was a secret organization against immigration. They solely wanted to restrict immigrants. The Know-Nothings/American Party would disappear by the 1860's. -
Election of 1860
The candidates of the Election of 1860 were democrat, John Breckinridge, John Bell from the Constitutional Union Party, and Abraham Lincoln from the Republican Party. The Democrats were divided. Lincoln had few political enemies & had a moderate approach to slavery. The candidates appealed to different sections of the country. Abraham Lincoln wins due to the Democrats' division. The Crittenden Compromise proposed re-instituting & extending the 36 30 line to the Pacific but Lincoln shot it down. -
Industrialization vs. Agriculture
The North increased with industrialization with steam engines, railroads, etc. Railroads connected the Northeast and midwest, and waterways connected the North and South. Agriculture was important for Northern substance. Railroads provided quick transport of midwestern food. Cotton was the most important in the South. It was transported North for processing and then to Britain. Tobacco, sugar, and rice were still important. The South tried to keep up with North's industrialization but couldn't. -
The North
The North had a population of an estimated 22 million people. They were the powerhouse in industrialization and had about 110,000 factories. They made 1.5 billion dollars in the manufacturing industry. 97 percent of weapons were manufactured, 94 percent of clothing were made, and 90 percent of shoes and boots were manufactured in the North. The North had 30,000 miles of organized railroad track. They were fighting to uphold/preserve the Constitution, but they had bad military leadership. -
The South
The south had a population 9 million, out of which 3.5-4 million were the slave population. The South's industrialization was weak compared to that of the North. There was an estimated 18,000 factories with a $155 million industry. 3% of the weapons were manufactured in the South. They had 9,000 miles of railroad track in the region. Military leadership was very good. The leaders were competent and had good tactics. They compared themselves to patriots. They hope to gain Britain as an ally. -
International
The South implemented voluntary cotton embargo. There was pressure on the French and the British industry to support the South. In the Trent Affair, confederates would send diplomats to Europe. The USS San Jacinto intercepts with the RMS Trent. Britain demanded an apology. If not, they would declare war. Lincoln then released the confederates diplomats because he did not want to fight the war. Lincoln secured the British and French neutrality and honored the blockade. -
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The Civil War
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Politics
Many were upset about conscription & taxes. Some northerners began to violently protest, which became known as the draft riots. Most people drafted were poor, immigrants, or the working class. African Americans would also be a main group targeted. Lincoln suspended habeas corpus, which was the right to challenge detention, and he used the Constitution to back himself up. Copperheads were peace loving democrats that wanted a ceasefire. Some supported confederacy, others called Lincoln a tyrant. -
Slaves
The Emancipation Proclamation was where Abraham Lincoln declared all slaves free, but it would not come into effect everywhere yet because people still wanted to own slaves. The Proclamation stopped Britain from entering the war because there'd be no more slaves. The border states (Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland, and Delaware) would be allowed to have slaves because they were neutral. Both the North & South tried to win over the border states. 80% of southern production was in the border states. -
Women at Work
The war gave women new roles in traditionally male positions, because the men were now occupied fighting in the war. Women started occupying jobs as teachers, nurses, civil service jobs, store managers, and farmers and planters in the south. A woman named Clara Barton started a service called the American Red Cross to help wounded soldiers. She would offer to help the wounded on both sides. The lives of women during this time changed dramatically, as they began to take on more political roles. -
Sherman's March to the Sea
A general from the union, General William Sherman, led troops to Atlanta, Georgia. They marched to Savannah, Georgia and the Confederacy is cut into thirds. They did this to stop the south from prosecuting war. General Sherman and his troops burned and destroyed everything in their way. They scorched the Earth. War and casualties were brought to the civilians. A special field order #15 was authorized. It was said that 400,000 acres of planter lands and mules shall be given to former slaves. -
Plans
Lincoln's 10% plan was a lenient policy. He pardoned all southerners with the exception of officers and officials, because he didn't want to punish them. He allowed states to rejoin the Union if they took an oath of loyalty. The Wade-Davis Bill, built by radical republicans, was strict. It punished Confederate leaders. They didn't trust southerners and they wanted to destroy slave society. States could be readmitted if they went through long punishment and showed clear commitment to the Union. -
Andrew Johnson Administration
Andrew Johnson was Abraham Lincoln's vice president and he became president after Lincoln's assassination. Johnson opposed secession and was a blatant racist. He promoted the lenient readmission policy for southern states. They had to take an oath and all property would be returned. Secession would be renounced. High-ranking confederates were pardoned. Andrew Johnson was impeached by Congress in 1868. This was the first presidential impeachment and he had less than a year left in office. -
The Civil War
The Battle of Bull Run was the first major battle & a humiliating defeat for the Union. The Battle of Antietam was a quasi Union victory. McClellan could've defeated Lee but he didn't. General Grant wins the major battle of Vicksburg. Battle of Gettysburg was turning point. The South was cut in 2 & they took control of the Mississippi River. The Union captured New Orleans. Union started overwhelming the South & the war started winding down. Appomattox Courthouse was the official end of the war. -
Former Slaves
Freedman's Bureau was a relief agency in the South. Food, schools, and emergency services were provided for freedmen. They were given confiscated lands for agriculture. It was the main institution for reconstruction. Freedmen moved to cities to find jobs but they were low paying & labor intensive. 40 acres & a mule were given to freedmen. The 13th amendment abolished slavery. The 14th granted citizenship to those born in the US. 15th amendment allowed all citizens to vote, no matter the race. -
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Reconstruction
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Grant Administration
The candidates for the Election of 1868 were Ulysses S. Grant and Horatio Seymour. Grant was a republican and was all about political moderation and peace. Grant won the election and became the 18th president of the United States. During the time of this election, it was visible that whites in the north and the south were racist. Black vote became very important but they faced violence and intimidation. The Panic of 1873 was the worst depression and the economy was set back until 1877. -
The New South
A new society was built around oppression & segregation. African-American representation in the government would plummet. There was an economic boom with increased industrialization, urbanization, & many new railroads. Taxes were cut. There would be less spending on social programs & public education. The Lost Cause was propaganda about brave confederate soldiers because the south needed to justify for losing the war. They claimed the Union had unfair advantages & tried to rewrite history. -
Life for White Reconstruction South
Carpetbaggers were northerners that moved south for economic opportunities. Scalawags were whites from the poorer regions of the south that were considered traitors by other southerners. They got wealthy by manipulating black voters. Opposed to the democrats, this was the quickest way for economic improvement. Southern Republicans consisted of former slaves, white southerners, and carpetbaggers. Some wanted to steal from southerners, while others were opportunistic. The rest were relief workers. -
Election of 1876
The candidates were Democrat Samuel Tilden & Republican Rutherford Hayes. The issues were corruption, reconstruction, & the economy. Popular votes went to Tilden, but electoral votes were a tie. The Compromise of 1877 was a "secret" deal & Hayes would be given all the electoral votes if he agreed to end reconstruction & remove federal troops from the south. It was the start of suppression for southern blacks. Jim Crow was a social/legal system that kept blacks at the bottom of the social order.
