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Period: to
American History
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The Boston Tea Party
To protest the British Tea Act, members of the Sons of Liberty dressed as Mohawk Indians and threw 342 crates of tea into the Boston Harbor. Many people who participated are unknown, but about 116 people were involved. I chose this event because it is one of many important events that helped gain America's independence. -
Declaration of Independence
On July 4th, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was signed. It was signed in Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The document was written by Thomas Jefferson. Some other people who signed it include Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Hancock. The document was written because the colonies of Great Britain wanted independence from their mother country. I chose this event because it marks the birth of our nation. -
The first American flag was created
Th first American flag was approved on June 14th, 1777. Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia seamstress, created the flag using the design given to her by George Washington. The flag had the thirteen red and white stripes, and thirteen stars arranged in a circle. I chose this event because the flag was the first symbol that represented the United States of America. -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation served as the United States' Constitution. John Dickinson was the main author of the document. The document was adopted on November 15th, 1777, but was not ratified by all 13 states until March first 1781. The Articles of Confederation ended up giving little power to the federal government and more power to the states, creating weakness. I chose this event because it was considered the first "rule book" of our country. -
The Constitution
The Constitution was written on September 17th, 1787 by James Madison. It was written during the Philadelphia Convention. The Constitution was written in order to create a better balance of power between the states and the federal government. The Constitution consisted of rules to which the country is governed. I chose this event because the Constitution has been used to this day and it makes up our country. -
America's First President
George Washington became America's first president in 1789. He was a general and commander-an-chief of the colonial armies during the American Revolution. He is considered one of our Founding Fathers, and later became the first president of the United States. I chose this event because he is the first of many leaders of the U.S. -
Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights is a document listing peoples' rights. It is was written to safeguard the peoples' individual liberties. James Madison wrote the Bill of Rights in New York City, and it was ratified on December 12th, 1791. I chose this event because it confirms our rights. -
The White House is built
The white house started construction on October 13th, 1792. James Hoban was the main architect of the building. Although George Washington was president while it was constructed, he never lived in it. John Adams was the first president to live in it when the white house was finished in 1800. I chose this event because the White House is the home of our nation's leaders. -
Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase was a land deal between the U.S. and France. The U.S. gained 827,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi. Thomas Jefferson was the president of the U.S. at this time, and Napoleon Bonaparte was the leader of France. I chose this event because it helped grow our country tremendously. -
The War of 1812
The War of 1812 was fought between the British and the Americans in today's northeastern United States. The war lasted about two and a half years. The British navy seized American merchant ships trading with France. James Madison, the president at the time, declared war with Britain. Both sides eventually agreed to end the fighting sand signed a treaty, although it did not change any boundaries. I chose this event because the war proved the young nation's strength. -
The Oregon Trail
The Oregon Trail was a series of routes leading out west. The original starting point was Missouri. The trail extended for 2,000 miles and took about six months to complete, due to many hardships. Marcus and Narcissa Whittman were some people to use the trail. The invention of the railroads put a stop to the Oregon Trail. I chose this event because it was a long journey that people were brave enough to use to get to the other side of the country. -
Texas Revolution
The Texas Revolution was a rebellion of Americans and Mexicans that lived in Texas against the Mexican government. Slaves were brought to Texas, but slavery was against Mexican law. The people of Texas, led by Sam Houston, went to war against Mexico, and they ended up gaining independence. I chose this event because, although it was a small rebellion, it had a major impact on American History. -
Trail of Tears
Native Americans were forced to move from their homes in Southeastern U.S. to "Indian Territory" in the west. They were moved under the Indian Removal Act of 1830 signed by Andrew Jackson, president at the time. The Cherokee tribe walked for two months, and over 4,000 people died. They faced hunger, disease, and exhaustion. I chose this event because it caused so many casualties under forced removal. -
California Gold Rush
James W. Marshall discovered was the first person to discover gold in California on January 24th, 1848. He found it in Sutter Creek in the city of Coloma. The discovery of gold brought 300,000 people to California from other parts of the United States and abroad. I chos this event because the discovery caused a great migration and fortune for many people. -
The Underground Railroad
The underground railroad was a series of routes used by slaves in the South to escape to freedom in Canada. The railroad was established in the early 1800s, but reached its peak in the 1850s. At this time, about 100,000 slaves fled successfully to the north. One leader of the underground railroad was Harriet Tubman. She helped thousands of slaves escape. I chose this event because it successfully helped many slaves escape and form a new life for themselves. -
California is admitted to the U.S.
California entered the U.S. from Mexico after the Mexican-American War California became the 31st state of the U.S. on September 9th, 1851. The state entered the Union as a free, non-slavery state. Millard Fillmore was president at the time. I chose this event because it this land contributed to our growing nation. -
Pony Express
The Pony Express was a mailing system that could travel 1,800 miles in only 10 days. This new system was able to deliver mail faster and more efficient than ever before. The Pony Express was founded by Alexander Majors, William B. Waddell, and William Hepburn Russell. The operation only lasted about 18 months. I chose this event because it was a step to more efficient technology. -
Civil War Begins
The Civil war was a fight between the northern and southern states of America. The north opposed slavery, while the south was in favor of it. The president at this time was Abraham Lincoln. He supported the north. The "president" of the south was Jefferson Davis. The north ended up winning the war. I picked this event because it ended slavery. -
Assassination of Abe Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 4th, 1865. He was attending a play at Ford's Theatre in D.C. when Jon Wilkes Booth, an actor, shot and killed him. Lincoln died early the next morning. I chose this event because it happened shortly after he and the north won the civil war. -
The Great Chicago Fire
The Great Chicago fire was a massive conflagration that lasted for about three days. The fire killed up to 300 people and left 100,000 people homeless. 3.3 miles of Chicago, Illinois was destroyed. The cause of the fire was unknown, but a newspaper article suggested that a cow in one of the barns knocked over a lantern and set fire to the hay. I chose this event because it was a huge tragedy that effected many people.
