American Literature Timeline: 1600-1865

  • Period: to

    Timeline 1

  • The beginning of slavery in America

    The beginning of slavery in America
    In the Jamestown colony, the first slaves for America to receive were brought from Africa. This changed the course of history for America for around 200-300 years, and has still had an impact on society to this day.
  • Protestantism is outlawed in France

    Protestantism is outlawed in France
    In France in 1685, Protestantism was outlawed. This likely caused many French Protestants to move to America in order to practice their religion without being forced out by the government and they would bring their culture and dreams with them.
  • The Colonies declare independence from Great Britain.

    The Colonies declare independence from Great Britain.
    The colonies were tired of being controlled by the British. We decided to declare independence from Britain meaning we were our own country. We could develop our own culture, arts, and literature. This event would change our history forever.
  • The American Constitution is created.

    The American Constitution is created.
    The American Constitution was created in order to protect the citizens from the government. This along with the Bill of Rights gave Americans the freedom to pursue what they wanted to.
  • The American Bill of Rights is created.

    The American Bill of Rights is created.
    The American Bill of Rights was formed in order to give the citizens of America even more freedom.
  • Purchase of the Louisiana territory

    Purchase of the Louisiana territory
    The United states purchased the Louisiana territory from France. This allowed Americans to expand west. Later on in our expansion, gold is found, shifting the American dream to a more 'get rich' focus.
  • Ban of the Slave Trade

    Ban of the Slave Trade
    The US government banned more slaves from being brought to the country, but did not free the ones already there. This caused tension between the races and would spark civil rights movements for the slaves to get their freedom.
  • Annexation of Texas

    Annexation of Texas
    The United states annexed Texas. This instigated the Mexican-American war, which would put tension and fear between Mexico and America.
  • Battle of Gettysburg

    Battle of Gettysburg
    The battle of Gettysburg which is commonly known as the bloodiest battle in the Civil War, was fought. This put high tensions between the North and South and left many wounded and dead.
  • The Thirteenth Amendment

    The Thirteenth Amendment
    The Thirteenth Amendment, which freed the slaves from their captors, changed American history forever. This sparked a large amount of movements for further rights for minorities and women across America.