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Columbus would set sail in three small ships in August of 1492. After a journey of 3000 miles, he would land on an island in the present-day Bahamas. The natives would be called Indians by Columbus and he renamed the Islands to the West Indies. He proceeded to claim the islands for Spain and then explored the neighboring islands, demanding tribute from them. Columbus colonized the West Indies with more than 1000 Spanish settlers and animals but didn't find any treasure or kingdoms. -
The movement of crops was part of a greater event known as the Columbian Exchange. Foods from the Western Hemisphere such as maize, manioc, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and tomatoes would increase agricultural yields. It would also grow the population in other continents. Europeans brought over crops such as wheat, barley, rye, and rice. Some other crops that Europeans brought over were dandelions and weeds. -
The founding of Jamestown marked the first permanent settlement in America. Located in Virginia, it was established by a joint-stock corporation and given a royal charter by the Crown of England. The first colonists aimed to demand tribute from Virginia's Indian Population and to seek commodities, primarily gold. Although the people of Jamestown faced many difficulties such as disease, lack of food and water, and poor leadership, it would eventually succeed with tobacco cultivation. -
The colony of Plymouth would be founded by Pilgrims. The reason was because they sought religious freedom and wanted to separate from the Church of England. They would sail abroad on the Mayflower and designed the Mayflower Compact, which was an agreement to form a self-governing group based on majority rule. The colony initially struggled due to harsh winters and food shortages, but with the help of Wamponoags, they prospered and are remembered today for the Thanksgiving feast. -
The colony was founded by the Puritans of England. They sought to reform the Church of England, instead of separating from it entirely. The Puritans were led by Governor John Winthrop, who arrived in Massachusetts with a royal charter from King Charles 1. It would reject Plymouth's idea of religious tolerance and instead established Puritanism as the official religion, limiting voting and office rights to men who were church members. However, the charter would be revoked later in 1684. -
Bacon's Rebellion was an uprising in Virginia led by Nathaniel Bacon against Governor William Berkeley. It was due to the failure of Berkeley to support the colonists against the Indians, high taxes, and declining tobacco prices. Bacon would form an army that marched on Jamestown, originally back then the capital of Virginia. However, the rebellion was crushed and it led to reforms in Virginia's government. -
The Stono Rebellion was a slave uprising that happened in South Carolina, along the Stono River. Florida's governor would promise the slaves freedom if they attacked the British colonists, so Africans rose in revolt and killed a number of whites near the Stono River. However, they were met by a force of South Carolina militiamen who put them down. In response, South Carolinians cut slave imports and tightened plantation discipline. -
The First Great Awakening was a religious revival that swept through the American colonies, which emphasized personal faith, emotional expression, and a direct relationship with god. People such as George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards would play a huge role. This movement would challenge traditional religious practices, leading to the growth of evangelical demonstrations and encouraging individualism and religious freedom. It had a lasting impact on society, leading up to the Revolution. -
The Treaty of Paris of 1763 would formally end the war between Great Britain and France. France would give up Canada and all lands east of the Mississippi River, which ended any foreign militray threat to the British colonies. Spain, who was an ally of France, gave Florida to Britain in exchange for Lousiana. This treaty would later cause tensions to rise between the colonists and the crown, over control of the new lands. -
The proclamation was issued by the British government after the end of the French and Indian War. It told colonists that they couldn't settle west of the Appalachian Mountains. This was done so to prevent any conflicts from arising with the Native Americans. However, it caused many colonists to be angered and most disregarded the proclamation. This event would cause lots of colonial resentment towards the British. -
The Stamp Act, which was passed by British Parliament, required Americans to pay a tax on all printed materials, by purchasing a required stamp. This included newspapers, playing cards, and legal doucments. The act essentially was a direct tax on the colonies without their representation in Parliament. This caused widespread protests and colonists to say "no taxation without representation". The Act would also forms groups such as the Sons of Liberty and the Daughters of Liberty. -
On March 5, 1770, a group of colonists were protesting against high British taxes. The colonists would throw snowballs and rocks at the British soldiers. The soldiers proceeded to feel threatened by this, and shot into the crowd, killing 5 colonists and wounding others. This perpetuated the colonist's further resentment of the British and the famous propaganda piece called "The Bloody Massacre" created by Paul Revere. Also, the most known person killed was Crispus Attucks, a free black. -
On December 16, 1773, a group of colonists disguised as Indians boarded three British ships in the Boston harbor and proceeded to 342 crates of tea into the water. This was done to protest against the Tea Act, which imposed a tax on tea imported to the colonies. In response, the British passed the Coercive Acts, more popularly known as the Intolerable Acts, which closed the port of Boston, enforced the Administration of Justice Act, and the Quartering Act. -
On April 19, 1775, the American Revolutionary War began with the battle of Lexington and Concord. British troops were sent from Boston to seize colonial supplies in Concord. However, colonial militias alerted by Revere and others, intercepted the British forces. No one knows who fired the first shots, but eventually, the British were forced to retreat back to Boston, suffering huge casualties. This battle demonstrated the colonist's will to fight for freedom. -
The Battle of Bunker Hill was an early signficant battle during the American Revolution. Although American forces were outnumbered, the militias held their ground against repeated assault's on Breed's Hill. The battle would end up being a British victory, but it demonstrated the colonists determination to revolt agaisnt the British and attain freedom. This battle would boost American morale and showed the rest of the world that America could stand up to Britain. -
The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4th, declared the thirteen American colonies grievances against the British crown. This included taxation without representation and the denial of basic rights. It would assert the colonists rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It also argued that government's power was derived from the consent of the governed. The colonies also declared themselves as an independent nation, although the British disagreed. -
On Christmas night of 1776, Washington led the Continetal Army across the Delaware River to surprise attack a group of Hessian soldiers. The Continentals were quickly able to overwhelm the Hessians, and thus claimed Trenton. A famous painting shows Washington and his soldiers crossing the river with an American flag in their hands. Further victories like this boosted American morale even more. -
This battle was a pivotal moment during the American Revolution, where it was fought near New York. John Burgoyne's invasion from Canada was halted by American General Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold, who became a famous traitor. The British surrender at Saratoga would once again boost American morale and marked a crucial turning point in the war as the colonies were able to convince France to provide them with military and financial support, leading to the colonies winning the war. -
The Battle of Yorktown would end up being the final battle of the American Revolution. A combined force of American and French troops led by Rochambeau, besieged General Cornwallis in Yorktown, Virginia. With the French holding control of the Cheasepeake Bay, Cornwallis was trapped on both sides by the French and the Americans, and was unable to receive extra troops or escape. Cornwallis would eventually surrender, which marked the end of the war and paved the way for American Independence. -
The Treaty of Paris of 1783 officially ended the war between America and Great Britain. Great Britain would acknowledge the independence of the United States, and the USA gained lots of western territory, including some land east of the Mississippi River. American fishermen were also granted rights to fish in the waters of Newfoundland and Labrador. The treaty also addressed the issue of debt and the rights of Loyalists. -
In 1787, 13 different delegates from the 13 states gathered in Philadelphia to fix the issues of the Articles of Confederation. They discussed over issues such as representation, federal power, and slavery, which lead to compromises such as the 3/5ths compromise and the Great Compromise. The final draft established a framework for a strong federal government with an legislative, executive, and judicial branch. This was done to prevent the abuse of power, inspired by Montesquieu. -
The Bill of Rights is the first of 10 amendments to the Constitution, which guarantees fundamental rights and individual freedoms to the citizens. Some of these rights include freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition. It also allows the right to bear arms; the right to be free from unreasonable searches/seizures; the right to due process of law; and the right to a speedy trial. The Bill also protected citizens from cruel and unusual punishment. -
The invention of the Cotton Gin by Eli Whitney would revolutionize the cotton industry. It increased the efficiency of separating cotton fibers from seed, which reduced labor. Because of this, cotton production rose to an all-time high in the South, leading to more demand for enslaved labor. It would play an important role in the growth of the Southern economy, while also worsening the issue of slavery. -
The Whiskey Rebellion of 1794 was a rebellion that took place in Western Pennsylvania. The reason was due to a federal tax placed on Whiskey. Farmers in the area would rely on whiskey as a means of exchange and a way to transport goods, so the tax was seen as unfair and unjust. In response, farmers formed militias and attacked tax collectors. However, George Washington sent out a militia to stop the rebellion, effectively showing the government could use authority to enforce laws. -
The Lousiana Purchase was a land deal between the USA and France, where France agreed to give the entire Lousiana Territory for $15 million. This would double the size of the United States and opened it up for exploration, and possibly westward expansion. Jefferson was conflicted about buying this territory because he was a strict interpreter, and the Constitution did not say that a president could purchase land. However, he would switch to a loose interpreter and said it was for the better. -
Marbury vs. Madison was a landmark Supreme Court case in which John Marshall established the principle of judicial review, which allowed the Court to declare laws unconstitutional. It arose when Marbury, appointed by John Adams, sued James Madison for withholding his commission. Although Marbury was entitled to the appointment, the Court ruled that the law granting that to Marbury was unconstitutional, solidifying the review of executed actions. -
Impressment was the British practice of forcibly making American sailors join the Roval Navy. American sailors were often targeted because they had lots of skill and experience. This angered the United States deeply because it violated American sovereignty. This would be one of the major causes of the War of 1812. -
The Treaty of Ghent, signed on Dec 24, 1814, ended the War of 1812. It would restore the pre-status quo, so neither the USA nor Britain lost or gained land. The war was essentially a tie. However, some battles after the signing of the treaty continued to commence, such as the Battle of New Orleans because the news hadn't reached America yet. -
The British would capture Washington D.C. on August 24, 1814. After defeating American troops at Bladensburg, the British marched into the city. Once they reached, they set fire to several buildings including the White House and the Capitol building. A key memorable event from this is when Dolly Madison would rush into the White House to save a portrait of George Washington. This action by the British deeply hurt American morale. -
The Battle of New Orleans was a decisive American victory during the War of 1812. Led by Andrew Jackson, American forces fortified behind earth and cotton bales and repelled a British attack. The British suffered many casualties and thus the end of the battle would significantly boost American morale. This war also made Andrew Jackson a war hero, who would later become a future president. Ironically, the Treaty of Ghent was signed before the Battle of New Orleans. -
The Missouri Compromise would address the sectional tensions over the issue of slavery. Missouri would be admitted as a slave state and Maine would be a free state, which maintained the balance between the free and slave states. It additionally also prohibited slavery in any of the new territories or states formed from the Louisiana Purchase north of 36 30 parallel. It temporarily solved the issue but eventually contributed to the Civil War. -
The tariff was a high protective tariff designed to protect Northern manufacturers by taxing imported goods. The South was angered by this because they relied on imported goods and saw it as favoring only Northern Interests. It sparked lots of tensions, particularly in South Carolina, which led to the Nullification Crisis. South Carolina declared the law null and void, deeming it unconstitutional. However, President Jackson threatened military force if they didn't comply with American law. -
The Indian Removal Act of 1830 authorized the U.S. government to negotiate with Native American tribes for their lands in the Southeast. This led to the forced relocation of tens of thousands of Native Americans to present-day Oklahoma, known as the Trail of Tears. Many would die on the trip to Oklahoma, where deaths were in the thousands. This event shows a shift in U.S. policies toward Native Americans, prioritizing white settlement over tribal independence and rights. -
The Battle of the Alamo was an important event in the Texas Revolution. In 1836, a group of Texas rebels including famous people such as Davy Crockett defended the Alamo mission in San Antonio against a stronger Mexican army led by Santa Anna. However, the Mexican forces overwhelmed the rebels, killing nearly all of them. The famous cry "Remember the Alamo!" would happen when citizens heard that the rebels were killed. It would lead to San Jacinto, where Texas would gain its independence. -
The invention of the Telegraph allowed for long-distance communication across the United States. It used Morse code, which is a system of dots and dashes which represent letters and numbers. The code was transmitted over electrical wires, providing fast and reliable communication. Its inventor is Samuel Morse. The Telegraph would greatly impact society by delivering news quicker, handling business deals, and connecting people from ends of the nation. -
Manifest Destiny was the 19th-century belief that the USA was destined by God to expand from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. This destiny would be used to justify the annexation of Texas and Oregon, and the forced removal of Native American Tribes. It would lead to the Mexican-American war, where many territories were acquired by the U.S., effectively achieving the destiny. However, this idea also intensified tensions over slavery and territorial disputes. -
This treaty ended the war between Mexico and America. Mexico would give up California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, most of Arizona and Colorado, and parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Wyoming, and gave up Texas to the US. Mexico also recognized the Rio de Grande as the border. The U.S. paid Mexico $15 million and took up $3.25 million in Mexican debt to U.S. citizens. It achieved the idea of Manifest Destiny, helping America reach the Pacific Ocean. -
The Compromise of 1850 was a collection of five bills passed by Congress to resolve the issue of slavery. California would be admitted as a free state. New Mexico and Utah would have popular sovereignty on the issue of slavery. The Fugitive Slave Act would be passed, which allowed runaway slaves to be recaptured by their owners. The slave trade was also now outlawed in Washington D.C. The Texas and New Mexico boundary dispute was also resolved, with Texas ceding some land to New Mexico. -
The Temperance Movement was a social and political campaign that advocated for minimal or complete abstinence from alcohol. It would gain traction in the 19th century, driven by religious and moral concern about the social problems and negative health effects associated with drinking. Societies, meetings, and legislation lobbies were conducted in order to restrict the sale of alcohol. It would eventually contribute to the complete ban on alcohol in 1920. -
Bleeding Kansas was a violent conflict during the period of 1854-1859 in Kansas. It was marked by clashes between pro and anti-slavery forces, which stemmed from the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. This act allowed Kansas and Nebraska to have popular sovereignty over slavery, and this would lead to an influx of pro and anti-slavery peoples rushing to Kansas to claim the state as either a free or slave state. This conflict was a significant precursor to the Civil War. -
The Dred Scott Case ruled that enslaved people were not American citizens and therefore had no right to sue in court. It also argued that the federal government couldn't stop the expansion of slavery and that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional. This decision would also increase sectionalism as the North now saw it as that essentially, nowhere does an enslaved person have freedom. For the South, it was a victory that strengthened them. It is regarded as one of the worst court cases. -
The Election of 1860 was a key election in America, highlighting the issue and sectional divide over the issue of slavery. The main candidates were Abraham Lincoln for the Republicans, and Stephen A. Douglas for the Democrats. Lincoln opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories, while Douglas supported popular sovereignty. Lincoln would win, growing the divide between the North and the South. His election would lead to the secession of the Southern states, causing war. -
The Battle of Fort Sumter in 1861 marked the beginning of the Civil War. Confederate forces, led by PGT Beauregard, bombarded the Union fort in Charleston, South Carolina. After a 34-hour siege of the fort, the Union army would surrender. This battle ignited widespread calls for war across the nation. -
The Emancipation Proclamation declared that all slaves in the Confederacy were free. It was a significant moment in the Civil War, transforming the battle originally from preserving the Union into a moral crusade against slavery. However, it did not immediately free a single slave, and it didn't apply to areas of the Confederacy already under Union control, but it had a massive impact by weakening the Confederacy and boosting Union Resolve. -
Under the command of Ulysses S. Grant, Union forces sieged the Confederate stronghold of Vicksburg, Mississippi. After a prolonged siege, the Confederate garrison was forced to surrender. The siege of Vicksburg would effectively split the Confederacy in two, cutting the states of Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana from the rest of the Confederacy. The battle also gave the Union army full control of the Mississippi River. -
The Battle of Gettysburg was a pivotal success for the Union Army. This battle effectively stopped General E Lee's invasion of the North, which marked a huge turning point in the war. The battle resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, making Gettysburg the bloodiest battle of the war. Lee and his forces were forced to retreat back to Virginia. After Gettysburg, the Confederates had no reinforcements and continuoisly afterwards had to play a defensive war. This battle boosted American morale. -
The Gettysburg Address was a speech made by Lincoln delivered at the end of the Battle of the Gettysburg at the Soldiers National Cemetry in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The address is one of the most popular speeches in American History. In the speech, Lincoln talks about fallen soldiers, honoring them, and preaching the ideas of liberty and equality. He called upon the rest of the Union to bring an end to slavery and push forth these ideals. -
Sherman's March to the Sea was a devastating campagin that attacked the state of Georgia. Union forces would march from Atlanta to Savannah, completely burning Atlanta in the process and destroying railroads, bridges, factories, and plantations along the way. They would also raid farm houses and steal livestock and crops. Slaves would also be freed and would join the march, freeing more slaves. This tactic was known as total war and signficantly cripped the South's economy. -
The Battle of Appomattox Court House would mark the end of the Civil War. Robert E. Lee and his forces would surrender to Ulysses S. Grant's army. Grant would be generous in his surrender, allowing Confederate soldiers to return home and keep their horses for example. It would set a precedent for reconcilation and thus lead to the Reconstruction Era, which was arguably had limited successes. -
On April 15, 1865, President Lincoln would be assasinated by John Wilkes Booth while watching a play at Ford's Theater. Lincoln would die the following morning. Booth, who was a Confederate sympathizer, was later tracked down and killed. Lincoln's death would plunge the entire nation into mourning and had an heavy impact on the Reconstruction Era. -
The 14th Amendment would grant citizenship to all people born or naturalized in the United states, including people who were formely enslaved. It also guaranteed all citizens equal protection of the laws, prohibiting states from denying any person life, liberty, or property without due process of law. This amendment would also be important in numerous civil rights struggles ahead of its time period. -
The Election of 1876 was one of the most controversial in American history. Democrat Tilden would win the popular vote, but Republican Hayes would win the electoral vote. However, the election results were disputed in many states, leading to a deadlock. In response, Congress created an electoral commission to decide the disputed votes. The Commission would award all the disputed votes to Hayes, making him president. The outcome was controversial and would lead to the Compromise of 1877. -
The Dawes Act's goal was to assimilate Natives into American society by breaking up tribunal communal ownership of land. It divided the reservation into individual plots that would be given to each Native, and those who accepted the land would also be granted US citizenship. However, this act had the opposite impact on the Natives. It undermined tribal sovereignty and interfered with their way of life, which ultimately led to Natives losing up to millions of acres of their land. -
The Wounded Knee Massacre is the deadliest mass shooting in American History. The massacre started when the U.S. Army mistook the Ghost Dance for an armed rebellion against white expansionists. A shot would proceed to be fired, and the army opened fire on the Lakota, killing about 300 men, women, and children. This massacre marked the end of the Indian wars and served as a reminder of the injustices that Indians had to face against the federal government.