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Aug 3, 1492
Columbus discovers America
The Italian explorer, Christopher Columbus is sent west of Europe by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain in hopes of finding a faster route to India. Instead, he finds The New World. -
Jamestown is established
England's first successful colony, Jamestown, is established in the New World in modern-day Virgnia. -
First slaves come to America
A small amount of African people were brought to America to provide help in the agricultural growth of Virginia's colonies. -
Pilgrims land at Plymouth Rock
English puritans leave their homeland to avoid religious persecution, they land at Plymouth rock and create the New England region. -
Pequot Wars
The Pequots and the English settlers have a war. This is a contreversial war because fires were set to Native American villages and women and children were killed in the process. -
The Navigation Acts are passed
The Navigation Acts were passed by England to limit the trade of it's colonies in the New World exclusively with England that were added upon until it's repeal in the 1800s.These were gnored, and led to a lot of smuggling. -
Bacon's Rebelion
Impoverished indentured servants fight the governor, Berkley. This is the first rebelion that was started by Americans. -
The Glorious Revolution
William and Mary overthrow the Catholic James II in England. This sparks a rebelion in America as well. -
Salem Witch Trials
Young, progressive women in the strict Puritan society of New England were put on trial for being witches; this brings an end to the "New England Way." -
The Beginning of The Enlightenment
Great philosphers and inventors such as Newton and Ben Franklin revolutiionized how people thought and with what the they worked. -
Zenger Trial
Zenger, a writer, is put on trial for critiizing the governor. He is proven not guilty; the "Freedom of Speech" right is now considered. -
The Stamp Act
All paper in America must be bought under specific English restrictions and taxes. Brings up the problem of "taxation without representation." -
The Proclaimation of 1763
Settlement is restricted to east of the Appalachain Mtns. This constricts the trade. -
The French and Indian War
France and England struggle to keep power over the land of the New World. England wins, French land is limited drastically. England has a lot of debt. -
Lexington and Concord
The first battle of the Revolutionary war between the American colonists and Great rBritain. -
Common Sense
Thomas Paine's pamphlet "Common Sense" and its notion of "natural rights" are implemented in the Declaration of Independence. -
Declaration of Independence is signed
The Declaration of Independence is kind of desperately signed and America officially delcares its independence as a nation. -
Battle of Saratoga
This battle marks the turning point of the war. France decides to help America in its efforts to become dependent. -
Siege of Yorktown
The final battle of the Revolutionary War. With the help of France, America is able to win the war. -
Articles of Confederation in all 13 Colonies
The Articles of Confederation were a nice attempt at rules of the central government. They gave no power to tax or to have common currency, among other problems. -
Peace of Paris
Ends the Revolutionary War, America is now a free nation. -
Consitution ratified
Written by James Madison, the Constitution gave the outline of the laws of the federal government. This replaces the Articles of Confederation. -
National Bank Established
Federalist, Alexander Hamilton's idea that there should a Federal Bank was passed. It was a questionable idea. -
Whiskey Rebelion
The first rebelion that had to be put down by the American president (Washington, at the time). Shows that the federal government needed to be strengthened and cleaned up. -
Election of 1800
Federalist John Adams is beaten by the Anti-Federalist, Thomas Jefferson. The political party split between Federalists and Anti-Federalists start a trend for Amerian politics.
