Beginnings to 1877

Beginnings to 1877

Period: Jan 1, 1600 to Dec 31, 1877

Significant Events in United States History

Jamestown is founded

May 14, 1607

7, Jamestown was the first permanent American settlement and marked the beginning of the settlement of America.

Harvard University

Sep 8, 1636

Harvard University is founded, making it the oldest school for higher learning,

Stamp Act is passed by Parliament

Mar 22, 1765

1. The Stamp Act caused unrest in the American colonies about the unfair taxes placed on them by British Parliament without representation.

Boston Massacre

Mar 5, 1770

1. The Massacre led to an increase in tension between American colonists and Britain.

Boston Tea Party

Dec 16, 1773

American colonists were growing more and more tense with British laws being passed without representation.

Battles of Lexington and Concord

Apr 19, 1775

1. The battles led to the beginning of the American Revolution.

Common Sense is published

Jan 10, 1776

1. The pamphlet led to an increased drive for independence.

Second Continental Congress approves the Declaration of Independence

Jul 4, 1776

1. The Declaration cut all colonial ties with Great Britain. Beginning the United States of America.

Treaty of Alliance is signed

Feb 6, 1778

1. The treaty made the U.S. and France allies during the American Revolution, forcing Britain to disperse their troops to multiple fronts and relieving pressure for U.S. forces.

Treaty of Paris ends the American Revolution

Sep 3, 1783

1. Formally ending the Revolutionary War and making the United States a recognized, independent country.

United States Constitution is put into effect

Jun 21, 1788

1. The United States is now joined together under a nationwide supreme law.

Louisiana Purchase made

Jul 4, 1803

1. America is doubled in size by the deal made with France.

War of 1812 begins

Jun 18, 1812

War that led to an increase in American self-identity.

Texas Annexation

Dec 29, 1845

The Annexation of Texas led to a stronger belief is Manifest Destiny.

Mexican-American War

Feb 2, 1848

A war that led to the expansion of America from Oklahoma to California.

California Gold Rush begins

Jan 24, 1849

Gave citizens a sense of the chance for a new beginning.

Commodore Matthew Perry "opens" Japan

Mar 31, 1854

The opening of Japan led to strong trade relations between America and Japan

American Civil War begins

Apr 12, 1861

The War between the North and the South drove the country to chaos over slavery laws.

Ratification of the 13th Amendment

Dec 6, 1865

The mark of the end of slavery and the beginning of the Reconstruction period.

Reconstruction era ends

Apr 11, 1877

2, America is reunited as one nation and marks the beginning of the modern era.