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1300 BCE
Plains Tribes
Nomadic hunters who hunted on foot before being introduced to horses. These people had many different tribes within and were deeply connected with nature. Soon after Spanish explorers
introduced horses to the Indian tribes. -
1300 BCE
Anasazis
One of the first North-American tribe to agriculturally grow squash and maize and evolved from making adobe houses to more permanent houses. Bow and arrows were soon being used to hunt towards the end. -
Period: 1300 BCE to
Beginnings To Exploration
This era was basically different nations exploring the new world and finding new routes for trading and lands across the world. This era ended in the early 17th century when technological advancements started to occur. -
1200 BCE
Mesoamerica
Massive stone heads are carved by the Olmecs; the Olmecs create large temples. The Mayans develop the concept of numbers and also introduce the calendar. Beans are collected by cocoa tree by the Mayans and were mostly likely used in a chocolate drink. The Aztecs settled on Tenochtitlan which is present day Mexico city. With large pyramids, the Aztecs sacrifice humans for their gods. -
700
The Dark Ages
Northern Europe suffered form famine which caused a huge decline of population but a an increased rate of crime and cannibalism. Soon after the Hundred Years' War took place between England and France. A few years after the Black Plague broke out and was a huge threat to the Europeans which weakened the feudal system & the Church of Europe. The Church was then divided which eventually led to the reduction of people power to the Church from the people. -
1415
Henry the Navigator
Prince Henry, the Navigator had a knowledge of map making and geography; He explored along the west coast of Africa and founded colonies. He hoped to learn about Muslims in Africa and convert them to Christianity. -
1492
Christopher Columbus
Columbus made four trips across the Atlantic in hope to find a direct water route from Europe to Asia, but instead found the Americas. Natives were discovered on the newly found land and disease later broke out. -
1493
Colombian Exchange
As Christopher Columbus discovers new land, the Colombian Exchange takes place where food, animals, culture, and diseases begin to spread and trading taking place between the New & Old World.There were both positive and negative impacts including disease. Disease was brought to Native Americans by Europeans and vise versa. -
1518
Hernan Cortes
An explorer who defeated the Aztec Empire and claimed Mexico. Cortes and his men were seen as gods and were offered gold which led to Cortes and his men taking Emperor Montezuma hostage -
English Colonization
The English began to colonize North America during the mid 16th centuries after French and Spanish Colonizations. -
Chesapeake Colonies
Three ships with colonists settle on a new settlement named Jamestown where only a few survive the cold, harsh winter. John Smith was the first to survive 2 winters and he also negotiated with the Natives and has Pocahontas as a guide. As population started growing, slaves were in demand and were first brought by pirates. -
Period: to
English Colonial Societies
New colonies are discovered such as the Chesapeake, New England,Caribbean, Colonial, and Proprietary Colonies. -
Indentured Servitude
Indentured slaves were slaves under contract where they were kept for 4-7 in exchange for shelter, food, and tools and mainly came over to start a new life in the New World. Many servants died before their freedom because of such harsh labor. -
Conflict with Natives
Because of settlements increasing in the colonies, it intruded with many Native tribes which caused conflict and later led to war. -
Tobacco
Tobacco soon became the main cash crop in the Chesapeake Colonies. Wide plantations across Chesapeake bay grew rapidly along the rivers. Over one million pounds of tobacco was being exported to England later on. Because of labor difficulty, indentured slaves were being used and Tobacco farms were spread all over Virginia and North Carolina. -
Plymouth Colony
Most of the settlers in Plymouth were Puritans who sailed on the Mayflower.Colonists in Plymouth colony started building a permanent settlement by plating corn-taught by Squanto, hunting and gathering resources. -
Salem Witch Trials
Began with girls claiming to be possessed by the devil and then accusing women of witchcraft. Many of the women-some men and children- who were victims of witchcraft were hanged . The first women who was convicted of witchcraft was Bridget Bishop. After a year the hysteria began to lose its steam, the governor put an end to the trials after his own wife was being accused. The colony later admitted it was a mistake and apologized to the families who were convicted of witchcraft. -
Act of Union
This act was passed by the English & Scottish Parliaments in 1707 where the new United Kingdom of Great Britain came into existence. -
Period: to
Colonial America
The Enlightenment & the Great Awakening takes place. African slaves arrive in the colonies and are used for labor. Colonies start to grow and so do conflicts. -
Triangular Trade
The triangular trade system was a trans-Atlantic trade route that went to the Americas, Europe, and Africa importing and exporting raw material and slaves. This trade system was important for the colonies economy wise -
Slave Rebellion
The first two slave rebellions took place in the colonial times where a few Africans armed themselves and killed a few whites but were later caught by soldiers and were set on fire. Other slaves also tried to rebel against their masters but got caught and the consequences were harsh. -
The Great Awakening
The Great Awakening was a religious revival and movement in the Atlantic region, mainly the American colonies, which led to an effect on American religion. George Whitefield was a preacher for religion purposes whose main goal was to teach about individuals being born again to become followers of Christ. The Great Awakening led to both social and political changes. -
The Atlantic Slave Trade
Africans were enslaved and were brought to the New World for labor along the Atlantic coast. -
New England's Economy
New England's economy was centered on fishing and farming, with sea trade in the Atlantic world and shipbuilding since they were located near the coast. Crops like corn, pumpkins, and beans were planted and traded ling the Triangular Trade. -
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin was a political leader who soon became a Founding Father of the United States. He had many talents who was seen as a symbol of the American Enlightenment. Franklin helped create the Paris of Treaty, was one of the first librarians, invented the lightening rod & bifocals, was in involved in politics, & served in the Philadelphia Convention -
Treaty of Paris
This Treaty ended the Seven Years' War and also ended the French rule in North America taken over by Britain. Britain signs the this Treaty with with frontier tribes and expands westward. -
The 7 Years' War/ French & Indian War
The 7 Years' War was caused by the French and colonists fighting and then France, Russia, England, and Spain got involved. More territory from the West, Ohio Territory, was wanted which also led to the Natives getting involved -
Period: to
The Revolutionary Era
Britain had financial issues after the French and Indian War leading to many Acts being passed and eventually leading to the Declaration of Independence. -
Sugar Act
This Act required merchants to pay tax of 6 pence per gallon on imports from foreign goods. The purpose was to buy molasses from the British colonies instead of smuggling it. The colonists saw it as "Taxation without Representation" -
Boston Massacre
Occurred by a crowd of Bostonian's harassing the British soldiers which led the soldiers to fire at the crowd. Several colonists were killed and caused campaigns through out the colonies. Paul Revere created his most famous phrase "Bloody Massacre Perpetrated in Kings Street in Boston”shortly after the Boston Massacre took place. -
Boston Tea Party
Samuel Adams and the Sons of Liberty dressed up as Indians, boarded three ships and threw over 340 chests of tea over the Boston harbor. This led to the British shutting down Boston Harbor until the lost chests were paid for. -
Battle of Lexingtom
This was one of the first battles fought during the Revolutionary Era where British troops moved towards Lexington from Boston to seize colonists's military supplies. -
Thomas Paine
Paine writes a book called "Common Sense" which argued for independence and and attacked monarchy. Because of this book Independence was now seriously being argued against Great Britain. and colonists started giving thought for their independence. -
The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson stating that all men are created equal, Independence is not an option but a chance, and "Life, liberty, & the pursuit of happiness." The Declaration of Independence was signed by all 13 colonies on July 4th for the United States declaring to be independent and going against the British. -
The Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation served as a document for the Federal government but was too weak to enforce the laws on the people. -
Period: to
The Constitution
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Battle of Yorktown
The French and America combined and was led by George Washington. Because the French played such a huge role, the British surrendered which ended the Revolutionary War. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris 1783 fully ended the Revolutionary war, recognizing the United States as an Independent Nation, granting fishing rights, and establishing the Northern border with British. -
American Virtue
People started celebrating the idea of Republicanism and state constitutions. Education started becoming more important to citizens. -
Shay's Rebellion
This Rebellion was led by Daniel Shay was a post-war recession where the farms were seized so citizens rebelled for the War veterans. It quickly spreads but comes to a downfall. -
New Jersey Plan
Was also known as the Small State Plan was a proposal -
Constitutional Convention
This was a meeting to discuss about better improvements for the Articles of Confederation. They came up with 2 plans, Virginia Plan & New Jersey Plan. The Virginia Plan had two House Legislatures- lower and Upper House and the population was based on representation. The New Jersey Plan was for the small sates and basically modified the AOC with a less powerful Judiciary and a single Legislature. -
The Great Debate
This was a series of protests and debates between the Federalists and the Anti- Federalists. The Federalists supported the constitution, but opposed the Bill of Rights. They also believed in a powerful central government. Anti- Federalists believed in states' rights will less power to the government and did believe in the Bill of Rights. -
The Three Branches
the 3 branches were Executive, Legislative, & Judicial where congress had different thoughts on the constitution. -
George Washington
George Washington wins the first election of 1788 and was seen as a god-like figure to the people. Washington also leads a Rebellion later on -
Period: to
The New Republic
The government undergoing elections and diplomacy & conflict -
Alexander Hamilton
Hamilton was a Founding Father of the Constitution who was a federalist (strong central government) and believed in class divisions.Hamilton was also the first secretary of the treasury as appointed by Washington. -
Bank of the United States
This bank was a national bank and was created to help pay off Wars debt, federal funds, and also help establish a currency. Later on the bank started to fail because people opposed the idea and believed the Federals would have too much power (which they didn't like) -
Bill of Rights
The 10 Amendments to the Constitution make up the Bill of Rights stating Freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, quartering of troops, protection from searches, protections of life, liberty
, & property & etc -
Whiskey Rebellion
This rebellion was a tax protest made mainly of Pennsylvania & Kentucky farmers revolting because Whiskey was economically important and made large profit, but the government wanted to put tax on it which would make people buy it less. This rebellion was the first challenge to the Federal authority. -
Election of 1796
In this election, George Washington does not run. It;s between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson; Republican v.s Federalist. John Adam wins and Jefferson becomes the Vice President. -
XYZ Affair
The XYZ Affair was was an incident between America and France that eventually led to an undeclared war as the army triples -
Adams Presidency
Adams was the first President to belong to a political party known as the Federalists.While in office, Adams passes the Alien & sedition Act and uses Jefferson's Idea of the Kentucky Resolutions. -
Period: to
The Age of Jefferson
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Sacagawea
Sacagawea was invited to Lewis and Clark's expedition as an interpreter to other Indians and helped them through the ways since she knew some parts of that land. -
Lewis and Clark
Lewis was a secretary to Jefferson who will lead the expedition & Clark is an army officer who has map making experience. These two men take an expedition through Louisiana to explore unknown territory and establish trade with the Natives. -
Embargo Act of 1807
This act was al aw passed by Congress from Thomas Jefferson and prohibited American ships from trading in all foreign ports. This resulted in low agricultural prices and failed shipping industries -
The Cotton Gin
the Cotton Gin was invented by Eli Whitney, which revolutionized the production of cotton because of how much easier it was. This is going to bring slavery back. -
War of 1812
The U.S declared war with Britain because of the economic blockade of France and British support for hostile Indian tribes. The war ended up being a draw and didn't solve any diplomatic issues. The British has a powerful navy so they easily take Washington D.C and burn the white house. At the Great Lakes, the American navy defeats the British -
Francis Scott Key
Scott Key was a lawyer who witnessed the British attack Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 and then wrote a poem about it which later became the United States national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." -
Lowell Mills
The Lowell Mills was a factory mill under the Waltham System where unmarried women went by choice to work and get paid. The environment was unsafe with long hours and bad conditions. However women still went by choice because they got to do something other than just house chores. -
Changes in American Agriculture
The Iron plow was invented by John Deere which made farming easier. The usage of cotton gins increased slavery in the South. The Midwest grew wheat and the East had livestock, fruit, dairy, and Vegetables. -
Period: to
The Early American Industrial Revolution
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Free Black Communities
The largest Free Black Communities groups were located in the North & Midwest. Although they were free, they still had to deal with discrimination & prejudice. -
Panic of 1819
Because of the War of 1812, economic expansion began to fail; Banks failed, Agricultural prices collapsed, and the economy went through a huge downfall. -
Adams-Onis Treaty
A Treaty between the United States and Spain that ceded Florida to the U.S and settled the boundary between New Spain and the U.S -
Revivalism
There was increase of spiritual interest in the life of church among the society. People tried staying away from alcohol and some states even decided to ban it. Education became important; grades were assigned to students and textbooks and instruction started to take place. -
The Second Great Awakening
The second great awakening began around the 1800's but picked up at 1820. It emphasized religious romanticism and rejected deism and separation. . -
Missouri Compromise
The Missouri Compromise was set up to put a balance between slave states and free states by putting an imaginary line at 36*-30* latitude. This was just a temporary solution and future conflicts were expected. -
Transportation
Modern day roads were being constructed, the steamboat was in usage, railroads sprawled across the country making a huge difference in the way people travel. -
Period: to
Cultural Changes
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Slavery
African slaves were slowly being brought back to Africa- mainly going to Liberia. They were trying to put an immediate end to slavery. -
Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson was an American solder, a lawyer, and the 7th President of the United States. He also served in the House of Representatives where he represented Tennessee. -
Election of 1824
In this election, there are four candidates running for President with no picked successor. Jackson wins the popular vote by the poepe, but not the electoral college. When John Adams is chosen, Jackson is bitter and believes it was a corrupt bargain. -
Period: to
Age of Jackson
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Presidency of John Q. Adams
Adam wants to open a new national bank and make internal improvements. He encourages industry and tariffs on imported goods. Adams becomes unaware of what is going around him and is out of touch. -
Prisons
Prisons were isolated and were housed at night, and worked only during the day. The purpose for prisons were for the prisoners to think about their past actions. The mentally ill were also in the same building as the prisoners but were soon isolated. -
Election of 1828
Andrew Jackson uses a new strategy by by using humble origins towards the people. He gives a speech talking about he served in the military and about democratic values. Some people called Jackson a jackass which resulted in the donkey which became the Modern Democratic Party's symbol -
Nullification Crisis
The Congress decides to raise import taxes on textiles which hurts the Southern Agriculture and South Carolina is mainly affected. The Vice President, John Calhoun advocates the nullifying law and took the Kentucky Resolutions further. -
Growing Cities
Because of many immigrant coming from other countries to the Americas to make a better life for themselves,there was over crowding in the cities. There were white mobs who were against immigrants and Africans(specifically) and also other people who had religious conflicts. -
Trail of Tears
A huge amount of Native Americans were forced out of their land and more than half died along the way from disease, famine, and warfare -
2nd Bank of the United States
The 2nd Bank was charted for the same reasons as the first Bank.Jackson ends up defending the Bank which puts it out of existence. -
Telegraph
The telegraph was developed by Samuel Morse that worked by long distant communications using the Morse Code. -
Election of 1840
This election was between the Democrats and the Whigs; Van Buren V.S General William. The Whigs (General William) spread rumors about Van Buren saying he was a pervert. Harrison ends up winning and promises to bring the economy back, but only ends up making it to a 1 month Presidency. -
Architecture
Parks were a new idea for people to go to and getaway from the fast-paced life in the cities. Cemeteries soon follow this design and buildings were influenced by the Greek. -
Manifest Destiny
Huge amount of fur trade took place- beavers were hunted, almost to extinction. The Manifest destiny was the thought of U.S being a continental nation from Jacksonian Democracy for the White future in the West and the belief of Native Americans extinction. -
Period: to
Westward Expansion
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Immigration
The Irish immigrated because of a potatoe famine. The Germans migrated over because of poor harvests & political turmoil. The British and Scandinavians came for economic reasons. As a result of all these immigrants, ethic changes start to take place. -
Wilmot Proviso
Wilmot Proviso was a proposal to ban slavery in the territory that was acquired from Mexico. The Democrats and Whigs end up splitting into pro-slavery and free-soil factions. -
Mexican-American War
The Mexican-American War was being fought over the border. Zachary Taylor disputes territory which causes the Mexican dispatch to attack Taylor. Polk finds out and declares war -
Brigham Young
Brigham Young was the new leader of the Mormons who wants to get away from all the problems. Him and his followers decide to move to Salt lake Valley in Utah and started to practice polygamy. -
Yeoman Farmers
Yeoman Farmers were the middle class people above the tenant Farmers and below the Planters. Many of the Yeoman Farmers did not own slaves. They formed southern militias and caught any runaway slaves and even guarded for any slave rebellions. -
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
This Treaty settled the border dispute which seized over half of Mexico's territory. -
Period: to
Sectionalism
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Zachary Taylor
Zachary Taylor was the 12th President of the U.S who served in the Battle of Mexico and led national debates on slavery and Southern secession -
Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 was separated into 5 separate bills stating that California will enter as a free state, New Mexico & Utah will decide on slavery,Texas will relinquish disputed western lands, federal government will take over Texas debt, and that slave trade will be bannedbanned in Washington D.C. -
Fugitive Slave Act
The Compromise of 1850 led to the Fugitive Slave Act stating that any runaway slaves were required to be returned and those fugitives had no rights to trial. This also meant that the whites had to help or else they could be jailed. -
California Gold Rush
Gold is found in California and many migrate there and start mining for it. The gold was easy to find and starts supporting industries. Those who migrated from China worked in the worse conditions and faces racism -
Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman was a woman conductor of the Underground Railroad helping thousands of runaway slaves escape. She led them to northern free states or to Canada -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
Kansas and Nebraska wanted to be a free slave state but the Southerners didn't want any more free slave states and wanted to abolish it. Nebraska ends up being a free slave state, but Kansas becomes a slave state -
The North's Industrialization/ Agriculture
The North increases its industrialization having more steam engines and making more railroads- which made a big difference. Immigrants are provided with cheap labor as agriculture becomes an important factor for Northerners. -
Election of 1860
The democrats being end up divided and Abraham Lincoln is representing the Republicans. Lincoln had a moderate aproach to slavery and appealed to different sections. -
Trent Affair
the Confederates sent diplomats to Europe and Britain demand an apology. Lincoln releases the diplomats and sends them to U.S and also secures British and French neutrality. -
The Battle of Bull Run
This battle was the first major battle that took place in Virginia between the Union against the Confederate army. The Union end up loosing and flee to Washington D.C. -
Period: to
The Civil War
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Women During the War
The life of women changed drastically due to the Civil War. Many took the roles that men use to before the Civil War such as teaching, nursing, and taking on civil jobs. Some even dress up as men to fight in the War and others as spies -
Lincoln's Assasination
As Lincoln was attending a play a Ford's Theater, a man names John Wilkes Booth shoots Lincoln in the head. Lincoln later dies the next day, and the killer was later burnt in a Virginia farm. -
Lincoln's 10% Plan
The 10% Plan specified on how a southern state would be able to be pardoned and readmitted to the Union if only at least 10% of the voters swore an oath to the allegiance of the Union. -
40 Acres and a Mule
Some planters abandoned their land so former slaves were allowed to own or rent the land left behind and were also promised a mule. The former slaves saw this land as freedom and independence but the whites end up taking their land back. -
Period: to
Reconstruction
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Freedom Amendments
The 3 Amendments known as the Freedom Amendments were mainly for the equality of former slaves. The 13th was that blacks were free, the 14th stated o how they were citizens, and the 15th stated that former slaves could vote -
Election of 1868
This election was between a Republican- Ulysses S. Grant and a Democrat- Horatio Seymour. This election proved on how racist both the North and South people were. This was a very important election because the blacks were able to vote.
