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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
First hsitorical document limiting the power of a monarch. Brought about after King John was terrible to Britain.
Habeas Corpus: Gave people the right to fight againt unlawful or unjust punishment-basis for American Amendments -
Period: Jan 1, 1300 to
The Renaissance
A period of great enlightenment influenced by the Gutenberg printing press. Started in Italy and led great cultural reforms. Emphasized art and invention and expression. -
Mar 4, 1394
Henry the Navigator
Died 13 November, 1460
A Portugese prince, funded most of the exploration of the new world. Established a school for navigation. Without him it would've taken much longer to explore America -
Period: Nov 20, 1400 to
The Conquistadors
Spanish explorers who mainly sought wealth and power. Slaughtered countless natives in their search for gold. -
Period: Dec 4, 1450 to
Columbian Exchange
The time period during which New World items such as food were transferred to Europe. Europeans brought their own native things to the Americas such as disease and horses
The Middle Passage: The movement of slaves form Africa to the new world for centuries, causing the rise of slavery in America. -
Oct 30, 1451
Christopher Columbus
Died 20 May 1506
Portugese funded explorer who searched for a western passage to India but managed to end up in the Gulf of Mexico where he set foot in the New World for the first time. Wrongly assumed he had landed in India and named all natives Indians. Opened the door for other explorers to settle in America -
Nov 20, 1485
Hernan Cortez
Died 2 December, 1547
Infamous Conquistador. Slaughtered the whole Aztec population, made himself their god and stole their gold. Tremendously rich and famous but an awful awful man -
Period: Dec 4, 1492 to
American colonization and settlement
Indentured Servants: A person owing some sort of debt who willingly became slaves for a certain period of time. This was usually in exchange for passage to the New World.
Cash Crops: Crops like tobacco and cotton which grew fast and were produced as fine goods for massive profit. The main reason slavery was used so heavily in the New World and also why America became so colonized -
Dec 4, 1497
Search for Northwest Passage begins
Believed to be a shorter route to India and all explorers were meant to be searching for it. Allowed Europeans to discover the New World by accident, in their attempt to get rich quick -
Period: Dec 4, 1500 to
Mercantilism
An economic practice whch put high tariffs on exported goods in order to earn more money. Britain forced the colonies to buy their high priced goods. -
Jun 29, 1520
Montezuma
Aztec king who trusted Hernan Cortez and worked with him. When Cortez started killing, his own people turned on him and murdered him. -
Settlement of America begins
Presidio: a fortified military settlemetn. These were set up by the Spanish in their new land and were the beggings of colonies.
Mestizo: A mixed Spanish and Native American. Made through interracial marriages
Joint Stock Company: groups of investors who funded colonies to grow cash crops
Puritan: Extremely religious settlers of America who abided strictly by the rules of the bible. They came to the New World seeking religious freedom -
Salutary Neglect
The British policy of avoiding enforcement of laws meant to keep America loyal to the British. They simply ignored the colonies and let them do what they want, eventually leading in part to the Revolutionary War -
First meeting of the House of Burgesses
First legislative branch formed in American Colonies. This opened the door for real American Government -
Mayflower Compact
A contract made by the pilfrims agreeing to several social restrictions and standards in order to form a more perfect union. -
John Smith Dies
Took control of James town, forcing it to survive by farming and making friends with the Indians. He essentially helped our first colony to really survive the tough conditions present in the New World. -
Bacon's Rebellion
Nathaniel Bacon led a rebellion and marched to Jamestown. He wished to protest pro-Native policies. His march quickly turned violent and many were killed. -
William Penn founds Pennsylvania
William Penn was a quaker and foounded a colony to be friendly and inclusive and kind. They had a smaller focus on money and more so on happiness. -
Period: to
The Enlightenment
A movement which promoted reason and individualism in Europe. A sort of mini renaissance. -
Iroquois League
A Confederation of native american tribes; the Oneida, Onandaga, Cayaga, Seneca, and the Tuscarora. They were assembled with the express purpose of defending natives from the white settlers -
Articles of Confederation adopted
The original constitution of the United States, severely limited a central government and gave all power to states. Later removed as it caused chaos and didn't allow for proper defense. -
Shays' Rebellion
An armed uprising of farmers responding to a massive tax on whiskey which called to attention the issue of not being able to have a strong central government. It was hard to put down because there was no way to raise and army and there weren't taxes to pay for it. -
Great Compromise/ Compromise of 1787
Propoosed a bicameral legislature for the US
One house of 2 representatives per state and one house with representatives proportional to population
effectively combined new jersey and virginia plans
Limited Government: Government should not be able to control everything in people's lives and should be limited by some sort of rules or constitution -
Northwest Ordinance passed
The northwest ordinance opened up lands west of the appalachians, surrounding the great lakes. This allowed for more westward expansion. -
House and Senate established
Bicameral Legislature: A system in which a law making body is divided into two houses
Separation of Power: The idea of splitting power between three equal branches of government in order to keep things fair
Checks and Balances: The system by which the three government branches need to be checked by another before using it's powers, therefore maintaining a separation of power
Popular Sovereignty: Power is given through the people and it is their right to choose their leaders -
The Federalist Papers begin to be published
Series of documents by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison promoting the ratification of the Constitution as opposed to the Articles of Confederation. Helped to convince the public to vote for it -
Constitution ratified
Loose Construction: a very loose approach to interpreting the constituion which assumes man rights are inherently given
Strict Construction: a narrow minded approach to law whcih teaches that a judge cannot assume anything and should only adhere to the exact law -
Cabinet formed
The President's advisors, who are in charge of the brances of American government. Originally constructed by George Washington.
Alexander Hamilton: The man placed in charge of the US Treasury. Placed taxes on many items in an effort to reduce national debt. -
Period: to
Great Awakening
Started to oppose the Enlightenment. Promoted the spiritual side of humanity causing countless masses to convert to Christianity. -
Period: to
2nd Great Awakening
Reinvigorated churches saw a huge growth in membership. Very romantic view of religion.
Utopian Community: The idea of a community or society with perfect(or near perfect) qualities. The ultimate community -
Period: to
Whiskey Rebellion
Armed Rebeelion against Hamilton's tariff on Whiskey. Washington demonstrated power by breaking it up peacefully
Tariffs: taxes placed on imported goods which many resented and has caused revolution throughout history -
Jay Treaty
John Jay: first supreme court justice who established a treaty between America and Britain which posponed war in exchange for restricted trade
Impressment: The practice of taking men by force and making them join the Navy. British Impressment of American sailors caused huge tensions. -
Alien and Sedition Acts
A series of unconstitutional laws passed by John Adams which allowed the President to deport anyone he wanted and to arrest anyone issuing criticism about the government. -
Marbury vs. Madison
Helped define the boundary between Judicial and Executive branch when Marbury petitioned to have his Supreme Court holdings released to him by Madison but was denied by the court.
Judicial review: doctrine under which legislative and executive actions are ubject to review by the judiciary. Helps maintain balance. -
Louisiana Purchase
America bought a massive chunk of land from France at 3 cents and acre. France hoped to gain some funds for it's wars and America got most of the land for 15 present day states. -
Cotton Gin invented
A device dsigned by Eli Whitney to mechaniclly separate cotton seeds. Caused a huge growth in the southern cotton market and the true rise of slavery.
Interchangeable parts: components that are, for a practical purpose, identical. They can be used in the same way with the same outcome. -
Period: to
Manifest Destiny
The entire movement of American settlers to the West. Promoted individualistic ideals and convinced people there was a more prosperous life awaiting them. -
Hartford Convention
A meeting of the federalist party to discuss grievances concerning the war of 1812. -
Treaty of Ghent
Signed in Ghent, France which ended the war of 1812 and allowed U.S. and British relations to normalize. -
Henry Clay
War Hawk in 1812, several unsuccesful presidential runs, main supporter of "American System".
American System: An economic plan proposed by Henry Clay which played a prominent role in American policy. It consisted of three mutually reinfocing parts; a tariff to protect U.S. industry, a ntaional bank, and federal subsidies for infrastructure work. -
Missouri Compromise
Established a boundary line between slave states and non slave states. Made sure that voting would alwasy be balanced. Postponed civil war. -
Monroe Doctrine
Declaration by President Monroe that other nations needed to stop colonizing America. Essentially stated that as long as others stayed out of the U.S., the U.S. would stay out of foreign affairs. Reinforced isolationism. -
Erie Canal completed
A canal constructed to allow naviagable routes from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Erie. This greatly increased th ability for people to live near the Great Lakes due to the ease of trade. -
Tariff of Abominations
Designed to protect industry in the North, placed a tax on cheaper, foreign goods but angered The South because they had to pay more for goods
Nullification: The idea that a state has the right to ignore any federal law that they view as unconstitutional. -
Andrew Jackson
7th President of America. Denied the right of a state to secede. Also denied states rights to nullify federal law. Main founder of modern day democratic party.
War Hawks: a term used in politics to refernce anyone who aggressively favors going to war.
Jacksonian Democracy: Less of an elite idea of democracy, letting the common man truly participate-much less focused on higher education, more on good ideas and democratic spirit. -
Indian Removal Act
Authorized President to negotiate Indians, for their removal to federal territory in exchange for ancestral homelands. Caused tremendous harm to natives-pain and suffering. -
Mormon Movement
A new religious movement involving polygamy and a different way of interpreting the bible. Rejected by many christians but gained cult following. -
Nat Turner's Rebellion
Leda slave revolt that killed 60 whites. Caused restrictions on the rights of free blacks as well as anti-black violence. -
William Lloyd Garrison
American abolitionist - head editor of "The Liberator". Big voice in calling for Emancipation of slaves.
Abolition Movement: movement to end slavery on the idea of all men being created equal and free. -
Lone Star Republic established
An independent sovereign nation formed when Mexico gave it independence. Later added as the new state Texas to America. Still had/has very independent ideals. -
Dorothea Dix
American activist for the mentally unstable. Broguht about the first generation of mental asylums to care for the sick. -
Wilmot Proviso
A proposed law to ban slavery in new territory acquired from Mexico. This led toa big increase in tensions and a main reason for the civil war. -
Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo
Peace treaty between Mexico and U.S. which ended the Mexican-American war. Forced Mexico to pay reparations and give up a sizable portion of land. -
Seneca falls convention
The first women's rights convention in America. Met to discuss the role of women in society and how their rights should be improved.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton: An american abolitionist woman, very outspoken about the rights of women. Tried to bring change for women. -
Period: to
California Gold Rush
When news of gold reserves in california reached the east coast, countless americans migrated west in an effort to get rich quick. Brought lots of population to the west -
Compromise of 1850
Reduced sectional conflict, banning slave trade in D.C., California admitted to the Union as a free state, took away some texan land, and new territories could choose for themselves if they wanted slavery.
Popular sovereignty: The conccept of political officials being chosen by the people and that government only has power as long as people agree that it does. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin published
Harriet Beecher Stowe: An american abolitionist and author of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" which brought anger from the North as the best selling novel explored the horrors of slavery while the South insisted it was ridiculous drivel. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
Act passed by Congress allowing the territories of Kansas and Nebraska to choose for themselves whether or not they would permit slavery. This caused a flock of people to enter the territories in the hope that they could pull the vote one way. Totally undermined the Missouri Compromise. -
Gadsden Purchase
Bought the southwestern portion of America. Some of Arizona and New Mexio was bought up. -
Underground Railroad
An illegal system by which southern slaves were smuggled from the South to the North where they could be free. Built tensions as the North stole southern "property". -
Dred Scott
The Dredd Scott decision deemed that African Americans, freed or enslaved were not citizens of the United States and therefore had no rights. -
Raid on Harper's Ferry
John Brown led a group of radical abolitionists on a raid to try and raise a slave army. He hoped to capture the weaponry amassed within Harper's Ferry but when he arrived not a single slave joined him. Him and his men ended up being hung. -
Confederate States of America
The group of slave states who seceeded from the Union. They were the ones the Union fought to bring back. -
Fort Sumter
First battle of the Civil War. Started everything, Confederate victory. -
Battle of Fort Sumter
The first officical battle of the Civil War. Union loss. The first bullet of the war was fired here. -
Period: to
The Anaconda Plan
The general plan used by The Union to defeat the Confederacy. Designed to cut off ports and choke out supplies and split the opponent in two. -
Battle of Bull Run 1
Very early in the war, extremely inexperienced fighting
Very close to capital of Confederacy
Stonewall Jackson led Confederacy, standing firm til reinforcements came
Victory for South -
Battle of Shiloh
Planned as a sneak attack by the South at nighttime and attacking Union at their camps and managed to push them back a distance but reinforcements pushed the south back again and they ended where they started
General Grant showed up with his army to help the defending army
Grant's career suffered mildly -
Bull Run 2
Ended August 30, 1862
Another Victory for the South, helped raise morale
Union left squabbling amongst itself over what caused the loss -
Battle of Antietam
Bloodiest day in American History
Lots of casualties
Draw
Caused the relief of duty of General George McClellan -
Battle of Fredericksburg
Ended December 15
Confederate victory over union
Huge moral boost for South
Union leaders were under political attack afterwards, Union general in charge relieved of duty -
Battle of Chancellorsville
Ended May 6, 1863
Southern Victory, lost Stonewall Jackson to friendly fire
Jackson was very talented leader and big loss to Confederacy.
Lee split army into two. -
Battle of Vicksburg
Union surrounded town, cutting off all supplies and forcing Confederacy to surrender
Ended July 4, 1863
Many African American soldiers in both armies
Confederacy lost huge numbers-33,000 -
Battle of Gettysburg
Ended July 3, 1863
The war's turning point
Large defeat of South, destroying their military and psychological strength
Only battle fought in North -
Battle of Petersburg
Ended March 25, 1865
Confederate soldiers dug trenches around Petersburg
Union played the waiting game and tried to starve out Confederates
Caused end of war in the east
Precursor to World War I and the massive use of trench warfare and attrition
Lee eventually forced to surrender -
Battle of Atlanta
Atlanta was important railroad and manufacturing hub in The South, essentially the only one
Union forces overwhelmed the Confederates and occupied Atlanta
Their success helped boost Lincoln's popularity and let him win the election of 1864
Split the South in half during Sherman's march to the sea -
Sherman's March to the Sea
Ended December 21, 1864
William T. Sherman marched 60,000 troops along the Mississippi and destroyed civilians' homes and crops
Torched the countryside
Captured atlanta
An example of total war, destroying literally everything
Destroyed Southern morale
The northern occupation burned its way to Charleston and essentially ended the Civil War -
Appomattox Court House
Lee tries attacking Union due to miscalculation but Union had far more power than anticipated,
Lee was forced to surrender
Ended war in Virgininia
Triggered series of surrenders for South, ending the war -
Black Codes
A series of laws passed to undermine the Civil War amendments and limit the freedoms of blacks as well as oppress them. -
Freedmen's Bureau
Organization established to support freed black's and poor southerners after the Civil War. Helped find jobs and housing and land. -
Period: to
Reconstruction
The time period after the Civil War during which the South was rebuilt from the destruction it underwent.
Radical Republicans: Huge supporters of abolition and passed the 13th ammendment. -
Civil Rights act of 1866
Granted citizenship related rights to all men in the U.S. regardless of race or color. -
14th Amendment
14th amendment to the consitution which granted citizenship to all natural born or naturalized Americans. -
15th amendment
Prevented not letting people vote based on color or race. Let former slaves vote. -
Ku Klux Klan
A racial terrorist group made to keep blacks from having any political influence. -
Enforcement Acts
Three acts passed by congress from 1870-1871 which helped to protect the black man's right to vote, to hold office, to serve on juries, and receive equal protection of laws.
