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Settlement of the Jamestown Colony in Virginia
The first English settlement was established in 1607 when about 100 Englishmen arrived there. The colony fared poorly because of an abundance of famine, disease, and violent confrontations with the locals. The farming of tobacco eventually turned around the status of the colony, making it richer, profitable, an therefore, more easily investible for England. -
Thirty Years' War(IE)
The Thirty Years' War was a serious of wars resulting from the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Ferdinand II, imposing Catholicism on nearby powers. What followed was a series of rebellion and mercenary battles among groups. The result was around 80 million causalities. -
French and Indian War
Named by the winners, the French and Indian War was a war bought between the British, and the French and Indians. The war took place in North America, and granted a heap of land to the British, which would later prove useful and controversial for the English colonies. The war would also heavily contribute to the taxing of the English colonies. -
The Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was a series of taxes imposed on paper products used by the English colonies. Everything from newspapers to stamps were increased in price. -
Boston Massacre(JQA)
The Boston Massacre started off as an angry mob clashing with English soldiers, and ended with the death of five English colonists. What followed was a trial meant to be unbiased organized by the king. "He thwarted accusations of favoritism by naming John Quincy's father and his mother"s cousin Josiah Quincy- two outspokenly anti-British lawyers-to defend the soldiers in and out-of-town trial before a jury of farmers, none of them Tories." (Unger 11). The soldiers were proven to be defensive. -
Boston Tea Party(JQA)
The Boston Tea Party was an event where angered colonists dressed up like Native Americans and threw British tea into the harbor. The act was a protest against the tax on the colonist tea. -
Start of the American Revolution
The American Revolution was the start of the war between the English colonies and the United Kingdom over the colonists independence. Many factors led up the explosion of this powder keg, including unfair tax, the Boston Massacre, and taxation without representation. The war came to an end with a colonial victory in 1781. -
Battle of Bunker Hill(JQA)
The Battle of Bunker Hill was a battle that took place during the revolution in 1775 that resulted in a British victory. John Quincy Adams is said to have witnessed this battle with his mother. "John Quincy said the battle and the carnage it left made "an impression in my mind" that haunted him the rest of his life." (Unger 16). The battle of Bunker Hill left John Quincy with a deep understanding of sacrifice and feelings of patriotism. -
Declaration of Independence(JQA)
The Declaration of Independence was an official document created by Thomas Jefferson declaring independence from Great Britain. "Congress approved it without dissent on July 4." (Unger 21). The document is also notable for its statements on human and "inalienable" rights given to all birth. The contents were inspired by the founding fathers themselves and by past European philosophers. -
Ratification of the Constitution
This malleable document still relied on today, followed the Articles of Confederation after colonial independence. The document used a Bill of Rights to convince Anti-Federalists and also used ideas from the likes of Montesquieu and others to create a balance of powers and a system that would last throughout eras of change. -
French Revolution(IE)
Influenced by idea of Enlightenment, The French Revolution was a revolution overthrowing the monarchy. The revolution resulted in the dissolvement of many traditional institution and brought about the rise of Napoleon. -
Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase was a deal made between the United States and France. The United States purchased 828,000 square miles for around $15 million. This resulted in the western frontier that would later evolve the entire ideals of America itself. The West is the land of opportunity. -
John Quincy Adams as Secretary of State(JQA)
John Quincy Adams served as secretary of state for President James Monroe. During this time, he wrote the famous, Monroe Doctrine. This position as secretary of state would later lead to a more successful and prosperous career in government. -
Mexico Gains Independence(IE)
Following American, French, and other countries in South America, Mexico gained its independence from its mother country, Spain, in 1821. Similarly to the French Revolution, the Mexicans were inspired by European ideals of Enlightenment. -
John Quincy Adams is the 6th President of the United States(JQA)
John Quincy Adams became the sixth president in 1825. During his presidency, he favored high tariffs, reduced some of the national debt, and advocated for infrastructure improvement throughout the country. He ran for another term, but was beaten by Andrew Jackson. -
The Death of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams(JQA)
In patriotic fashion, founding fathers Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both die within hours on July 4th, 1826. This symbolizes the death of the past and original America and brings in the birth of a new and more matured country. -
Andrew Jackson becomes the 7th President(JQA)
Beating out John Quincy Adams in his run for a second term, Andrew Jackson becomes president in 1829. Andrew Jackson while president opposed the banks, was involved with the removal of the Indians, and eliminated the national debt. He appealed to the common man and basically started the culmination of the working class vote in candidacy. -
Slavery Abolished in Britain(IE)
In 1833, British Parliament abolished slavery in all areas except some territories. These territories were eventually relieved of slavery as well. -
Matthew Perry goes to Japan(IE)
Commodore Matthew Perry visits Japan in 1854 to flex the military and to convince Japan to trade. The order was given by President Fillmore to use "gunboat diplomacy" to establish trade. Trade was eventually established leading to the opening of Japan for other nations to trade. -
Dred Scott Decision
The Dred Scott Decision was a decision made by the Supreme Court in 1857 involving a slave living in a free state. The court ruled that slaves are basically property and the decision also ruled the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional. This was a victory for the South leading up to the beginning of the Civil War. -
The Civil War Begins
The South secedes from the Union in 1861, beginning the Civil War under President Lincoln in the North and under President Davis. The war broke out because of fundamental differences between the North and the South on issues of slavery and states rights. The war lasted 4 fours and resulted in an estimated 700,000 American deaths, the most in its conflicts history. Following the Norths victory was the Reconstruction Era after Lincoln's death.
