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The Revolutionary War
Different events that led to the Revolutionary War included neglect, the mercantile system, French and Indian War, protests to taxes, and violations of Civil Liberties. The colonists fought against England’s involvement in their affairs. Colonists began to fight for their rights. They demanded representation in government decisions and civil rights protected. -
War Effect on Politics
Political life was tremendously affected by the war. Different class of citizens such as farmers, statesmen, business owners, and laborers were working together diminishing most of the walls in society and leading to the expansion of voting rights. The people enjoyed this form of self-government known as a republic. Another crucial addition was the creation of the state constitutions. This provided protection from the power of the government and led to democracy. -
Articles vs Constitution
In 1787 the government learned that the Articles of Confederation lacked the power to maintain the new republic. In May 1787 George Washington was elected by the delegates from each state, first chairman; but rather than revise the articles, a totally new form of government was formed. This convention became known as the Constitutional Convention. Through many efforts the constitution was formed fixing the weaknesses of the articles and shaping our nation. -
The Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the Constitution, the Bill of Rights were added because Anti Federalists would not ratify the constitution without it. New York and Virginia would not join in without its adoption. Once it was promised that the Bill of Rights would be added the states agreed to join in and the Constitution was ratified. This is one of the most significant events in US History as it sets the rights of the people and creates a difference between democracy and monarchy. -
Whiskey Rebellion of 1794
A tax of 25% placed on whiskey by Hamilton to pay off the debts incurred during the war resulted in the Whiskey Rebellion due to angry farmers in western Pennsylvania. This event like the Boston Tea Party demonstrate resistence by the people when taxes are imposed. This resistence still occurs today. -
Federalists vs. Democratic-Republican Parties
Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton disagreed on matters of policy, federal government, and interpretation of the Constitution. By the mid 1790’s there were two distinct political parties: the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans. Federalists wanted more federal government power. Thomas Jefferson favored a more strict interpretation of the constitution and power within the state. This event is significant in the establishment of a national bank and two political parties. -
The Tariff of Abominations in 1828
The Tariff of Abominations passed by Congress in1828 turned into a national crisis under Jackson. The tariff increased the cost of imported goods. It protected the North but hurt the Sourth with their export of products. Southern States wanted to nullify the tax in 1830. Jackson threatened to send troops to South Carolina to force compliance but worked towards a compromise. He felt the nullifying would endanger the Union. This event was a contribution to that lead to the civial war. -
Indian Removal Act of 1830
Andrew Jackson enacted the Indian Removal Aact of 1830. It stated that territory west of the Mississippi would be exchanged for Native American lands east of the Mississippi River. The Cherokees from Georgia angered by this act filed a case with the Supreme Court in 1832 and won, but were still removed by the US army in 1838. About 25% of the Cherokees died on this 116 day trip. This event resulted in more land for the US but a decline in Indian population. -
War With Mexico
To attract settlers the Mexican government employed empressarios. The empressario, Stephen Austin, in 1830 persuaded 1500 settlers to move to his settlement. In 1830 Mexico closed its border and outlawed importation. In 1835 Texans rallied for independence. On April 21, Houston launched a surprise attack on and the Texan. Houston forced Santa Anna to sign the Treaty of Velasco and remove his army from Texas. This is a significant event because Texas asked to join the US and bacame a state. -
Gold Rush
James Wilson discovered gold at shutters hill in 1848. Chaos broke out when the world discovered there was gold in California. Settlers came from every direction. These men would be known later as the forty-niners for the year of the staggering gold rush. This was an important change in america because property became more expensive and people were increasing in wealth considerably at a rapid rate,
