-
Oct 14, 1492
Columbus Arrives
Christopher Columbus arrives in North America aboard the Pinta, but believes he has landed in the Indies. Therefore, he called the natives "Indians" -
Jamestown, Virginia founded by England
-
Mayflower Compact Drafted
This was the first document made in America promising equal rights. It was similar in form to the Magna Carta -
Plymouth Colony established by Pilgrims
This was one of the first established colonies in North America and the Pilgrims were one of the first groups of people who wanted freedom from oppression -
First Slaves arrive in the colonies
Slaves are the cause of the civil war, without the colonies having slaves, the civil war wouldn't have happened, and the U.S. wouldn't have expanded so quickly. -
French and Indian War begins
An attack on the French fort on the Ohio river by the English was the start of this war. -
British Tax Acts
The Tax Acts began with the Sugar act, and then many more followed. The colonists were outraged and fought back; the beginning of the American Revolution -
Boycotts begin
The Sons and Daughters of Liberty fought back against the British and acted as leaders of the Boycotts. This further increased tension between cololnists and the British -
First Continental Congress
56 delegates met in Philadelphia and decided to declare independence -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
The first battle of the Revolutionary War, Amercian victory, cost the British nearly one-fourth of their troops -
Declaration of Independence signed
Written by Thomas Jefferson and signed by the Continental Congress, this document declared to the British that the Americas were their own country now. -
British surrender at Yorktown
-
Articles of Confederation approved
Served as the first set government, established a limited national government and left most power to the states -
Treaty of Paris
Ended the Revolutionary War. Great Britain accepted the colonies as the United States of America and set certain boundaries -
Constitution drafted
-
Louisiana Purchase
Over doubled the land of the United States, but also hugely increased the national debt. -
Missouri Compromise
The Missouri Compromise was meant to allieviate some tension over the issue of slavery, but in reality only made the issue even worse. It was a leading event in leading to the civil war -
Texas Annexed
Texas was a major plot of land that could be used for agriculture, but started the war with Mexico -
Civil War begins
The history altering war over the morality of slavery. Many events led up to this war and it changed the course of America. Many lives were lost and much violence occurred. -
13th Amendment
The amendment that finally freed the slaves all over the country. It was a move towards equality for all and was a major stepping stone for America
