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US/VA Histoy
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Jamestown
Jamestown was a settlement in the Colony of Virginia, the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. -
Start of Slavery
At Jamestown, Virginia, approximately 20 captive Africans are sold into slavery in the British North American colonies. Slavery was practiced throughout the American colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries to aid in the production of such lucrative crops as tobacco. -
House of Burgesses
Modeled after the English Parliament, the House of Burgesses was established in 1619. -
Mayflower Compact
The Mayflower Compact was the first governing document of the Plymouth Colony. -
French and Indian War
The French and Indian War (1754–1763) is the American name for the North American theater of the Seven Years' War. The war was fought primarily between the colonies of British America and New France, with both sides supported by military units from their parent countries of Great Britain and France. -
Treaty of Paris (1763)
Was signed on 10 February 1763 by the kingdoms of Great Britain, France and Spain, with Portugal in agreement, after Britain's victory over France and Spain during the Seven Years' War. The signing of the treaty formally ended the Seven Years' War, otherwise known as the French and Indian War in the North American theatre, which marked the beginning of an era of British dominance outside Europe. -
Proclamation of 1763
It forbade settlers from settling past a line drawn along the Appalachian Mountains. The purpose of the proclamation was to organize Great Britain's new North American empire and to stabilize relations with Native North Americans through regulation of trade, settlement, and land purchases on the western frontier. -
Stamp Act
a direct tax by the British Parliament specifically on the colonies of British America, and it required that many printed materials in the colonies be produced on stamped paper produced in London, carrying an embossed revenue stamp. The purpose of the tax was to help pay for troops stationed in North America after the British victory in the Seven Years' War. -
Boston Massacre
British Army soldiers killed five civilian men and injured six others. They fired into the crowd, without orders, instantly killing three people and wounding others. -
Boston Tea Party
A nonviolent political protest by the Sons of Liberty in Boston. They boarded the ships and threw the chests of tea into Boston Harbor, ruining the tea. -
1st Continental Congress
A convention of delegates from twelve colonies that met at Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, early in the American Revolution. The Congress was attended by 56 members appointed by the legislatures of twelve of the Thirteen Colonies. -
Lextington and Concord
The first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War. The battles marked the outbreak of open armed conflict between the Kingdom of Great Britain and its thirteen colonies in the mainland of British North America. -
2nd Continental Congress
A convention of delegates from the 13 colonies that started meeting in the summer of 1775, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The second Congress managed the colonial war effort, and moved incrementally towards independence, adopting the United States Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. -
Declaration of Independence
To announce and explain separation from Great Britain. A committee had already drafted the formal declaration, to be ready when congress voted on independence. -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation is an agreement among the 13 founding states that established the United States of America as a confederation of sovereign states. It served as the first ever Constitution and was ratified on March 1, 1781. -
Yorktown
Yorktown is a census-designated place in York County, Virginia, United States. It is the county seat of York County, one of the eight original shires formed in colonial Virginia in 1682. -
Yorktown
Yorktown is a census-designated place in York County, Virginia, United States. It is the county seat of York County, one of the eight original shires formed in colonial Virginia in 1682. -
Critical Period
The period of time following the end of the American Revolutionary War in 1781 to the inauguration of George Washington as President in 1789. A time when the national government of the fledgling republic operated under the authority of the Articles of Confederation constitution. -
The Treaty of Paris
Ended the American Revolutionary War between Great Britain on one side and the United States of America and its allies on the other. Its territorial provisions were generous to the United States in terms of enlarged boundaries. -
Land Ordinance of 1785
The Land Ordinance of 1785 was adopted by the Continental Congress in the United States on May 20, 1785. Its effort was to consolidate schools and make education mandatory. -
Shay's Rebellion
Shays Rebellion was an armed uprising that took place in central and western Massachusetts in 1786 and 1787. The causes were due to economic depression, aggressive taxing, and debt collection. -
Annapolis Convention
Interstate convention called by Virginia to discuss a uniform regulation of commerce. The main achievement of the convention was the decision to summon a new meeting for the express purpose of considering changes in the Articles of Confederation to make the union more powerful. -
Constitutional Convention
Took place from May 25 to September 17, 1787, in Philadelphia, to address problems in governing the United States of America. George Washington presided over the convention. A brilliant philosopher by the name of James Madison also attended. Here they discussed the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan. -
3/5ths Compromise
Slaves are to be counted as 3/5 of a person when determining a state's representation in the House of Representatives. This placated the Southern States. -
Northwest Ordinance of 1787
It provided a method for admitting new states to the Union from the territory and listed a bill of rights guaranteed in the territory. In addition the ordinance encouraged education and forbade slavery. -
The Great Compromise
An agreement that large and small states reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that in part defined the legislative structure and representation. It retained the bicameral legislature as proposed by Roger Sherman. Each state would have two representatives in the upper house. -
Washington's Presidency
President Washington entered office with the full support of the national and state leadership, and established the executive and judicial branches of the federal government of the United States. He remained the President of the U.S until March 4, 1797. -
Judiciary Act of 1789
A landmark statute adopted on September 24, 1789, in the first session of the First United States Congress. An Act to establish the Judicial Courts of the United States. -
Signing of the Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights is the collective name for the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. The amendments were introduced by James Madison to the 1st United States Congress as a series of legislative articles. -
Cotton Gin
A cotton gin is a machine that quickly and easily separates cotton fibers from their seeds, allowing for much greater productivity than manual cotton separation. Any undamaged seeds may be used to grow more cotton or to produce cottonseed oil and meal. -
Adam's Presidency
ohn Adams was the second president of the United States, having earlier served as the first vice president of the United States. He was an Enlightenment political theorist who promoted republicanism, as well as a strong central government, and wrote prolifically about his often seminal ideas. President from (1797-1801). -
Jefferson's Presidency
Thomas Jefferson was an American Founding Father, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States. He was a spokesman for the democracy and the rights of man with worldwide influence -
Marbury vs. Madison
A landmark United States Supreme Court case in which the Court formed the basis for the exercise of judicial review in the United States. The landmark decision helped define the boundary between executive and judicial branches of the American form of government. -
Louisiana Purchase
The acquisition by the United States of America in 1803 of 828,000 square miles of France's claim to the territory of Louisiana. The Louisiana territory encompassed all or part of 15 present U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. -
War of 1812
A 32-month military conflict between the United States on one side, and on the other Great Britain. The outcome resolved many issues, but involved no boundary changes. The results included the defeat of Tecumseh's Indian Confederation and ended support for military annexation of Canada by US. -
McCulloch vs. Maryland
A landmark decision by the Supreme Court of the United States. The state of Maryland had attempted to impede operation of a branch of the Second Bank of the United States by imposing a tax on all notes of banks not chartered in Maryland. -
Missouri Compromise
The Missouri Compromise was passed in 1820 between the pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions in the United States Congress. It prohibited slavery in the former Louisiana Territory north of the parallel, except within the boundaries of the proposed state of Missouri. -
Monroe Doctrine
It stated that further efforts by European nations to colonize land or interfere with states in North or South America would be viewed as acts of aggression, requiring U.S. intervention. Wanted to guarantee that no European power would move in. -
Gibbons vs. Ogden
A landmark decision where the Supreme Court of the United States held that the power to regulate interstate commerce was granted to Congress. The case was argued by some of America's most admired and capable attorneys at the time. -
Jackson's Presidency
Brought the Spoils System. Not very popular with the people. -
Age of the Common Man
Democracy in U.S expanded and more people got involved in the election process. -
Indian Removal Act
Indians forced to move westward of the Mississippi River. -
Nat Turner Revolt
Band of 80 slaves against 4 plantations were caught and hung. -
Battle of the Alamo
Old mission house where Texans fortified themselves. -
Battle of San Jacinto
Texans won independence. They established a republic of Texas. -
U.S Annexes Texas
United States annexed Texas. -
Mexican War
James K Polk wanted the Southwest. U.s successfully defeats Mexico. -
Seneca Falls Convention
The early convention. Women's rights were discussed. -
CA Gold Rush
The told story of gold brought as many as 300,000 people to California. Thus 49ers came into play. -
Fugitive Slave Law
One of the most controversial acts of the 1850's. -
Compromise of 1850
A 4 year term of fighting between the Southern slave states and the Northern free states for the status of territories and freedom. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin
Written by Harriet Breecher Stowe. It supported North for abolition. It also protrayed the evils of slavery. -
Kansas Nebraska Act
This act opened new land for settlement. Had effect in the Missouri Compromise of 1820 about the use of slavery in the states. -
Election of 1860
A Republican won this election. The issue of slavery was dealt with by Lincoln. -
Battle of Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter remained under Union control. Meanwhile Confederates fired upon the Union ships that were at the time trying to resupply amrs to Fort Sumter. This was the 1st battle of the Civil War. -
Homestead Act
Law that gave free public land in the West 160 acre plots. Settlers were made to farm the land for a 5-year term. Used to encourage the settlement in the West. -
Battle of Antietam
Another name for the "Battle of Sharpsburg". First major battle on Union soil during the Civil War. -
Emancipation Proclamation
Issued first by President Lincoln of the time. Proclaimed freedon of the slaves in the states that had latter rebelled. -
Battle of Vicksburg
Final major military action put forth during the Civil War. -
Battle of Gettysburg
The Confederates versus the Union. This was the turning point of the war. Lee's invasion was prevented in the North. -
Old Immigrants
Came from Northern and Western Europe. For example Germany, Great Britian, Ireland, Sweden, and Norway. -
Knights of Labor
Uriah Stevens was the founder of this group. Promoted the lives of the working men of the time. -
New Immigrants
Southern and Eastern Europe. For example Italy, Greece, Poland, Russia, Hungary, Yugoslavia. -
Haymarket Square
Knights of Labor protest in Chicago. 8 strikers were affected by a bomb that went off near the police. -
Reservation System
Indians were forced off their land and onto smaller reservations. -
Chinese Exclusion Act
The U.S told of their issue with the immigrantion into the United States. Told the Chinese, no more immigrants allowed. -
Assimilation Policy
Indians were too adopt the American culture. While on our ground this policy forced Indians to use our cultural beliefs. -
American Federation of Labor
Samual Gompers was the founder which involved Craft Unions. Skilled workers only, collective bargaining, unions and employers negotiatable. -
Dawes Act
Americanization of the Indians. They were to learn and follow some of the cultural beliefs of the average American. -
Sherman Antitrust Act
Prevented the business structure that restrained trade and outlawed trusts. Unfortunately it failed in the end results. -
Homestead Strike
Located around the Carnegie Steal Plant. Manager Henry Frick called Pinkerton Detective Agency. -
American Railway Union
Eugene V. Debs was the founder of this Industrial Union. Involved skilled and unskilled workers. -
Pullman Strike
Started nationwide RR Boycott by the Pullman railway workers. It pitted the American Railway Union against the Pullman Company. -
Treaty of Paris
U.S annexed Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Phillippines. Cuba became a free country. -
Spanish American War
Spanish rule outraged the Cubans. The Cubans therefore rebelled. -
Boxer Rebellion
Formed by the Chinese to remove foreign influence. In all, it failed. -
Progressive Movement
Government institutes reforms to fix the problems caused by industrialization. -
Muckraker
Writters that exposed the problems of the time. They also wrote about the corruption. -
Platt Amendment
U.S asserted the right to intervene in Cuban affairs. Actions of the U.S would affect the well being of Cuba. -
Square Deal
Deal proposed by Theodore Roosevelt. Dealt with trust busting, workers rights, food and health factors, and RR Regulations. -
Panama Canal
Panama broke free from Columbia and succeeded. The canal was finished in 1914 and connected the Atlantic and Pacific. -
Roosevelt Corollary
Theodore Roosevelt added to the Monroe Doctrine. Reminded Europe not to interfere or force would be used to protect its interests in Latin America. -
Recall
Voters can remove officials from office. -
Initiative
Voters were able to propose laws. -
Referendum
Voters must approve bills of the state legislatures. The submission of a proposed public measure or actual statute to a direct popular vote. -
17th Amendment
Voters are able to elect Senators now. -
WW1
The Great War of 1914 involved many different nations. The 5th deadliest in our world history. -
Clayton Antitrust Act
It outlaws price fixing. It expands Shermans Antitrust Act. -
18th Amendment
Prohibition against the consumption of alcoholic beverages in the United States. Declared the production, transport, and sale of the alcohol illegal. -
US Enters WW1
The conflict involving Zimmerman. Wilson opposed involvement but was forced due to submarine warfare. -
14 Points
Woodrow Wilson's statement that the War was fought for moral cause. It was also due to postwar peace in Europe. -
Treaty of Versailles
Peace treaty at the end of WW1. This ended between Germany and allied powers. -
Great Migration
Migration of 6 million African Americans out of the rural areas. Movement of these peoples was to have the best economic opportunity. -
Open Door Policy
John Hay as the secretary of the state. It gave all nations equal trading rights in China calling for fair competition. -
19th Amendment
Gave women the rights of voting. Prohibits any United States citizen from being denied the right to vote. -
Harlem Renaissance
It was a cultural movement. Also known as the New Negro Movement. -
Immigration Restriction Act
Federal law proposed by the U.S to no longer allow immigration. -
Scopes Trial
The state of Tennessee versus John Thomas Scopes. John was accussed of breaking the Butler Act, which made it unlawful to teach. -
Hoover
The 31 President of the United States. Under his name Hoovervilles were built during the Great Depression. -
Great Depression
The time period of famine, hopelessness, and inadequacy swept up a worldwide economic turndown. It sparked from the severe U.s stock market crash. -
Black Tuesday
On this date the New York Stock Exchange completely collapsed. Becoming a pivotal factor in the Great Depression. -
Dust Bowl
The period of severe dust storms and lack of precipitation in the U.s. It greatly damaged the ecology and agriculture of the United States. -
CLO
Receiving larger payments in exchange for being the first in line to lose money if the businesses fail to repay the loans. A CLO is a type of collateralized loan obligation. -
New Deal
Series of domestic programs enacted by the United States between 1993 and 1938. The set of programs and policies designed to promote economic recovery and social reform. -
FDR
American lawyer and statesman who served as the 32nd President of the United States. Instituted the New Deal to counter the Great Depression. -
FDIC
An independent agency created by the Banking Act of 1933. The U.S. corporation insuring deposits in the U.S. against bank failure. -
Wagner Act
It was useful in preventing employers from interfering with workers unions and protests in the private sector. Also known as the National Labor Reactions Act of 1935. -
Social Sercurity Act
A system of transfer payments in which younger, working people support older, retired people. Used to raise revenue. -
Fair Labor Standards Act
A Federal Statue of the United States. One of the most important laws for employers to understand since it sets out a wide array of regulations for dealing with employees. -
Non Aggression Pact
Between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany, which lasted until the 1941 German invasion of the Soviet Union. An agreement of the countries it consisted of to not attack one onother. -
War In Europe
A war fought from 1939 to 1945 between the Axis and Allied powers. Axis Power included: Germany, Italy, and Japan. Allied Powers included: France, Britain, Soviet Union, and United States. -
Selective Service Act WW2
The Act established the first peace-time draft in United States history. It required that men between the ages of 21 and 35 register with local draft boards. -
Germany Invades Russia
Over 3 million German troops invade Russia in three parallel offensives. In this invasion there were high casualties of death. -
Pearl Harbor
A surprise attack by Japan on the U.S. naval base and other military installations. Massive death tolls took place. -
U.S Declares War
A declaration of war is a formal act by which one nation goes to war against another. War declarations have the force of law and are intended to be executed by the President. -
Miracle of Midway
This naval battle of World War II was fought between the Imperial Japanese Navy and the U.S. Pacific Fleet. One of the most important battles of WW2. -
D-Day
The day in which Allied forces invaded Northern France by means of Beach landings in Normandy. This important operation was successful. -
Battle of the Bulge
A major German offensive campaign launched through the densely forested Ardennes region of Wallonia in Belgium. the last major Nazi offensive against the Allies in World War 2. -
Korematsu v. U.S
A landmark United States Supreme Court case concerning the constitutionality of Executive Order 9066. This ordered Japanese Americans into internment camps during World War II regardless of citizenship. -
V-E Day
The day marking the Allied victory in Europe. -
Division of Germany
Germany was split between the two global blocs in the East and West. -
Hiroshima A-Bomb
Hiroshima was destroyed in World War II by the first atomic bomb used in warfare. The rebuilt city is an important commercial and industrial center. -
Nuremburg Trials
A series of trials held between 1945 and 1949 in which the Allies prosecuted Germanany. Prosecuted military leaders, political officials, industrialists, and financiers for crimes they had committed during World War II. -
Nagasaki A-Bomb
Nagasaki was second in the military use of the atomic bomb. -
Cold War
A state of political hostility between the United States and the Soviet Union. -
Marshall Plan
The American initiative to aid Europe, in which the United States gave economic support to help rebuild European economies. In use to prevent the spread of Communism. -
Berlin Airlift
An operation by British and American aircraft to airlift food and supplies to Berlin. It was a major help to those in need during the time period. -
Communist takeover of China
Communist takeover of mainland China. The People's Republic of China established in mainland China. -
NATO
An organization formed in Washington DC. It is an intergovernmental military alliance based on the North Atlantic Treaty which was signed on 4 April 1949. -
Korean War
North Korea invaded South Korea. North Korea was aided by Communist China, and South Korea, aided by the United States and other United Nations. -
Eisenhower
As supreme commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force he launched the invasion of Normandy. He oversaw the final defeat of Germany. -
Julius and Ethel Rosenberg
American citizens executed for conspiracy to commit espionage. They were sentenced to death because of their passing of information of the Atomic Bomb to the Soviet Union. -
Vietnam War
Between the communist armies of North Vietnam who were supported by the Chinese and the armies of South Vietnam who were supported by the United States. -
Warsaw Pact
A military alliance of communist nations in eastern Europe. It included Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and the Soviet Union. -
Sputnik
The first of a series of Soviet artificial satellites. It was the first to be placed in orbit. -
U-2 Incident
A United States U-2 spy plane was shot down over the airspace of the Soviet Union. The 1960 U-2 incident was precipitated during the Cold War. -
OPEC
OPEC is an intergovernmental organization that was created at the Baghdad Conference. It was formed to establish oil-exporting policies and set prices. -
JFK
An American politician who served as the 35th President of the United States. Was assasinated by a sniper on November 222, 1963. -
Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall was a barrier constructed by the German Democratic Republic. It completely cut off West Berlin from surrounding East Germany and from East Berlin. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
A confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union in 1962. It was formed because of the presence of missile sites in Cuba. -
JFK Assasination
A shocking event that immediately raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the death of the president. He was assasinatied by Lee Harvey Oswald. -
Election of 1968
Former Vice-President Richard Nixon, won the election over the Democratic nominee. Running against Vice-President Hubert Humphrey. -
Nixon's Presidency
Richard Milhous Nixon was the 37th President of the United States. He served as President from January 20th, 1969 to August 9th, 1974. -
Nixon in China
It marked the first time a U.S. president had visited the PRC. It was an important step in formally normalizing relations between the United States and the People's Republic of China. -
Watergate Scandal
A major political scandal that occurred in the United States in the 1970s. It was a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C. -
End of the Vietnam War
The United States ended its military involvement in Vietnam. This 10 year war defined a generation and changed how the U.S. military would operate. -
Detente
Period of the easing of Cold War tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union from 1967 to 1979. -
Carter's Presidency
An American politician and member of the Democratic Party who served as the 39th President of the United States. His years of service were from January 20th, 1977 to January 20th, 1981. -
Panama Canal Treaty
The neutrality component of the treaty gave the U.S. permanent authority to defend the canal if it were placed under threat as a neutral water passage. -
Camp David Accord
The result of 14 months of diplomatic efforts by Egypt, Israel, and the United States. It was a peace treaty between Israel and Eygpt. -
Iran Hostage Crisis
A diplomatic crisis between Iran and the United States. 52 American diplomats and citizens were held hostage for 444 days. -
Reagan's Presidency
Ronald Wilson Reagan was the 40th President of the United States. Served from 1981 to 1989. -
Reagan's Berlin Wall Speech
The challenge issued by United States President Ronald Reagan to Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev to destroy the Berlin Wall. -
Moscow Summit
A summit meeting between U.S. Pres. Ronald Reagan and General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. -
Fall of the Berlin Wall
The fall of the Berlin Wall happened nearly as suddenly as its rise. There had been signs that the Communist bloc was weakening. -
Soviet Union Collapse
The collapse of Communist rule in 1991 was followed by declarations of independence by the constituent republics and the consequent break up of the Soviet Union.
