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Battle of Lexington & Concord
First battles of revolutionary war. It was due to tensions between he U.S. and Britain that eventually exploded after a serious of disagreements on British rule. British was sent to confiscate colonial weapons when they were defeated by weak colonial army. Colonies won the battle of Concord, and the battle of Lexington was kind of like a draw. This was important to history because it started a war that let to American Independence. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was a document written in 1776. It was mainly written by Thomas Jefferson. It was a document that declared the colonies independence from the King of Great Britain. It was also externally directed at loyalists as well. Within the declaration, it stated how the colonists attempted to address and compromise with issues.Yet their efforts were futile. The writing of this document was very important to history because it marked the beginning of a new nation.. -
Battle of Saratoga
Battle fought during the revolutionary war. This battle was a turning point in the war. The Colonists won this battle. It was also a crucial morale boost to colonists. The British surrendered to the Colonists. This was important in history because it contributed to the revolutionary war and determined whether the U.S. really had enough power to gain independence. -
Articles of Confederation
This was the first written constitution of the U.S. in 1771. It was ratified in 1781. However, this constitution was weak. One main problem associated with this was that government could not impose taxes.This was because colonists at the time were afraid of creating a government too strong.This led to the Articles creating a weak central government that couldn't properly support the nation.This was important to history because it helped shape modern-day government in the U.S. -
Battle of Yorktown
Final and significant battle in the revolutionary war. This was a victory for colonists, as they defeated the British. It is considered one of the most important battles of the war. It basically ended the war. Soon the British began to negotiate with the U.S. after the battle. This is very important to history because it marked the end of the war, and the beginning of a new nation of the United States. -
Northwest Ordinance
Established government control over Northwest territory. It also provided a method for admitting new states into the union. It was adopted by the Confederation Congress on July 13, 1787. A bill of rights was listed for the territory. And It was agreed that new states would enter equal to the 13 colonies. This was important to history because it contributed overall to Manifest Destiny in the U.S. -
Constitution
Written and signed in 1787. It is the supreme law of U.S. land. It is composed of the preamble, articles and amendments. The preamble describes the documents purpose, and the articles establish how government is structured. The amendments include the 10 bill of rights and lists changes made to the document. This is important to history because it is still used to this day in the U.S. It also influenced other similar documents created around the world through time. -
Bill of Rights
First 10 Amendments in the U.S. constitution. It was written by James Madison. It contained the rights that guarantee individual freedom. For example, the first ensures freedom of speech. The second ensures the right to bear arms, and so on. This is important to history because it still guarantees citizens their natural rights. It also makes sure that government does not violate these rights. -
Alien & Sedition Acts
Series of laws passed by John Adams in 1798. These laws created more powers to deport immigrants. It rendered immigrants unable to vote. It also tried to silence the public by limiting free speech and press. These laws were mainly passed because of widespread fear of war with France. They were very controversial, yet important to history because it serves as proof that certain rights shouldn't be oppressed by laws. -
Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions
Political statements drafted in 1798 and 1799. They declared that states had the right to nullify unconstitutional federal laws. It was in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts. It was written by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Its resolutions later became known as the "Principles of '98". Madison hoped other states would oppose the Acts as well. This is important to history because it proved that states are able to object unconstitutional actions of the government. -
Louisiana Purchase
Purchase of land made by Thomas Jefferson. It was acquired from France. It was about 827,000 sq miles of land west of the Mississippi River. Jefferson felt guilty about the purchase because he felt that it was unconstitutional for presidents to buy land. It also increased westward expansion. States made from the land include Iowa and Kansas. This was very important to history because it helped grow the U.S. into what it is today, land-wise. -
Marbury v. Madison
Supreme Court case involving William Marbury and James Madison. Marbury sued Madison for not delivering his commission. Chief Justice John Marshall oversaw the case. The case overall established the principal of Judicial Review. It also increased power of the Federal Government. This was important to history because power in the federal government was strengthened to the point where it is at today. -
War of 1812 Begins (1-2 sentence summary)
War fought between the U.S. and British. This war was due to a bitter dispute between France and Britain, who attempted to black the U.S. from trading with either side. It was also due to restrictions on America's desire to expand territory. It was fought from 1812 to 1815. It eventually ended with the signing of the Treaty of Ghent. This was important because it influenced the U.S. relations with other countries in the world. -
Battle of New Orleans
Last major battle of the War of 1812. It was an American victory because they repelled the invading British. Andrew Jackson commanded this battle. It took place after the Treaty of Ghent was signed. This was important to history because it proved how serious the U.S. was with the British. It let the British know to back off. -
Missouri Compromise
An effort by congress to maintain the balanced power between slave and free states. It was also intended to defuse sectional rivalries. In the process, some political rivalries were intended to be solved as well. Missouri was admitted into the U.S. as a slave state. Meanwhile Maine was admitted in as free. Most slaves states were southern and free states were northern. This is important to history because it served as a quick remedy to issues that still ended up exploding later on. -
Monroe Doctrine
Foreign policy created by the U.S.. It stated that it opposed European colonialism in the Americas. European countries shouldn't interfere with the western hemisphere. Land in the Western Hemisphere was of United States interest. The U.S. also declared it wouldn't interfere with European affairs either. It was written by James Monroe. This was very important in history because it established United States boundaries with the world and proved the U.S. to be serious. -
Nullification Crisis
Political crisis in the U.S.. Southern states opposed high tariffs because they damaged their economy. As a result, a state convention was held. This convention declared the tariffs unconstitutional and they wouldn't be enforced. John C Calhoun was a southern leader in this issue. This event was important to history because it greatly influenced sectionalism that would eventually lead to a civil war. -
Texas Annexation
The annexation of the Republic of Texas into the U.S. in 1845. It was the 28th state to be admitted. It was admitted after gaining independence from Mexico. The Mexican war also resulted because of this. It took 9 years to fully Annex Texas. This is important to history because it eventually contributed to the conflict between states and got deeper into Manifest Destiny. -
Oregon Treaty
An agreement between the U.S. and Britain. It set the boundary between the U.S. and Canada. It also gave the U.S. territory south of the 49th parallel. This territory included the states of Oregon, Idaho, and a few others. It settled disputes with the British. This was important to history mainly because it contributed to Manifest Destiny -
Mexican Cession (Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo)
Lands that were surrendered to the U.S. after the Mexican war. The war lasted from 1846 to 1848. Some of the states in the territory include Utah and California. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was written proof of the land being handed over to the U.S. after the war. It also established the border between Mexico and the U.S. This is important to history because it finalized Manifest Destiny. -
Declaration of Sentiments
Document pertaining to women's rights. It was signed in 1848 at the first women's rights convention. It declared women be equal to men in law, education, and employment. It was drafted by Elizabeth Stanton. The first convention took place at Seneca Falls, NY. It was really important to history because it was one of the most important documents advocating women's rights. -
Compromise of 1850
5 bills passed by congress to resolve a huge political debate between free and slave states. As a result, fugitive slave laws strengthened. The north also gained California. Texas lost territory, but was compensated. Slave trade was also prohibited in Washington DC. Slavery, unfortunately, was still allowed. This is important to history because it shows how congress attempted to resolve conflicts, how slave laws influenced the country, and more. -
Uncle Tom’s Cabin is published
An anti-slavery novel published in 1852. It was written by Harriet Beecher Stowe. It partially influenced the Civil War. It also changed attitudes towards African Americans. Despite the novel being fiction, it was popular. It provoked sympathy for slaves. This was important to history because it influenced the issue of slavery and how Americans viewed it. -
Kansas - Nebraska Act
An Act passed by congress that was intended to open up thousands of new farms in the west. It also opened up a transcontinental railroad. Popular sovereignty also came about from this. People could decide whether kansas was a slave or free state. As a result, this repealed the compromise of 1820. This is important to history because it allowed slavery in areas that were free for decades. -
Bleeding (Bloody) Kansas
Resulted from the Kansas-Nebraska Act. It was a period of violent civil confrontations during the settling of Kansas territory. Many pro slavery and free-state settlers moved into this area to influence whether Kansas should be a free or slave state. Violence erupted because both sides fought for control over the area. John Brown also led anti-slavery fighters in his rain on Harper's Ferry during this time period,. -
John Brown’s raid at Harper’s Ferry (1-2 sentences
The raid at Harper's Ferry was an abolitionist effort led by John Brown. It was an attempt to start an armed slave revolt. His intentions were to help destroy the institution of slavery.His effort unfortunately failed and he was later hanged because of the raid. This was important to history because it influenced relations between the north and south and how slavery affected the nation. -
Battle of Fort Sumter
First battle of the American Civil War. South bombarded Fort Sumter from all sides. Union was led by Major Anderson. No one died in Fort Sumter. South won this battle. This battle is important to history because it marked that start of a nation-changing war that still has impacts to this very day. -
Battle of Bull Run
First major battle of the Civil War. Union Army was led by Irvin McDowell. Confederate Army was led by Pierre Beauregard. Beauregard's men defended a strategic railroad junction. This was a confederate Victory. Also known as first battle of Manassas. This was important to history because it contributed to how the Civil War would turn out. -
Battle of Antietam
Significant battle in the Civil War. It was fought in Maryland. It was known as the bloodiest day in American history. Over 23,000 men died in battle. The union won this battle. The emancipation proclamation was issued after this battle. This was very important to history because it was basically a turning point in war where the union won. -
Emancipation Proclamation
U.S. order by Abraham Lincoln. It was written to encourage rebellious states to rejoin the union. Lincoln was concerned with the preservation of the union. It also freed slaves. Many rebellious states did not acknowledge the order right away. It officially abolished slavery. This is very important to history because it marked the emancipation of slaves, and the start of African Americans being seen as citizens. -
Battle of Vicksburg
A key strategic battle in the Civil War. It allowed the union to culminate a large part of land and naval campaign. The Union gained control of Mississippi river. One of the most successful victories in the war. It tore the Confederacy in two. As a result, they surrendered in battle. This is important to history because it also ensured the strength that the Union had, which influenced the overall outcome in war. -
Battle of Gettysburg
A 3 day battle fought during the Civil War. It was a Union victory. The union stopped general Robert E Lee's second invasion of the North. It was the deadliest battle of the Civil War. There were about 51,000 casualties. This was important to history because it influenced how many lives were lost during the war and how it affected the future of the nation. -
Gettysburg Address
A speech that Abraham Lincoln delivered. It was dedicated to union soldiers that lost their lives during the civil war. It expressed that the war was fought to preserve the union. It also expressed that the war was supposed to bring equality to citizens. It emphasized that "all men are created equal". The speech was quite short. This is important to history because it serves as a written learning lesson from the civil war that should be followed for years to come. -
Sherman’s March to the Sea
Military march of union soldiers from Atlanta to Savannah Georgia. Led by general William T. Sherman. The purpose was to intimidate Georgia to abandon the Confederate cause. Did not destroy towns, but stole food and supplies. They also burned the homes of whoever fought back. Farms were also burned, which took years to recover. This is important to history because it proved how soldiers and civilians were affected during these times of war. -
Presidential Reconstruction (1863-1867
Plan implemented by president Andrew Johnson. This was a plan of reconstruction for the South. It gave white southerners the upper hand in politics and blacks ended up with no political power. This was during the period of the south transitioning from slavery to freedom. Some other plans include Lincoln's plan, and the Radical Republican plan. This is important to history because it shaped the future of the U.S. without slavery after the Civil War. -
13th amendment passed
The 13th amendment was added to the U.S. constitution in 1865 after the Civil War. It was a change to the constitution that effected the basic laws that governs the U.S.. This amendment in particular abolished slavery, meaning all slaves in the U.S. were free. This is very important to history because it abolished and outlawed slavery in ALL American states, which is still in effect to this day. -
Freedman’s Bureau established
The Freedman’s Bureau was a government effort created to help former slaves. It provided, food and homes to these former slaves. It also provided schools, medical aid, and even more legal assistance. It attempted to settle slaves on land that was confiscated during war as well. Many slaves were left homeless after emancipation. This is important to history because it assisted in the establishment of former slaves as citizens. -
Congressional Reconstruction (1867-1877)
Congress's attempt at reconstruction. This took place place after they overtook president Johnson. This reconstruction plan was less lenient on the south. Congress was appalled by the mass killing of black slaves. Congress also did not like black codes.This is important to history because it influenced how the U.S. was shaped after the Civil War. -
14th amendment passed
The 14th Amendment was ratified and added to the constitution in 1868. This amendment changed the constitution by redefining what citizenship was in the United States. In simple terms, this amendment granted citizenship to "all persons born or naturalized in the Unites States". This also applied to former slaves born in the U.S. as well. This is very important to history because it grants citizen's rights to all people born in the U.S. and some naturalized immigrants too. -
15th amendment passed
This was another amendment adopted by the constitution in 1870. This amendment granted African American men the right to vote. However, many discriminatory actions were taken place in response to prevent them from voting. Later on when the Voting Rights Act of 1965 passed, these legal barriers were outlawed. This was important to history because it granted black people the right to vote. -
Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)
This was a very influential Supreme Court case. This case was a landmark because it ultimately deemed "separate but equal". Meaning that the separation of races in public facilities was constitutional. The case stemmed from an African American named Homer Plessy who refused to sit in a black train car. He claimed his rights were violated. As a result of this, it also impacted history by making Jim Crow laws common.