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Battle of Lexington and Concord
British general, Thomas Gage, ordered troops to stop the colonists from loading arms. The following day, the "shot heard around the world" was fired, bringing to the start of the war. The Americans won the battle, leading to British retreat back to Boston. The Battles of Lexington and Concord are important to US history because they were the first battles of the American Revolutionary War between the United States and British. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776. Because of the King's tyranny, this was a response of the colonies that action had to be taken. It is significant to US history because declared our independence from Britain. It addressed those who remained loyal to the king, the king himself, and was open for other nations to read. It outlines the grievances the colonies had with the King and Parliament, advocated Natural Rights and consent of the governed. -
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Battle of Saratoga
The British army planned to seize Albany, New York and gain control of the Hudson River. Although, the plan failed and the Continental army won, outnumbering the British soldiers by almost two times. General John Burgoyne (leader of the British army) surrenders to Horatio Gates (leader of the American army) on October 17, 1777. This battle is important to US history because it was the turning point of the Revolutionary War and is considered as one of the most important battles in US history. -
Articles of Confederation
As the United States declares their independence from Great Britain, a new government had to be established. The Articles of Confederation was written which created a firm league of friendship between the thirteen states. States were given most power and federal government had little power which prompted direct struggles with England. It is important to US history because when it failed to hold the nation together, it led to the creation of a new government—the U.S. Constitution. -
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Battle of Yorktown
The Battle of Yorktown was fought in Yorktown, Virginia on September 28, 1781 and was the last battle of the American Revolutionary War in which the colonists outnumbered the British army. This battle is important to US history because it was the ultimate American victory that made the British surrender. A few years later, the Treaty of Paris was signed by King George III's representatives and the representatives of the USA that officially ended the war. -
Northwest Ordinance
Congress had to come up with a way on how to organize the western lands they controlled. The Northwest Ordinance was passed to make sure that the land in the Northwest territory was settled in a peaceful and orderly way. Once a territory reaches the population of 60,000 people, it could apply to Congress and be a state. The Northwest Ordinance is important to US history because it set the precedent for future territories the same process to officially become a state and join the Union. -
U.S. Constitution
The Articles of Confederation failed the nation because of its weak central government. This resulted in the creation of the Constitution. It established “A More Perfect Union” (which is governed by the people), a bicameral legislature and created a federal structure with three branches. The central government is given more powers like to collect taxes, build roads, establish courts and maintain a navy. This is important to US history because it is the same government that we still use today. -
Bill of Rights
Factions formed during the ratification of the Constitution making it rough to pass the new government quickly. Anti-Federalists opposed it in fear the federal government would have too much power. while federalists supported the ratification of the Constitution. The Bill of Rights was created & significant to US history because it protects the rights of the people from the power of the federal government. Ultimately, it convinced Anti-Federalists to support the ratification of the Constitution. -
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Alien & Sedition Acts
The Alien Enemies Act was signed by John Adams on July 6. A few days later, on the 14th, Adams signed the Sedition Acts. The Alien Acts restricted immigrants and their citizenship. Whilst, the Sedition acts restricted the freedom of speech. These acts are important to US history because they were the worst violations of the First Amendment. Nevertheless, they led to the Virginia Kentucky Resolutions. -
Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions
The Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions were secretly written by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts because they were often seen unconstitutional and that they violated the First Amendment. These resolutions are important to US history because they enabled states to nullify a law that they deemed unlawful. If the acts were not overturned with these resolutions, the way of life would be much different today. -
Marbury v. Madison
John Adams appoints judges before leaving office and appoints Marshall Chief Justice. Marbury’s commission was not passed so he appeals to the Supreme Court, where they decline and prefer James Madison. Chief Marshall ruled against his party, resulting the increase the power of the judicial branch and strengthening the power of the federal government. This case is important to US history because it established judicial review which gave the Supreme Court to decide a law unconstitutional or not. -
Louisiana Purchase
The US acquired 13 states from France through this purchase. We wanted it because it granted rights to control the Mississippi River and the Port of New Orleans for trading goods to world markets. President Jefferson was doubtful purchasing the territory for $15 million because this power was indirectly stated in the constitution (important to US history because it set the precedent; Northwest Ordinance). It led to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, leading to the discovery of the Oregon Territory. -
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War of 1812 Begins
The British were seizing American ships that traded with France (who was Britain's rival.) This is important to US history because it leads the US to declare war on Britain on 1812 to stop these impressments against American seamen and while doing so, drives the "War Hawks" desire for westward expansion. -
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Battle of New Orleans
The Battle of New Orleans was fought on January 8, 1815. Major General Sir Edward Pakenham led the British army while Major General Andrew Jackson led the United States army. This battle was the last major battle of the War of 1812. The British army outnumbered the American army but regardless, the United States won victory. This event is significant to US history because America's victory boosted American pride and led to the creation of the Star Spangled Banner. -
Missouri Compromise
In 1819, free states and slave states were balanced among the Union but when Missouri applied for statehood, it created tension. The Missouri Compromise admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state. It drew a line where slavery would be permitted north of the 36°30' latitude line. This is important to US history because it established the Mason-Dixon Line, showing how slavery will be dealt in the expanding Union. -
Monroe Doctrine
When Wars of Liberation in South America ended their mercantilist relationship with Spain, Latin America countries start to form strong trade ties with Great Britain, bringing President James Monroe to pass the Monroe Doctrine. This was important to US foreign policy/history because it warned European nations not to create more colonies in the Western Hemisphere and promised America would stay out of European affairs. The involvement of the US and Latin America affairs would led to resentment. -
Nullification Crisis
The american system (which advocated a national bank, internal improvements, and protective tariffs) opposed southern interests, making South Carolina more isolated from the rest of the nation. As a result, SC created an Ordinance of Nullification in 1832 that declares the federal tariffs passed unconstitutional and that it is unnecessary to pay them. This is important to US history because it further divided the North and South and was one of the reasons the South seceded the Union. -
Texas Annexation
When Mexico outlawed slavery in Texas, this angered many Texan Americans causing them to revolt. Although, Texas cannot be admitted as a new state yet because of border disputes. Nearly a decade later, the US finally acquires the Republic of Texas through annexation after American born Texans declared and won their independence from Mexico. This annexation is not only important to US history because of how much land we acquired, but also because it directly resulted to war with Mexico in 1846. -
Oregon Treaty
The Oregon Treaty was an agreement between Britain and the United States to set a boundary at the 49th parallel. This settled disputes with Britain ("54’40 or Fight!) and granted about 5 new states to the Union. This event is important to US history because this was one of the first successes of Manifest Destiny, showing the United States is willing to fight for the expansion of new land. -
Mexican Cession
The Mexican American War started because of a dispute by the Rio Grande River. It fueled the desire of James K. Polk to fulfill Manifest Destiny. After the war, the US acquired about 7 new states from Mexico (the Mexican Cession) through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This is important to US history because it completed Manifest Destiny, giving Americans ultimate control of land from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. -
Declaration of Sentiments
The Declaration of Independence influenced women's rights activists in the writing of the Declaration of Sentiments. The document was presented at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 by Elizabeth Cady Stanton citing the phrase "all men and women were created equal." This is significant to US history because it is one of the earliest and most important documents advocating women's rights. -
Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 is important to US history because it repealed the Missouri Compromise. It admitted California as a free state, enforced the Fugitive Slave Act strictly, and allowed popular sovereignty to determine slavery in the Mexican Cession. It also permitted Texas to compensate its debt in which the federal government assume the debt. -
Kansas - Nebraska Act
Douglas was interested in the Kansas-Nebraska territory because he wanted to link railroads from the east to the far west. As a result, the Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed by Stephen Douglas which mandated popular sovereignty by allowing the people of Kansas and Nebraska to decide whether the state would be a free or slave state. This is event is important to US history because it repealed the Missouri Compromise and led to Bleeding Kansas. -
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John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry
John Brown's plan was to raid the federal arsenals at Harper's Ferry and distribute them to the slaves in hopes of starting a rebellion for abolition. He was seen as a martyr to the North. While in the South, he was seen as a lunatic whose views represented the abolitionist movement. This event is important to US history because it further separated the North and the South. -
Bleeding (Bloody) Kansas
Bleeding Kansas was a series of violent events involving abolitionists and pro-slavery supporters that took place in the Kansas territory in a dispute whether Kansas should the Union as a free or slave state. This event is important to US history because it further strained the relationship between the North and the South, helping pave the way for the Civil War. In the end, abolitionists won the popular vote, admitting Kansas a free state in 1861. -
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Battle of Fort Sumter
The Battle of Fort Sumter, South Carolina was fought on April 1861. This event is important to US history because it was the first official battle that sparked off the American Civil War. Major Robert Anderson led the Union; General P.G.T. led the Confederacy in which he appoints troops to open fire on Fort Sumter leading to a Confederate victory. After this battle, other states seceded from the Union. -
Battle of Bull Run
The Battle of Bull Run was fought at Bull Run Creek outside Manassas, Virginia. General Irvin McDowell led the Union while General Thomas J. Jackson led the Confederacy. This battle is important to US history because it was the first major battle of the Civil War. Even though it seemed like the Union was going to win in the beginning, the Confederacy won the battle. Lincoln replaces McDowell with George G. McClellan in hopes he would bring Union victory. -
Battle of Antietam
The Battle of Antietam, fought at Antietam Creek, Sharpsburg, Maryland was a tactical draw. General George McClellan appointed the Union while General Robert E. Lee led the Confederacy. This battle is significant to US history because it was the single bloodiest day of the war and resulted in President Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. Over 23,000 soldiers died, some wounded. -
Emancipation Proclamation
President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation after the Battle of Antietam to take a stand against slavery hoping that would make Britain and France less likely to aid the South during the war. This is important to US history because it freed slaves, but only those in state in rebellion on January 1, 1863. It did not attempt to free slaves under the Confederacy or in the border states Importantly, it allowed African Americans to join the Union and fight against the Confederacy. -
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Battle of Vicksburg
The Battle of Vicksburg was fought at Vicksburg, Mississippi. General Ulysses Grant led the Union while General John Pemberton led the Confederacy. After a number of attempts to capture Vicksburg, Grant lays a siege around it leading to a Union victory. This battle is important to US history because it split the Confederacy in two at the Mississippi River and was the turning point of the war. -
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Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg was fought at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. General George G Meade led the Union and General Robert E. Lee led the Confederacy. Lee's troops covered Union land (Pennsylvania) thinking that this would be an advantage when actually, this would be an advantage to the Union. This battle is significant to US history because this was Lee's first tactical defeat. About one thirds of his troops were either dead or wounded! -
Gettysburg Address
President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address to dedicate the battlefield at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This is important to US history because Lincoln commemorates Union soldiers who have died during the war and reminds North and South what they are fighting for. Lincoln also reflects to the Declaration of Independence on this speech. -
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Presidential Reconstruction
This is important to US history because it determined what to do after the Union won the war against the Confederacy. President Lincoln's plan was to "Preserve the Nation" quickly and proposes the 10% Plan where if only 10% of voters in the 1860 election take a loyalty oath and recognize emancipation, they could form a new state government and rejoin the Union. After Lincoln's assassination, President Johnson continues Lincoln's plan but fails to acknowledge Congress' plans for Reconstruction. -
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Sherman's March to the Sea
Union General William T. Sherman led 60,000 Union troops the destructive "march to the sea" from Atlanta in an attempt to divide the Confederacy and to cut the supply line from the railway center. This is important to US history because Sherman used total war in which his troops consumed or destroyed anything in their path to destroy the south. Sherman's advancements in tactics also caused an evolution in modern warfare. -
13th Amendment
The 13th Amendment was one of the Reconstruction amendments (after the Civil War). This was also one of the two amendments enacted by Congress to protect the rights of former slaves/newly freed people. It's enactment is important to US history because it completely abolished slavery in any state or territory under the government of the United States of America. -
Freedman's Bureau
Freedman's Bureau is a government agency created by the Radical Republicans. It is important to US history because it protected newly freed African Americans by helping them with jobs, education, homes, and overall a better life. Freedman's Bureau also helped freed slaves gain land and to help settle disputes between whites and blacks. -
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Congressional / Radical Reconstruction
The Congress was composed of mainly Radical Republicans (hence the name Radical Reconstruction) who wanted to punish the South. Every time Johnson would veto Reconstruction Bills, the Congress would always override it. Radical Reconstruction is important to US history because it passed the Military Reconstruction Act which divided the South into 5 military groups managed by the US Army and the led to the 14th Amendment (granted birthrights citizenship) & 15 Amendment (stated all men can vote). -
14th Amendment
The 14th Amendment is another amendment passed by Congress to protect the rights of former slaves/newly freed people. It is important to US history because it guarantees birthright citizenship and equal protection among citizens under the law. It was necessary to the Radical Reconstruction, who wanted to punished the South. -
15th Amendment
The 15th Amendment was the last of the Reconstruction Amendments. It is important to US history because it allowed all men, regardless of "race, color, or previous condition of servitude" to legally vote. Technically, this was part of punishing the south after the war because it is required that the South let African Americans vote. -
Plessy v. Ferguson
Homer Plessy (an african american) refused to sit the "colored" section of the train car. This was considered breaking the law in Louisiana. Plessy challenged the Supreme Court arguing that this violated the 14th Amendment in the Constitution. However, the Supreme Court disagreed saying that it did not protect social equality but only legal equality. Plessy lost the case. This event is important to US history because it resulted in the "separate but equal" doctrine, allowing segregation. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin
Uncle Tom's Cabin was written by abolitionist Harriet Beecher Stowe who was also a conductor of the Underground Railroad. The book contains a "series of sketches" that depicts the humane cruelty of slavery. The book is important to US history because it helped increase tension between the North and the South. It appealed to most of the North's views about slavery and how unjust it is and caused many southerns to defend the institution. Over 300,000 copies were sold.