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1492
Columbus Lands in the Americas
Columbus tried to sail to India but landed in the Americas. There was more land for Europe to explore and inhabit. -
Jamestown Founded
The Jamestown Colony was established in the Americas. It was the first permanent English settlement in the Americas and sparked colonization in the New World. -
Pilgrims land in Plymouth
Pilgrims land in Plymouth seeking religious freedom. Was the first to spark the idea of religious freedom in the New World. -
French - Indian War
The French and Natives fought against the English for more territory. Led to the expansion of English colonies and the end of French influence in North America. -
Albany Plan of Union
Stated that all 13 colonies should come together under one government and would die if they didn't. Important because it put the idea of colonies under one government out there for the future. -
Treaty of Paris
Stated the surrender of the French and the end of the French - Indian War. This expanded the land of the English up to the Mississippi River. -
Proclamation of 1763
King of England stated there was no settle past the Appalachian Mountains and the colonies did not follow this rule. Important because the King stopped salutary neglect to make this rule and regain control of the colonies. -
Stamp Act
When Britain taxed the colonies in order to pay off their huge debt from the French - Indian War. They made it so for every piece of paper a colonist used, they had to buy a stamp. This caused riots from the colonists. -
Quartering Act
Stated colonists needed to buy quarters and other amenities for troops in America. New York refused, and the British suspended their New York Assembly until they paid. -
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American Revolution
A series of battles with the American goal of getting independence from Britain. Important because led to freedom and peace in America. -
Townshend Act
British started taxing imports on colonists because they needed money for colony expenses. Colonists started to make their own goods instead of buying them (to avoid tax), so the British stopped their meetings and sent extra troops to Boston. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was a fight between a crowd of colonists and British soldiers. It caused many soldiers and a captain to go to jail, and it led to wars for independence for the colonists like the revolutionary war. -
Tea Act of 1773
The Tea Act of 1773 made it so that colonists can only buy their tea from the British East India Company. It also lowered the prices of tea. This still made the colonists mad because the tea was heavily taxed. This was important because it made the colonists angrier and lead to the Boston Tea Party and American Revolution. -
Boston Tea Party
It was a protest because the British were taxing the Americans heavily on tea and other goods. The Colonists dressed up as Native Americans to hide their identities and dumped tea overboard on a delivery ship. It was important because it supported the idea that the British were not treating the colonists well and lead to the American Revolution -
Intolerable (Coercive) Acts
Acts laid on the colonists by the British to show that they were in charge and had power. Important because it made the colonists angry and caused the colonists to rebel. Also, it lead to the American Revolution. -
First Continental Congress
Representatives from all 13 colonies met to discuss and plan solutions to their challenges. The First Congress decided on economic coercion by minimizing their use of British goods. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
British attempted to steal colonial weapons but they accidentally shot which was called the shot heard around the world with started the battle. Important because it started the American Revolution and convinced many Americans to fight the British. -
Second Continental Congress
Decided that defense comes first. They created the Continental Army and named George Washington commander. -
Olive Branch Petition
A final attempt to establish peace between the British and Americans. Important because King George ignored it which led to war and eventual peace. -
Common Sense by Thomas Paine
A book written by Thomas Paine to show that the colonies wanted independence and what the British were doing wrong. Important because it showed what the Americans wanted. -
Declaration of Independence
Document stating that Americans wanted independence and what the British were doing wrong to make them think that. Important because started forming peace between the colonies and the British. -
Treaty of Paris
Formal surrender by the British to the Americans. Gave America freedom and independence. -
Shay's Rebellion
America was in debt so they increased state taxes, failed to pay pensions to soldiers, and left some farmer-soldiers with dysfunctional farms when they got home. Due to this, a group of farmers, led by Daniel Shays (A Rev. war veteran), protested which led to gunfire from the militia and death. The protesters were forgiven for what they caused and this was important because it exposed weakness in the British government. -
Congress Ratifies the U.S. Constitution
Ratifying the Constitution was the start of freedom in the United States and the start of the government caring about the people and their rights. This was important because it shaped how our country is today and what our country stands for. -
Whiskey Rebellion
Since farmers' corn was going bad, people started fermenting it and turning it into whiskey since not all of their corn was selling and they needed more money. Since many people started to make money with whiskey, the government placed a tax on it. This made the people rebel and threaten tax collectors. This was important because it caused George Washington to raise a militia and show that the new government had strength and authority. -
XYZ Affair
France is not happy with the US potentially allying with the British, and the US wants to meet with the minister of France but 3 French agents labeled X, Y, and Z want a 250K bribe and a loan just to meet with the minister. This is important because the US must make enough money to pay the bribe (risk the people rebelling from taxes) or begin preparation for a war that will potentially cause them to fight against some of the most powerful nations in the world. -
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was fought between America and Britain because Britain was impressing their soldiers and interfering with their trade. This war was important because since there was no clear winner and the US was able to hold their own against Britain, other countries started to see the US as an independent country. Also, it caused US citizens to have heightened confidence and pride of their country. Treaty at the end of the war - all territory owned by one country in the other was restored.