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1492
Columbus Lands in the Americas
Columbus leaves Spain and sails west to find India and China, but he lands in the Americas. Opens up exploration and settlement in America. -
Jamestown founded
Jamestown was founded by many settlers. It was a hard time, but eventually they were rewarded with crops, wealth, resources, and land. Created new ways of settling and helped future settlers know what to do and not do when settling in a new area. -
Pilgrims land in Plymouth
After a long and dangerous journey, the Pilgrims finally land in Plymouth for a new life. They used the plentiful resources there to settle. Was one of the first settlements in North America. Also one of the first to use self-government. Enabled Pilgrims to practice their religion freely and without consequences. -
French and Indian War
The French and Natives fight against the British and Colonists to gain control of the Americas. Granted Britain a lot of new land in the end. -
Albany Plan of Union
A plan to make all of the British colonies follow the same government and combine together. A way to win the war. Important because it was one of the first ideas suggesting uniting the colonies and working together. -
Treaty of Paris 1763
A treaty signed after the 7 years war concluding all conflicts. Important because made the French give land to Britain after the war. -
Proclamation of 1763
A proclamation that finalized what land Britain and France controlled after the conclusion of the 7 years war. It created a boundary for the French and British about who owned what land. -
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American Revolution
A war between Britain and the U.S started because of the want for freedom and independence from Britain. They wanted to separate because of the past events that made life difficult for the colonists. It was important because it gave America independence in the end. -
Stamp Act
An act created by the British Government to pay off some of their debt. The act made the colonists pay taxes on paper documents. Also increased anger towards the British Government. -
Quartering Act
An act made by the British Government to help pay off some of their debt. This act made the colonists pay for British troops. Also increased anger towards British Government. -
Townshend Act
An act that the British Government created to pay off some of their debt. Colonists were forced to pay duties on everyday products such as tea and candles. Frustrated colonists even more and led to future rebellions. -
Boston Massacre
A violent confrontation between British sentries and civilians. Some were killed and many were injured. This made the colonists even more angry, making them want a revolution even more. -
Tea Act of 1773
An act that allowed the British East India company to directly sell tea to the colonists. It was the only way that colonists could get tea besides illegal methods like smuggling. Gave East India company a lot of power over selling of tea. -
Boston Tea Party
A protest by the Sons of Liberty. This protest led up to the American Revolution. -
Intolerable (Coercive) Acts
Four laws or acts created as punishment for the events of the Boston Tea Party. It created rebellions and anger among the colonists. -
First Continental Congress
Representatives of all 13 colonies met to come up with a solution. They wanted to avoid conflict and liked economic coercion. They ended up placing "sanctions" on Britain on nonimportation. -
Battle of Lexington
A battle fought at Lexington between the British and colonists. It was one of the violent engagements between them that ultimately sparked the revolution. Also was a rebellion that wasn't tolerated. -
Battle of Concord
A fight between the British and the colonists. It was a violent battle fought at Concord that also sparked the revolution. Also was a rebellion that wasn't tolerated. -
Second Continental Congress
Representatives for all 13 colonies met to plan a solution. They created a continental army. They also named George Washington commander. The group decided it was time to fight. -
Olive Branch Petition
A letter to the king from the colonists in attempt to solve the conflict between them in a peaceful way. The king didn't accept the attempt of peace. The colonists decided that they needed to fight back after the response. Final attempt to prevent war. -
Common Sense by Thomas Paine
Thomas Paine wrote about the fact that it was common sense to fight back against the king and become independent from Britain. He said they were stronger and large enough to split from them, and that the king obviously didn't want peace because of his ungrateful response. This made the colonists decide to start the revolution. -
Declaration of Independence
A written document that many signed to declare independence from Britain. It was significant because it was the document that officially made America its own country. -
Treaty of Paris (1783)
A treaty signed by American colonies and Britain in Paris. It was important because it ended the revolution and made American independent. -
Shay's Rebellion
A uprising or rebellion in Massachusetts. It occurred because of the taxes and poor economic conditions. It was important because it made the United States fix some of its problems and ultimately make the U.S a better country. -
Congress Ratifies the U.S Constiution
The Constitution is finally accepted. It is important because it makes the new country able to function correctly. -
Whiskey Rebellion
The people rebel because they are angry with the new Whiskey tax. They end up burning a tax collector's house and killing soldiers. This was important because it showed the people that the government was strong when George Washington sent the military. It also showed that the country still needed improvement. -
XYZ Affair
People were sent to make peace with the french and the french demand a bribe. This is important because it puts the Americans on edge and they have to make a decision if the bribe is worth taking for peace. -
War of 1812
Fought between Britain and the United States because of the impressment of American sailors and soldiers. Also, they fought because of disagreements with trade. No one ended up winning. It was important because it ended with a treaty and restored peace between the two countries.