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Oct 12, 1492
Christopher Columbus comes to America
Christopher Columbus lands in the "New World". Columbus lands on the island of San Salvador. Columbus mistakenly believed he had reached India when he really landed in the Bahamas. -
May 4, 1493
Pope Alexander VI divides the America
In 1493 Pope Alexander VI divided the Americas. The Americas were divided between Spain and Portugal. They could have these lands as long as they agreed to spread Christianity. -
1534
France settles in North America
In 1534 France began to settle parts of America. They mostly settled in the Mississippi river valley. French settlers traded fur and had a mutually beneficial relationship with native Americans -
Britain settles America
in 1607 Britain founded Jamestown as its first permanent settlement. Life in Jamestown was hard, at first people struggled to survive. but a time went on settlers found that tobacco flourished in America's Climate -
Britain Offers Free Land in America
Once tobacco proved to be profitable Britain started offering free land in the Americas. Farmers were given 100 acres of land. this land could easily sustain an entire family. -
The mayflower arrives
in the 1600's the church of England was the only church allowed. Puritans wanted to purify the church. some Puritans arrive on the mayflower -
First Great Awakening
The first great awakening was a time church reform and increased enthusiasm for religion. Circuit riders traveled and gave passionate sermons. Churches began to teach that everyone was equal in the eyes of the lord -
The 7 Years War
The 7 Years War began as a conflict between France and Britain over land in the Ohio river valley. Many American citizens fought in the war. British soldiers viewed Americans as stingy because they had less to give. -
Stamp Act
The stamp act was an act that charged money for government documents. Only notarized documents were officially recognized. This act mean that every American had to pay a fee for birth, marriage, and death certificates. -
The Boston Massacre
Civilians begin throwing things and verbally abusing British soldiers. Soldiers shoot into the crowd and kill 5 people. Civilians are enraged by this and call the event a massacre -
The Boston Tea Party
Sons of liberty protest against taxes on tea by throwing boxes of tea into the Boston Harbor. They believed their rights to no taxation without representation had been violated. The British government lost millions of dollars. -
The Intolerable Acts
The intolerable Acts was a series of laws passed by British Parliament. These laws were created to punish colonists for the Boston tea party. These laws closed the port of Boston, Allowed soldiers into colonist's home, and forced court cases to take place in England -
Lexington and Concord
Lexington and Concord was the first battle of the American Revolution. Colonists were notified by riders like Paul Revere that the British were coming. At first no shots were fired, but a shot was heard and a battle began. 250 British soldiers 17 American Soldiers were killed. -
Common Sense
Common sense was published by Thomas Paine in 1776. The pamphlet advocated for the colones to declare independence from Britain. This Pamphlet was very widely read and popularized the revolutionary cause. -
The Declaration of Independence.
After king George declared the colonies to be in open rebellion the continental congress began to write the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence officially declared the United States of America their own country. Many of the principles in the declaration are still followed today. -
Winter at Valley Forge
The winter at Valley Forge was a long brutal winter for the American army. the army had very little supplies. the troops were poorly trained and could not secure a victory against the well trained British army -
Crossing the Delaware
At this time morale in the army was extremely low. George Washington knew they needed a victory so launched a surprise attack on hessian Mercenaries working for the British army on Christmas. The army crossed the Delaware and was able to secure a much needed victory -
Battle of Saratoga
The battle of saratoga was a turning point in the American revolution. During the battle American troops won a decisive victory over the British army. This battle convinced the french to aid America. -
The Articles of Confederation
The articles of confederation were a precursor to the constitution. The articles embodied national fears the American Revolution. The had all the power, there was no executive the federal government could not have a standing army or levy taxes, and every decision required 100% approval. -
the Battle of Yorktown
After a grueling military campaign General Cornwallis attempted to retreat to Yorktown for the protection. Cornwallis was unaware that the British fleet was defeated by France. The Americans and the French laid siege to the British army until they were forced to surrender. with Cornwallis' surrender the American Revolution ended -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris was the official end of the American Revolution. This treaty recognized the US as an independent country. The US was granted all lands between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mississippi River. -
Northwest Ordinance
The northwest ordinance provided a way for territories to become states. The ordinance admitted the midwestern states into the union. it also banned slavery and required public schools in these states. -
Shay's rebellion
After the American revolution many soldiers lost their land and were in debt. Captain Daniel Shays started A rebellion against debt collecting in Massachusetts. Without a standing army the government had a hard time putting down the rebellion -
The constitution
After Shay's Rebellion the government realized how weak the articles of confederation was and created. The constitution had both a population based and equal government. The first ten amendments were added most of which pertain to a fair trial. -
George Washington becomes the president.
George Washington was selected to be the first president of the United States. As the first president he established many traditions such as term limits and having a cabinet. Washingtons vice president was John Adams -
Hamilton's Financial Plan
As secretary of the treasury Hamilton creates a financial plan. This plan had the federal government assume state's debts, raised taxes, create a national bank, and raise tariffs on foreign goods. Jefferson only agrees to support his financial plan if the state capital is near Virginia. -
Whiskey Rebellion
Farmers often used extra grain to produce whiskey, the federal government began taxing whiskey by the gallon which gave large distilleries an advantage. Farmers refused to pay the tax and rebelled against collectors. The militia arrived and was able to put down the rebellion without confrontation. -
The Cotton Gin is invented
In 1793 Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin. This device allowed seeds to be separated from the cotton much quicker and easier than they could before. This invention would make cotton one of the most profitable crops in the American south -
Proclamation Of Neutrality
After the American Revolution the US promised to aid France. In 1789 the French Revolution began. The us decided not to get involved and issued a proclamation of neutrality. -
John Adams Elected
After 8 years of being president Washington decides to step down, he endorses John Adams. in the election of 1896 John Adams and Thomas Jefferson ran. John Adams is elected with 71 electoral votes. -
XYZ Affair
After the US refused to send aid France attacked American vessels. When American diplomats meet French Bureaucrats force them to pay $250,000. The diplomats refuse and leak the situation to the press -
Alien and Sedition acts
In 1798 John Adams passed the Alien and Sedition acts. The Alien act allowed law enforcement to deport any non citizen deemed as dangerous and made the naturalization process longer. The Sedition act mad it a crime to print anything that insulted the government. -
Kentucky and Virginia resolution
The Kentucky and Virginia resolutions were created by Henry Clay in response to the Alien and Sedition acts. The legislatures of both states declared the acts unconstitutional. The legislatures believed the government had no right to extend their power in this way. -
The Election of 1800
During the election of 1800 the world believed Adams would use force to stay in power if Jefferson. Jefferson won the election and was able to peacefully take power. This election proved to the world that democracy could work. -
Marbury v Madison
2 days before his term ended Madison appointed several federal judges, because of this late appointment the secretary of state was unable to deliver their pay before he left. Jefferson believed the pay was void and refused to deliver it, after William Marbury was refused his pay he filed a lawsuit. The court found they could invalidate unconstitutional laws and never delivered Marbury's pay. -
Louisiana Purchase
In 1803 sought to purchase New Orleans for 3 million dollars. Napoleon offered the entire Louisiana territory for 20 million dollars Jefferson was unsure whether expanding the US was constitutional but in the end decided to buy the land. -
The war of 1812 begins
After the American revolution Britain was hostile to the US. The British navy stole cargo and forced kidnapped soldiers to serve on their ship, They also backed Native American resistance. On June eighteenth eighteen twelve the US declared war on Britain. -
The Battle of the Thames
Britain allied themselves with rebelling Native Americans. American forces defeated the British army and pursued them into Canada. During the battle Native American leader Tecumseh was killed which ended his republican -
The Burning of Washington
The British invade Washington. After a brief fight the city surrenders and government buildings are burned. Dolly Madison saves important historical items from the white house and becomes a national hero. -
Bombardment of Fort McHenry
The British bombarded Fort McHenry in an effort to secure Baltimore. The American troops were able to fend off the British soldiers and won. Seeing the battle would inspire Francis Scott Key to write The Star Spangled Banner -
Treaty of Ghent
At this point in time both countries were eager to end the war. The treaty was approved by the US congress and British Parliament. This treaty restored the US and Britain's relationship to as it had been before the war. -
The Battle of New Orleans
After the treaty of Ghent was ratified news had yet to reach America, so British soldiers attacked New Orleans. The British were defeated by brutal tactics from the American army. This battle mad Andrew Jackson a national hero -
Erie Canal
The Erie canal began construction in 1817. The Erie canal connected New York to the Midwest. The Erie Canal allowed for goods to be delivered farther faster. -
The Market revolution
The market revolution marks a switch in America from an Agrarian economy to market based economy. New technology allowed for goods to be mass produced. New transportation allowed people and goods to be transported around the country. -
Election of 1824
Henry Clay, John Quincy Adams, and Andrew Jackson, John Quincy Adams wins the popular vote but not the electoral vote. If no candidate wins more than 50% of the vote congress decides. Henry Clay and John Adams meet, no one knows what they discussed but Henry Clay endorses Adams and drops out of the race. John Quincy Adams becomes president -
Tariff of 1828
John Quincy Adams passed the Tariff of 1828. This created high tariffs on foreign goods. Because southern farmers mostly exported their produce overseas this tariff hurt them. -
Election of 1828
In 1828 Andrew Jackson defeated John Quincy Adams in the presidential election. Jackson had 178 electoral votes while Adams had 83. This election marks the transition of the US to a second party system. -
Indian removal act
In 1828 Andrew Jackson passed the Indian removal act. This act forced all native tribes within state borders to live on reservations west of the Mississippi. Many tribes resisted relocation. -
Nullification Ordinance
Even after Jackson was elected southern states were still angry about the Tariff of 1828. South Carolina declared the tariff null within their state and refused to pay. Congress was able to negotiate a compromise that satisfied both sides. -
Telegraph is Invented
In 1837 Samuel Morse invented the telegraph. The telegraph allowed messages to be sent over long distances. the telegraph used Morse code to convey messages.