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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 -
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British government offers land in America
Once tobacco proved to be profitable Britain started offering free land in the Americas. Farmers were given 100 ares 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 -
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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 -
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. -
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 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