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Sugar Act
Passed by the parliament in 1764, it arrived in the United States colonies. When the act arrived, it was in the middle of an economic faulty period. The act raised the price of sugar, making it an economic challenge for the colonists. The act also prohibited foreign trade. Because of the prohibition period, Americans had to refrain from international trade. -
Quartering Act
Passed by the British, Continental Army soldiers were housed by colonists in the Quartering Act. Enforced in 1765, the Americans were forced to house the British soldiers. The Continental Army would stay on their land, use their amenities, and overstay their welcome. They originally wanted to be housed to keep an eye on the colonists, in case of a rebellion. This act left an unfortunate result of the colonists, making them extremely displeased. -
Stamp Act
Another act passed by the parliament in 1765, proposed unjustifiable taxes on the British Colonies. Because of this, they added a mandatory stamp on all paper products. They also required all purchases to be in British currency, rather than the colonists’ kind. Newspapers, cards, pamphlets, books, and numerous physical products were stamped. Because these items were higher in price, the colonists faced a financial crisis, as they had to pay more than they used to. -
Invention of The Steam Engine
The creation of the Steam Engine was crucial to the Colonies. It allowed for easier quicker trade and travel. With the more convenient transportation, mail was able to be delivered quicker, businesses could trade more easily along the rivers. Especially with the Mississippi River, they could trade easily down to New Orleans with the quicker way of transportation. With the Steam Engine, they could put this in trains and boats allowing both of the transportation factors to be reliable and quick. -
Common Sense
Written in 1776, Thomas Paine created a piece of literature called Common Sense. Paine wrote the book, persuading the colonies to fight back towards the British. He thought that it was necessary to rebut against the British Empire so they could be free. If they didn’t do it then, then they might never have the opportunity to do it again. The book was persuasive and helped keep people motivated to start the Revolutionary War. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was extremely impactful. The Declaration was created to rise up against the British, to help them earn their independence from them. Because of this document, they needed multiple signatures and supporters. Signed by numerous people like Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence was an important step for our nation. -
Second Continental Congress
Meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Second Continental Congress met to discuss numerous things. The current state of the colonies, how it contradicted the Revolutionary War, and how they discussed their liberty. All 13 colonies were represented towards their liberty. They also drafted the first Articles of Confederation. Because of this, they set up the future footsteps of the war and the future of our nation. -
Remember The Ladies
Abigail Adams wrote, ‘Remember The Ladies.” Adams wrote this to her husband John. Abigail wanted John to remember women when drafting important documents of our nation. She wanted them to be seen more as equals, rather than lower subjects. Abigail wanted women as well as men to be represented. -
Crossing of the Delaware
The Crossing of the Delaware remains an important part of our nation’s history. Under the leadership of Washington, the Continental Army planned to surprise the British with an Attack. Traveling in the cold on Christmas, the colonists took the British by surprise and defeated them. By crossing the river, Washington could get ahead with the war and gain land back, materials, and new soldiers. The Crossing of the Delaware was a crucial part of the Revolutionary War and the start of our nation. -
Battle of Saratoga
When Colonists were under General Washington’s leadership, they fought the Battle of Saratoga. This battle was crucial to the success of the Revolutionary War. The Colonists defeated the British. Because of the British’s defeat, Colonists were motivated after the victorious battle. Following the battle, Colonists were impacted and motivated to fight against the British. -
Battle of Yorktown
In 1781, the Battle of Yorktown took place. In New York, the last battle of the Revolutionary War had happened. The British were completely surrounded, it caused them to surrender. It was a victory for the Colonists. It later led to their complete independence from Great Britain. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris was crucial for American History. Signed by U.S. and British Representatives, the Treaty of Paris was the document that officially ended the Revolutionary War. The treaty also involved other countries besides America. The treaty also set the border between Canada and the United States today. With land being discussed, as well as independence and equity, the Treaty of Paris involved the colonies and western Europe. -
Invention of The Steamboat
The steamboat was so incredibly important. The steamboat helped in multiple ways in America. It helped trade, communication, financial stability, and travel. With the steamboat, companies were able to further their businesses. The steamboat also helped record time for numerous traveling expeditions and mail. -
Federalists Papers
In 1787, three founding fathers created the Federalists Papers. The 85 documents proposed a new form of government. John Jay wrote 5, James Madison wrote 29, and Alexander Hamilton wrote the other 51. They did this over a span of six months. By writing these papers, they rebutted against the anti-federalists and hoped to change the government to help them specifically. -
Federal Judiciary Act
The Federal Judiciary Act was established in 1789. This act was important for multiple reasons. This was one of the first acts signed by washington. It was also signed into law by the first congress. The act helped differentiate between federal and state power. -
Washington Sworn In As President
Washington was very impactful for the start of our nation. He was an incredible leader, military general, but most importantly, he was the first United States president. With Washington, he was able to look over multiple important factors for the start of our nation. He oversaw the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and many other important documents. He created himself as a role model for the American people to follow. -
Washington Retires
Washington retiring was crucial to the future of America. Because of his actions, presidents after him only served for his given time. He taught others to stand back and leave positions of power. All future presidents followed his precedent until FDR. Later, the two-term president normality became an amendment. -
Invention of The Cotton Gin
This invention was created by Eli Whitney who also created interchangeable parts. This machine removed the seeds from the cotton fibers while also making cotton a more profitable crop and changed the course of history in the South. 1 guy can now clean 50x more cotton in 8 hours than before. Slavery was on the decrease before this invention but due to an unintended side effect, slavery began to rise again -
Creation of the U.S. Navy
In 1798, the Navy was created. Founded by Adams, he thought it would help battles from the ocean standpoint. With the Navy, American soldiers could travel and defend the coasts. Because of the Navy, there were now two branches of the military: the Navy and the Army. The Navy helps defend American coastlines and adds another layer of safety for America. -
Alien and Sedition Acts
A lot of people in America were citizens, but also immigrants. With Alien and Sedition Acts, Adams added a minimum year length to having to be an American citizen. With Native Americans, European Immigrants, and other nationalities and races, the minimum years to become an American citizen went larger. The years went from 5 to 14. This deeply upset Americans, but Adams went ahead with it anyway. -
Revolution of 1800
Also called the "election of 1800", Jefferson beat Burr and Adams bringing an end to federalist power ad rushing into the Jeffersonian era. It also marked the first peaceful transition in power from one political party to another. There was a tie between candidates. The election catalyzed the adopting of the Twelfth Amendment (1804), under which electors would cast separate ballots for president and vice president. -
Judiciary Act
The Judiciary Act of 1801 had multiple reasons to help and benefit Americans. The Court had the power to determine what the law is and to decide if a law is void because it violates the Constitution. The act upset many people. It caused people to have unjustful opinions. But, the courts were able to determine important legal decisions. -
Louisiana Purchase
Worried that the US could lose control of the Miss. River and use of the New Orleans, Jefferson sent Monroe to France in 1803 to discuss the purchase of New Orleans. Napoleon wasn't interested unless they took the whole of the Territory. The Louisiana Purchase eventually doubled the size of the United States, greatly strengthened the country materially and strategically, provided a powerful impetus to westward expansion, and confirmed the doctrine of implied powers of the federal Constitution. -
Marbury v. Madison
After J. Adams' midnight judges, Adams filled all federal court positions with Federalist judges. J. Madison found the letter granting John Marbury's judgeship on the federal courts. T. Jefferson ordered Madison to not deliver the letter. J. Marbury sued in order to gain the position he believed to be his and the case was taken to the Supreme Court. The court: ruled that the law in which Marbury's judgeship rests is unconstitutional, sides with Madison, and claims the right to judicial review. -
Embargo Act
Britain and France were at war again and were mad that the US was trading with the other country and their allies. If we stopped trading with one of the countries at war, we had to stop trading with their allies. We currently had a decent trading relationship with both and wanted to remain neutral. Jefferson imposed an embargo on all foreign trade effectively destroying the economy, especially in port cities. The act was very unpopular but it encouraged the growth of domestic manufacturing. -
Battle of Thames
In October of 1813, America was still at war. During the War of 1812, there was a battle titled, "The Battle of Thames." This battle was incredible important. In the battle. he Indian alliance fell apart and forced a British retreat. Because of this, it caused the end to the War of 1812. -
Star Spangled Banner
During the War of 1812, our national anthem was written. The poem was written by Francis Scott Key. Key wrote the poem while he was a prisoner to the British Army. This poem helped inspire courage for Americans. This piece of literature helped feed the power to win the war. -
Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent helped strengthen America. It established our borders. It also provided our political unity. Lastly, it helped repair our economy. The Treaty of Ghent was signed by Great Britain and America. -
Battle of New Orleans
The Battle of New Orleans was important for multiple reasons. The main reason is that this battle ended the War of 1812. With this battle ending, the Americans were free from the British once more. General Jackson also was an extremely important general. Jackson would go on to be a future president. -
British Burn The Capitol
The British Army invaded the US and marched on to Washington D.C. This was the 1st time that the US was invaded while being a nation. It also gave Dolly Madison the ability to become a national hero as she stayed behind during the evacuation to save portraits and other important documents from the fire. -
Election of 1824
In this election, property requirements were eliminated which meant that poor white men could vote. Andrew Jackson wanted to recreate the old Jeffersonian party and claimed a champion of the common man. He created a national committee that oversaw local and state party units. Politics became local with mass meetings. Mudsling was on both sides contributing to the 1st modern political campaigns. This was the 1st election with a political party, democrats. -
Tariff of Abominations
Also known as the Tariff Debate of 1828, has 2 perspectives based on where in the country you lived. In the north, foreign goods are made more expensive leading to more people buying US goods meaning northern industries started to profit from the increased business. The South saw it as a way that European countries would retaliate by buying less Southern cotton meaning the economy would suffer. To appease these nations, the South continued to buy goods even if they were more expensive. -
Invention Of The Sewing Machine
In 1829, the sewing machine was invented. The creation of the sewing machine was crucial to the advancement of technology. In America, women often worked in textile factories. With the sewing machine, they were able to complete twice the work at a much faster rate. It allowed multiple projects to be completed, as well as more to work on. -
Indian Removal Act
This Act led to the relocation of nearly 50,000 eastern Indians to the Indian Territory—what later became eastern Oklahoma. It opened up 25 million acres of land to white settlement and the expansion of slavery. It also caused the infamous Trail of Tears active migration of 5 groups: Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, Cherokee, and Seminole. It gave the president the power to negotiate removal treaties with Indian tribes living east of the Mississippi River. -
Invention of The Reaper
There were multiple important inventions throughout the 19th century. One of the main inventions was the reaper. The reaper was important because of the numerous benefits it had. The reaper allowed farmers to harvest crops in record time. It benefited productivity and profit. -
Nullification Ordinance
South Carolina was not pleased with the new tariff and said it was oppressive. They passed the Nullification Ordinance in 1832 that declared the tariff of 1828 and 1832 to be null and void. They even stated they would secede if the fed gov used force to make them comply. A. Jackson claimed that secession would be considered treason. He defended the fed gov's power to impose tariffs and chastened S.C. for violating fed law because a state had no right to declare any national law null and void. -
Invention Of The Telegraph
The telegraph helped numerous Americans. Especially in the mid 19th, media and information needed to be communicated. With the telegraph, things could be shared in record time. The telegraph had an extremely positive effect on Americans. With the invention, more things were accomplished. -
Invention Of The Fax Machine
The fax machine was extremely helpful. Similar to the telegraph, things could transport across the country faster. This machine helped businesses communicate with each other. It also helped media companies and the government transport information. The fax machine had such an impact, it is still being used today. -
North Star
Fredrick Douglas was an extremely important individual. He helped with racial injustice and equality throughout America. One of the ways he helped was his newspaper. The North Star by Fredrick Douglas helped spread information about the terrible conditions slaves were living in. Because of this, readers became upset and wanted to make a difference. -
Bleeding Kansas
Bleeding Kansas was an unfortunate event. While the event was eye-opening, it caused a powerful and painful impact. This even was significant because it proved that abolishment of slavery would not go down without a fight. Bleeding Kansas was crucial and helped provoke the beginning of the Civil War. -
Battle of Bull Run
The Battle of Bull Run was extremely important to American history. This battle was the first major battle of the Civil War. Because of this conflict, both sides knew that there was going to be a long war between them. Both of the sides fought vigilantly. They also realized that this battle would lead to a costly war. -
Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction
This proclamation was extremely important. Though it wasn’t the Emancipation Proclamation, it still impacted Americans. The proclamation pardoned any confederate soldiers if they sided with the union. Though this act was controversial, it was an attempt of unity. Lincoln worked tirelessly until he saw his country unified. -
Battle of Gettysburg
The bloodiest battle on American soil happened in 1863. The Battle of Gettysburg involved both Confederate and Union Soldiers. They fought on July 1- July 3. This is also where Lincoln delivered his famous ‘Gettysburg Address.’ Because of all these factors this battle is seen as a turning point in the war. -
Emancipation Proclamation
Lincoln proposed the proclamation after the "victory" at the Battle of Antietam. It stated that all southern slavers were free while also saying that the southern states could rejoin the Union and keep their slaves with reunification. No states took up the offer but it assured that no other European countries would take up alliances with the south. It sent a message that if nations joined with the South would be supporting slavery as well- most nations had previously outlawed this institution. -
Freedmen's Bureau
The Freedmen’s Bureau greatly helped African Americans. This Bureau helped African Americans complete average American tasks. With this, they legalized education and marriage. They also were able to own land. This helped pave the way for equality and the future of America. -
Election of 1864
The Election of 1864 was important. It determined the fate of the future of America. This election was controversial but was effective. Lincoln was re-elected, and was the first northern president to do so. Lincoln was also the only president re-elected since Andrew Jackson. -
The 14th Amendment
The 14 amendment benefited everyone born in America. If you were born in America, you were automatically born a U.S. citizen. By being a citizen, it granted them entitlement towards citizenship. This allowed slaves to be U.S. citizens, allowing them to vote. -
13th Amendment
The 13th amendment was extremely important to the history of America. This amendment, passed in 1865, abolished slavery in America. Including U.S. territories, no slaves could longer be owned.This allowed people of color to be free. This amendment was passed by Lincoln. -
Lee surrendered
General Robert E. Lee surrendered. In 1865, Lee gave his sword to the Union. With this surrender, the Civil War ended. This allowed soldiers to return home. This also allowed all of the states to return to the union. -
Civil Rights Act of 1866
The Civil Rights Act helped African Americans. This act attempted to allow African American to be equal. They were offered old items to help them. Old buildings and facilities were passed down to the people of color. The conditions of these locations weren’t great.