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First Settlement in Jamestown
Looking for financial opportunities, Jamestown was founded and was the first Settlement. However, due to their ill-preparation, many died due to starvation and disease with an eighty-percent mortality rate. The people learned through watching the Natives, causing them to begin thriving. As a result, tobacco was their first major cash crop! -
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Benign Neglect
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Great Awakening
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George Whitefield
George Whitfield was a notable leader in the Great Awakening due to his contributions. He was a very popular preacher and people came from all over to listen to his speeches. His speeches consisted of a message of a loving and personal God which touched the hearts of the listeners. They were so powerful and impressive that Benjamin Franklin even mentioned he was changed after his preaching. -
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French and Indian War
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Albany Plan
Benjamin Franklin calls for a meeting and demands delegates to come represent to "discuss a possibility of having Native American alliances for defense and military". However, he knew the possibility was not going to work and his real purpose was to suggest the idea of unity. His idea was that they would be stronger working together. This idea was denied but is impactful since it was the first time anyone has given the idea that we are stronger together and therefore, should be united. -
End of Benign/Salutary Neglect
Years of Benign Neglect from the British caused people of the colonies to become a growing independent industry. The cause was unintentional, and was because American colonists were producing lots of products and money which caused the British to be happy and not have to worry about them. However, when Britain suddenly begins to enforce laws and become intricately involved, anger from the colonies rises. -
Proclamation of 1763
After winning the French and Indian war, the British were facing a crisis. There were enormous war debts that they had to pay off which led to the ending of Salutary neglect along with the enforcement of the Proclamation of 1763. This caused no expansion to be allowed past the Appalachian Mountains to not create even more debt and cause conflict between Native Americans and settlers. However, this was ignored by the colonists. -
Samuel Adams
In response to the Acts enforced by the British, Samuel Adams spoke up against them. He was very well known due to his silver-tongue which inflamed passion and moved the people who listened. He helped organize the "Sons of Liberty" which held public displays of resistance against the British. -
Quartering Act
In response to debts caused by the war, the British enforced the Quartering Act which allowed for any soldiers that knocked on someone's house to automatically be provided with room and food. Lots of tension was caused because the owners of the houses were restricted with speech, no privacy was given by the soldiers, and also was a financial burden. These reasons infuriated the middle and upper classes since they were intruded upon the highest by the soldiers. -
Homespun Movement
In response to the British Acts, the "Daughters of Liberty" was formed. They were a lot more effective than the Sons of Liberty and organized the Homespun Movement. The movement involved them sewing their own clothes to not pay taxes. Wearing with pride, this was a more peaceful way and allowed for women to be involved in supporting patriotism. -
Boston Massacre
Guards were stationed at the Custom's house which enraged the people since it showed dominance to Britain. People insulted, yelled, and threw snowballs at the guards. But, since the guards were ordered not to react, the people became even more angry. Due to their anger, someone threw a rock covered with snow at one of the soldiers, causing them to bleed and go on attack mode. Five soldiers fired and five were dead, causing the portrait to seem much more violent than what occurred. -
Intolerable Acts
In response to the actions by the colonists, Britain wants to strike back and punish specifically New England. They create the Intolerable Acts which closes the port of Boston (largest port in new world and leads to economic devastation), takes total control, reinforces the Quartering Act, enacts high taxes, and trade + commerce is regulated. -
The Shot Heard 'Round the World
The colonists in preparation for the possibility of war were hiding weapons and ammunition in Concord, Massachusetts. When the British arrived at Lexington, over seventy militia men stood; but, there were over seven-hundred British men. Outnumbered, the British told them to leave. The men did not listen and devised a plan by dispersing. During this time, someone had fired but the mystery comes from which side it came from. This sparked as the start of revolution and an inspiration to many. -
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Revolutionary War
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"Common Sense"
As a gifted writer, Thomas Paine publishes the book "Common Sense" to all the colonists mentioning the need for independence. It spoke to many and was a 'game changer' since it was written in a way common people could understand it. The book even outsold the Bible and spoke as an inspiration and motivation for freedom. -
Battle of Saratoga
The battle is known as the 'turning point' of the Revolutionary War. They were able to 'trap' Burgoyne and his army by sneaking from behind, forcing them to surrender. The battle is known as this because it gave them the right amount of confidence needed to finally persuade France to ally with them for support. The defeat of the British also boosted the morale of the people and the army, creating hope to win independence. -
Articles of Confederation
Created during the American Revolution, it was the first constitution for the U.S. Rules included: no executive, no standing army, no taxing authority, limited authority to government, and decision requirement of a hundred-percent agreement. These rules reflected their fears and trauma, trying to prevent tyranny and corruption. The Northwest Ordinance was the 'only positive' effect of the constitution since it increased expansion. Weaknesses of the constitution were recognized in later years. -
"World Turned Upside Down"
With the defeat of the British at the Battle of Yorktown, many say that the song was played during their surrender. Due to Cornwallis' humiliation at the defeat, instead of him surrendering his sword, he had ordered for someone else to surrender for him. The surrender helped mark the end for the major fighting in the Revolutionary War. -
Treaty of Paris
Two years after the Battle of Yorktown, the treaty officially ended the Revolutionary War. Land was granted to the United States between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mississippi River from British lands. Along with this, the British finally acknowledged U.S. independence and peacefully withdrew British forces. -
Shay's Rebellion
Former revolutionary soldier; Daniel Shay, forms a 'militia' with people experiencing the same thing he was (in debt and has to go to jail or sell land) in protest. Taking over courthouses, their group becomes bigger and eventually, it's an army protesting with him. The rebellion highlights the weakness of the "no executive" rule noted in the Constitution since there was no government to appropriately handle the army formed by Daniel Shay, with the wealthy in fear of the violence. -
Necessary & Proper Clause/Elastic Clause
The clause allowed for the federal government to create laws whenever it was deemed necessary and appropriate for the functioning of the government. It was called the 'Elastic Clause' by those who opposed it since they worried the clause would be inappropriately used. In order to limit the expansion of power for the government, they created the tenth amendment in the constitution, stating that all powers that were not directed to the federal government would be given to the states. -
First Meeting of Constitutional Convention
Due to Shay's Rebellion, delegates gathered to discuss the weaknesses created by the Constitution. Both Federalists and Anti-Federalists believed that the federal government wasn't strong enough; however, they argued on how strong it should be. Federalists wanted government power to be powerful from fear of another rebellion since most were wealthy elites; but, the Anti-Federalists wanted state power to be more powerful due to fear of corruption again & because majority was the common people. -
Establishment of Presidential Cabinet
The Presidential Cabinet allowed for the creation of departments to help the president in different topics. Knox was the Secretary of War to oversee the nation's defense. Jefferson was Secretary of State to oversee the relations between U.S. and other countries. Hamilton was elected as the Treasury to manage government money. And, lastly the Attorney General was a department but was unimportant. This showed the open-mindness of Washington since he appointed people with conflicting views. -
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Washington's Presidency
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Creation of the First National Bank
As part of Hamilton's financial plan in hopes of creating an industrial economy, he believed the creation of a national bank was necessary to help the nation fulfill their greatest potential.The bank allowed for a safe place to keep the government's money, have the ability to make loans to businesses, and issue paper currency. However, the idea that it may strengthen the federal government was the reason Jefferson opposed it. Compromising, they created a Permanent National Capital for Jefferson. -
Bill of Rights
In response to the creation of the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches, anti-federalists believed there was something missing and believed individual rights were necessary. Therefore, the Bill of Rights was created to ensure that the rights of the people were protected and acted as a 'solution' to limit government power. It consisted of ten amendments to ensure liberty to individuals. -
Whiskey Rebellion
Like Shay's Rebellion, it helped recognize a major issue of the Constitution. The tax affected farmers since it was an important part of their economy because production was cheap. Therefore, infuriated by the tax, farmers went to protest. When Washington arrived, he ordered his army to "fire" with no intention of harming anyone to display their power. This ended the rebellion; however, was significant since it finally proved that the Constitution was strong enough to deal with internal crisis. -
Cotton Gin
Invented by Eli Whitney, the creation of the Cotton Gin was the reason for cotton to prosper. Before the invention, cotton was not very profitable since removing seeds from the cotton fiber was very hard and half of the cotton would be gone trying to remove them. Therefore, with the creation, picking seeds from cotton became much quicker and more efficient. This resulted in repopulating slavery since it gave them the task to pick cotton and was a very significant cash crop to the south. -
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John Adam's Presidency
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Alien + Sedition + Naturalization Acts
To make Adams' election stronger and less votes going to the anti-federalists', the Alien Act allowed for the president to deport any "alien" considered dangerous. It lessened protests and conflicting opinions from immigrants. The Sedition Act made it illegal for prints to criticize the president/Congress, taking away the first amendment. The Naturalization act increased the amount of time immigrants had to live in the U.S. to gain citizenship, from five years to twenty, to stop opposed views. -
XYZ Affair (1797-1798)
With France angry about the U.S. breaking their treaty with them, they demanded a tribute of $250k before they would negotiate (without any guarantee of approval). The French did this since they believed they could get away with it since they still saw the U.S. as small. Americans wanted war; however, Adams avoided it by negotiating quietly (XYZ Affair). Americans were furious since they believed it made them look weak; but, it was overall the right decision since he was able to avoid conflict. -
Kentucky & Virginia Resolutions
In response to the Alien and Sedition Acts, the Resolutions were political statements drafted in 1798/1799. Written by Jefferson (Kentucky legislature) and Madison (Virginia legislature), they argued the unconstitutionality of the Acts. Therefore, introducing the idea that states could nullify federal laws that they believed were unconstitutional. However, the resolutions were unsuccessful and was not put into action but instead served as a political statement + influence for future events. -
Revolution of 1800
Choosing between Adams and Jefferson, the election was called the "Revolution of 1800" since it was the first time the political ideology switched to the complete opposite. Thinking it was going to fail and chaos would occur, people from all over monitored carefully since a peaceful switch of ideology has never happened in history before. However, it did end up working and was known to be the first time it was successful since Adams stepped aside peacefully without any interference. -
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Jefferson Presidency
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Louisiana Purchase
Worry of losing control of New Orleans and access to the Mississippi River, Jefferson sends Monroe to negotiate the purchase of New Orleans. Although Napolean claimed he was uninterested, he mentioned he would sell the entire Louisiana Territory since he needed funds to fight the British. As a strict constructionist, Jefferson put his personal opinions aside and did what he thought would benefit the nation most. Therefore, purchasing the land doubled the size of the U.S. and expanded westward. -
Embargo of 1807
With France and Great Britain at war again, Great Britain demands the U.S. to stop trading with France. But, France also demands the U.S. to stop trading with Great Britain. Jefferson infuriated, he imposes an embargo (ban) on all foreign trade. This ruined and destroyed the American economy and he left office with shame. However, after a few years it encouraged domestic manufacturing growth and accidentally helped spur the American economy in the long-run by 1815. -
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War of 1812
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British Burning of the U.S. Capitol
In 1814, the British army marched on Washington D.C. and took everything that owned significant value. Then, they burned down the White House. Dolly Madison was known as the "national hero" since she took important papers and documents to be saved before the House was burned down. After a brief fight, the city surrendered and was a successful attack for the British. The White House itself did not burn down but the walls and floors did. Like a see-saw, the victories were back and forth. -
Treaty of Ghent
On Christmas Eve in Belgium, this treaty OFFICIALLY ended the War of 1812. However, since it was signed in Belgium, the news that the war was over was going to take around 2 1/2 months to get back to the United States, which was a huge problem. Therefore, without any knowledge to the Americans, the biggest battle had been fought soon after. -
Battle of New Orleans
Known to be the biggest battle fought in the War of 1812, the Battle of New Orleans occurred after the Treaty was signed to end the war. General Andrew Jackson as the leader recruited a diverse group of people involving: farmers, pirates, sailors, slaves, etc. His plan involved building a giant ditch called the "artificial high ground" and had the best soldiers on top of the hill by laying them down for less targets + preserving energy. The Americans won and Jackson was named the "hero". -
The Missouri Compromise
This was a crucial agreement aimed to maintain the balance between slave and free states. It allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state and Maine to enter as a free state. Along with this, it prohibited slavery north of the 36' 30' parallel line in the Louisiana Territory, except for Missouri. This compromise was able to ease tensions between the North and South over the topic of slavery but, had only postponed the arrival of the Civil War. -
The American System
Created by Henry Clay, he had a vision for a strong economy and believed it was the government's responsibility to help build one. Therefore, the system involved a strong central bank to provide easy and abundant credit since businesses require loans to expand or create. Protective tariffs were enforced to spur manufacturing. And, all revenue raised by the tariffs would be used to create stronger transportation networks. These were enforced to create more profit and gain more business. -
Corrupt Bargain of 1824
The Election of 1824 was against four candidates: Clay, Adams, Jackson, and Crawford. However, since no candidate had received the majority vote, it was up to the House to decide. As Clay drops out of the race, there was evidence of Clay and Adams meeting privately. After, Clay (significant power) had begun to publicly support Adams which results in the House electing him for president. This infuriates Jacksonian supporters since they believed they made a deal to support each other. -
Erie Canal
During the Transportation Revolution, the Erie Canal was a major component since it linked towns together and did not have to fight currents. International shipping was made possible and resulted as a major center of commerce. The only disadvantage of this invention was that it only went one way. But, it was able to revolutionize transportation and benefited the economy since they were able to send goods to places where they could not before. -
Tariff of Abominations
The Tariff of 1828, nicknamed the "Tariff of Abominations" received a lot of opposition from the southerners. From the northerners' perspective, it was a fantastic tariff as it helped benefit their economy with the rise of profit in their states. However, for the south, their economy suffered since European countries bought less southern cotton in return to the south buying less of their products because of the tariffs. Therefore, the south believed it was unfair as it benefits only the North. -
Indian Removal Act
Acting as the Foundation of the Trail of Tears, Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act claiming he was "saving the Indians and their culture." The signing of the Act was supported by citizens as well. Indian tribes were forced to leave their homes and move westwards while Jackson granted those willing to leave, land. Although a few tribes did relocate peacefully, many resisted. Eventually, military force and forced treaties were used/created to expel them out. -
William Lloyd Garrison (Abolitionist Movement)
As an abolitionist, he first published "The Liberator" as an attempt to end slavery in 1831 by publishing a new article weekly. By 1841, he helped establish nationwide abolitionist societies and protested for women when told they were not allowed at those conferences. Ultimately, he promoted emancipation through nonviolent approaches and gave speeches to help persuade others on the elimination, being a major part of the abolition movement as a social reformer and journalist. -
Nullification Ordinance/South Carolina Ordinance
The South still infuriated by the tariff of abominations, John C. Calhoun further increases their heat by stating that they could nullify and void the law since it was 'unconstitutional'. Jackson as president, had fought against the nullification and tried enforcing the Tariff of 1832 (lower tariffs). But, it was rejected and the Nullification Ordinance was passed. They declared that the tariffs were null + void and succession of the Union was mentioned if they were forced to use the tariffs. -
Battle of the Alamo
A small group of Texan defenders such as Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie defended the Alamo mission against the forces of Mexico that was led by General Santa Anna. Although they fought fiercely, due to them being outnumbered, the Texans were defeated after 13 days. The fall of the Alamo became a symbol that represented sacrifice which inspired many Texans to join the fight for independence, ultimately leading to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto and establishment of the Republic of Texas. -
Presidential Election of 1840
The Whig candidate, William Henry Harrison ran against a Democrat, President Martin Van Buren. The Whigs highlighted the economic downfall and Panic of 1837 and highlighted Harrison as a war hero while showcasing Van Buren as an elitist. His campaign used many slogans as well. This was significant since it was the first time a Whig candidate won the presidency. Therefore, it demonstrated the effectiveness of modern campaign strategies (catchy slogans and mass rallies). -
Texas Enters the Union
Polk (president) sent around 100 troops into the disputed area of Texas, Mexico was infuriated and moved a lot more troops than the U.S, resulting in many U.S troops being killed. Polk then declared for the Declaration of War (asked Congress). With a lot of fighting, a treaty was ultimately created. It told Mexico that the U.S would stop fighting if they signed it; however, if they did not, they would lose their country. This was all done by Polk to gain California and other states. -
Seneca Falls Convention
Organized by Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Caty Stanton, and Susan B.Anthony, their goal was to gain awareness and attention to the rights of women and ultimately gain equality/suffrage.They had around 300 attendees for this conference. With this conference, it had started the beginning of the Women's Suffrage Movement. In the Conference, they created the Document of Sentiments, known to be similar to the Declaration of Independence, mentioning how women were locked out of equality. -
Compromise of 1850
The Missouri Compromise was beginning to decline due to California being located at the middle of the 36 30' latitude line. As a result, Clay came up with the Compromise of 1850, stating that California is entering as a free state, slave trade is abolished in the capital, strict fugitive slave laws will be enacted nationwide, and any territories applied for statehood will be governed by popular sovereignty. These laws helped create balance between the North and South, helping avoid conflict. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
Proposed in 1854 by Senator Douglas, this Act had created the territories of Kansas and Nebraska. It allowed settlers to decide on slavery through popular sovereignty (states decide) which had effectively invalidated the Missouri Compromise. However, this led to violence known as "Bleeding Kansas" which intensified the tensions over the topic of slavery. This Act also contributed to the rise of the Republican Party and the collapse of the Whig Party which would eventually lead to the Civil War. -
Abraham Lincoln Becomes President
Lincoln joined the Republican Party, giving him national prominence. From the North, he was nominated for the Election of 1860. Hoping to win, he challenged Douglas to a debate. Douglas refused but ultimately agreed when Lincoln started counter arguing with his speeches. Though Lincoln does win, the South was infuriated since the majority had voted against him due to fear of the emancipation of slavery. As a result, the majority of southern states had seceded before he was able to take office. -
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Civil War
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Emancipation Proclamation
In order to preserve the Union, this was created by Lincoln to abolish slavery in the south but not in the border states. The border states were crucial during this time since they were slave states that didn't secede and keeping them in the Union was important to be able to win the war. This also allowed for any territory that peacefully returns to keep their slaves but any territory that does not return peacefully will have their slaves freed when reconquered. -
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Reconstruction
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Battle of Vicksburg
This battle was a crucial victory for the Union. Led by General Ulysses S. Grant, Union forces were able to lay siege to the city of Vicksburg, Mississippi. This had cut off supplies and attacked it. After many days, the Confederate general surrendered and ultimately gave victory to the Union by giving them control of the Mississippi River, splitting the Confederacy in two, and boosting their morale. This victory along with the victory at Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War. -
Lincoln's 10% Plan
Mentioned in his Second Inaugural Address, he wanted to heal and reunify the nation. Therefore, the plan allowed for any state to be readmitted when at least 10% of the voters had sworn a loyalty oath. Then, pardons were given to any Confederate leaders who swore oath to the Union and Constitution along with agreeing to the emancipation of slavery. Lastly, they had to form new state constitutions that outlawed slavery. But, there was no real accountability in this since oaths can be broken. -
14th Amendment
Passed by Congress in 1866 and ratified in 1868, this allowed for people born in the U.S and all people naturalized to be full citizens. Therefore, all U.S states were required to protect all citizens with full protections (laws and legal processes). Since southern states were not part of the Union yet, this amendment was easier to pass. It also made former Confederate leaders unable to hold office (state federal) and a state would lose representation in Congress if they denied a citizen. -
Civil Rights Act of 1875
Being passed by Congress and signed by Grant, it had banned discrimination in public settings. Therefore, it guaranteed everyone equal treatment in places such as public transportation and accommodations. However, this Act was not enforced by future presidents after Grant because after the military occupation of the south ended, they lacked the apparatus to be able to enforce it. Along with this, they recognized many other issues that required more attention, resulting in it being abandoned. -
Election of 1876 (Crisis), Tilden (Democrat) + Hayes (Republican)
This crisis was that 100% of Southerners voted for Tilden, proving that there had been fraud and the North demanded a recount. But, when the North did the recount, it showed that many places such as South Carolina flipped to Republican (highly unlikely). Now, both sides have done fraudulent behavior. An Election Commission was established and after negotiations, Hayes was elected president but, military districts had to end in the South. This officially marked the end of the Reconstruction era. -
Native American Boarding Schools
Similar to the Dawes Act to weaken Natives by splitting their tribes, boarding schools were created to take away their culture and assimilate children as whites. From age six to eighteen, students were permitted to only speak English, worship Christianity, and dress/act as Europeans. If any were caught practicing their traditional culture, they would be severely punished. After graduating, many felt like they didn't belong anywhere since a lot of barriers were created and prejudice was faced.