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Oct 12, 1492
Columbus Lands in the Americas
Columbus was a European explorer that set sail in search of Asia. The Spanish monarchs, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, helped support Columbuses voyage. Instead of finding Asia, Columbus and his crew discovered the Americas. Here Columbus created a tiny colony of men and sailed back to Spain with gold and spices. -
Jamestown
Jamestown was the first permanent English colony in North America. As more and more people settled in North America, Jamestown remained the capital of Virginia´s colony until 1699. Jamestown is now a historical site in Virginia and can be visited. -
Pilgrims Land
After a voyage of 66 days the Mayflower arrived in Cape Cod Bay. This was not their final destination but it was where many pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact. The Mayflower Compact was the foundation for the new colony´s government system. After signing the compact they traveled a while longer and reached their destination on December 16, 1620, Plymouth Harbor. Here they founded the Plymouth Colony, but many of the pilgrims did not last due to scurvy and pneumonia. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was an event that occurred in reaction to the Tea Act. The Tea Act was a British Law that removed the tax from only British Tea. So all tea would be taxed, besides British tea. This upset many Americans, resulting in the Sons of Liberty performing an act of political protest. They snuck on to a British ship and dumped all the British tea into the Boston Harbor. This changed the color of the harbor for a few days. This was an event that lead up to the American Revolution. -
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French & Indian War
The French and Indian war, also referred to as the 7 years war, was an imperial dispute between Britain and France. The war ended with the victory of Britain. The resolution to the war was the Treaty of Paris, giving Britain Canada and Florida, and Spain received Lousiana. -
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American Revolution
The American Revolution was a colonial revolt against the British in attempts for our independence. The war lasted for a long 18 years, but the 13 colonies won. In 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed, making our independence from Britain and becoming the United States of America. This American victory then led to the Constitutional Convention, the writing of our first American Constitution. -
Lexington and Concord
This was a battle between the British authorities and the 13 American Colonies. The battle was a victory for America, making British troops retreat back to Boston. This battle marked that start of the American Revolution and the American Revolutionary War. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was the document to America´s independence from Britain. Written by Thomas Jefferson, it stated that America could have their own government apart from the British King and monarchy. It guaranteed the right to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. We still celebrate the day this document was signed with the Holiday known as the 4th of July. -
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Constitutional Convention
This took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and it was a convention to determine how America would be governed. This convention was first called to revise the Articles of Confederation, the convention lasted longer than was thought and consisted of drastic changes. -
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George Washington´s Presidency
George Washington was the first ever President of the United States. During the American Revolution, Washington was commander in chief of the Continental Army, as well as a founding father. He served for 2 terms, and he left a strong model of how a president should be when he left office. He helped form our country right when we had won independence from Britain. -
Louisiana Purchase
The United States purchased the Louisiana territory from France in 1803. The purchase consisted of 828,000,000 acres of land and acquired almost 15 of today's states. This purchase was a crazy deal and also seen as one of Thomas Jeffersons biggest achievments in office. -
Missouri compromise
The Missouri Compromise admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state. Slavery was then made illegal everywhere north of the Louisiana purchase territory, besides Missouri. This was orchestrated by congress to help keep peace between the differing oppinions of pro vs. anti slavery -
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Jackson Presidency
Andrew Jackson was the 7th president of the United States. Seen as a shady president, during his presidency he did some questionable things. He tended to ignore the doubtful treaties made with Native Americans. He also enacted the Indian Removal Act, resulting in the Trail of Tears. -
Indian Removal Act
The Indian Removal Act was enacted by President Jackson back in 1830. This act authorized Jackson to remove Native Americans from land and give them new land west of the Mississippi River. This resulted in the trail of tears, a walk made by Native Americans that were forced from their ancestral homes. Around 4,000 Native Americans died on this forced walk. -
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Andrew Carnegie
Andrew Carnegie was a philanthropist that worked his way to the top. He was born with almost nothing but die with a net worth of $309 billion (2007 dollars). He was the king of steel, having the largest steel monopoly there was. His business was highly successful, but some of the things that happened in his factories are quite controversial. For his employee's wages were awful, and the conditions they worked in were terrible. Yet, he is still seen as a industrialist, and benefactor. -
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Bleeding Kansas
The Kansas-Nebraska Act caused bleeding Kansas to happen.This term refers to the violence that broke out in Kansas. Both pro-slave and anti-slave activists were now living in Kansas, resulting in violence to erupt. John Brown was an abolitionist, and quite famous for leading anti-slavery fights. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
There was much controversy on if Kansas and Nebraska should become a free or a slave state. To settle this, the government passed the Kansas-Nebraska Act. This act stated that the residents of the states could vote on if it would be a slave or free state. Many, many people then moved to the states, which then leads to Bloody, or bleeding Kansas. -
Dredd Scott v Sanford
Dredd Scott and his wife filed for free suits. Their owners moved them to a free state, so they decided to sue for their freedom. This case went all the way up to the Supreme Court. The final hearing of the court was that Slaves were not citizens of the United States and therefore were unable to sue in Federal Court. -
Abraham Lincoln is elected president (beginning of story of events)
Abraham Lincoln was the first elected Republican to take office. He stated that "Government cannot endure permanently half slave, half free..." This scared many states in the south. They didn´t want a president that was set on abolishing slavery. This frightened the south enough to have southern states start seceding from the union. Leading to the first state to seced, South Carolina. -
South Carolina Secedes (story of events 2)
Because of Abraham Lincolns election into office, South Carolina decided to secede from the Union. With South Carolina seceding other southern states followed their lead. The next states to secede were Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas. This then lead to the formation of the Confederate States of America. -
The Confederate States of America (story of events 3)
Because of the recent states South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas, The Confederate States of America was formed. Jefferson Davis was elected president of The Confederate States. This lined the fact of the compromising differences between free and slave states, and federal and state rights. These differences then caused the civil war to begin and the
attack of Fort Sumter, the first civil war battle. -
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Lincoln Presidency
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States. Many favored his ideals and morals, especially the ones involving slavery. His Emancipation Proclamation helped abolish slavery. His Gettysburg Address is still seen as one of the most famous and influential pieces of American History oratory.
Sadly, his presidency was ended shortly for he was assassinated in on April 15, 1865. Although his presidency ended sooner than wished, he is still seen as one of the best presidents of the US. -
Battle of Fort Sumter (story of events 4)
The Battle of Fort Sumter was the first battle of the civil war. The Confederates were the first to fire, attacking the Fort. There were actually no casualties during the firing on the fort. The battle resulted in a Confederate victory. This is the catalyst battle in a bloody war. This battle then led to other states seceding from the Union. -
More Seceding States (story of events 5)
After the battle of Fort Sumter, The Virginia confrence voted for Virginia to secede from the Union. With Virginia´s secession, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina also declared to secede from the Union. Since more states decided to secede from the Union, even more tension was building. This tension lead Abraham Lincoln to issue a proclomation of blockade on the Confederate States. -
Proclamation to Blockade (story of events 6)
Because of the rising tension between the Union and the Confederate States, Abraham Lincoln issues a blockade on the Confederates supplies. This proclamation was to block off all Southern ports. The north was so much more industrialized then the south was, this blockade limited the number of supplies the south was receiving. This deeply weakened the South, for it lasted for the entire war. This angered the south and caused multiple more battles to take place, like Bull run, Shiloh, and Antietam. -
Battle of Antietam (story of events 7)
Antietam is the bloodiest battle in U.S. military history. By the time the day ended at least 26,000 men were dead, wounded, or missing. This resulted in the weakening of the north. Antietam also stimulated Abraham Lincoln to take charge of his beliefs. He issued the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, which then leads to the Emancipation Proclamation ratification. -
Emancipation Proclamation (story of events 8)
Abraham Lincoln issued The Emancipation Proclamation, a speech given right after the Unions win at the battle of Antietam. This proclamation was a speech written and vocalized by President Abraham Lincoln. It stated that all slaves “shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.” Meaning all slaves shall be declared free. This was a pivotal piece in the movement towards equal rights for all. This lead to the battle of Fort Wagner where the first black soldiers fought for their country. -
Fort Wagner (story of events 9)
Because of the historic Emancipation Proclamation, slaves were condemned free. Now African Americans were allowed to serve their country. This happened at the battle of Fort Wagner, where there was the first black regiment. Fort Wagner was a piviotal movement for the Blacks in America and their fight for equal rights. This stimulated the Unions military, giving them more manpower. This helped lead to the Unions victory at the battle of Appotomax. -
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Reconstruction
The Union won the Civil War, resulting in serious reconstruction of the south, and America altogether. Most importantly, the victory of the north freed some 4 million slaves. Other significant improvements were African Americans got the right to vote. Also, all southern states needed a new constitution that protected the voting rights of all black men, if the southern states wanted to rejoin the Union. Reconstruction wasn´t entirely successful, but it did improve America significantly. -
Surrender at Appomattox (end of Civil War & story of events)
On this historic day, General Robert E. Lee and his army surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant. This marked the end of the Civil War and the victory of the Union. The Surrender at Appomattox was viewed as the most important surrender to occur during the Civil War. The Unions victory was helped by the fact of African Americans being able to fight for their country. This victory then lead to the rebuilding and reconstrution of the south. -
Lincoln Assassinated
The 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, was assassinated at the play Our American Cousin. He was shot by famous John Wilkes Booth, a stage actor. Lincoln´s death was mourned by many. It was a sad day for America, because Abraham Lincoln was, and still is seen as the best president America has had -
Thirteenth Amendment Ratified
The 13th amendment was passed by Congress on January 31, 1865, and then almost a year later, ratified on December 6, 1865. The amendment formally abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States. This amendement was a giant step forward for all American equal rights. -
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Jefferson Presidency
Thomas Jefferson was the 3rd president of the United States and one of the founding fathers. He was also the main author of the Declaration of Independence, written in 1776. Before becoming president he was vice president under John Adams and served as the U.S. minister to France. One of his biggest accomplishments in office was the purchase of the Louisianna Territory in 1803. Thomas Jefferson was seen as a leading figure in the early development in America. -
Chinese Exclusion Act
The Chinese Exclusion Act was a law passed stating that no Chinese immigrants could enter the United States. This law was meant to be active or 10 years, restricting all Chinese people from infiltrating America. This act was passed by congress and then signed by President Chester A. Arthur. -
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Alice Paul
Alice Paul was an influential women´s suffragist. She picketed the white house for her rights and held marches in protest. Paul was arrested multiple times, and in jail she would go on hunger strikes, resulting in the guards having to force feed her through tubes. She was a feminist that fought for her rights till the day she died, and she did so with assertation and confidence. She was straight to the point and knew what she was fighting for and wasn´t scared to stand up for her beliefs. -
Sherman Anti-Trust Act
The Sherman Anti-Trust Act was one of the first acts to deal with brutal business practices. The act forbade trying to monopolize any systems of trading. It also made it illegal to make trusts between businesses. The act didn´t last long, or make a very lasting effect on any businessess. -
NAWSA
NAWSA stands for National American Woman Suffrage Association. This organization formed by Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucy Stone, and Susan B. Anthony, was meant to push for women´s suffrage. Their strategy was to convince enough states to ratify state suffrage amendments, that eventually a federal one would be passed. They worked so hard and the 19th amendment was finally passed in 1920. Although they had the right to vote, there was, and still is, a long way to go for equality between genders. -
Plessy v Ferguson
At this time, there was the separate car act, this required blacks and whites to sit in different cars. Plessy was arrested when he refused to give up his seat for he was not sitting in the correct area. The case went up to the Supreme Court, stating that clashed with the 13th and 14th Amendment. The case ruled that under ¨seperate but equal¨ doctrine, racial segregation was indeed just. -
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Spanish American War
The war started off on the thought that Spain blew up the USS Maine in the Havana Harbor. After the war, it was deemed that Spain, in fact, did not blow up the Maine and it exploded for mechanical issues. The result of the war was a U.S. victory. The resolution was the Treaty of Prais of 1898, stating that Spain must cede Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States. As well as relinquishing the remaining Spanish Empire, including Cuba. -
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T. Roosevelt Presidency
Theodore Roosevelt served as the 26th president of the United States. He became president after President William McKinley was assassinated. Roosevelt was highly liked and was reelected for a second term in 1904. Theodore Roosevelt was a big conservationist at set aside many acres of land to be preserved. He is also known for the roosevelt collary, and setting up the construction of the Panama Canacl. -
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Panama Canal Construction
The Panama Canal, in Panama, connects the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans. It is important because it makes traveling between the two oceans shorter. Ships are able to get from point A to point B in a quicker time. This stimulates trade and travel, benefiting many different commercial businesses while saving money. The construction was overseen and started by President Theodore Roosevelt, for he realized the need for a trans-isthmian canal. -
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Wilson Presidency
Woodrow Wilson was the 28th president to serve in the United States. He is known for his famous 14 points, and his ideas to create the League of Nations. The 14 points were peace negotiations he made to help end WW1. Sadly, they were turned down because Britain and France wanted to punish Germany. Although his 14 points were turned down, The League of Nations was eventually set up, and is still here today. -
WWI Begins
There were many issues leading up to world war one, but the tipping issue seemed to be the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand—heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. World War One was a war fought between Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire, known as the Central Powers, and Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Romania, Japan and the United States, referred to as the Allied Powers. -
WWI Ends
In the beginning of 1918, it seemed that Germany and the Central Powers were going to win the war. But, when America finally fused their troops with the Allied Powers, the favor of the war turned to the Allied Powers. The war ended with the signing of Treaty of Versailles, which is considered one of the most important peace treaties to this day. -
Eighteenth Amendment
The 18th amendment was the prohibition of production, transport, and sale of alcohol. The important part of the amendment was that it did not prohibit the consumption of alcohol. Although it passed January 16th, 1919, it didn´t take effect until a year later. This stimulated people to purchase a surplus of booze, so they would be set for the time the amendment was put into effect. This also started the growth of speakeasies, illegal establishes that sold alcoholic beverages. -
Nineteenth Amendment
The 19th amendment stated that the government could not deny any citizen the right to vote based on their sex. This means that it gave all women the right to vote. This was a huge step for women's suffrage and equality for all. The amendment was passed June 4, 1919, and ratified on August 18, 1920 -
Harlem Renaissance
The Harlem Renaissance took place during the Roaring 20s. This renaissance was an outburst of cutural, societal, and artistic changes. Colored people were finally finding their voice, and embracing their culture. During this time Jazz was invented, bringing a new sense of tone to the world. Women also started wearing clothing that was more revealing, developing into flappers. Women also had more independence. So much more happened during this time, it was wonderful, until the Great Depression. -
Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles is the peace treaty that ended World War One, and was written at the Paris Peace Confrence. The treaty didn´t only end the war but also punished Germany. A majority of the Allied Powers thought that Germany was the sole reason for the war. They saw it fit for Germany to have harsh consequences, and pay for the damages of the war. This treaty has much controversy, as some believe that the harsh consequence impacted Germany starting WW2. -
Gitlow v New York
Gitlow was an active communist that wrote The Revolutionary Age. This was a newspaper that promoted for the US Government to be overthrown. Two cops arrested Gitlow for criminal anarchy. Gitlow argued that it was only speech, and no violent actions ever took place. The court ruled that the first amendment, stating freedom of speech, also applies to state government. -
Stock Market Crash
The Stock Market Crash was the day Wallstreet had an intense drop in stock prices. Because of the giant decline, there was a significant loss of money. During the 20s, so many people were buying things on credit, not realizing the impact. These together lead to the Great Depression, causing unemployment rates to skyrocket. This was a scary day, and many imporvments to our econmy have been made to prevent this from ever happening again.
