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Oct 31, 1517
Protestant Reformation
Luther publishes document called disputation (95 Theses). This woke many Christians, and separated Christians from the Roman Catholic Church. This caused religious division and separation. -
1530
Plantation system
Brazil became introduced to the plantation system, using African slaves for labor. devouring African lives, this produced more crops than the world had ever seen. Beginning of the new modern era. -
Headright System
During European civilization, in Virginia, this was a guaranteed land grant for anyone that paid the passage of a new immigrant. This gave the opportunity for those that could pay for even one extra person, 50 more acres of land. This encouraged many Europeans to bring as many people a possible, and gave Europe a chance to dominate the new land. -
Bacon's Rebellion
This rebellion was led by Nathaniel Bacon against William Berkeley. The refusal to drive out Native Americans from Virginia requested by Bacon caused this. The rebellion failed, and intensified African slavery. -
Pueblo Revolt
The revolt was known as Popay's Rebellion. The Pueblos were previously forced to submit to Spanish culture, and separate from their own, Pueblo culture. The climax of this even was taking over Santa Fe, and regaining their freedom. -
Penn's Treaty
Treaty made without an oath, and was never broken. Signed by William Penn and Tamanend of the Lenape. This was an agreement that their people would live in perpetual peace, and gave religious and civil liberty. This was a great statement that life could be liven without division. -
Glorious Revolution
The Revolution was a fall of power. King James II was overthrown, which forced King William and Queen Mary to accept the Declaration of Rights. The Whig party was in favor of this, and gave them hope for a constitutional monarchy. -
Stono Rebellion
This was the largest slave uprising in the mainland colonies. Escaped slaves began to rise up against whites, and killed many along the Stono River. They had hoped to escape to Florida afterwards, but were met by South Carolina militia men, not only putting an end to the uprising, but killing many of the escaped slaves. -
Sugar Act
This act was one of the first to actually introduce mercantilism to the United States. When molasses was getting too expensive to ship, because of the outstanding taxes, the resort was to just buy molasses from other sources. The United States decided to pass this act to hopefully continue production of an important economic source. -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act created a strong grip that the British could have on the Americans. Having a stamp on each document, paper, land titles, playing cards, etc. there was a lot of control that was being taken advantage of. The government made more money because of this, and it angered most people. -
Quartering Act
The act was meant to provide a place for British soldiers to stay. They would stay in barracks, and if the barracks were full, it was the colonists duty to find another home for them. This was a beginning to the controlling parts of Britain on the colonies. -
Townshed Act
The act initiated taxes on glass, lead, paint, paper, and tea. This was meant to raise enough money to cover military expenses, however, there was a lot of money that went elsewhere. There was a lot of behind the scenes, that played into the beginning of mistrust between the colonies and the government. -
Tea Act
Was a catalyst to the Boston Tea Party. The act granted the right to ship tea directly to the colonies, without the British being in the middle of things. This was looked at as a threat to the British, and a huge victory for the East India Company. -
Declaration of Independence
The Deceleration of Independence was the colonists way of expressing that they would no longer be a part of Britain's games. Britain had kept control over the colonies for so long, and increased their control over the years. The colonists finally had enough, and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia signed the deceleration, stating that they were free from Britain. -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles were really the first Constitutional laws across all of the thirteen states. Each states had to abide by these governmental rules that were laid out. For a law to be passed, nine of thirteen states had to approve. This created a well laid out system of rules and processes that all states had to follow. -
Battle of Yorktown
This was the final battle of the American Revolution. It ended in the surrender of Cornwallis after the British army had been exhausted of food and ammunition. On October 19, Cornwallis signed Washington's Articles of Capitulation. This was a major victory for the colonies, and new America, showing their power and might. -
Treaty of Paris
The treaty ended the American Revolution, recognizing the American Independence. The British decided that they would relinquish any land south of the Great Lakes and East of the Mississippi River. This was the beginning to the United States decision- making, laws, government, etc. -
Shay's Rebellion
Taxes was unfairly drawn from ordinary citizens. Only the upper- class, wealthy citizens were not bothered by the outrageous taxes taken. This had been addressed several times to the government, but there was no response. The armed uprising due to this took place in Massachusetts and Worcester. -
Olaudah Equino: The Brutal Middle Passage
This is an autobiographical narrative written by a Nigerian. He collected information from African slaves by interviewing the. He explain his brutal passage across the Atlantic after being kidnapped at the age of eleven. -
Bill Of Rights
James Madison wrote nineteen amendments to be approved by Congress to protect individual rights. Ten got approved, and became a safeguard to personal rights such as freedom of speech, religion, trial by jury, etc. This relieved the worries of Anti federalists. -
Bank of the United States
Alexander Hamilton strongly believed that a national bank would improve economy, and make currency in the United States a lot easier and more convenient. The Congress passed it on to others after Hamilton asked for a charter. The fist bank of the United States was built with a twenty- year charter in Philadelphia. -
Cotton Gin
When the cotton gin was invented in 1794 by Eli Whitney, the supply for cotton actually increased. It took an absurd amount of time before for slaves to pick out the seeds, but with the cotton gin, it became less labor intensive, and faster. This caused land owners to buy more land, and not only keep the slaves that they already owned, but get more. -
Naturalization, Alien, and Sedition Acts
During this rough time in US history, the acts were made only for the advantage of the Federalists. Every one of the acts contributed greatly to the individual rights of Americans. The lack of understanding, regardless of which party, shows a rough patch in our country's history, making the same mistakes as the land we came from. -
Louisiana Purchase
On this date, the French ruler offered the entire territory of Louisiana (which is about 828,000 square miles) to the United States for 15 million dollars. Remembering our biggest concern for the US, land equals opportunity, this was a huge opportunity. The land was bought, which showed that the United States was becoming very powerful and seen as dangerous to other nations. -
Embargo Act
The act closed all ports from American ships to export to Britain or France. This was a punishment to Britain and France for interfering with American trade. This was a good idea to really get the attention of the other nations that we will not play along with things that are not right. -
Treaty of Ghent
A meeting between American delegates and British commissioners expressed that prolonged warfare was not the solution. The treaty was the ending of that warfare, promising that both countries would actively work toward ending slave trade. The treaty was signed on Christmas Eve, giving a peaceful Christmas between the two nations. -
European Enlightenment
The European Enlightenment included Copernicus creating a new, more science- based theory, and Newton incorporating physics as well. This encouraged what is now called natural rights. The natural rights including the right to life, liberty, and property. -
Second Bank of the United States
The idea of building the Second Bank of the United States in Philadelphia was initially for making credit more available, and also to stabilize the United States' money supply. During this time the United States really only used paper money, and occasionally gold or silver minted coins. Keeping the money circulating was very important, and the second bank would play a major role in that. -
Panic of 1819
The financial panic after the war in 1812 began to really have an impact of the economy of the nation. The growth of trade slowed down almost entirely, banks began to fail, mortgages not being paid and foreclosed, etc. One of the major components of this panic was agricultural prices decreases to almost half. -
Missouri Compromise
The compromise was decided after Maine was admitted as a free state by the Union. To keep the North and South equal, Henry Clay devised a series of political agreements called the Missouri Compromise. One of the main ideas being that Missouri would be admitted as a slave state. This kept both the north and south at ease, and the two years of controversy was finally put to an end. -
Indian Removal Act
Indians owned lands on the newly claimed American territories. Regardless of who was there first, the Americans decided to claim the land, and then pass this act. This idea was to move the Indians west of the Mississippi, and that could be their land, so that their land could become the American's. Many Indians were forced to move, regardless of their opinion. -
Baptist Insurgency
The Insurgency is also known as the Christmas Rebellion. Consisting of over sixty thousand Jamaican slaves that became mobilized. It lasted eleven days. This was a huge victory for poor white farmers, looking to be seen as more than someone, and was a major loss to those slave owners. -
Texas Forever!
Texas had gained independence from Mexico, and needed more Americans to come live there. There were many Americans aggressively recruited. This was a great visual of America's dominance, and commitment to their people. -
Burning of Pennsylvania Hall
Reform- minded Philadelphians made a stock company that made enough money to build a safe place to address abolition and brainstorm ideas. However, many white Americans did not agree with abolition, and in fact supported slavery. Only four days after the building was build, a large group of white Americans set the building on fire. This was a huge experience that really opened the eyes of many Americans as to how dangerous it would be to support their own beliefs. -
Violent Death of Mary Rogers
During this time period, many women had not other choice to provide for their family, other than prostitution or working in a store. Mary Rogers resorted to working in a tobacco shop, and ended up pregnant. Rogers could not afford to have another baby, which would ruin her career, so she resorted to abortion. The death of Mary Roger was assumed to be caused by that abortion, and it was shown to the Americans the sexual violence and danger young women faced. -
Manifest Destiny
The image of Manifest Destiny was the dream of most Americans. It encouraged Americans to move West, and designed to show that there could be a whole new lifestyle waiting for people. The Americans also realized that there could be more people living there, that could become their own, and increase America's population, with a fresh, new slate. -
Bear Flag Republic
The Bear Flag Republic proclaimed their independence when they hoisted a flag of a grizzly bear facing a red star. The Mexican military controlled Sonoma County for 25 days, and this statement was the American's breakaway. this even once again proved that the United States was a force to be reckoned with. -
Free Soil Movement
The Summer of 1848, the free soil movement was in favor of farmers that did not have much money. In fact, it was to benefit poor farmers, and make the distribution of land more equal. Because of this, the nation became a more understanding population with more equal rights. -
Seneca Falls Convention
The Seneca Falls Convention, was overall a major step that the women of America decided to take. Elizabeth Stanton drafted the Declaration of Sentiments, which explained a multitude of inequalities that needed to be made right. This was a major turning point in the equality of Americans. -
Fugitive Slave Act
The act was passed by Congress in favor of the decision that if a slave escapes from their owners, they have have to be returned. This was a really low point in United States history where even if a slave came to you after escaping, it was against the law to not return them to their owners. This intensified the division between the north and the south. -
Dred Scott Decision
Dred Scott was a slave for about five years in two different free states. He claimed that his owners let him go, and he moved to a slave state. This was where he was caught as a colored man, and assumed to be a slave. He was then taken to court, and had to return back to slavery, even after his hard work to become a normal citizen. -
Homestead Act
The Homestead Act was meant to increase westward expansion. Moving the population across the country, to fulfill the new land. The rule was that if you move, you get 160 acres of land, with some exceptions. You definitely had to farm the land, build some things that would be permanent, and you could even have livestock. With these rules, many took the offer, and began a new life farming. -
Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation was on the road to abolishing slavery. Abraham Lincoln permitted slavery in Union states and other similar places, but did not support it elsewhere. This sprung the idea most people had already pondered that Lincoln did not support it, so it must not be right. -
Gettysburg address
Lincoln dedicated a cemetery at the battlefield, giving a speech. He hoped to have the Union win, in favor of the Declaration of Independence. He believed that every man was created equal, and fought for this idea. This gave many people hope, and opened people up to the idea of a new, fresh start. -
Wade- Davis Bill
Differing from the Ten Percent Plan, The Wad- Davis Bill required 50% of voters in the Confederate state, and you must pledge allegiance to the Union before reunification. Along with the others, the bill would abolish slavery within the rebel states. This was a great leading step showing that there can always be better, more efficient ideas. -
Labor Theory of Value
When this really came about in 1867, introduced by Karl Marx, the idea was really to benefit the workers. Much labor went in to making most products, and the people actually doing that work, got paid very little. this theory was made to improve the salary of the workers, by redirecting some of the money that used to all go into the owner's hands. This was the start of the United States standing up for each other, and recognizing issues in our own nation. -
Boss Tweed- Tammany Hall
Boss Tweed becomes head of Tammany, concerning many. Just years later, Tammany Hall becomes corrupt, taking money from the New York people. This shows the control higher class citizens had on social injustice. -
Fourteenth Amendment
The amendment was in favor of African American lives. This law explains that African Americans that were born or naturalized in the United States were granted citizenship unless that person committed perjury. This was a major step in the right direction for United States citizens, on the way to becoming viewed as equal. -
Transcontinental Railroad
The transcontinental railroad was very important for the American economy and also transportation. The railroad, however, was thought to need much time to build. With this, the idea came about to have two different companies battle to build the most. This took significantly less time than expected, and the railroad was very successful. -
Civil Rights Act of 1875
The act provided any public accommodations to any citizens no matter race. This included access to jury service, transportation, etc. Making the laws equal to all citizens was looked at as racially equal, and this specific act lasted about one hundred years. -
Battle of Little Big Horn
The battle fought in Montana was a part of the Plains Wars. The wars fought in the west plains were fought against Native Americans. In this particular battle, the United States military was defeated by the Native Americans, showing that they had great strength and power. This opened the eyes of many Americans, seeing that the Native Americans were very powerful as well. -
Light Bulb Invented
Thomas Edison invented the first light bulb, setting the US up for success. The Light bulb was a huge change for many homes and buildings. This gave American citizens a better sense of life, and extra time to do things after the sun went down. -
Pendleton Act
Act signed by Chester A. Arthur to give federal jobs to the American people in the most fair way possible. This Act gave American citizens the right to receive federal jobs overlooking politics, race, religion, or origin. This was very important for the immigrant community as well as the African American community. -
The Gospel Of Wealth
The Gospel of Wealth written by Andrew Carnegie explains his way of living as a very successful American business owner. Carnegie did not grow up wealthy, and in fact was a very poor immigrant. Carnegie owned the most successful steel company in the United States and was one of the wealthiest people alive. -
'How The Other Half Lives'
Jacob Riis, in 1890, exposed the terrible living conditions of the working lower class citizens. This particular piece covered the conditions of tenement housing. The tenement housing had very little sanitation, and crammed as many people as possible into one tenement. -
NAWSA
The National American Women's Suffrage Association was created. This association picks up women's rights, ensuring that women get the help, and rights they deserve. The importance of this association rises daily. -
1893 Panic
The panic of 1893 was due to a major economic decline. The cause of this decline specifically, was because of the two largest railroad companies collapsing. This caused the entire stock market to crash, worrying many, because of the previous depression. -
Atlanta Compromise
In 1895, Booker T. Washington build up the courage to speak among the American people, white and black. His philosophy to African Americans to continue working hard, ignoring discrimination touched many. Washington believed that if the African Americans could prove their determination, the white Americans would trust them. -
"Remember The Maine"
Cuba and Spain were going through a major disagreement, however, the United States was allies with Cuba. This meant that the United States needed to prove that we would support Cuba. We sent out The Maine, a US ship, and the ship randomly exploded. It was assumed that Spain blew up the ship. -
Open Door Policy
The Open Door Policy aimed at creating an even marketing field for China's goods. The policy included equal right for Chinese trade between China, the US, Japan, and Europe. Enacting this policy significantly improved our marketing. -
William McKinley Assassination
President McKinley, while shaking hands with the public was shot, and died. The American people were very surprised and upset. An anarchist named Leon was his murderer. This caused much controversy on what should happened to the murderer. -
'Shame Of Cities' Lincoln Steffans
Lincoln Steffans wrote 'Shame of Cities' to bring to light the dangers and unacceptable conditions working class was exposed to every day. The working lower class at this time, had to work every day of the week, just to eat. The conditions of the factories and living was terrible and not sanitary. -
"The Jungle"
Jacob Riis published "The Jungle" exposing the disgusting work conditions that worker were put in. He exposed the unsanitary meat packing that many Americans frequently used and ate. The unsanitary conditions grabbed the attention of many Americans, and improved sanitary laws. -
Antiquities Act
This act was signed by Franklin Roosevelt. The act shed light onto the conservation of nature. It gave the government power to preserve nature and protect the environment. Roosevelt really cared about the environment, which showed his care for the nation. -
NAACP Established
The National Association for Colored People created to advance justice for African Americans. The association specifically focused on groups of people including W.E.B. Du bois. This influenced many others to support the association, as well as agree with their decisions and advances. -
Debut Of Assembly Line
Henry Ford, influential car manufacturer, implemented the assembly line to building a car. This reduced the cost of buying car, with only having to train certain employees their specific job. Different workers produced different parts, which made the car much faster to build. -
Panama Canal
The Panama Canal was a United States initiated idea. The Colombians refused to have it built. The Panama citizens decided to fight back, and the United States helped with that. Panama won the disagreement, and trade worldwide became much easier. -
Lusitania Wreck
World War One, if not already having a major impact on the American people, devastated Americans in seconds. The Lusitania, a British- American ship, was sunken by the Germans. About 120 American navy dies, as well as over a thousand British navy. This amplified the war, as well as caused additional chaos. -
Zimmerman Telegram
The Great War, beginning in Europe did not involve the United States. The United States decided to remain neutral, and not become an enemy of anybody. However, Mexico was informed that Germany had plans to attack the US. The American people were outraged, and Germany quickly became an enemy of ours. -
Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles covered a series of 14 points during World War One. Germany assumed that those 14 pints that put the blame on nobody in particular would be enforced after a surrender. Germany surrender, after realizing the allied forces would win, and harsh conditions were implemented. -
Women Vote- Presidential Election
Women finally gain the right to vote in the presidential election. This as the first major step into women's rights. The role- change impacted the social injustice significantly, and still impacts the United States today. -
KKK march- Washington
In September, 1926, the Ku Klux Klan, rising again, marched on Washington D.C. This feared many African Americans, showing the injustice again. The KKK was also more willing to advance violence, and take more extreme routes. -
Sacco and Vensetti
Sacco and Venzetti, immigrants, were feared not being patriotic. Patriotism was required at the time to be seen as normal, and not being a threat. These were causes of the war, that led to the death of Sacco and Venzetti. They were charged with murder of an employee with very little evidence, as they were unpatriotic and feared. -
Hoover Elected
President Hoover is elected in 1929. Hoover was the president throughout the entire first half of the great depression. His belief to not provide federal aid, caused him much criticism as well as blame. His fear was that aid would deepen the depression, however the depression deepened anyway. -
Franklin Roosevelt Elected
Roosevelt's popular focus, "relief, recovery, reform" influenced the Americans to do what was best for the US. At the time, the most important thing to happen, was to change. Roosevelt promised to change America, and get them back on track. His beliefs, however, did open up some concerns, regarding government power. -
Veterans Bonus
The military that served in World War One were promised a bonus for serving. However, the United States did not prioritize this, and the veterans were told to wait until the US had the extra money. The veterans were relying on this money, and decided to protest. -
The New Deal
FDR elected as new president followed Hoover's term and becomes expected to change the economy. The depression had only deepened since Hoover's term. The American people needed someone to try something new, and get them out of the terrible life they were living. FDR provided The New Deal to overcome the depression. -
Works Progress Administration
The WPA, founded in 1935, was one of FDR's biggest accomplishments throughout his presidency. The administration focused on the recreation of cities, camps, etc. This also employed over 8 million Americans, giving many people a chance at getting through the depression. -
Social Security Act
The Social Security Act gave many elderly Americans an opportunity to retire form their careers. This was smart thinking by FDR, giving all of the Americans that ere unemployed, but looking for a job, opportunity. There were some issues created by this, but mainly positive outcomes. -
Supreme Court Scandal
FDR wanted all of the Supreme Court men to agree with all of his ideas. In order to get all of his ideas passed, he attempted to gain as many "yes men" as possible. This created an unfair and very serious scandal in the government system. -
Draft of 1940
The American Draft of 1940 called on about 300,000 American men. Pearl Harbor happened right after the draft, and the US was overwhelmed with enlisting men. The United States worked together to quickly produce wartime weapons as well as an outstanding army. -
Executive Order 8802
FDR realized how much help we would need during World War two. Since the country was still very racist, and discriminatory, FDR signed 8802 to give African Americans jobs too. This gave the US the opportunity to have all hands on deck. -
Pearl Harbor
Japan attacked the United States military on this date. The US was currently remaining neutral throughout the war, as there was no reason to join. However after Japan attacked the US military, causing significant naval and military loss, America had to fight back. -
D- Day
This was the biggest seaborne invasion in history. The allies had been training for this day for over 18 months. This was a huge moment, showing the allied forces strength and number. The forces joined together and pushed back the Atlantic wall over 80 miles. -
Levittown
As families began to grow, families needed to live close to the city, but also have room for their entire family to live. William Levitt built the first Levittown that was a suburb of the city featuring only a few house plans. This gave families a chance to live in a neighborhood close to town, with a big enough home. -
USSR imposes on Berlin Blockade
As Berlin was being torn apart, and refused to be separated, the city was cut off from all supplies, airway, and even transportation. Truman decided that the US would provided Berlin with the supplies needed to survive. This showed the compassion of the American people, and dedication of patriots. -
NATO formed
Many European countries as well as the US and Canada decide to form an alliance. The decision was made provide security along with a safety net in any kind of war emergency. It became law that if war came to one of the countries, that they were all in war against the enemy together. -
Brown V. Board
This was a major landmark in the beginning of the Civil Rights movements. The African Americans used the 14th Amendment to their advantage and explained that segregated school were rarely equal. This overturned Plessy v. Ferguson, and gave the African Americans freedom to integrate. -
Warsaw Pact
This was a pact for the countries that the Soviet Union had absorbed. This created a tight tension between NATO and the Soviet Union. They were considered direct enemies, and any country to not follow the rules of either side was considered an enemy. -
Montgomery Bus Boycott
The Civil Rights Movement needed to make a bigger impact to get the American's attention. African Americans were the majority of the Americans that rode the bus. The buses had a major impact on the economy of the US. This grabbed teh attention of many negligent Americans. -
Elvis Presley- The Sullivan Show
Elvis Presley is a very expressive individual, defying the limits of the strict environment. Many American parents were very against Elvis Presley for his different style, and "bad" movements. This opened the door to rebelling against parents for young teenagers. -
Little Rock Nine
Integration was still being blocked after the Brown V. Board, and the African Americans were willing to continue standing up against it. They formed a group of nine African American students to enroll into the white school. Their first day of school, the governor ordered the police to guard the school from the students. The president ensured the students the education, by sending the US military to walk around with them. -
Freedom Rides
The Freedom rides were to check the south for illegal segregation. It became illegal to allow segregated buses. There were buses sent out, to see if the law was being followed, and much violence was a result of the test. This was very concerning for African Americans as well as progressive Americans. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
The Crisis involved missiles aimed right towards the United States. This was detected by the United States technology, and JFK decided that we would have to take action. There were naval ships put into place to block the ships. As the ships got closer, the United states fired. As a result, the missiles were removed. -
March On Washington
The March on Washington was the peak of the Civil Rights Movement. The march gathered many African Americans from all over the country to listen to Martin Luther King Jr. speak on Civil Rights. His dream speech impacted many, and was the very apex of the civil rights movement. -
Assassination of JFK
The Assassination of John F. Kennedy came as a surprise to many Americans, and devastated the nation. JFK was loved by the majority of Americans, and seen as a very likable person. His Assassination resulted in the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson. -
Lyndon B. Johnson Sworn In
After the Assassination of John F. Kennedy, vice president, Lyndon B. Johnson became responsible for the United States decisions. The devastation of the United States was also put onto Johnson, and Johnson shared his new ideas. He focused a lot on poverty, as well as many other social injustices. -
Civil and Voting Rights Act of 1964
Lyndon B. Johnson, the new president, dealing with many saddened Americans, hoped to bring some happiness. With all of the anger and built up frustration few the American people, Johnson worked to pass an act giving African American equal rights. His focus on change impressed many, and gained US citizen's trust. -
President Nixon Elected
Lyndon B. Johnson served as a great US president. However, close to the end of his term, he felt the need to over involve the US in the Vietnam War. With not so good outcomes, the American people did not feel the urge to elect him back into office. Richard Nixon won the next election and passed some great new laws for America. -
Environmental Protection Agency
Richard Nixon did a great job at protecting the environment, and one of his greatest achievements was this specifically. Nixon proved his loyalty and dedication to teh countries well- being. The American people appreciated his love for the environment, and the health of them as well.