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Aug 14, 1450
Triangular Trade -Trade-
A 3-way triangular trade system, shipped goods from Britain to West Africa to be exchanged for Slaves, then the slaves are sent to the West Indies to be traded for sugar, rum, and other goods ,which are then shipped back to Britain. This was important because this was how slaves got into America. -
Mar 17, 1500
Middle Passage -Trade-
Middle Passage was the route taken by slave ships from West Africa to the Americas. This is important because this was the perilous journey that the slaves took from Africa to America, and showed what they went through. It also took numerous different goods across the ocean between America and Africa. -
Jamestown, the First Colony -Civilization-
a group of about 100 members of a joint venture (Virginia Company) founded the first settlement in the New World. Disease and lack of food almost brought Jamestown to a failure, until another group of settlers brought supplies in 1610. It continued to grow and use Tobacco as their cash crop. It is important because this was the first foothold the pilgrims had to securing America as their new land. -
Plymouth Colony -Civilization-
Because of King James I's strict religion rules,
100 men and women sailed from England to the New World aboard the Mayflower in search of Religious Freedom. They landed in present-day Massachusetts two months later, and in late December, anchored at Plymouth Rock. They set up their colony here. more then half of the settlers died during that winter, but after that they worked out treaties with the Native American tribes and became a large self-sufficient colony -
Massachusetts Bay Colony -Civilization-
Passengers aboard the Arbella - who had left England - had a vision of "a City Upon a Hill", or to be a model colony to others. James Winthrop was the first governor of this colony, and before reaching land, he made the Mayflower Compact: it stated that their purpose was to "frame just and equal laws".. for the general good of the colony. Boston became the central town. Plymouth colony was incorporated into the MBC. They made the first General Court, and extended rights to all males. -
Settlement of Providence -Civilization-
The GC of Massachusetts ordered Roger Williams to be arrested and returned to England, but he fled to Narragansett Bay. After he got there, he negotiated with Native Americans for land, and started the colony called "Providence" (which later became the capital of Rhode Island). In Providence, Williams guaranteed seperation of Church and State. It is important because it was the first time that someone publicly said that the Indians deserve better than they have been treating them. -
Roger Williams -Rights-
Roger Williams held 2 controversial views. The first was that the Settlers had no right to take over the Native American's land, and was the first to come out and say so. He also thought that there should be a separation of Church and State. Most people thought this was a good idea since they came from King James I, where he controlled both Laws and Religion. He is important because he is a public figure for Indian's rights. -
Navigation Acts -Laws-
The Navigation Acts were a series of acts that restricted colonial trade. In all, if it was not from Britain or approved by Britain, the colonies could not obtain it.It sounds bad, but it could be good for the colonists. Because of this, Tobacco from the colonies had a complete Monopoly in England, but some colonists resented these rules. Charles II cracked down on Massachusetts colony because it was the main hub for smuggling. It is important because this was one of the many factors of the War. -
Governor Edmund Andros -politics-
He was appointed Governor of New York by King James II, and he becomes very strict. He tells colonists that they have little more rights than a slave, he publicly hangs smugglers, and restricted local assemblies. He also supported taxation without representation. -
Glorious Revolution -Reform-
King James II is very unpopular in England. and William of Orange took power from him. This brought a realignment of power within England for the better. It is important because it showed how paranoid people were because of the constant Indian attacks and other bad conditions. -
Salem Witch Trials -Society-
A group of young girls in Salem Village, Massachusetts accused several different women of witchcraft. Hysteria spread throughout the colony, and a special court came to place to hear the cases. The first witch was hung that June, and 18 others followed. Over 150 more men, women, and children were accused through the next months. By September, the court annulled guilty verdicts, ending the Witch Trials. -
Olaudah Equiano -Society-
A passenger of the middle passage, he was a slave for some time. He eventually bought his own freedom, and went on to become an active abolitionist in England. He also wrote a book called "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano", a bestseller in 1789. It is important because he inspired slaves all over the Americas and also worked towards abolition. -
French and Indian War -Society-
French expanded into British land, and George Washington was sent to evict the fort. Great Britain ended up winning the war, the French lost because they ended up running out of money. This was important because it kind of proved that the French were no longer a threat to America. -
Sons of Liberty -Protest-
An organization of American colonists that was created in the 13 colonies. The secret society was created to protect the rights of the colonists from the British Government. This was important because they were the first group that took action against the oppressive British. -
Boston Tea Party -Reform-
An act of Parliament of Great Britain. The objective was to reduce the amount of tea held by the British East India Company. This was important because this was kind of an attack and a first sign of revolution. -
Lexington and Concord -Battle-
Small town outside of Boston, the Minutemen met the Recoats in a very brief fight. This was the start of the war, known as the "Shot Heard Around the World" This is important because this was the event that sparked the Revolutionary War. -
Invasion of Canada -Battle-
Americans thought it would be a smart idea to invade Canada to scare the British, even though they were very unprepared. This lead to the all American soldiers being killed at the Fort Dearborn Massacre. This is important because America thought it would be easy, but this proved it would be harder than they thought. -
Battle of Bunker Hill -Battle-
An early battle of the Revolutionary War, the British won but it was costly. The high numbers of British casualties inspired the Americans in their battle.This was important because it inspired the American soldiers, raising their morale. -
Washington Crosses the Delaware -Battle-
Washington crossed the Delaware River so that his army could attack an isolated garrison of Hessian troops in Trenton, New Jersey. This is important because they would soon go on to make a crucial move in the War. -
Battle of Trenton -Battle-
After Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware the night before, Washington led the main part of the Continental Army against Hessian troops in Trenton. After a brief battle, the entire Hessian force was captured. This is important because this was the beginning of the end of the War. -
Battle of Saratoga -Battle-
Two battles in New York, the second was a decisive American victory. It was also a major turning point in the war. Inspired France to agree to the Treaty of Alliance. This is important because this event inspired France to become an American ally. -
Articles of Confederation -Politics-
1st system of government designed by Founding Fathers was a confederation. Under a confederate system, the National or Central Government is given only a few powers, while most power is reserved for the states -- they feared a strong central government would create tyranny. This is important because this is America's first attempt at a central article that would govern the country. -
Valley Forge -Economy-
Washington has his army camped in Pennsylvania, during Winter of 1777. Over 2,000 men die during brutal, freezing Winter. This is important because it showed what condition the American army was in. -
Yorktown -Battle-
French Navy arrives for support in September of 1781. Lord Cornwallis surrenders to Continental Army, and America wins the war. This is important because this was when the Revolutionary War ended. -
Treaty of Paris -Politics-
Designed by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, the US recognized as independent from Britain. Mississippi River is also realized as the border of the US. North America was shared with France and Spain. This is important because it is the document that recognized the USA as a country, and that Britain was completely separate from them -
Shay's Rebellion -Economy-
Massachusetts could not pay back debt, so farmers were losing land. Daniel Shays leads rebellion of about 1200 farmers, and his men try to seize weapons from a federal arsenal. Soon after, the rebellion was squashed by federal troops. This showed that they were in need of a stronger government to stop this from happening again. This is important because this is the first sign of needing a stronger central government. -
Constitutional Convention -Politics-
America decides to make a new government instead of fix the Articles. This is important because this is when they agreed that they need a new central document. -
First President -Politics-
George Washington was the first President of the United States, and was the only President elected unanimously. The Runner-up was John Adams, was elected VP. This is important because America could have been a Monarchy, but they decided for it to be fair and have the people elect a leader. -
French Revolution -Politics-
The King was living in luxury while everyone else in the country was dirt poor, so they started a revolution by the Storming of the Bastille, freeing many prisoners. It ended by King XVI being beheaded by the Guillotine in 1799. This is important because it showed that America's ally was not in very good shape, and would not be able to help if they were to be in conflict. -
Whiskey Rebellion -Protest-
Congress passed a tax on American-made whiskey in 1791 to pay off National debt. Pennsylvania farmers who couldn't pay the taxes rebelled. They also Tarred & Feathered the tax collectors. Washington then sent 13,000 troops to shut down the rebellion. Most rebels fled without battle. This is important because this was the nation's first major show of authority. -
Battle of Fallen Timbers -Economy-
Wayne and his men chased Indians back to Fort Miami. Routed Indians, burning their fields, crops, and houses. This is important because it showed how people treated the people who they got their land from. -
Washington's Farewell Address -Government-
Washington chose to step down after two terms (1789-1797). He warned everyone of political party divisions, and said political unity is the key to success. He also warned people of foreign entanglement. This is important because he told the country not to be entangled in others (which happens today). -
Louisiana Purchase -Government-
Louisiana Purchase was a land deal between the United States and France, in which US acquired about 827,000 square miles of land West of Mississippi River for $15 million. This is important because this is how we obtained half of our land. -
Marbury vs. Madison -Politics-
The most important court case in US history, it was the first time that the court declared a law unconstitutional. It also formed the basis for the exercise of judicial review in the United States under Article III of the Constitution. -
Lewis and Clark Expedition -Society-
Jefferson wanted to explore the newly-purchased land, so he sent explorers Lewis and Clark to explore the Missouri River, from good relations with the Native Americans, and keep a detailed journal of climate, natural resources, and animals of the area. This is important because after they purchased all that land, they didn't really know what was over there, until now. -
Corps of Discovery -Society-
The Corps of Discovery was a specially-established unit of the United States Army which formed the base of the Lewis and Clark Expedition that took place between May 1804 and September 1806. This is important because it is the company that made the Luis & Clarke expedition possible. -
Beginning of War of 1812 -Conflict-
Madison calls congress to declare war on Britain in 1812, because of the impressment of American soldiers and the British backing of uprisings on the frontier. Congress soon declares war on Britain in June of 1812. This is important because this is the first time congress declares war. -
Old Ironsides -Battle-
Hull fired his guns at 25 yards, ravaging the Guerriere. British commander returned fire, but was ineffective - earning it's nickname - and then the ships collided. Hull then burns the HMS and returns to America a hero. This is important because this conflict proves that their new invention (ships with iron armor) works and performs well in battle. -
Burning of York -Society-
British did not think Americans had the courage to go tho their capital, but they did. Americans burned York to the ground, killing hundreds of Brits in the town. They also burned many government buildings. This is important because this proved to the British that they are not out of reach, and that America can really do some damage. -
Holding our Ground -Battle-
British forces team with Tecumseh and try to take US Forts, and Americans repelled. William Henry Harrison led a ragtag group of 4500 Kentucky Militia. This is important because it shows that even regular civilians are prepared to fight for what is theirs. -
Battle of Lake Erie
The US Navy defeated and captured six vessels of the Royal British Navy. General Perry captured a ship and was surrounded by the British, so he got into a rowboat, rowed over to another ship, (The Niagra) to destroy/capture all remaining British vessels. This is important because it was a crucial battle on America's border, and if they were to lose it would have been downhill from there. -
Here Come the Redcoats -Society-
Britain defeats Napoleon in 1814, then lands in Chesapeake Bay and marches forward Washington DC. This is important because the defeat of Napoleon allows the British to advance towards America, no longer preoccupied. This also marks the end of the Napoleonic Era. -
Bladensburg Races -Battles-
Redcoats under Robert Ross cut through inexperienced militia. the American retreat was so fast, the "Battle" was known as the Bladensburg Races. The British then continued to Washington, and then the Government evacuated the city. This is important because this is one of the battles that made Britain think that they had the upper hand, leading to them underestimating the American forces. -
Burning of Washington DC -Society-
British marched into DC and burned the city, with no official American resistance. A hurricane went through DC that night, ravaging the British and putting out the flames. This is important because this showed that - just like the British - they are not so far out of reach, and the British can do some real damage. -
Battle of Baltimore
British marched South to Baltimore, planning a two-pronged attack. Land from North, sea from South. September 12, Robert Ross arrived on the outskirts of town and began pushing into the city. This is important because this is the beginning of the end of the War of 1812. -
Fort McHenry -Battle-
Baltimore was protected from the South by Fort McHenry. 1,000 Americans held Fort McHenry, and when the sun rose on September 14th to find the giant American flag still standing. After the British fired over 1,800 cannonballs at the fort, the British gave up their attack. This is important because this really improved morale for the Americans and they withstood two days of an attack by the British. -
Treaty of Ghent -Politics-
A peace treaty for US and Britain, this was signed BEFORE the battle of New Orleans, because the news did not reach there in time. This is important because the Treaty of Ghent marked the end of the war of 1812, and that news did not spread fast enough back then to reduce the number of casualties at the battle of New Orleans. -
Consequences of the War -Society-
America had passed it's first real military test, showing that it was a force to be reckoned with. This is important because this showed other nations that they are the real deal. -
Battle of New Orleans
The British decided to regroup, and attack New Orleans to take control of the Mississippi River. Andrew Jackson led a ragtag group of 4,000 soldiers to defend the town. The British planned a 4-pronged-attack, but they did not bring ladders to climb the earthworks, and all 3 attacks were repulsed. British suffered 2,037 casualties, while Americans only suffered 71. This is important because this was an unnecessary battle, as the war had already ended. -
Era of Good Feelings -Society-
A time in America that people had very high nationalism and were very proud of their country. This is important because after this point, America was done with external conflict, and it now mainly faced conflict within it's own borders. -
Invasion of Florida -Battle-
Over disputes with Spain over borders, Andrew Jackson raised over 4,000 troops to go and take Florida (against James Monroe's wishes). He soon took over the entire state. This is important because this explains how we obtained the Florida territory. -
Missouri Compromise -Politics-
Missouri would enter the US as a slave state, and Maine would join as a free state. It also prohibited slavery in any new territories North of Missouri's Northern border. This is important because it is the starting point of the Civil War, trying to keep both sides happy. -
Indian Removal Act -Society-
This act authorized the president to grant unsettled lands west of the Mississippi River in exchange for Indian lands within existing state borders.A few tribes went without a fight, but most did not like the results of this act. This is important because this showed how we treated innocent people, even after taking their land from them. -
Cherokee Trail of Tears -Society-
This resulted from the Indian Removal Act of 1830, because the act gave Indians land in the far West in exchange for their lands inside the US' state borders, against their will. The Trail of Tears was when they had to leave their lands and make the long journey out West. This is important because this showed what the Native Americans went through, and what the US put them through. -
California Gold Rush -Society-
Gold was first discovered in California in early 1848, and word spread fast. Soon after, people were flocking from all over the US to get some of their own gold, and make it big. Most people never even made it to California, because the trip from East to West was so far and dangerous. This is important because this sparked Westward Expansion.
