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Eli Whitney and the Cotton Gin
In 1974 Eli Whitney pattented the cotton gin. This machine revolutionized cotton production by speeding up the amount of time it takes to remove the seeds. Howver it didn't sell very much, because it gave people reasons to have slaves and it had patten issues. It was important because it greatly speeded up the process of making cotton and then cotton was a big export.
http://www.history.com/topics/inventions/cotton-gin-and-eli-whitney -
The Declaration of Independence
America had wanted to be freed from the British colony, and started breaking ties with them. Thomas jefferson was the main writter of the Decleration of Independance. In it he stated what the British were doing wrong and that the thirteen colonies wouldn't be under thier rule anymore. This was important because it gave America it's freedom from the unfairness of England's rule.
http://mrnussbaum.com/history-2-2/doc/ -
The Lousiana Purchase
"Jefferson offered to buy New Orleans from France. Instead Napoleon offered him the entire Louisiana Purchase. This was important, because the United States doubled in size and they now have ownership of the Mississippi River, and the New Orleans Port.” (McDougal-Littel, 295)
Found in American History Textbook -
The Steamboat (Robert Fulton)
John FItch invented the steamboat, but because he was so poor he was unable to go any further. Fulton while working on a design for a submarine heard about this and got involved. Although Fulton didn't invent the steamboat he made it move faster. This event is important because it gave America the steamboat which could carry goods much faster than rafts, so they sould improve the amount of trade went in and out of thr port.
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/funfacts/robertfulton.htm -
Lewis and Clark journey west
“Jefferson asked Captain Lewis to go on a journey west. He brought mapmaker Lieutenant Clark to help with the journey.” Jefferson wanted them to try to find a new water route, document everything they saw, and make friends with the Indians. “They were later joined with a Shoshone Indian Sacagawea. She helped them with her native language, and knowledge of geography.” This was important, because they brought back enough information to make maps.
(McDougal-Littel,295) -
The Texas Revolution
In 1821 Texas was apart of Mexico. Many of the people living in Texas wanted to leave so they fought for their independence. Texas and Mexico had started battle and Santa Anna gave Texas freedom. Texas wanted to be part of the United States, but the U.S. was hesitant.When Polk was presedent he allowed to annex Texas. This is important becuase it leads to the Mexican America War that is important to America.
http://www.eduplace.com/ss/socsci/books/content/ilessons/51/ils_gr5CA_u5_c11_l3.pdf -
The Alamo
During the time of the Meican American War Texan volunteers occupied the Alamo. A mexican Force began a seige on the fort. Although the Texans lost they held out as long as they could and the Alamo was a symbol of their courage.This is importnant because the Texans later got their independance.
http://www.history.com/topics/alamo -
Trail Of Tears
The Indians had inhabitated Georgia, Tenesse, Alabama, North Carolina, and Florida. The people wanted this land to use for cotton so the government forced Native Americans to walk thousands of miles to places designated for Native Amerians. The trail they walked is known as the Trail of Tears.This event is important, because it showed how we treated Native Americans and the trail they walked is known as an interstate now.
http://www.history.com/topics/native-american-history/trail-of-tears -
The Donner Party
The Donner Party set out and tried a route that was said to be nicer and shorter than the rest. As they were going a spoke broke. They stopped to fix it and ended up getting stuck in bad snow storm. They had to resort to cannabalism to survive. Only half the party made it to their destination.This is important because teh route they traveled is now an interstate.
http://www.history.com/topics/donner-party
(America:The story of Us, westward) -
The Mexican American War
The Mexican American War started, because America and Mexico couldn't decided on borders since they had just gained Texas. At the end of the war America had won most battles and had given America what is now Texas, California, Nevada, Utah and parts of New Mexico, Wyoming, Arizona, and Colorado. This is important because U.S. gained five new states.
http://www.historynet.com/mexican-american-war -
The California Gold Rush
The first piece of gold was found at a sawmill in California. They decided to keep it secret, but word got out quickly. By 1849 over 90,000 people came from around the world to pan for gold. They found in $25 billion worth of gold. This was important becuase it lured people to the west.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1081
and
http://www.ducksters.com/history/westward_expansion/california_gold_rush.php -
The Attack on Fort Sumter
The problem leading up to the battle started with South Carolina seceding the union and the Confederent army building up it's army. Major Anderson moved his troops to Fort Sumpter and quickly ran out of supplies.The confederation wanted Anderson to leave without starting something, but he refused. General Beauregard fired a shot and Anderosn surrendered before any of his troops were hurt. This was important because it started the Civil War.
-http://www.ducksters.com/history/battle_of_fort_sum -
Sinking Of the Titanic
The Titanic struck an iceburg on April 14, 1912. There was not enough life boats, becuase the Titanic was thought to be the safest boat. Everyone on board was issued a life jacket, but the water was so cold you would be dead in minutes. The Titanic quickly sank killing many people. This was important because many people were shocked that something so promising to be safe wasn't. Many people also didn't survive. which hurt a lot of families.
-http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/titanic.htm -
19th amendment
The nineteenth amendment says that citizens should not be denied their rights becuase of their gender. The Woman's Suffrage Movement fought to get the vote. It effectivly over ruled a previous court case denying woman the right to vote.This is very important, because today woman are allowed to shed their opinion on election day and get a say in the voting.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nineteenth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution -
Victory over Japan (VJ Day)
This was the day that Japan finally surrendered in World War 2. This was very important, because it put an end to World War 2. -
Brown Vs. Board of Education
Brown Vs. Board of education was a compilation of different cases from South Carolina, Virgina, Deleware, and Kansas. They all stated that segregation in public schools went against the fourteenth amendment and the Equal Protection Clause. In the end the court ruled in favor of Brown. This was important because it started making segregation in schools a thing of the past, and all children were treated equal.
-http://www.lawnix.com/cases/brown-board-education.html -
March on Washington
The March on Washington was one of the largest rallies for human rights. The march was for equal rights for african american. The very next day Martin Kuther King Jr. gave his famous speech. It was said that their were between 200,000 and 300,000 people marching. This is very important, because it it helped to put a stop to rascism and give african americans equal rights.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March_on_Washington_for_Jobs_and_Freedom -
First man on the moon
In 1969 presedent John F. Kennedy said they were ready to land the first human on the moon, and bring them back safely. On July 20, 1969 Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon. They walked around for three hours and did experiments. This was important because it proved that if America set their mind to something they could do it. This was proven when the flag was placed in the moon and it was said, "One small step for man, One giant leap for mankind."
-http://www.nasa.gov/audien -
The Death of Elvis
Elvis Presely was very popular starting from the age he was 13. He grabbed peoples attention and at times could be controversial. HIs death in 1977 left a lot of people upset and sad. This is impportant becuase many people were influenced by his music and films and really loved his work. The quick end to it made a lot of his fans and people he worked with upset that his legend ended.
-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_Presley -
My Birthday
September 22, 2000 was the day I was born. I am the youngest of two. This day is important, because one day I will become a teacher or a vet and I will do my best to help others and animals. -
9/11
On Septmeber 11, 2001 terroristes crashed a plane into the twin towers. They both were destroyed and many innocent people were killed. This event is important , because many people lost their loved ones and it showed that we need to be more alert at possible terrorist attacks.
http://www.history.com/topics/9-11-attacks
