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Period: 30,000 BCE to
Beginnings to Exploration
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13,000 BCE
Bering Land Bridge
An ancient,1000 mile long land bridge that connected Asia and North America. There was a theory that the first people of the America came over walking on the bridge from Asia.The land was exposed during the ice age, but now it is beneath the current Bering Strait due to the climate changes and rising sea levels from melting glaciers. It was an important event because it allowed the first people to migrate into America and create settlements all over America. -
2600 BCE
Mayans
The Mayans were an ancient civilization that developed their villages in highlands/lowlands of Mesoamerica. They were significant because they were the first to create an accurate 365-day calendar, the concept of zero, and their written language called codex. The people were very devoted to human sacrifices to please their main god, Itzama. They are important because their knowledge in astronomy allowed them to improve the calendar accuracy. They were also known for their great buildings. -
475
The Dark Ages
The Dark Ages occurred when the Roman Empire's population was declining. The Germanic, originally from Scandinavia, and Vikings attacked the city and led to the start of large chaos in Europe. Many barbarian groups began to come into the city to establish their own villages. Running water, lack of education, and economic stability was loss during the period. The event led to the feudal system by the Franks. Charlemagne, the King of Franks, took city out of The Dark Ages and became emperor. -
1347
The Black Death
The Black Death was a deadly plague that occur in Europe. It was originally in Eastern and Central Asia, but it came to Europe through fleas on rats traveling through cargo ships for trading. The fleas jumped off of rats, then infect humans. One third of the European population were killed and it was so quick that people could not bury the undead fast enough. Although it was a horrible event, the feudal manor system fell apart and gave advantages to peasants to charge nobles for their services. -
1450
The Renaissance
The renaissance was the period of the rebirth of the classical times and the Golden Age of Europe. It started in Italy and later spread to the other European countries. Humanism was strongly influenced in the art and architecture and many payed little attention to religion. Artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo De Vinci were extremely popular for their pieces. The period led to the encouragement to explore scientific ideas, discoveries, and inventions, such as the compass and telescope. -
1483
Martin Luther
Martin Luther was a influential, German monk who despite the Roman Catholic Church's lies. He started the Protestant Reformation and wrote the 95 theses to the Roman Catholic Church to exposed them for the false statements they told and the sale of indulgences. He believed that the only way to get into heaven was not to pay your way up there, but instead having faith. The 95 theses were able to spread by printing press and earn him supporters. It led to the establishment of Protestant Churches. -
1492
The Colombian Exchange
The time when the discovery of the new land led to the exchange of ideas, diseases, plants, and technology between the Old and New worlds. The most significant people were Ferdinand Magellan, Henry the Navigator, Francis Drake, Christopher Columbus, Bartolomeu Dias, and Vasco De Gama. The explorers represented different European nations. The main three intentions of Europeans coming over to new land was God, Gold, and Glory. The event impacted the New and Old world because it brought new ideas. -
Period: to
English Colonial Societies
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Virginia Colony
The colony was known for the Jamestown settlement. Jamestown was established in 1607 and was the 1st successful Virginia colony. Some survived through the starving time in the winter time since most did not know how to farm. The successful colony struggled through harsh conditions, but tobacco was introduced as a new cash crop by John Rolfe and saved the colony. The Virginia Colony made an impact because it became a prospering settlement and shipping port that influenced more settlers to come. -
Mayflower Compact
A formal and legal document created by Pilgrims that settled in Plymouth Bay. The document was named after the ship they sailed, the Mayflower, and outline orders and laws for the settlement. It is an important document because it was the first self-government document to be signed in America. It was signed by 41 men that established a social agreement for the people of the Plymouth colony to survive in control before getting off the ship. -
Massachusetts Bay Colony
King Charles gave Puritans permission to settle in Massachusetts to establish their colony. John Winthrop led 1000 settlers on 15 ships to the colony and became governor of the colony. Unlike Pennsylvania, the colony did not have a friendly relationship with the natives. The Puritans also banished other religious groups from the colony that did not agree to their beliefs. It was a successful, theocratic colony and prospered in economy through shipbuilding, fur trade, and fishing. -
King Louis XIV
King Louis XIV of France, also known as the Sun King, was a powerful King during his reign. He created the Palace of Versailles and moved his court and royal residence there. He reign fr 72 years was is considered the longest-reigning monarch in French history. He was able to strengthen the French army and make it the most powerful army in Europe during his reign. He was a powerful ruler because he was involved in government affairs and prospered France all on his own. -
Nathaniel Bacon
Nathaniel Bacon was the leader of the Bacon's Rebellion. He and other frontiersmen were furious at their governor, William Berkeley, for not standing up against natives on their land. The rebels took matters into their own hands and attacked the tribes. Bacon soon died from dysentery, but his rebellion made an impact because it showed that the Articles of Confederation was weak. Although the rebellion did not last long after his death, it started a new source of labor in the colonies, slavery. -
Pennsylvania Colony
The Pennsylvania Colony was established by William Penn for Quakers to escape from persecution. Although it was founded for Quakers, it was also for Germans that migrated to escape from wars. The colony was peaceful and the people had a friendly relationship with the natives. The colony's population grew rapidly due to their welcoming attitude for immigrants and prospering agriculture. Penn wanted to maintain peace and order without a central religion or established church. -
Salem Witch Trials
The Salem Witch Trials was a time when people were accused of practicing witchcraft and those who were accused were arrested or executed in Massachusetts. They believed the Devil lived among them and possessed evil in people. Many trials and methods were used to determine if they were a witch. People that were accused were put into water and those who drowned were innocent and those who float were witches. After the trials were over, about 20 died from false convictions of the colony. -
Navigation Act
The Navigation Act restricted the colonies to trade with other countries besides England by the English Parliament. Although England was benefiting from the trade, the colonies were not to happy about the act because it restricted their exports and imports.It reduced their industrial process and led to a decline of jobs and profit. The act led the colonies to soon act against the mother country since they believed that the Parliament had no right to place the act without their consent. -
The Triangular Trade
The Triangular Trade was a system that transported slaves, goods, and crops in the transatlantic slave trade. There were three main legs that were used in the trade. One was to transport slaves for goods and the other two was to transport slaves to other regions. Africa, the Americas, and Europe were the regions that were part of the trade. It was important event to the timeline because the slave trade led to the colonies to have vast power and wealth, but it started the inhumanity of slavery. -
The Transatlantic Slave Trade
The slave trade was a system of transporting slaves across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas. It brought the idea of slavery to the Americas and many people were influenced by it. Slavery was used because there was a shortage of natives, raw materials needed to be traded, and plantations were to bid for indentured servants. More than 20% of the captured slaves did not survive the trips and some resisted to the system. The slave system was brutal, but it contributed the Americas greatly. -
Period: to
Colonial America to 1763
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The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment was an era when philosophers and scientists used scientific facts to prove human nature by thinking logically. Individualism and logical beliefs were very important factors because it challenged authorities and religions because it changed the old ways of thinking and people were very skeptical of religious beliefs. The era was important because it introduced the foundation of the western civilization and brought new ideas that improved lives and increased literacy rates. -
The Great Awakening
The Great Awakening was a religious movement that was started due to the logical thinking from the Enlightenment. Instead of scientific methods, the Great Awakening was focused on showing human nature with the values of religious beliefs. The movement changed the American colonies because it led to more colonist to pursue different religious beliefs and it changed their ways that led them to defy the king. Churches also established institutions that still remains today as top universities. -
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin was an important philosopher, intellectual, and scientist. He contributed in the American Revolution, Treaty of Paris 1783, and the Constitution. He also conducted numerous science experiments to be able to invent innovations like the lightening rod and bifocal spectacles. He was an important person in history because was one of the people that drafted the Declaration of Independence and negotiated with France during the American Revolution. -
French and Indian War
The French and Indian War was also known as the Seven Years War. It was fought between the British and French and their Indian allies. The two groups were fighting over the Ohio River Valley Territory because the soil was fertile. The British defeated the French and the war was ended by the Treaty of Paris 1763. The British gained North American territory and the French's threats are removed. Although the British won, they were in massive debt after the war, so they increased taxes on colonists. -
Salutary Neglect
The salutary neglect was from 1650-1763 and it allowed the colonies to control their territories independently without having to follow Parliament's laws. The colonies still traded with England, but the salutary neglect allowed them to self-govern the colonies. The act was declared to keep the colonies loyal, but it was removed when massive debt from war was placed on Britain. They use it to place high taxes on colonists, but the colonists were furious at it because they did not agree to it. -
Period: to
The Revolutionary War
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Townshend Act
The Townshend Act was one of the acts passed by the British Parliament to the colonies. The act placed tax on imported goods, like china, glass, lead, paper, and tea, into the colonies. The colonists were furious since they had no representation and the British sent troops to the colonies to enforce the laws. The act led to protests and boycotts against the taxation. It was soon repealed in 1770, except the tax on tea. The event escalated to more boycotts against the Parliament's laws. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was a bloodshed riot between the American colonist and British troops. The colonists were attacking the soldiers with snowballs and insults as the soldiers were guarding the Custom House where the King's money was held. The colonist dared the soldiers to fire and once the anonymous first fire was shot, the other soldiers followed. As a result, five colonists were killed and six colonists were injured. The soldiers for were put on trial and tensions rose in the colonies. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was a protest against tax on tea. The Sons of Liberty dressed up as Native Americans as a disguise and raided ships to dumped the tea into the water. The event was not violent, but the King was furious at it. As a result, the King and British Parliament enforced another act. It declared that the Boston ports were closed to punish the colonists and more authority was given to the British crown. They thought the new laws would stop the resistance, but instead it increased. -
Olive Branch Petition
The Olive Branch Petition was a letter by the colonists to King George III to ask him to favor them and the situation, but the King refused and viewed them as traitors. He did not read the document when it was delivered, so the colonists were outraged by it. The document was written by the second continental congress and was about the colonists addressing their grievances and attempt to avoid war with Great Britain, but after the King's refusal of the letter, the colonies wanted independence. -
The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was a document that declared the colonies to be independent and are no longer under the authority of Great Britain. It was written by Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston, all five part of the Committee of Five by the Congress. It was finished on July 2nd, but published on July 4th. The ideas stated in the document made the colonists believe equality and "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." -
Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga was the turning point during the American Revolution for the American colonists. The British army and Hessians surrendered. The colonists were victorious against the powerful British army and proved to other countries they were able to win the battle. The French allied with the colonists after the result of the Battle of Saratoga. Not only did it convinced other nations to ally with them, the colonist started to have patriotic hopes that they could beat Great Britain. -
The Anti-Federalists
The Anti-Federalists opposed to the ratification of the Constitution and sough to protect states' rights. They wanted a limited, weak government and the Bill of Rights. They wrote Anti-Federalist papers to argue about not wanting the ratification of the Constitution and demanded amendments to protect their freedom. They believed in the natural rights, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. They feared if the Constitution was ratified, too much power will be given to the president. -
Battle of Yorktown
The Battle of Yorktown was the last battle of the American Revolutionary War. The American colonists and the French naval fleet surrounded the British troops at Chesapeake Bay by forcing the British troops to retreat to the beach where the French was headed to trap them. The British general, Cornwallis, was forced to surrender to George Washington. The Treaty of Paris 1783 was signed and ended the war. The battle was significant because it declared the freedom for the colonists from Britain. -
The Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution after the Unites States gained independence. The document was very weak and lacked authority over the states. The states had majority of the power and the Congress could not place tax or regulate commerce. There was no leader and the states were basically their own individual nations. Although the document allowed the Congress to deal and negotiate with foreign affairs, it had little power over the people, so there was a need for change. -
Federalists
The Federalists was the first political party and was started by Alexander Hamilton. These people believed in a strong national government and executive branch. The Great Debate was between the Anti-Federalists and Federalists. The Federalists opposed to the Bill of Rights, but supported the ratification of the Constitution. They wrote the Federalist Papers to convince more people to support the the Constitution. They are important because they noticed that the U.S. needed a central government. -
Period: to
The Constitution
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Virginia Plan
The Virginia Plan was written by James Madison favored the large states. Since they has a large population, they wanted a large number of representation in the house. They also wanted a bicameral legislative branch. The plan was important because the document was the first to suggest the three branches, separation of powers. The Constitutional Convention of 1787, the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan were against each other due to opposition, but the compromise took one of both ideas. -
New Jersey Plan
The New Jersey Plan favored the small states with a smaller population. The New Jersey Plan wanted an equal number of representation and unicameral legislation because they believe it was unfair to the small states. The plan also wanted to not count slaves because it gave the large states an advantage for more seats in the house. They wanted a less powerful judiciary and more power in legislature. They believed in a more modified version of the Articles of Confederation. -
Northwest Ordinance
The Northwest Ordinance established the expansion of new states being admitted into the Union in the Northwest Territory. The territories that were admitted were Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. The steps the territories has to do to become a state were having 60,000 people, group of leaders, and at least 5,000 white males to be elected for legislature. The Northwest Ordinance also banned slavery in the new states because the Ohio River divided free and slave states. -
Connecticut Compromise
The Connecticut Compromise, or Connecticut Plan, was an agreement between the New Jersey Plan and the Virginia Plan to satisfy both sides and their representation in government affairs. It gave states an equal number of senates, but different number in house based on population. The Northern states did not approve slaves as one person, so the compromise created the 3/5 compromise to satisfy both sides since southern states wanted to count slaves, so they can get more seats in the house. -
The Election of 1788
The election of 1788 was the first presidential election. George Washington won because there was no other person that the people admire more and he was god-like to the citizens. John Adams became vice president. The election was held under the new constitution. Washington was admired because he was the general of the revolutionary army that led them to independence. He did not have a running mate because everybody wanted him to be president. He served for two terms. -
Period: to
New Republic
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Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights was written for Anti-Federalists because they wanted to keep individual's rights since the Constitution did not so much. Although the Federalists did not approve of it, it was necessary. The Bill of Rights started out with 10 amendments. The first 5 amendments are freedom of speech, right to bear arms, no quartering troops,right to search and seizure, and right to due process. The Bill of Rights is important because it guarantees people's civil liberties and rights. -
Bank of the United States
The Bank of the United States was the first bank in the United States by Alexander Hamilton (Secretary of the Treasury). It was influenced by the Bank of England to regulate and build the economy. It was first established February 25, 1791. It was established to help financial needs and control the debt but Jackson did not like the bank because it was only beneficial to the upper class. Not only did Jackson disapprove, Thomas Jefferson did too because it was not states in the Constitution. -
Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey Rebellion occurred 1791-1794. The rebellion was occurred because tax was placed on liquor and whiskey and the farmers that depended on the items and could not afford it were furious since they needed money. The tax was placed because America was in debt. Washington stopped the rebellion because he wanted to show the government was strong. When he arrived, the rebels retreated. It was a significant event because it was the first rebellion to be tested under the constitution. -
Cotton Gin
The Cotton Gin was an important industrial invention that helped the South increase the production of cotton and increased the number of slaves. It saved the south's economy and was the main supplier of cotton to different nations. The cotton gin was invented by Eli Whitney to separated the seeds from the cotton quicker. The cotton that was produced was used for textiles, clothing, and cotton goods to sell. Although it was good, by 1808, slavery was abolished and laborers and slaves were needed. -
Period: to
Age of Jefferson
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Washington's Farewell Address
George Washington was done with his presidential terms because he did not want a third term. He wrote a farewell address to warn future leaders what not to do. He addressed that they should avoid foreign alliances, maintain commercial, do not have a division of political parties and instead be neutral, and do not start war they can't afford. Washington stated that they should not have permanent, foreign alliances because it will drag the country to war with the allies. -
Kentucky Resolutions
The Kentucky Resolutions was one of the responses to the Alien and Sedition Acts because they believed that the acts were unconstitutional because it went against people's constitutional rights. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Kentucky resolutions because it stated that states were able to nullify unconstitutional federal laws. It protested the Alien and Sedition act because the acts restricted power for the states and gave the Congress too much power. -
Election of 1800
The election of 1800 was between John Adams, Aaron Burr, and Thomas Jefferson. There was two parties involved, the federalists and democratic-republicans John Adams served as the 2nd president of the United States, but he lost to Burr and Jefferson. During the election, Burr and Jefferson tied in electoral college, but Alexander Hamilton convinced the house to choose Jefferson so he could win because they made an agreement. This led to the Burr & Hamilton duel and the 12th amendment. -
Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase was a purchase, by Jefferson, by the Unites States from Napoleon. It is a large piece of French territory and gave the nation control over the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains. Not only did they had control, it doubled the size of the nation. The reason why Napoleon sold the large land for $15 million was because France was in a financial crisis. After the purchase, the Lewis and Clark expedition started to gather information about the new land they has purchase. -
Hamilton vs Burr
Hamilton and Burr had a past fighting against each others and were long time enemies. Their problem erupted during the election of 1800 when Jefferson and Burr tied in the electoral college. Alexander Hamilton influenced the college to pick Jefferson and negotiate with him so he could win. Burr was furious about the arrangement that made him lose. Burr and Hamilton began attacking each other politically and personally. Burr demanded a duel against Hamilton and Hamilton died from the wound shot. -
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a minor conflict between the United States and Great Britain.The Britain violated their treaty because they did not surrender their forts, forced American ships and forced them to join the British vessel, restricted trade with the United States, gave Natives weapon to fight, and had control over North territory. The U.S. wanted to expand, but they could not do it if British was in the way. At the end, they defeated the world's greatest military power during that era. -
Period: to
The American Industrial Revolution
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Adams-Onis Treaty
The Adams-Onis Treaty, or Transcontinental Treaty, was an agreement between Spain and the United States to purchase new and to expand the nation. The United States bough Florida Territory from Spain and settled a boundary line between the two nations. The cost of the land was $5 million dollars and the agreement was to make sure the Unites States recognize Spain after their negotiation.Not only did they gain new territory, they loss the northern part of Texas to Spain. -
Changes in Agriculture
Agriculture was one of the most important factors during the Industrial Revolution. New inventions such as the iron plow, cotton gin, and crank churns made farming and production faster and more efficient. The introduction of the inventions increased the agriculture's contribution to the economy. The iron plow was a tool for soil that helped control weeds and bury crop residues. The cotton gin was used to separate cotton and seeds faster. The crank churns was wooden that churns butter. -
Missouri Crisis
The Missouri Crisis happened when Missouri attempted join the Union. The problem was that there will not be balance between free states and slave states of Missouri joined, so they made Maine a separate state to allow Missouri to join. Missouri was admitted as a slave state and Maine was admitted as a free state to keep the balance of states even. Although Missouri was able to keep their slaves, an amendment was passed not allowing more slaves into the state and the South saw it as a threat. -
Growing Cities
Cities boosted in their population due the industrial revolution. There was more opportunities and job industries were in cities. Cities were manly populated in the North because it was more industrialized up there compared to the South. Due to factories and mass production, the cities was filled with people and pollution in the air. However, many of the people who migrated to the cities lived in small farming communities or immigrants that heard about better opportunities and industrialization. -
Period: to
Cultural Changes
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Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine was a message by President James Monroe to warn European nations to not interfere with their territory and their affairs because they already claimed the territories to expand. The doctrine also declared that if any act was threaten the Monroe Doctrine will be an attack to the nation because they warned them. The impact of the doctrine allowed the United States to colonize the western hemisphere and it kept the American's political and economic interests of expansion intact. -
Election of 1824
There was four candidates: John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, William Crawford, and Henry Clay. None of the candidates won the electoral college votes, so the House of Representative had to decide. Jackson won the popular vote, but he did not win. Clay decides to drop out of the election and told his supporters to vote Adams. Adams won the election and Jackson was furious because it was a corrupt bargain. Jackson. It was usual because the house chose, not the people during the election. -
Period: to
Age Of Jackson
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Free Black Communities
Since the north did not have slaves, there was free black communities in the cities.The rise of industrialization led them to want to be employed, but many owners of textile mills refused to hire black workers.Since many owners believed that whites were more skillful and reliable, the free blacks were left with being employed with unskillful occupations. Their community were targets by whites due to racial discrimination. However, they tries to avoid it and focus on their family and friends. -
Henry Clay
Henry Clay was a politician, planter, and statesman that represented Kentucky in the House and Senate. He was also one of the candidates during the Election of 1824 and lost many other elections. He was a supporter of the American System. He believed that the system integrated improvements in economic stability and prosperity. Not only was he part of the Missouri Compromise, he was involved in the Compromise of 1850 and because of his contributions, he was known as the "Great Compromiser". -
Changes in Transportation
Transportation was difficult before industrialization.Some inventions such as the steamboats were invented before the Industrial Revolution, but the it made an impact. Transportation was easier and faster to transport people, goods, and other supplies that needed to go other places. After the introduction of trains and roads, traveling across land was easier and changed the culture of the society. The change in transportation was significant because it made trading and traveling easier. -
The Election of 1828
The Election of 1828 was another competition between John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson. Due to Jackson's loss in the last election, he decides to change his political campaigns and play dirty against Adams. This election was known as the nastiest election in U.S. history because both candidates attacked each other about their personal life and exposed secrets. Jackson promoted the modern democratic party and the reason behind the donkey. Jackson easily won in popular vote and the election. -
Crimes
Crimes in the cities started to increased and soon unrest. Due to the mass amount of people living in the cities, not everyone can have a job. Not only crimes were initiated by poor, there was also tension between whites and free blacks and religion. Many people ho were poor were criminals because they had to steal to live since they could not afford. White mobs due to racial tensions also occurred and caused harm. Due to all the harmful and crime activity, it led to the first police forces. -
The Indian Removal Act of 1830
The Indian Removal Act of 1830 was authorized by Andrew Jackson and passed by Congress in May 1830 to remove the natives from their territory because gold was found in their land and they wanted it. The act initiated a process where the President could grant land west of the Mississippi River to Indian tribes.Some native tribes left their land to avoid trouble while others stayed. Many opposed to the act and the Cherokee went to court. Although the case was recognized. they opposed to the act. -
Abolitionist
The abolitionist movement was an issue about ending slavery. The movement was influenced by the religious revivals of the Second Great Awakening. The individuals involved in the abolitionist movement attempted to end the system of slavery by creating propaganda and articles. An example of an act by abolitionists is Uncle Tom's Cabin. The book exposes the south and the harsh conditions of slavery. The movement was important because it was an effort to achieve all personal freedom. -
Southern Society
The Southern society was 3 classes/divisions based on wealth. The top were planters. They were the elite group because they owned plantations, but majority did not own slaves. The second class were the yeoman farmers. They were communal farmers and majority did not own slaves either. Some of the farmers relied on the elite class while others resented them. The lowest were the tenant farmers. Around 30%-50% of the population were part of the class. They were were the poorest and sharecroppers. -
Nat Turner's Rebellion
The Nat Turner's Rebellion was an event in the South led by Nat Turner and rebelled slaves. In the 48 hours of their rebellion, the group attempted to kill and overthrow planters and their families. Nat Turner provided the rebels with guns and weapons to fight. The rebel slaves killed 55-65 people. The rebellion was unsuccessful and the slaves that participated were executed from murdering. The result of the rebellion was the slave codes. The slave codes were laws that restricted the slaves. -
Trail of Tears
The Trails of Tears occur due to the passed act of the Indian Removal Act of 1830 by Andrew Jackson. The event happened in the winter and was used to forcefully removed Cherokees from their land and escort them to Oklahoma, also known as Indian Territory. Along the trail, 4000 natives died. It was an important and devastating event because the many of the natives died due to diseases, hunger, and exhaustion. The Trails of Tears ended in March of 1839 and 1/4 of Cherokee population died. -
The Election of 1832
The Election of 1832 was between Henry Clay (Republican) and Andrew Jackson. Jackson believed the bank was an issue and wanted to destroy it. He also declares that the bank was unconstitutional. The election was also the first to introduce the a new party that did not last so long called the Anti-Masons. The election was more about the bank issue more than a presidential election. Since the bank was funding Clay's campaigns, Jackson was worry but he took a different path for re-election and won. -
Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna
Antonia Lopez de Santa Anna was elected president of Mexico in 1833. His goal was to recapture the country under his control. He was involved with other countries and had many problems with them. The Mexican-American War is an example of a conflict he had with another nation. He was also involved in the Texas Revolution. Santa Anna is an important figure in U.S. history because he commanded the Mexican forces during losses in the Texas Revolution and the Mexican-American War. -
The Election of 1836
The Election of 1836 was between Martin Van Buren and other candidates of the Whig party. Buren was a democratic and won the electoral and popular vote. It was significant because it was the first election to have the vice president to win the highest votes in a election. The other reason is because it was the only election where a majority had multiple candidates.The election was also the only election to ever have a vice president election thrown into Senate. Martin Van Buren won the election. -
Oregon Trail
The Oregon Trail in the 1840s was an event about white Americans traveling westward to Oregon, California, and new territories for economic, territorial, religious, and new life opportunities. Over 400,000 settlers traveled west between 1841 and 1869. The first pioneers sent back stories of their experiences and the new lands that settled in that encouraged more people to travel west. The Oregon Trail is significant because it was the major route that allowed people to migrate west. -
Sam Houston
Sam Houston was a general who was a governor for two different states, Texas and Tennessee. He led the his troops to a surprise attack against Santa Anna and it forced Santa Anna to sign a treaty. He was the first president of the Republic of Texas in 1836 and was re-elected in 1841. He won his election because he had majority of the votes compared to the other candidates. He was a significant figure because a city was name after him and he led Texas to reach independence from Mexico's control. -
Temperance Movement
The temperance movement was a push to end the consumption of alcoholic beverages. The movement was also influenced by the Second Great Awakening. Since there was many drunk people on the streets and with no jobs, people were convinced that alcohol was the problem, so they wanted to eliminate it. The use of alcohol was overuse due to the economic problems. At first, the movement was to eliminate all consumption of alcohol, but it changed to limiting to small consumption and self-discipline. -
Period: to
Westward Expansion
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Prison and Asylum Reform
Criminals and mentally-ill patients were put in the same institution, but it was not the smartest idea because many people were hurt by the patients. In the institutions, treatments were bad and there was a lot of mistreatment. After the harsh treatment was discovered, penitentiaries were created. Prisons and asylums were introduced to separate criminals and mentally-ill patients because they were different and should be treated differently. It was significant because it improved conditions. -
Frederick Douglas
Frederick Douglas was an important African American activist that fought against slavery and was for women's rights, and a public speaker. He was born into slavery, however, during his young age he taught himself how to write and read. After he escaped slavery, he became a leader of the abolitionist movement. He was encouraged by William Lloyd Garrison to become a public speaker. Two years later, he wrote an autobiography about his escape. He spoke about freedom for slaves and women's' rights. -
Mormons
The Mormons was a religious group that were persecuted by many communities because of their practices and belief of polygamy. The Mormon revival movement was influenced by the Second Great Awakening and was founded by Joseph Smith. He believed that Jesus and God were two different beings. The religion was soon taken over by Brigham Young since Smith died from a mob.
Due their persecution, they had to travel around to find n area that isolated them form other to practice their beliefs in peace. -
Edgar Allan Poe
Edgar Allen Poe was an unique famous novelist and writer. He was known for his short stories and poem that gained popularity because of his mysterious writings.His writings had a dark romanticism genre. He became famous for his popular poems and stories like "the Raven", "The Tell-Tale Heart", and "Annabel Lee". Poe was an important figure during the 19th century because he was the first person to pursue a writing career professionally and his stories were inspired by the events around him. -
James K. Polk
James K. Polk was the 11th president of the United States. He served from 1845 to 1849. He was a southerner and was good friends with Andrew Jackson. During the election, he promised to only serve one term to achieve three goals. The three goals he has were annex Texas in Unites States, dispute border for Oregon with Britain, and gain California from Mexico and he achieved them. Polk was significant because during his presidency, he expanded west territories from the Mexican-American War. -
Bear Flag Revolt
A rebellion in California of American settlers against Mexican’s government because the government was not respecting them. John C. Fremont led the rebellion and became governor after their independence. The group declared their independence from being in the Mexican-ruled territory. The republic adopted the bear in their flag, but it did not last long as an independent territory because it soon annexed into the U.S. The Bear Flag Revolt was important because it proclaimed California Republic. -
Wilmot Proviso
On August 8,1846, the Wilmot Proviso was introduced to ban slavery in new states that were annexed into the U.S. from the U.S.-Mexican War. The south was unhappy with the Wilmot Proviso because it restricted slavery from expanding.However, the policy did not go through with the Southern Senate nor the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and was a failure. The North wanted the policy to pass, but it never became a law. The Wilmot Proviso was one of the reasons for furture problems about slavery. -
Seneca Falls Convention
The Seneca Falls Convention was the first women's rights convention. The movement was influenced by the Second Great Awakening. The meeting took place in Seneca Falls, New York. Both men and women, mainly women, went to the 2 day convention to support the movement. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott were the founders of the convention. The convention was about the discussion of women's rights. During the convention, they wrote the Declaration of Sentiments to address their concerns. -
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Sectionalism
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Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed February 2,1848 ending the U.S.-Mexican War. At the end, the U.S. was granted new territories from Mexico by paying fifteen million to acquire the land. The states that were added were Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. The Manifest Destiny was able to come true because the nation expanded westward from the Atlantic to Pacific Ocean.. But the problem was whether the new states were going to be slave or free. -
California Gold Rush
The California Gold Rush was initiated because gold was found by James W. Marshall. Since gold was found, many people migrated to seek for gold and economic opportunities. The Gold Rush was the largest mass migration in American history. The news of gold found quickly spread because of the advanced communication. Settlements were established so people could live close, but not so close to gold mines in San Francisco. Soon laws were created and it led to the admission of California as a state. -
Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 was created by Henry Clay to seek a compromise between the North and South. The Compromise of 1850 had five main parts. The five separate bills were California was made free, New Mexico and Utah decided on slavery issue, settle the Texas border, the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, and abolishing slave trade in Washington D.C. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 cause more problems because freed slaves and runaways were in the North, so the south problems involved the North. -
Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad was a network of safe houses that helped slaves escape the South. The safe houses were only in the North, so the slaves had to figure out their own way to escape the Southern areas without getting caught. Abolitionists and freed slaves helped 100,000 slaves escape. Harriet Tubman was an important figure that contributed to the network of helping. Since the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was enforced, the North wasn't as safe, so the ultimate safe place was Canada. -
Republican Party
The Republican Party was established in 1854. The political party consisted of former Whigs, Anti-Democrats, free soldiers, and reformers that were dedicated to abolishing slavery. It was a northern party and gained lot of supporters, while the Democratic Party was a southern party at the time. Abraham Lincoln was the first Republican Party to be elected as president since its establishment. The Southern states were furious that the Republican Party held office during the slavery issue. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
The Kansas-Nebraska Act was a method because the South was afraid of having 2 more free states because it was unbalanced, so there would have been more free than slave states. The South wanted to repeal the Missouri Compromise and wanted the Transcontinental Railroad to run to the South. . Many people in Kansas were not happy, so it led to a dispute between pro-slavery and anti-slavery. The decision was made by popular sovereignty whether which becomes a slave or free state. -
John Brown's Raid
John Brown's Raid was led by an abolitionist John Brown. John Brown believed that God chose him o destroy slavery. His sons, other supporters, and him invaded the south, Kansas, and started a slave revolt. He led the raiders to Harpers Ferry, Virginia and took control of the town. Although he wanted to spread the revolt, the revolt was stopped by troops. Him and his men were trailed and hung for their killings of 5 men. John Brown was a hero at the end for his slave revolt and inspired others. -
Secession of Southern States
The Secession of Southern States was initiated when the first southern state, South Carolina let the Union in 1860. The Election of 1860 when Abraham Lincoln was elected was a cause of the southern states seceding. They seceded the Union because the South believed that Lincoln would have ended slavery. Although the states left, it was not a legal act. The secession of the South was important because tension between the North and South rose and Lincoln wanted the Union to stay together. -
Robert E. Lee
Robert E. Lee was known as one of the best military generals in history because of his strategies that helped the Confederate Army succeed in some battles. Although he was a great general, he was not up to date and was more old style, so it was disadvantage during the war since the North was very advanced. Lee lost in the Antietam and was defeated at Gettysburg by Union Troops. He was important because he led the Confederate army and surrendered to the Union troops at Appomattox Court House. -
North
The North side during the Civil War was known as the Union. They were more advanced and industrialized compared to the South.The population in the North was much larger than the South and since there were more free African Americans, they had more people to fight in the army with a purpose.Since the North was more industrialized, they did not have to run out supplies or food during the war. They also had a strong navy to block ports in the South. The only problem was the military leadership. -
South
The South's population was much smaller than the North during the Civil War. Although they did not have much people in the army, their military leadership and strategies were intelligent compared to the North's. Since most of the war fought on the South side, the southerners knew their land, however there was many hardships in result. Since the North were more advanced and industrialized, the South didn't not have much supplies nor money to support them throughout the war and loss their ally. -
Women at Work
Women started participating in the Civil War as nurses or disguised as men to join the war. Clara Barton was the founder of the American Red Cross and these nurses joined along in the war to help the wounded on both sides. Others started acting as spies for each side. The importance of women working during the civil war was because women's roles changed during this period because they had war effort and were able work varieties of jobs and opportunities outside of home to help out the soldiers. -
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was the sixteenth president of the Unites States and was elected in as the first Republican president during the Election of 1860. His goal during the tension between the North and South was to keep the Union together. His goal for the civil war was bringing back the Union, not ending slavery, but it led to ending slavery. Lincoln was a significant president because he was the commander of Union during war, presented the Gettysburg Address, and wrote Emancipation Proclamation. -
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Civil War
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Gettysburg Address
The Gettysburg Address was written by Abraham Lincoln.There were two purposes that were displayed in the address. One of Lincoln's purpose was to dedicate the fallen soldiers that fought and their dedication in the army. The soldiers that fought and died did not die in vain, but for a purpose and devotion to their nation. The second purpose was to remind the soldiers to fight against the ideals, but fight for freedom to save the nation. It was important because it gave courage to the soldiers. -
Reconstruction Plans
The Reconstruction era was started and there was two laws that were proposed. The first plan was Lincoln's 10% plan. This plan was more lenient because pardoned all southerners besides officers and generals, take an oath of loyalty, and must apply for federal recognition to be admitted into the South again. The second plan was the Wade-Davis Bill by Radicals. It was more strict because it punished the South, officer were not citizens, and states can app into state after being punished. -
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Reconstruction
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Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grant was the Union General during the Civil War. He defeated the Confederate General, Robert E. Lee during the last battle Palmito Ranch. Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House. Grant was a Radical Republican and was promoted the job as Union General in 1864 by Lincoln because if his military accomplishments.Grant was a significant person in American History because he led the North to victory against the South during the Civil War. -
Freedom Amendments
The freedom amendments were the amendments that resulted after the Civil War. The thirteen amendment was abolishing slavery in all states in the United States of America. The fourteen amendment was giving rights of the Constitution or citizenship for people born on United States' soil. The fifteen amendment was to give suffrage to African American males because they are not citizens, so they have to right to vote. These amendments are important because they give rights to former slaves. -
White Resistance
In the South, there were many white resistance groups that were against blacks voting and having citizenship because they prefer the old social order where they were on top and blacks were in the bottom. Popular white resistance groups are Ku Klux Klan (KKK), White Brotherhood, White League. They wanted to punish blacks for having rights and whites that supported black's rights. The purpose of these groups was to maintain white power by doing violent acts such as burning buildings as a threat. -
Freedmen's Bureau
The Freedmen's Bureau was an agency and main institution for African-Americans after the United States' amendment and proclamation abolishing of slavery and freeing slaves. The group provided schools, food, and emergency services. The land that were take away from planters were given to the freedmen to start cropping their own crops. It was important because it gave former slaves an opportunity to live a better live with legalizing their marriages, education, fed millions, and assisted veterans. -
The Lost Cause
The Lost Cause started near the end of the Reconstruction period. During this time, Southerners tried to change history of what happened in the Civil War and make up false excuses to make the South look better an the North as cheaters. The South were engaged in propaganda and teaching at schools that the Confederate Generals were fighting not slavery, but for states' rights. The Lost Cause is important because it was the start of a movement of changing the Confederate's image and their defeat. -
Panic of 1873
The Panic of 1873 was happening near the end of the Reconstruction period in the North. The economy in the North started dropping and people were out of luck. There was a big financial crisis that led to high unemployment rates, up to 14%-16%. Not only the North was suffering, the South was in depression because of cotton's sales dropped. The event was important because people stopped caring about Union movements and blacks because they were more focused on themselves and their economic affairs. -
Jim Crow
The term was an enforced social and legal system of racial segregation across the South between blacks and whites. It was enforced near the end of the Reconstruction era when white dominance ideas began to rise across the South.The name, Jim Crow, came from a white actor that played black-faced character in a play to mimic the way freed blacks act. The Jim Crow system was an important contribution to history because it started the segregation and inequality that lasted decades in South.
