Colonial History
Date
Significance
1607
The very first permanent English settlement in North America, Jamestown, was founded in
Virginia close to the Chesapeake Bay
1619
The House of Burgesses was established, which was the first elected assembly in North
America. Also, the first blacks arrived in Virginia from Africa, marking the start of the transAtlantic slave trade.
1620
With the Mayflower compact, Pilgrims established Plymouth Colony in Virginia. The
Mayflower Compact was the first version of self government in America.
1636
Harvard College was founded by Puritans to train men of the clergy. As a result, it is the first
education institution in North America.
Also, the colony of Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams.
1639
Fundamental Orders was the 1st written constitution and was produced by Puritans living in
Connecticut.
1647
Many dissenters moved to Providence, Rhode Island thereby cementing it’s reputation for
separation of church and state (freedom of religion).
1649
Acts of Religious Toleration, the first law passed in North America, was set in place to ease
the growing tension between the Catholic and Protestants in Maryland.
1676
Bacon’s Rebellion – A rebellion led by Nathaniel Bacon, a German immigrant, and supported
by other immigrants against their governor, Sir William Berkeley for not protecting them
against Indian attacks in the infertile backcountry. They felt they were being used to shield to
wealthier colonists that lived to the East from the Indians.
Trial of John Peter Zenger – A German immigrant Peter Zenger wrote articles criticizing a
governor and was sent to trial. Later, he was acquitted, thereby protecting our right for
freedom of speech/ freedom of the press.
1735
1754
This year marked the start of French and Indian War (aka the Seven Years’ War) which
began as a result of colonial expansion. This war facilitated anti-British sentiment in the
colonies.
1763
The Proclamation Line was mandated by British to protect Indians from colonists encroaching
upon their land. This year also marked the end of salutary neglect and was the year the treaty
of Paris was signed, ending the French and Indian War. This year also marks Pontiac’s
Rebellion, in which Indians attacked colonial outposts.
Synopsis of the Major Changes and Continuities
One continuity throughout this period is the turmoil between the colonists and the Native Americans. Ever
since the colonies were established, the British maintained a frontier of exclusion. As time went on, the
disputes occurred for the same reasons, but violence and hostility escalated. Another continuity is that
relationships between race, gender, and class in the colonies did not change. A change, however, is that,
overtime, as the population, colonists began moving west. Although, it is imperative to point out that the
source of immigrants, England, Ireland, and Britain, remained the same. In general, slavery was a major
continuity after its initiation in 1619. Furthermore, after the Seven Years’ War, colonists began turning antiBritish due to their increasing interference in their economy and political affairs.
American Revolution
Date
1763
Significance
Paris Peace Treaty of 1763- France ceded land east of the Mississippi River to Britain as a result of
losing the French and Indian War. Britain established the Proclamation of 1763 to keep colonists
from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains and protect them from the Native Americans.
1765
British parliament passed the Stamp Act which required the purchase of specially embossed paper for
newspapers, legal documents, licenses, insurance policies, ships’ papers, and playing cards; struck at
printers, lawyers, tavern owners, and other influential colonists.
1767
The Townshend Revenue Acts were passed which placed import duties, collectible before goods
entered colonial markets, on many commodities including lead, glass, paper, and tea.
March 5- Boston Massacre- British troops fired into a crowd of civilians. As a result, British troops
were ordered out of the city. Unrelated to the incident, the Townshend Revenue Acts were repealed
on the same day.
The Tea Act passed during this year gave the British East India Company a monopoly on all tea
imports to America, hitting at American merchants. In protest, Bostonians, disguised as Indians,
boarded a boat in the harbor and dumped 45 tons of tea overboard. This incident was dubbed the
Boston Tea Party.
British troops are ordered to seize ammunition stores in Lexington and Concord. As a result,
Massachusetts minutemen were called up defend. A small skirmish ensued at Lexington and a much
bigger engagement at Concord. On May 10, the Second Continental Congress was established which
resolved to put the colonies in a state of defense and named George Washington commander-in-chief.
Thomas Paine’s Common Sense induces people to fight for independence. The second continental
congress announced and justified its decision to renounce the colonies’ allegiance to the British
government by signing the Declaration of Independence.
The American victory at Saratoga convinces the French to join the war on the American side. George
Washington and his troops bunker down at Valley Forge.
Benjamin Franklin signed the Treaty of Alliance with France that became the main reason why the
colonists won the American Revolution.
1770
1773
1775
1776
1777
1778
1781
1783
British surrender at Yorktown signaled an end to the American Revolution. The Articles of
Confederation- written document setting up the loose confederation of states that comprised the first
national government of the United States -are ratified.
The Treaty of Paris of 1783 formally ended the revolutionary war between the United States and
Britain. The Treaty of Paris included a formal recognition of the United States as a country, a
boundary that stretched west to the Mississippi River, and the retention of American fishing rights in
Newfoundland. For their part, the United States agreed to repay debts to British merchants and
promised not to punish Loyalists that chose to remain in the United States.
Synopsis of the Major Changes and Continuities
There was great change during the era. After the end of the American Revolution, the British no longer were the
dominant power in North America and the United States were born. Over time, the British had been trying to impose
taxes on the colonies to pay for the French and Indian War. During this time period, there was great political change.
The Articles of Confederation were ratified thus giving more power towards the states and creating a rather weak
central government. The borders also expanded as the United States gained land east of the Mississippi River in the
Treaty of Paris (1783).
Economically, the United States staid the same. Agriculture continued to be a large part of the economy. Slavery
was still widely used in the South, and colonists continually encroached on Native American lands.
The social gap between the wealthy and the poor remained the same. Some farmers had almost nothing while others
owned huge plantations with numerous slaves.
Confederation to Constitution
Date
1781
1783
1786
1787
1789
1790
1791
Significance
Yorktown marked the end of the Revolutionary War, other minor battles between the British
and the colonists continued for another two years. The ratification of the Articles of
Confederation by all thirteen states did not happen until March 1, 1781. The Articles of
Confederation was a loose confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government,
leaving most of the power with the state governments.
Finally, in February of 1783 George III issued his Proclamation of Cessation of Hostilities
directly resulting in the Peace Treaty of 1783. The treaty was signed in Paris on September 3,
1783, the agreement, most commonly known as the Paris Peace Treaty, formally ended the
New United States War for Independence and freedom.
(The treaty consist of US boundaries, delegated fishing rights, allowed creditors of each
country to be paid by citizens of the other country, restored the rights/ property of Loyalists,
allowed the Mississippi River to be accessible to citizens of both countries and claimed to
enforce the evacuation of all British forces.)
Shay’s Rebellion occurred in Massachusetts. Initiated by the Post-Revolutionary clash
between New England farmers and merchants that questioned the new republic, this threatened
to potentially cause the "disunited states" into a civil war.
Congress approved a plan to hold a convention in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. By June 21, 1788, enough states had ratified the Constitution for it to be in
effect.
The Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation. George Washington took office as the
first President of the United States of America on April 30, 1789. He was elected to office with
all the electoral college votes. Soon after his inauguration, the 13th state ratified the
constitution united the untied states for the 1st time.
The Constitution was finally ratified by the last state, Rhode Island. A Census Act is passed by
Congress. Benjamin Franklin dies in Philadelphia at age 84…oh no!!!! THE CAPITAL is
decided on. The House of Representatives votes to locate the national capital on a 10 squaremile site along the Potomac River, with President George Washington choosing the exact
location.
The Bill of Rights is finished. The first ten amendments are the crucial step to secure the new
liberties and freedoms of the American people against the federal government and the highly
feared ideas of tyranny.
Synopsis of the Major Changes and Continuities
The major changes and continuities of the constitutional era where monumental to the course of
American History. The change from the Articles of Confederation to the constitution sparked mass
patriotism and unity across the country. The since of one and not fractions of a whole grew from then on.
The switch from a divided government to a centralized one and the balance of powers as well as bill of
rights (basic rights of a citizen) changed the face of democracy across the globe. Setting the standard for
other countries as well as an example for those who were still under colonial rule was inspired by the
Americans strength and passion. Although the two apposing groups, like in any movement even that of one
that was freedom bases, still showed their face in events like Shays Rebellion. For every movement
towards progress there is a back lash. Also the disputes of the state verses federal role in government as
well as the precedent of foreign affairs and terms served was set by Washington during this time period.
National Period
Date
Significance
1789
George Washington is elected the first president of the United States. He is not affiliated
with a party, but set many precedents for future presidencies. Also, the Judiciary Act
was signed.
1793
Neutrality Proclamation. George Washington issued the proclamation in response to
French and English pressures to be an ally. Declared neutrality and isolationism.
1797
George Washington’s Farewell Address warned of US involvement in foreign affairs.
1803
Thomas Jefferson negotiated the Louisiana Purchase with Napoleon for $15 million.
Marbury v. Madison created precedent of judicial review strengthening the Supreme
Court.
1807
Embargo Act prohibited American ships from leaving for any foreign port; a failed
attempt to force England and France to stop impressing their soldiers.
1812
War of 1812 against England begins over British impressments of soldiers. James
Madison is reelected president.
1814
Treaty of Ghent ends the War of 1812- Andrew Jackson is a war hero at the Battle of
New Orleans.
1820
Missouri Compromise admitted Missouri to the Union as a slave state and Maine as a
free state; slavery was prohibited north of 36º 30´ north latitude.
1823
Monroe Doctrine declared that the Western Hemisphere was to be closed from
European colonization; The Western hemisphere would be isolated from the Eastern
hemisphere.
1828
Andrew Jackson elected president. Andrew Jackson’s “Tariff of Abominations.”
1832
Andrew Jackson reelected president. Jackson vetoes BUS charter. Nullification crisis
over Tariff of Abominations.
Synopsis of the Major Changes and Continuities
Foreign isolationism and neutrality were important in the United States throughout the National
Period. Because the United States had just been created, domestic issues were much more important
than and the United States tried to stay out of foreign affairs for as long as possible. Creating a strong
country was the main goal of early Americans. However, the idea of neutrality altered when the US was
forced to go to war with England due to British impressments of soldiers. The beginnings of foreign
affairs began with the War of 1812. George Washington set the precedent for a presidency, and his
farewell address warned of the danger of tangling with foreign affairs. Marbury v. Madison set the
precedent for judicial review and began the strengthening of the Supreme Court. The expanding
America created problems with slavery and a balanced government, and many different political
viewpoints and parties often clashed over issues such as a BUS or tariffs. Throughout the national
period, presidents of different political parties from Federalists to Democrats took oath. Many changes in
the national period have affected America as a nation today but the ideals of democracy and freedom
still ring loud in our minds.
Sectionalism-Reconstruction
Date
1820
Significance
Missouri Compromise: Missouri’s request for admission to the Union in 1817 sparked
sectional/political rivalries between the North and the South; Missouri was added as a slave
state and Maine was added as a free state for political balance; Slavery was banned in the
Louisiana Territory north of 36*30’
1832
Bank War: Before Jackson’s reelection in 1832, the Bank of the United States re-charter
became a central issue; Jackson vetoed the BUS representing the South and the West’s
interests, while Clay, Webster, and Biddle sought to keep it, representing the North’s banking
interests.
1846
Oregon was accepted as a U.S. state along 49*; its acceptance balanced a slave state Texas
(again, political power balance between, North’s slave free states and South’s pro-slavery
states)
1850
Compromise of 1850: California entered as a free state; popular sovereignty would decide the
slavery issue in Utah and New Mexico; slave trade was ended in D.C. in favor of Northerners,
but southerners gained a stronger Fugitive Slave Law; 1850 Compromise settled slavery until
late 1850s..
1852
Harriet Beecher’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin is published, which soon becomes a sensation in the
North and sparked Northern moral interests dealing with slavery; slavery gradually became a
moral issue than just a purely political, social, and economical issue.
1854
Bleeding Kansas: popular sovereignty vote in Kansas led to a small-scale war between freesoil Kansas residents and pro-slavery Missouri/Kansas residents
“ Bleeding Sumner” Southern Senator Preston Brooks beat Charles Sumner, which for the
North was a symbol of Southern brutality, and for the South was a symbol of chivalry.
1857
Dred Scott v. Sanford: Dred Scott was a slave in the North who sued for his freedom;
Supreme Court ruled that … 1. Blacks are not citizens. 2. Slaves are property. 3. Congress
had no authority to prohibit slavery in western territories. 4. Declared the Missouri
Compromise of 1820 as unconstitutional.
1857
Lecompton Controversy; pro-slavery Missourians rigged Kansas popular sovereignty votes in
deciding if the state of Kansas should be a slave or free state; President James Buchanan
accepted the fraudulent Lecompton Constitution, which angered the
Republicans/Northerners.
1858
Lincoln-Douglas debates in the Illinois Senate race; Abraham argued against popular
sovereignty and the need to stop the spread of slavery (free-soil), and Stephen Douglas was
for popular sovereignty. Debates showed deep divisions among the American people over the
issue of slavery and set Lincoln as a national figure.
1859
John Brown’s raid at Harper’s Ferry revealed Southern fears of slave insurrections; South
believed North was trying to stir-up slave insurrections in the South; North celebrated John
Brown as a martyr; North and the South distrusted each other.
1859
Hinton Helper’s Impending Crisis of the South increased South’s fears of losing yeoman
farmers’ support for slavery; Hinton tried to convince the yeoman farmers that since they were
already practicing non-slavery, a South without slavery would not matter much.
1860
Abraham Lincoln is elected as the 16th President; as soon as Lincoln wins, South plans to
secede from the Union. The election showed that the North could win the presidential
elections without southern votes. South Carolina secedes from the Union in 1860.
1861
Confederate States of America (CSA) is formed with Jefferson Davis as president over 11
southern states; Fort Sumter mini-war convinced slave-holding border states like Virginia,
Arkansas, North Carolina, and Tennessee to secede.
1863
Emancipation Proclamation is issued by Abraham Lincoln, freeing slaves in Confederate
States; it pushed for the adoption of the 13th amendment.
1865
The Civil War ended in a Union Victory; General Lee unconditionally surrendered at
Appomattox Court House; Five days later, John Wilkes Booth assassinates President
Abraham Lincoln.
1866
14th amendment protecting the Civil Rights of former slaves in South passed.
1867
Congress passed the Radical Reconstruction plan, which included black suffrage, division of
South into 5 military zones, and redistribution of planter lands (trumping Pres. Johnson’s
reconstruction plan which included the provisional governors and state ratification of 13th
amendment)
1870
15th amendment passed to protect voting rights for all Americans.
1877
Compromise of 1877 ended Reconstruction. 2nd Corrupt Bargain: Rutherford Hayes becomes
President after an underhanded deal in which the Republicans compromised to remove
federal troops from the South (that were there to protect voting polls, fight lynching and black
codes, and maintain the 5 military districts). South came under the control of white
Democrats; Jim Crow Laws begin.
Synopsis of the Major Changes and Continuities
The antebellum era was brewing with the continued controversy dealing with the legality of slavery in
the United States. The North and the South were sharply divided over this issue. North’s industrializing
climate contrasted with South’s King Cotton economy heavily dependent on slavery. With the opening of
western territories applying for states-ship, the slavery issue erupted in mini-wars, compromises, and
increasing tensions between the North and the South trying to maintain their political power. Slavery
became not only an economic and social issue, but a moral problem conflicting with the American belief that
“all men are created equal”. With the advent of the election of President Lincoln, the North and the South
formally split, initiating the Civil War. A Union victory was hard-won, and the victorious Republicans set on
reconciling the South and the North and reconstructing the South from its war ruins. A series of
amendments to the Constitution were passed, protecting African-American rights. The Reconstruction was
short-lived, however, and with the second Corrupt Bargain, the South retreated to its anti-African American
stance and the nation was divided into a Republican North and a Democrat South. Slavery was no longer in
place, but something similar, in the form of sharecropping, was installed in the Southern economy, replaying
“slavery” under a different name. Though several amendments and laws protecting newly-freed African
Americans passed, the racial discrimination, prejudice, and hatred did not diminish and flourished under Jim
Crow. The nation had a difficult task ahead: true, hard battles against deeply-rooted racial prejudice and
discrimination had to take place in the decades to come.
American Expansion
Date
1795
1803
1819
1823
1842
1845
1846
1848
1853
1854
1898
1899
1903
Significance
Jay’s Treaty with England averted a war as it provided for British withdrawal from American soil,
allowed limited American trade with the British East & West Indies and provided “most-favorednation” status for both countries. Though it accomplished the goal of preserving American
neutrality, the treaty proved unpopular with the American public because it did not address British
seizure of US shipping & impressment of soldiers. Pickney’s Treaty with Spain established a
boundary at the 31st parallel and opened the Mississippi River to American shipping.
President Jefferson purchased Louisiana from France for $15 million, the largest peaceful
acquisition of territory in US history. This strict construction of the Constitution set a precedent for
future acquisitions of land by presidents.
In the Adams-Onís Treaty between the US & Spain, Spain ceded Florida to the US, renounced all
claims to the Pacific Northwest, and defined the western limits of the Louisiana Purchase.
The Monroe Doctrine declared that the Western Hemisphere was to be closed off to further
European colonization and in return the US would not interfere in the internal affairs of European
nations. This doctrine claimed America’s right to intervene anywhere in its own hemisphere if it felt
its security was threatened and established a foundation for future additions to U.S. foreign policy.
The Webster-Ashburton Treaty established the northeastern border of the US between Maine &
Canada, but then led to the Aroostook War.
Texas was annexed to the United States as a slave state, which then prompted the debate of
slavery in new territories. The unclear Southern border of Texas would lead to the MexicanAmerican War.
Britain & the United States concluded a treaty that settled the Oregon boundary at the 49th parallel,
giving the US its first deep water port in the Pacific. The Wilmot Proviso was a proposal to prohibit
slavery and even free blacks in any territory acquired from Mexico. Though never passed, it further
divided the North & South on the subject of slavery in new land.
The Treaty of Guadeloupe-Hidalgo marked the end of the Mexican-American War as Mexico
accepted the Rio Grande as the southern boundary of Texas and ceded California & New Mexico
to the United States.
Mexico agreed to cede a strip of land along the present-day border of Arizona & New Mexico to the
US for $10 million in the Gadsden Purchase, which would facilitate a southern route for a
transcontinental railroad.
Kanagawa Treaty: Commodore Mathew Perry opens Japan to trade
The Ostend Manifesto warned that Spain must sell Cuba to the US or risk having it taken by force.
This marked the high point of US expansionist desires.
Spain declared Cuban independence and ceded the Philippines, Guam & Puerto Rico to the US in
the Treaty of Paris. Hawaii was annexed to the United States by President McKinley, expanding
American territory into the Pacific.
The Open-Door policy proclaimed that the United States enjoyed the right to advance its
commercial interests anywhere in the world, at least on terms equal to those of other imperialist
nations. This policy was declared specifically to protect American trading rights in China.
The US was granted full sovereignty over a ten-mile-wide canal zone in Panama and began to
build the Panama Canal, which gave the US a strategic and commercial advantage in the Western
Hemisphere. This also required the US to police Latin America.
Synopsis of the Major Changes and Continuities
American expansion evolved as the nation did. Soon after gaining independence, the United States sought to
establish itself as a strong democratic country by demanding respect and pushing its limits. It stretched
westward with manifest destiny and kept expanding the reaches of its imperialism until the US practically
controlled the western hemisphere as a police power. While American expansion has been largely for
territorial gain, commercial & strategic interests grew in importance as the US became a world power.
Manifest destiny and the idea of American ability to conquest those weaker than us has been a constant
motive for imperialism & expansion. Where the US once expanded in terms of territory, it now stretches its
empire in terms of industry & business. Though this timeline reflects American expansion in its earlier years,
the United States still continues to reach to farther places in the world.
Wars
Date
1754
Significance
1763
The Treaty of Paris was written in February 1963 and ended British hostilities against Spain
and France. As result, France lost all it its claims in North America and India; Spain gained
Louisiana, but lost Florida; England gained Canada, the Caribbean slave trade and control of
India.
1775
The American Revolution (1775-1783) – Which began at Lexington and Concord, was a fight
for America’s independence from Great Britain. Britain’s unjust laws and taxes quickened
America’s decision to declare independence from its mother country.
The American Revolution is ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris between the United
States and Britain. This document made Great Britain recognize that the American colonies
as independent and was no longer help any ties with Great Britain.
1783
1812
1814
The French and Indian War/ Seven Years War (1754-1763) was a battle between France and
Britain that was fought in North America. Both sides were fighting over territory and were both
aided by Native American tribes.
The War of 1812 (1812-1814) was fought between England and the United States. The war
began after England continuously interfered with the American trade with France by
impressing American seamen.
The war of 1812 was ended with the signing of the Treaty of Ghent. The treaty was signed in
December of 1814 between the United States and Great Britain right before the Battle of New
Orleans. It was a mutual agreement to stop fighting and have peace.
1846
The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) was fought between Mexico and the United States
over the control of territory in the southwest of North America.
1848
The Mexican-American War was ended with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
From this treaty, America gained the Texas and California territories in exchange for $15
million.
1861
The main reason the Civil War (1861-1865) was fought was because of the disagreement of
whether or not slavery should be legal. The United States split into two separate regions, the
Union and the Confederates and Americans sided with which ever side they supported.
1865
The south surrendered at Appomattox Courthouse when Robert E. Lee surrendered to Grant
in 1965. After Lee’s surrender, other Confederate forces began to follow suit and surrender as
well.
1898
The Spanish-American War (1898-1902) was fought to help Cuba gain its independence from
Spain. The war began when an American battleship sent to Cuba, named the USS Maine,
mysteriously exploded. American victory resulted in Cuba under the protection of America
and the annexation of Puerto Rico and the Philippines.
1917
When World War I (1917-1918; Americas involvement) first broke out in Europe, Americans
were hesitant in joining the war because many wanted to remain neutral. In 1917, German uboats began sinking American cargo ships, provoking the America to join the war.
The United States began sending troops to aid the French and to push into Germany. The
strong American troops were a threat to Germany and they signed an armistice on November
11th, 1918.
1918
1941
1945
1950
In the beginning of World War II (1941-1945), the United States tried to stay neutral, but they
assisted countries that needed help with the Lend-Lease Act. In 1941, congress approves the
United States’ entry into war and Germany and Japan declare war on the US.
World War II ended when the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima and
Nagasaki and Japan was forced to surrender.
The Korean War (1950-1953) was fought between South and North Korea. During the war,
the United States aided South Korea to attempt to stop the spread of communism.
1953
The Korean War ended when an armistice was signed. However, the “De-Militarized Zone"
still separated the communist North from the South, and remained heavily armed.
1954
The Vietnam War (1954-1975) was fought between the communist North and South Vietnam.
The United States assisted South Vietnam to stop the spread on communism The Vietnam
War ends in 1975 when South Vietnam surrenders to the communists.
1973
The Iraq War (1973-1993) was an undeclared war against Iraq. The United States and Britain
fought against Iraq in attempt to gain control on Iraq’s thriving oil reserves.
2001
The War on Terrorism began shortly after the terrorist attacks that occurred on September
11th, 2001. The Bush administration blamed Osama bin Laden for the attack and Al-Qaeda
and declared a War on Terrorism against them.
Synopsis of the Major Changes and Continuities
Wars were an important factor in the development on the United States because they gave the country the
opportunity to expand and create a prosperous country. Wars were also important because whenever the
United States won a battle, the rest of the world began to see the United States as one of the leading, most
powerful countries in the world. Most of the wars were fought over land in the 1700’s and the 1800’s but over
times, they gradually began to be fought for human rights.
Immigration
Date
1882
1894
1907
1917
Significance
In 1882, the national government put into place the Chinese Exclusion Acts. These
suspended all Chinese immigration to our nation. The country also saw a large increase of
northern and western Europeans looking for Gilded age factory jobs.
Progressive ideas arise allowing for better working condition and pay for workers that were
mostly immigrants. Better pay and safer work drew many immigrants (mostly European) to
our country.
Under an informal “Gentlemen’s Agreement”, the United States agrees not to restrict
Japanese immigration in exchange for Japan’s promises to voluntarily restrict Japanese
emigration to the United States by not issuing passports to Japanese laborers.
A new influx of southern and eastern Europeans immigrate to the U.S. for factory work but
were mostly unskilled, living in poverty and ethnic conclaves.
The immigration Act of 1917 was enacted. It barred all immigration from Asia
1921
1924
1929
1952
1965
1980s1990s
The Immigration Acts of 1921 also place a cap on European immigration to 3%. The Red
Scare also immerged and allowed for the deportation of any suspected communist or spies.
The National Origins Quota Act of 1924 limited all U.S. immigration to 150,000 because of
increased poverty, nativism, and rural attacks on immoral cities. They allotted most spots to
British, Irish, and German immigrants.
The National Origins Formula is enacted. It caps national immigration at 150,000 and
completely restricts Asian immigration Also the Great Depression forces many immigrants out
of their job because of the terrible economy and low consumer spending.
The Immigration and Nationality Acts of 1952 restricted immigration to the United States, but
also extended its citizenship to U.S. territories like Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
This further expanded Hispanic citizenship and immigration to the United States.
The Immigration Act of 1965 was signed by LBJ which dismissed the former National Origins
Act of 1924, abolishing former immigration quotas, and allowing for people in smaller
countries to enter the U.S, which facilitated the significant rise of Asian immigrants.
The 3rd wave of immigrants began. Mexican, Haitian, and Dominican immigrants increased by
30%, but most lived in poverty. Immigrants from Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines also
began to thrive in the U.S.
Synopsis of the Major Changes and Continuities
As immigration evolved in U.S. history we see many changes in ethnicity and quantity, but also a
continuation of many ethnic groups that have continued to move the our country during the last few centuries.
European immigrants have always been the our biggest immigrant population, whether that be northern and
western Europeans or southern and eastern immigrants that we tended to see in our later history. Asian
immigrants have been a controversy in our early years that include exclusion acts of the Chinese or
internment of the Japanese, but they have been an important part of the development of the west. In many
cases we can see Latino immigrants moving to agricultural jobs and other low paying work. Although the
ethnicities were rather diverse, we see a common theme of the immigrant class falling into poverty, dangerous
work, and extremely low paying jobs.
Business
Date
1791
Significance
Hamilton’s National Bank of the US was approved which would be privately owned but federally
chartered to regulate finance.
1816
1828
The 2nd BUS was chartered by Congress for another twenty years since the first BUS ended.
1832
The Tariff of 1832 intended to lower the Tariff of 1828. However, SC viewed it as unconstitutional
and refused to collect the duties.
1877
There was a railroad strike in which workers protested wage cuts and promised that no trains would
run. Federal troops were sent in against the first nationwide work stoppage.
1886
The American Federation of Labor, founded by Samuel Gompers, organized skilled laborers whom
sought practical objectives.
1887
The Interstate Commerce Commission was a way in which the federal government was able to
regulate the big business of the railroad industry.
1890
The Sherman Antitrust Act was passed to encourage small business and prohibit the business
combination in order to promote competition.
1902
Roosevelt ordered the Justice Department to prosecute the Northern Securities Co. for violating the
Sherman Antitrust Act. This was the first time in which the Supreme Court broke up a monopoly.
1903
Panama, as a new independent country, signed a lease agreement with the US in order to build a
canal. A canal in this area would help the US economically by having an advantage in the Western
hemisphere.
1906
Sinclair’s The Jungle was published which exposed the unsanitary conditions in the meat packing
industry. This exposure led to the Pure Food and Drug Act as well as the Meat Inspection Act.
1913
1914
1930
The 16th Amendment is ratified. This legalizes a graduated income tax.
1939
The Fair Labor Standards Act established a minimum wage, overtime pay, and prohibited mist forms
of child labor.
The “Tariff of Abominations” imposed high tariffs on imported textiles and iron. This ultimately led
to the Nullification Crisis led by Calhoun.
The Federal Trade Commission was established to provide regulatory oversight of business activity.
The Hawley- Smoot Tariff Act raised tariffs on imported US goods to record levels. It was a catalyst
for the Great Depression.
Synopsis of the Major Changes and Continuities
Throughout the entire history of the US, the federal government has imposed rules on business as to give every business
a fair chance to be successful. Trust busting became increasingly popular in the early twentieth century in order to let
small business owners try to achieve the “American Dream”. A common continuation of the business history is that of
when a business is not “abiding by the rules,” strikes, revolts, and literature helped people know of the unruly
conditions so that changes could be made. These changes would not only help the people, both consumers and workers,
but also the business itself. Not much has changed in the business world except when depressions and recessions hit.
These unfortunate events lead to businesses to think wiser about their economic decisions in order to make the best
product for the cheapest amount of money.
Agriculture
Date
Significance
1619
Agriculture was primarily subsistence farming for the family during the colonial period in New
England. Tobacco became of the most important cash crop, especially in the Chesapeake
where slaves became introduced for the first time.
1793
The cotton gin was invented then, allowing for cotton production to boom. The south became
King Cotton.
1834
The McCormick reaper was invented, making commercial farming more common,
1862
The Morrill Act was passed giving ‘land grant’ colleges space in return to institute agriculture
programs. The homestead act was also passed allotting 160 acres of land for improving it for
five years.
1867
The radical reconstruction plan was passed, redistributing planter lands. The crop lien and
sharecropping systems became popular. The Grangers was also formed
1877
Troops were withdrawn from the south, allowing more farming to take place. There were also
grasshopper raids in the Great Plains during the 1870s.
1878
The gold standard hurt farmers, so the Bland-Allison act was passed that coined more silver,
but it failed to help.
1886
Samuel Gompers organizes American Federation of Labor (AFL) that sought for practical
objectives. Increasing number of Southern farmers moving to cities and urban areas.
1887
Interstate Commerce Act creates the Interstate Commerce Commission.
1890
The National Farmers Alliance replaced the Grange which called for grain store, free silver,
income tax, railroad regulation, and direct election of senators,
1892
The Populist Party ran a presidential candidate. The Sherman Act was ended in 1892.
1920s
1933
1961
After War World One the demands for goods decreasing leading to a deflation in cotton and
food prices.
The Agricultural Adjustment Act was passed under FDR’s New Deal subsidizing farmers to
lower their production in order to control the prices.
JFK signed the Agricultural Act to expand the markets and relieve taxes.
Synopsis of the Major Changes and Continuities
Some continuities for agriculture during the history of the Unites States was that it was important for the
beginning growth of the country but then helped the country later on to continue to grow. It was useful in times
of war also. Different regions were always more agricultural heavy, like the south and the west, unlike
northern cities. Some changes have been the prominence of agriculture. With the emergence of the industrial
revolution, there was no need for a King Cotton anymore. Big cities took over the spot like of farming and
railroads cut into the land.
Labor
Date
Significance
1869
The Knights of Labor, the first and largest labor organization of the nineteenth century, was
formed by the Philadelphia garment cutters. A very idealistic union, it championed equal pay
for both sexes, and was open to laborers of all skill levels.
1886
Samuel Gompers founded the American Federation of Labor in hopes of achieving practical
goals. The AFL was a very selective union, serving the interests of only skilled male craft
workers.
1892
The Homestead Strike in Pennsylvania between steelworkers in the Amalgamated Iron,
Steel, and Tin Workers and Carnegie Steel Company proved to be a decisive defeat for all
steelworkers.
1894
The Pullman Strike was orderly at first, until the national guard was sent by President
Cleveland to arrest the leaders of the strike. This event led Eugene V Debs to run for
president as a socialist in 1900.
The Anthracite Coal Strike was the first time in which a president (Teddy Roosevelt) actively
mediated an end to a strike. This was also significant in that it was the first time that the
federal government did not automatically side with big businesses.
The Clayton Antitrust Act replaced the Sherman Act. It stated that unions did not impede
trade, and it forbade federal courts from issuing injunctions against strikers.
The Ludlow Massacre took place in Colorado when the United Mine Workers led a strike for
safety, higher wages, and union recognition. Fourteen strikers were killed when the mine
guards burned the tent village, which led to an armed rebellion.
1902
1914
1935
1938
1947
The Wagner Act (National Labor Relations Act), founded by senator Robert F Wagner,
guaranteed the right of workers to join or form labor unions, and the right to collectively
bargain.
The Fair Labor Standards Act established the first minimum wage of 25 cents/hour and a
maximum of 44 hours/week for interstate commerce workers.
The Taft-Hartley Act (Labor-Management Relations Act), which was vetoed by Truman but
passed by Congress, ended the closed shop, the secondary boycott, and a issued
requirement for all union officials to swear that they were not Communists.
Synopsis of the Major Changes and Continuities
Due to the laissez-faire attitude of the federal government toward big businesses in the first half of the
nineteenth century, workers began to form or join unions in hopes of improving their working conditions. Even
though unions grew in size and power by the late nineteenth century, they still faced opposition from industrial
giants and the government. It was not until the progressive movement of the early 1900’s that laws and acts
were first passed to protect unions. While the government changed its policy from laissez-faire to keeping a
loose leash on big businesses, the actual conditions of workers changed little in this time period. Only after
New Deal labor policies were passed did workers see a any significant changes in working conditions, as well
as a new relationship between workers and managers.
SUPREME COURT CASES
Date
1803
Significance
Marbury v. Madison set the precedent for Judicial Review, recognizing that the Judicial
branch possessed the inherent authority to review laws enacted by the Legislative branch and
Congress and deem them constitutional or unconstitutional.
1810
Fletcher v. Peck involved the Yazoo land controversy and was the first ever case in which the
Supreme Court ruled a state law unconstitutional. This marked the beginning of John
Marshall’s distinctive trend of ruling in favor of the national government over states’ rights.
1819
McCulloch v. Maryland established the principle of implied powers granted to Congress
through the invocation of the Necessary and Proper Clause and also continued Marshall’s
trend of upholding the authority of the federal government by denying Maryland the
jurisdiction to tax the second BUS.
1824
Gibbons v. Ogden recognized that the regulation of interstate commerce would be conducted
by Congress, rather than the states, when Ogden sued Gibbons (a Congressionally licensed
ferry service operator) claiming that navigation relegated state regulation and lost.
1832
Worcester v. Georgia held that the Cherokee nation was entitled to federal protection from
any state action that infringed on Cherokee sovereignty but had little actual power in
countering the imminent Indian Removal policies.
1835
John Marshall dies, his absence diminishing the dignified stature of the Supreme Court.
1857
Dred Scott v. Sandford ruled that African Americans were not legal citizens of the United
States and that Congress lacked the authority to prohibit slavery in federal territories,
overturning the Missouri Compromise.
1886
Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad Company v. Illinois limited state regulation of interstate
commerce, leading to the creation of the Interstate Commerce Commission.
1896
Plessy v. Ferguson upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation and “separate but equal”
accommodations when Plessy refused to sit in a colored railroad car and sued, but lost.
1904
Northern Securities Co. v. United States exemplified the anti-monopolistic sentiment of the
people and the government when it broke up the Northern Securities Co. through the
Sherman Anti-Trust Act.
1908
Loewe v. Lawlor involved the Danbury Hatters and deemed strikes as acts of trade restraint
and made them illegal through the same Sherman Anti-Trust Act that was intended to protect
workers from big business.
1936
Brown v. Mississippi implemented the Due Process clause in ruling that a confession
extracted through acts of violence by police would not be accepted as evidence after three
black men were tortured into “confessing” to the murder of a white planter.
1954
Brown v. BOE furthered the civil rights movement by overturning the rulings of Plessy v.
Ferguson when the Supreme Court declared black educational opportunities were unequal to
white public schools and put an end to du jour segregation.
1963
Gideon v. Wainwright ruled that in accordance to the Sixth Amendment, state courts are
required to provide counsel in criminal cases to those who can’t afford lawyers.
1966
Miranda v. Arizona set the precedent for the “right to remain silent” by declaring that
confessions of defendants would only be accepted if the defendant was aware of his right to
an attorney and his right against self-incrimination.
1971
New York Times Co. v. United States ruled in favor of the media, allowing the New York
Times and the Washington Post to publish the Pentagon Papers without fear of censure.
1973
Roe v. Wade overturned all state and federal laws outlawing or restricting abortion that were
inconsistent with the Supreme Court’s holdings that under the Due Process Clause, all
women have the right to privacy and therefore the right to an abortion.
1974
United States v. Nixon in relation to the Watergate scandal and the possession of tapes from
meetings allowed the Supreme Court to limit executive privilege, especially when it applies to
relevant evidence in a criminal case.
Synopsis of the Major Changes and Continuities
In regards to Supreme Court cases from the early 1800’s to the late 1900’s, the context of each of the cases
varied greatly depending on which predicament was the key issue of the time. In the beginning, the issues
that were dealt with involved defining the role of the Supreme Court in relation to the Legislative branch, as
well as defining the role of national government in relation to state sovereignty in addition to slave rights,
slave states, and Native American land conflicts because these are the concerns that were raised by
Americans in the 19th century. Later, monopolies and civil rights are brought up because they were the key
issues of the 20th century and end with the Nixon trials because Watergate was the culminating scandal of the
1900’s. So, in each of these cases, the social and political implications varied depending on the time frame of
the case. However, what remained consistent was that the cases were always a direct reflection of the “ins”
and “outs” of society. In short, the issues themselves may have varied from Indian policy to abortion, but the
revelation of social evils during each time was constant. In viewing the social connotations of these cases, it
becomes easier to mark the progress and identity of “America.” In 1803 America was limited to a republic of
white, educated men, then the cases reveal expansion into the West with the Native American trials,
expansion calls into question slave and free states, and then finally America becomes a nation where black
and white men can be “Americans” but leave the women and criminals as the “outs” of this society until further
progress can be made during the remaining 30 years.
Domestic Agendas
Date
Henry Clay
Significance
Henry Clay proposed the American System in 1816 to help unify America and stimulate the
economy. There were three parts to this package: a second bank of the United States to
stabilize US currency, enacting a Tariff to promote industry, and national transportation
improvements, like roads and canals.
James Polk Polk’s presidency was defined by expanding westward, also known as the Manifest Destiny.
(1845-1849) He was responsible for resolving the Canada-Maine border, annexing the independent nation
of Texas, dividing Oregon with Britain and annexing California.
Theodore
Roosevelt Roosevelt was known to be a progressive, reforming the US after the Gilded Age. He used
the Square Deal and regulated the meatpacking industry, as well as other big businesses.
(1901-1909)
Woodrow
Wilson’s New Freedom made him an active president, pushing through the Clayton AntiWilson
Trust Act to regulate monopolies, and regulated banks using the Federal Reserve Act.
(1913-1921)
Herbert
Hoover strengthened trade by allying the government with big business to promote business,
Hoover
but the Depression worsened under his presidency. He used “rugged individualism”,
(1929-1933) advocating for people to volunteer to help others, but this failed.
Franklin
Delano
Roosevelt
(1933-1945)
FDR is the president known to end the Great Depression, pushing through a package of
reforms in his first hundred days in office with his plan of relief, recovery, and reform. His
New Deal acts brightened American’s hope and created laws like the Social Security Act and
the SEC that are still intact today.
Dwight D. Eisenhower’s domestic agenda is known as Modern Republicanism, using conservative
Eisenhower government spending and extending the New Deal. His main domestic success was the
(1953-1961) Interstate Highway System, creating highways to connect major US cities.
John F.
JFK’s domestic policy is known as the New Frontier. He strengthened the power of the
Kennedy
executive branch and was a civil rights activist, after Martin Luther King Jr.’s March to
(1961-1963) Washington forced him to take a stance in the civil rights case.
Lyndon B. LBJ’s domestic philosophy is called the Great Society. The most significant accomplishment
Johnson
of his presidency is the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He fought a war on poverty and the Voting
(1963-1969) Rights Act got passed during his presidency.
Ronald Reagan’s domestic policy was “Neo-Conservativism” which focused on smaller
Ronald
government, returning to family traditions, and American unity – the opposite of what the New
Reagan
Left stood for. His economic policy was known as Reaganomics, which combined supply-side
(1981-1989)
economics and decreased economic spending.
Synopsis of the Major Changes and Continuities
When this country was first established, the domestic plans of our first government officials went toward
stabilizing this country so that America would last. As the country grew more stable, plans were made to
make the USA a larger and bigger power in the world. Polk was one of the presidents who was responsible
for this. By the time our country grew to become recognized by others in the world, presidents came to realize
the social issues that arose. Problems like monopolies dominating the economy, and the racial divides that
we still suffer from today include some continuities from the past. By this times, presidents like Teddy
Roosevelt and JFK were known for their social reform movements, as well as economic improvements.
Economic Health
Date
1819
1837
Significance
“Panic of 1819”- Rapid market growth could not be sustained any longer and the economic
growth began to slow. 1st Downturn of American’s Economy.
“Panic of 1837”- Caused by banks issuing excessive amount of paper money which led to
inflation. Related to 2nd Bank of US. The Economy did not recover until 1843.
1857
“Panic of 1857”- After the Mexican American War and discovery of the gold in California, the
gold helped to inflate the currency. The immediate event that touched off the panic was the
failure on August 24 of the New York City branch of the Ohio Life Insurance and Trust
Company. As one of the result, the Tariff Act of 1857 decreased the average tariff rate about
20%.
1873
“Panic of 1873”- This was post Civil War period which many Americans faced economic
overexpansion arose from railroad boom and the significance of the Black Friday panic of
1869, the Chicago fire of 1871, the outbreak of equine influenza in 1872, and the
demonetization of silver in 1873.
1893
“Panic of 1893”- It was the remarkable economic expansion of the period but the farmers
arose with free silver movement which cause the economic inflation. As a result, many people
abandoned their houses and came to West. The economy was recovered in 1896.
1920’s
1930’s
1940’s
1970’s
1980’s
1990’s
After the Great War of WWI, the Roaring Twenties were traditionally viewed as an era of great
economic prosperity driven by the introduction of a wide array of new consumer goods. The
Americans saw North America as the richest region in the world and created a culture of
consumerism. However, this was a trigger point of the Great Depression which dominated the
1930s.
“Great Depression”- The Crash of Stock Market. Many failures of the banks and extremely
high on low employment rate. President Roosevelt’s New Deal Programs were initiated in
order to regulate this economy. (Relief, Recover, and Reform)
American business in the 1940s was dominated by preparation for World War II (America was
able to produce consumer goods and military hardware), by the war itself, and in the late
years of the decade by the Cold War.
“Stagflation” – This term is an economic condition of both continuing inflation and stagnant
business activity, together with an increasing unemployment rate. Stagflation occurs when the
people expects continuing in increasing of price of durable goods which leads to higher
demands.
Supply-side (Reaganomics) economists argued that a tax cut would lead to increased
business investment, increased earnings and through taxes on these earnings increased
government revenues.
Clinton presided over the longest period of economic expansion in U.S. history
Synopsis of the Major Changes and Continuities
Throughout American history, the theme seems pretty consistent that we experience times of wealth and
prosperity, followed by economic panics and recessions. It starts as early as 1819. While Americans were
experiencing the “Era of Good Feelings”, a Panic hit and caused our nations first economic crisis as an
independent nation. The same could be said about today’s society because the 90’s brought about a sort of
well-spirited era, only to be dismally and abruptly stopped by our current economic troubles. The only real
changes in the economy are our role as a world economic power. Early in our nation’s history, a hurting
American economy wouldn’t have affected superpowers such as Britain and France. However the recession
of 2009 is affecting the global economy.
Political Parties
Date
1792
Significance
Newspapers begin calling Hamilton and all his followers the “Federalists” while they began to
call all of Jefferson's followers the “Democratic-Republicans”. The formation of the first
political parties was caused by their differing views: Federalists following loose construction
with support for a National Bank, and Dem-Reps for strict construction.
1800
The first “revolutionary” election where the presidency is transferred from one political party
[the Federalists under John Adams] to another [the Democratic-Republicans under Jefferson]
1816
Federalist opposition towards The War of 1812 led to their Hartford Convention where they
discussed seceding from the Union. The US won the war before the demands could be made,
but they lost support because of their actions, making 1816 the last year a Federalist
candidate ran for president. Democratic Republicans soon encompassed a larger variety of
policies and adopted some Federalist stances because of the lack of opposition.
1824
The growth of democracy created the expectation of party loyalty and made partisan
newspapers popular. Because no one candidate won 51% of the vote, Henry Clay (Speaker
of the House) threw his support behind John Quincy Adams; this Corrupt Bargain allowed
Dem-Rep JQ Adams win the presidency instead of Jackson, a national war hero candidate.
1828
The election of 1828 held the emergence of the Democrats, a party formed by the
“Jacksonians” [supporters of Andrew Jackson] to oppose the Nationalist Republicans who
strayed from Jeffersonian ideals.
1840
This election year was the return of the two party system [Whigs vs. Democrats] as Whig
candidate W. H. Harrison won the election against Van Buren's campaign for a second term.
This is the first election where voters had a choice between two official parties since 1800s
with the Dem-Reps vs. Federalists.
1848
A significant third party candidate, Van Buren of the Free Soil Party, emerged as a result of
the sectional debate on the question of whether slavery should be allowed to spread across
new territories. The Free Soil party was against the spread of slavery in new territories, the
Democrats wanted the settlers to decide, and the Whigs wanted Congress to decide.
1860
A completely sectionalized national election allowed Republican candidate Abraham Lincoln
to win the election without ever campaigning in the south. The Constitutional Union Party,
comprising of Whigs who wished to avoid the breaking of the union over slavery, gave John
Bell their nomination.
1892
The two party system was at a stalemate from 1876-1892 when this election allowed
Democrat Grover Cleveland to win the first ever non-consecutive second term. Third party
candidate, Populist Weaver won 9% of the popular vote
1912
The most significant third party election since 1860 [Lincoln vs Douglas vs Breckenridge] with
Teddy Roosevelt as the candidate for the Populist [Bull Moose] Party. The Republican party
fragmented with the formation of the Bull Moose party, allowing Democrat Woodrow Wilson to
win the presidency with his agenda for small government, free trade, and competition.
1936
The year of Franklin D. Roosevelt's reelection saw the emergence of a new Democratic voting
coalition that would last over the next thirty years. It would comprise of the South, West,
urban, labor, ethnic groups, blacks, and the poor.
1948
The election of Truman against was possible because of campaigning against “do nothing”
republicans and a strong national campaign that won the votes of the new Democratic
coalition. Dixiecrat or States' Rights Democrat Strom Thurman lost the election as a
significant third party.
1968
The division of the Democratic party allowed Richard Nixon to become the one candidate that
could restore the peace. His election ended 30 years of liberal reform as he represented the
“silent majority” that was against violence, long hair, drug use, and sexual promiscuity.
Synopsis of the Major Changes and Continuities
George Washington, in his farewell address, warned against the formation of political parties, believing
that they would create factions and divisions within the United States. The two party system, from its birth with
the Federalists versus the Democratic-Republicans has given citizens an opportunity for identification with a
set of political beliefs. Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans represented loose construction vs. strict
construction. Whigs advocated the government playing a strong role in economics and social reform while
Democrats supported democracy, expansion, and freedom of the “common man” from interference from the
government. Then the question of slavery brought the splitting and sectionalization of parties creating the
Liberty Party, the Free Soil Party, the American [Know-Nothing] Party, and the Republican Party in addition to
the Whigs and Democrats, each supporting different policies to deal with the problem of slavery. The abolition
movement of the 1840s led to the creation of the Republican party, which along with the Democratic Party,
forms the modern day two party system.
Native Americans
Date
1763
Significance
The Royal Proclamation of 1763 by the British government set the region west of the
Appalachian Mountains as “Indian Country” where colonists were forbidden to intrude. This
angered the colonists, eventually leading to end of the Proclamation Line.
1828
The Cherokees were stripped from their legal rights such as self-governing by Georgia,
eventually leading to the great Indian Removal by Andrew Jackson.
1838
The Trail of Tears was the forced march of the Cherokees to the West from Georgia. The
Cherokees were pretty similar and “civilized” as the colonists, so this shows that these
colonists are ready to get Indians off their land.
1864
Sand Creek Massacre resulted in 133 Cheyenne Indians to die and showed that even after
the massacre, the Indians continued to retaliate.
1867
The Sioux War caused by invasion of miners and construction of military forts showed that the
Sioux would fight hard for their rights.
1871
The Indian Appropriation Act said that no tribe is considered as an independent nation
showing the continued oppressiveness of the American government.
1887
The Dawes Severalty Act ended tribal ownership of land and allotted some land to individuals
“severed” from their tribes. This act weakened tribal control, but did not do much to bring
Indians into the white society.
1890
The Massacre of 200-300 Sioux Indians at Wounded Knee by U.S. troops was the sign of the
final conquest of the Native Americans.
1924
Indian Citizenship Act extended citizenship and voting rights to ALL Native Americans born in
the U.S. which was a big move by the federal government to assimilate them with the
American life.
1932
Bureau of Indian Affairs was reorganized and it was responsible to "… enhance the quality of
life, to promote economic opportunity, and to carry out the responsibility to protect and
improve the trust assets of American Indians, Indian tribes, and Alaska Natives," showing
better treatment of the Indians.
1953
Relocation program of American Indians to urban areas was not accomplished and
represented the failure to assimilate Indians with the American mainstream.
1969
The Indian occupied Alcatraz since they had the right to unused federal property on Indian
land, and this gave Indians back their “worth, pride, dignity, and humanity.” This was a part of
the Red Power movement.
1973
The Wounded Knee Occupation by AIM (American Indian Movement) showed Indian
resistance and ended occupation only if the government would look into their demands and
grievances.
Synopsis of the Major Changes and Continuities
The Native Americans were pretty much oppressed ever since the colonists came to America. They used to
be considered as an independent nation but the Indian Appropriation Act of 1871 took away that right to be
considered a nation. Also they were also relocated many times and there were a lot of massacres. They
continued to resist. However things did change for them. It seems that in the beginning the American
government did want any to have anything to do with the Indians starting with the Proclamation Line, but
things got worse for the Native Americans as they started to get less power. But then in the 1900s, they were
granted citizenship and voting rights, and the government attempted to assimilate them with the American
lifestyle.
African-Americans
Date
1619
Significance
The first African slaves arrive in Virginia, although their high cost of purchase and support
made them less common than indentured servants. Therefore, the Chesapeake was seen as
a “society with slaves” instead of a “slave-dependent society.”
1793
The Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 declared that a slave could be captured and declared a
runaway without trial before jury. This caused a great threat to freed men because they
simply had to be declared “runaway” and the judge’s decision was terminal.
1808
The US ended participation in the international slave trade therefore leading to internal trade
for the remainder of American slavery.
1857
The Dred Scott decision on March 6, 1857 declared that slaves could not be U.S. citizens and
congress had no jurisdiction over slavery in the territories.
1859
John Brown raided a federal arsenal in Harpers Ferry, Virginia in an attempt to start a mass
slave uprising throughout the southern states. “John Brown’s raid” was a failure that resulted
in 8 deaths, no slave participation, and his own capture.
1863
The Emancipation Proclamation declared the freedom of all slaves in Confederate States that
did not return to union control by January 1st. This did not include slave in the border states,
and therefore did not bring an end to slavery in the United States.
1865-1870
The 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments were passed which prohibited slavery, granted
citizenship to all persons born in the United States, and prohibited the denial of suffrage
based on race respectively.
1896
The ruling on Plessy V. Ferguson declared that Louisiana’s railroad segregation law did not
violate the Constitution as long as equal accommodations. This therefore declared “separate
but equal” constitutional and created a pattern of segregation throughout the north and south.
1910
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was co-founded by W.E.B.
Du Bois and would go on to play a prominent role in the civil rights movement.
1920’s
The Harlem Resonance was a new awareness of African American culture that flourished in
literature, art, and music. This allowed for many black artists to become main-stream and
reach new heights of popularity.
1954
In Brown V. Board of Education, the supreme court ruled segregated schools to be unequal
therefore ending the policy of “separate but equal”
1957
President Eisenhower was forced to send federal troops into Arkansas to protect the Little
Rock Nine as they integrated into a predominantly white high school.
1963
The March on Washington took place and represented the most powerful step in the Civil
Rights Movement. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his historic “I have a Dream” speech.
1964
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed by President Johnson. This act created equal
employment opportunities and outlawed bias in federally assisted programs.
1965
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 eliminated discriminatory tests and enacted federal supervision
during registration.
1970’s
African American candidates made several key political victories throughout the decade as
racism became less and less common throughout the United States. Also the Civil Rights
and Voting Rights Acts’ effects were widely seen as discrimination faded in American culture.
Synopsis of the Major Changes and Continuities
The story of America is one of perseverance and eventual success. This is demonstrated no clearer than in
the case of African Americans and their role in history. From the arrival of the first slaves to the passage of
the Civil and Voting rights acts, African Americans have contributed greatly to our society. Great strides in
music, literature, politics, and art are due in large part to prominent African Americans. With the election of
our 44th president, the U.S. has reached a new height of unity and perseverance. Whether, America serves
as a “melting pot” or “salad bowl” is not as important as our continual pursuit of unity and patriotism.
Women
Date
“ Republican
Motherhood”
“Cult of
Domesticity”
Significance
After the revolution women had the new responsibility of raising their children to be good
republican citizens.
Also known as the Cult of True Womanhood, it is defined as the expected characteristics of
women such as a devoted mother and wife, devout Christian and the embodiment of
perfect. It was most commonly seen in New England in the late 1800’s, though it arose
again in the 1950’s.
1848
The first women’s rights convention was held in Seneca Falls, New York. Using the
Declaration of Independence as an outline, the women revised a Declaration of Sentiments
declaring men and women equal, among these leaders were Elizabeth Cady Stanton and
Lucretia Mott.
1869-1896
Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony emerge as hopeful women’s right’s leaders
when they found the National Women Suffrage Association. Other promising women’s
groups were founded including the Women’s Christian Temperance Movement and by the
late 1800s women begin to fight for their right to vote with the creation of the National
American Women Suffrage Association.
1916
The National Women’s Party was founded, its most important goal was women’s suffrage
and although this was not achieved until four years later, the party was actively involved in
all women’s right’s decisions including equal rights after the ratification of 19th amendment.
1920
The 19th amendment to the constitution passed in 1920 gives women the right to vote in
national elections. Although they gain the right to vote, women continue to fight for equality
for themselves and other minorities such as Mexicans, Indians, African-Americans, Asians.
1928
The Equal Franchise Act gave women the same political power, meaning the qualifications
for women to vote were equal to those required by men. This act brought women closer to
accomplishing all of their equal rights goals for women.
1963
The publication of The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan appealed to the middle-class
suburban women causing them to question their trapped roles and dissatisfaction in their
families. The book helped begin “Contemporary Women’s Movement” promoting feminism.
1964
Created mostly to help African Americans, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 also helped women
with the creation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which provided women
with the same employment laws as men. We also saw the creation of sexual discrimination
laws which also protected and furthered women’s rights.
1966
The National Organization for Women was created to provide women with a significant
place in American Society including reforms such as domestic equality, prevention of abuse
and sexual abuse, and reproductive freedom. Perhaps the most successful organization
created, the NOW in still active today and it remains the largest feminist organization.
1972
The Equal Rights Amendment was a proposed amendment that would guarantee rights to
women under any law because it was argued that the 19th amendment did not prohibit
discrimination by sex. The ERA attracted criticism and it was not ratified by all the states.
1973
The supreme court case of Roe vs. Wade initiated the argument of a women’s right to have
an abortion. The case ruled that a mother had the right to abort a fetus during her first
trimester of pregnancy, this ruling brought about disagreements over abortion rights, the
issue is still commonly disputed today.
1982
The Equal Rights Amendment ratifications deadline was June 10, all 50 states failed to ratify
the amendment and it was not passed. Although the amendment was not passed women
still fought for their equal rights in society.
1989
The abortion conflicts continued with the court case of Webster vs. Reproductive Health
Services where the court ruled to end the funding of abortion facilities by public health and
the practice of abortions in public health facilities.
Synopsis of the Major Changes and Continuities
Over the course of 150 years, Women evolved from being delicate, conformists to individualists who fought
actively for equality with men. Perhaps the one thing that never changed throughout the course of women’s
history is their determination to gain equality. With this determination many lifestyles were altered. Women
went from being housewives, raising children and practicing religion to working- class, non- conformist,
individualists. However not all women supported these equal rights in fact some women believed in the
superiority of men and their right to rule over women. The two most important events or associations in
women’s history are The NOW and the 19th amendment, without these women would not have the same
opportunities they have today.
Literature
Date
1776
Significance
Thomas Paine wrote The Common Sense, a pamphlet that became the single most important
piece of writing during the American Revolution. This pamphlet motivated the American
colonist to fight for independence, and to put a stop to the tyrannies of the king of Great
Britain.
Also that same year the Declaration of Independence was drafted by many members of the
second continental congress. This was a document that justified the colonist decision for
abandoning the British government.
1787
Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay wrote The Federalist Papers, a series of
essays that defended the new constitution of the United States. This piece of literature helped
to convince many people (who were doubtful due to the anti-federalist opinion) that this new
government of the United States could be very successful.
1831
Militant abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison wrote the anti-slavery news paper called The
Liberator. In this news paper he regarded slavery as morally wrong and sinful deed. He
demanded full social equality for black people, which cause his paper to become the leading
anti-slavery organ.
1849
Henry David Thoreau´s Wrote ¨ Resistance to Civil Government¨ or ¨Civil Disobedience¨ as a
protest against the Mexican War. He was refusing to pay poll taxes because he did not want
the United States to expand slavery into the Mexican territory, which was the cause of the
Mexican War. In this essay he wrote his disagreement with his government, and with the
slavery system.
1852
Harriet Beecher wrote Uncle´s Tom Cabin, which became the most successful American
novel of the mid-nineteenth century. This novel vividly described the cruelty of slavery, which
made many people react to the cruel system. President Lincoln once said to her, ¨So you are
the little woman who wrote the book that made this great war!¨
1890
Journalist Jacob Riss wrote How the Other Half Lives, (during the progressive era) a portrait
of the poor people of New York City. His book included pictures that he had taken of
tenements, lodging houses, sweatshops, and more. His book made a great impact on a new
generation of urban reformers.
Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan also published his book, The Influence of sea upon American
History, which helped to define American foreign policy at that time.
1893
The new magazine, McClure´s created by S.S McClure. He attracted the attention of the
urban class through advertisement. The magazine started to hire reporters to write accounts
of the nation´s social problems. These reporters started to get the name of ¨Muckrakers¨ for
their fame of raking mud of society, and they also got public attention with their articles, which
started to bring about new reforms nationally.
1895
Booker T. Washington´s ¨Atlanta´s Compromise¨ address is regarded as one of the most
influential speeches in American history. Here Washington urged African Americans to work
hard for the respect of the white community, not to force them to give them right. He told them
to be patient, and soon enough changes had to be made. Famous quote “Cast down your
bucket where you are.”
1906
Upton Sinclair´s The Jungle was a book that exposed the filthy sanitation, and the dangerous
working conditions of the Chicago meatpacking industry. His book gave way to The Meat
Inspection Act passed by congress after the shocking publicity surrounding it.
1910
Jane Adams wrote Twenty Years at Hull House, which narrates the life of one living at the
Hull House and talks about what it was like to live there.
1957
Jack Kerouac was the leader of a group of writers known as the Beats. He had distrust in the
American values of progress, power, and material things. He wrote a novel called On the
road in which he wrote about his adventures with his circle of friends as they traveled by car
across America. The book became known as the Beat Manifesto.
1963
Betty Friedan wrote The Feminine Mystique expressing the frustrations of suburban women
and encouraging them to become more independent leaving old traditions in the past. This
book also helped to revive the feminist movement by motivating women to created
organizations such as NOW who campaign for the Equal rights amendment.
1971
Daniel Ellsberg´s the Pentagon Papers became the best –selling book in America that year,
and it exposed classified documents on the history of the United States´ involvement in
Vietnam. It also exposed the role of the president, and military leaders in misleading the
public, and congress about their plans in Southeast Asia.
1974
Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein publish the book All the president´s men, which relates the
story of investigation that these two journalists made about Nixon’s Watergate scandal. It
made revelations about the tapes that Nixon had in his power, and it told the story behind the
real scandal giving away key players in this scandal.
Synopsis of the Major Changes and Continuities
In the history of literature of the United States the major continuity is that every important book,
novel, or essay is done to express social issues of the time. For example during the American
Revolution literature addressed the urge of independence, in the nineteenth century literature
addressed issues dealing with slavery, and the progressive era dealt with issues to make the nation
better. The issues might have been different, but they all dealt with social themes. The main change
in the history of American literature is the author purpose for writing their piece of work, and the
people that they appeal too. For example Thomas Paine´s appeal to the colonist (patriots) to gain
independence, or abolitionist writers wanting to appeal to the people (mainly in north) about the
cruelty of slavery, muckrakers exposing the truth about society during the progressive era, and
appealing to the middle classes to make a change, or finally different group of people appealing to
power movements so they can change their social status.
Intolerance
Date
1798
1853
Significance
John Adams and Federalists used Alien & Sedition Acts to silence Republican criticisms
which led Jefferson and Madison to draft the Virginia & Kentucky Resolves suggesting
that states could nullify federal laws that they saw as unconstitutional. It weakened the
Federalists and nullification was later used to justify the Civil War.
Formation of Know-Nothing Party (American Party) after the collapse of the Whig Party
fueled by Nativism and a desire to reduce immigrant influence, they hoped to strengthen
naturalization process to decrease immigrant voting.
Reconstruction Andrew Johnson vetoed two bills for extension of Freedman’s Bureau and a Civil Rights
(1865-1877)
Act but congress overrode them. Johnson’s “Swing Around the Circle” campaign to fight
14th amendment backfired. Johnson obstructed congress’s Radical Reconstruction Plan
in 1867 which divided the south into 5 military zones. Sharecropping system led to debt &
liens on future crops. Black codes & violence were used to keep Blacks from voting
Jim Crow
South
(1877-1964)
1919
Jim Crows Laws allowed violence, segregation, & a convict-lease system to restrict civil
rights of blacks in the south.
The first Red Scare in which anarchists and socialists were attacked
1920s
1920s saw an attempt for Rural Americans to preserve traditional, Protestant values to
growing urban changes: prohibition (18th amendment, Volstead Act), rebirth of KKK
attacked blacks, Jews, Catholics, and anything “amoral”, Red Scare attacked anarchists
and socialists (Palmer Raids, Sacco/Vanzetti Trial), renewed nativism that targeted
Southern & Eastern Europeans with quotas, and retreat to fundamental Christian beliefs
(Scopes Monkey Trial).
WW2
African Americans were in segregated units, “Great Migration” led to race riots in NY and
Detroit. Mexican Americans faced discrimination (Zoot Suit Riots in CA). Japanese
Americans were sent to internment camps).
1950s
Second Red Scare led by Joseph McCarthy, he accused of people being communists.
1970s
“power”
protests
Black Power- SNCC Stokely Carmichael told blacks to seize power where they
outnumber whites and black-controlled unions & political parties. Black Panthers
defended blacks from white police brutality.
Brown Power- Cesar Chavez organized Nat’l Farm Workers’ Assoc to demand better
pay and “Chicanos” called for bilingual educational programs
Pink Power- National Org of Women called for equal pay, child care, rape laws, and antiabortion laws. ERA was revived to end sexism.
Red Power- “Indians of All Tribes” took Alcatraz Island and “Trail of Broken Tears” and
“Long March” helped lead to return of lands to tribes across country.
Rainbow Power- Gay Liberation Front demanded an end to discrimination. American
Psych Assoc ended homosexuality as disease.
Yellow Power- Called for Asian-American studies in college and health service.
Synopsis of the Major Changes and Continuities
The major changes include the disappearance of Jim Crow Laws with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 under LBJ
and the “power” protests of the 70’s have provided significant changes including the passing of the Equal
Rights Amendment for women and the forming of the Black Panthers have provided the shift from non-violent
protests to aggressive militancy. Major continuities include “suspicion” by American public to foreign power
and substances and usually the spark like war that causes American public to label foreign powers and
substances as “evil” or threat to “American security”. There are still intolerance to gays and gay marriage and
the question about gay marriage is still debated today that causes turmoil in state government across the
country. Major changes happen bulkily and usually not a smooth transition but very chaotic and continuities
are sometimes questioned and sometimes are altered throughout course of history.