"My Top Ten" Timeline Project by Nathan Cercena

March 6, 1820 Missouri Compromise

nathan_cercena — 2025-10-06 20:17:21 UTC

Significance: I chose this event because of its social and political significance in dividing the country. The division created by this event ultimately results in the Civil War, negatively impacting the country. Regrettably, this encourages discrimination, prejudice, and racism aimed towards African Americans. Politically, this prevented an unfair distribution of votes, keeping a balance between free and slave states. Socially, it had the once united country turn its back against one another.

November 6, 1860 United States Presidential Election of 1860

nathan_cercena — 2025-10-06 20:18:32 UTC

Significance: I chose this event because of its social and political significance in causing the South to secede which encouraged more division in the United States of America. Socially, many people believed President Lincoln wanted to abolish slavery in its entirety when in reality he wanted to halt the expansion of it. This miscommunication between the states can symbolize the beginning of its disunification. This was later enhanced when regarding the topic about slavery. Politically, the North was anti-slavery whereas the South was pro-slavery, the division amongst the American people will soon lead to their demise. Ultimately, it is important for the reader to understand the significance in transparent and thorough communication to prevent future conflict.

July 1, 1863 Battle of Gettysburg

nathan_cercena — 2025-10-06 20:23:42 UTC

Significance: I chose this event because of its major political, social, and economically impact during the Civil War. Politically, it gave the Union a much needed victory and renewed hope for the North. Socially, it showed the heavy human cost of the war, as thousands of lives were lost. Economically, both sides faced growing strain from the resources needed to fight such a massive battle. Ultimately, Gettysburg became the turning point that shifted momentum toward Union victory.

April 1861, Anaconda Plan

nathan_cercena — 2025-10-06 20:24:42 UTC

Significance: I chose this event because of its economic and political significance in cutting off the South's main source of income as well as diplomatic relationship. Economically, this was a strategic plan as it isolated the South preventing them from earning money. Politically, it ensure the South was unable to receive outside help from countries. Ultimately, without the help of countries, it made it almost impossible for South to win against the overwhelming numbers of Northerners. Moreover, without enough money, it prevented the South from manufacturing the weapons needed to defend themselves from the Northerners invasion.

March 3, 1865 Freedmen's Bureau

nathan_cercena — 2025-10-06 20:26:22 UTC

Significance: I chose this event because of its social and economic significance in providing newly freedmen with an education and a chance in the work field. This created schools and universities dedicated towards the African Americans. Socially, this act encouraged equality among U.S. citizens, providing everyone an equal shot at making a living, education, and liberty. Economically, the now educated freedmen were allowed to work and contribute to the country's economy and to their lives. Ultimately, this act gave freedmen a shot to make a name for themselves.

December 24, 1865 The Ku Klux Klan

nathan_cercena — 2025-10-06 20:30:04 UTC

Significance: I chose the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) because of its social and political impact during the Reconstruction era and beyond. The KKK represented one of the biggest backlashes against the progress of African Americans after the Civil War. Socially, it created a culture of fear and intimidation, targeting freedmen and those who support racial equality. Politically, the Klan tried to suppress Black voters and weaken Reconstruction governments by using violence and terror. This made it harder for freedmen toe exercise their new rights and showed the country's progress toward equality. Ultimately, the KKK's action showed how deep racism still ran in America and how difficult true freedom and equality would be to achieve.

April 9, 1866 Civil Rights Act of 1866

nathan_cercena — 2025-10-06 20:31:44 UTC

Significance: I chose the Civil Rights Act of 1866 because of its strong political, social, and economical significance in shaping post Civil War America. Politically, this act was the first federal law to define citizenship and guarantee equal protection under the law for all people born in the United States, regardless of race. It directly challenged the Black Codes and the lingering effects of slavery, showing that government was serious about protect thing the rights of newly freed African Americans. Socially, it represent a major step toward equality, giving freedmen the ability to work, own property, and live more freely without fear of unfair laws. Economically, it opened up opportunities for African Americans to participate in the workforce and build independent lives. Ultimately, the Civil Rights Act of 1866 marked one of the first major efforts to make the promises of freedom and equality a reality for all citizens.

1861 - 1865, Civil War Technology (Telegraph)

nathan_cercena — 2025-10-06 20:36:33 UTC

Significance: I chose this event because of its technological significance in transforming how wars were fought. By utilizing the telegraph, it allowed quick and efficient way delivering information to the frontline. Moreover, it gave troops an advantage in adjusting their formation to counter the enemies which ultimately led to the Union's victory. Additionally, due to its effectiveness in the civil war, it can be one of the most notable technology that will be adopted by other civilization. Hence required opposing troops who yet to adopt the technology to come up with numerous backup plans.

Late 1870s and 1880s Jim Crow Laws

nathan_cercena — 2025-10-06 20:39:58 UTC

Significance: I chose the Jim Crow Laws because of their deep political, social, and economical effects on American life. Politically, they enforced segregation and stripped African Americans of many rights gained during Reconstruction. Socially, these laws created a system of racism and inequality that divided communities. Economically, they kept African American in low paying jobs and limited their opportunities. Ultimately, the Jim Crow era showed how freedom after slavery was still far from true equality.

May 30, 1854 Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854)

nathan_cercena — 2025-10-07 16:37:54 UTC

Significance: I chose this event because of its political significance in introducing popular sovereignty. The decision whether Kansas and Nebraska are free or slave states encouraged further division. Politically, this disregard the existence of the Missouri Compromise raising conflict between the North and South. Moreover, it is a race between the Union and Confederates as it was important for either side to have the majority. Though it raised conflict, it stuck to the United States tradition of giving people the right to vote.