Timeline by Erik Boi

Colonization

ErikBoi — 2024-04-25 14:52:13 UTC

The English colonization of the New World began in 1492 with Christopher Columbus' discovery of the Americas. Jamestown was established in 1607. Conflicts arose with Native Americans, Spanish, and French, but English colonies developed a distinct American identity. The French and Indian War ended in 1763.

Declaration of Independence

ErikBoi — 2024-04-25 14:55:25 UTC

After the French and Indian War, the American colonies faced anger towards British taxation and increased control, leading to events like the Stamp Act Congress, Boston Tea Party, and Boston Massacre. Influential writings and determination led to the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Creation of the Constitution

ErikBoi — 2024-04-25 15:11:38 UTC

After the American Revolution, the nation faced questions about governing itself. The Articles of Confederation failed, leading to calls for a convention. The 1787 Constitution, with a strong central government and checks and balances, was ratified in 1789, still governing America today.

Early Republic

ErikBoi — 2024-04-25 15:21:53 UTC

The U.S. Constitution was ratified and George Washington became the first President, marking the beginning of a new republic. The new government remained strong. After Washington's time in office, divisions emerged between the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans, with the judicial branch establishing its role. The war with Britain strengthened American unity.

Age of Jackson

ErikBoi — 2024-04-25 15:25:21 UTC

The "Era of the Common Man" was marked by the first election of President Andrew Jackson, who represented the average American, farmers, frontiersmen, and laborers. This era expanded the role of the common man in the democratic process. This also lead to conflict with the Natives.

Westward Expansion

ErikBoi — 2024-04-25 15:31:15 UTC

Manifest Destiny, the US's dream of expanding across North America, led to territory expansion in the first half of the 19th century. Gold discovery in California inspired expansion, causing conflict and debate on slavery expansion. Henry David Thoreau opposed the Mexican war, fearing it would expand slavery.

ErikBoi — 2024-04-25 15:37:00 UTC

In the early 19th century, many reform movements emerged to improve the nation, originating from religious revival, Industrial Revolution, and sectional conflicts. These movements created the era, giving women, African Americans, and minorities a voice in democracy. Some reformers saw change, while others fought tirelessly.

Sectionalism

ErikBoi — 2024-04-25 15:39:29 UTC

Sectionalism in American history, a period before the Civil War, saw the country divided between the South and North due to tariffs, territory acquisition, and slavery objections. Despite compromises, the divide escalated, leading to the Civil War.

Civil War

ErikBoi — 2024-04-25 15:41:38 UTC

The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 led to anger of the North and South, with southern states seceding and the Civil War resulting in the South's defeat and surrender. The challenge now was rebuilding the nation after the war's end.

Reconstruction

ErikBoi — 2024-04-25 15:46:10 UTC

President Lincoln focused on rebuilding the South and healing the nation after the war. After Lincoln's assassination, harsh treatment in the Southern states emerged. The Reconstruction Era ended with the 1876 presidential election, with Rutherford B. Hayes winning the White House on the condition of withdrawing federal troops from the South.

Guilded Age

ErikBoi — 2024-04-25 22:56:44 UTC

The Transcontinental Railroad connected East and West coasts and created new markets for goods, leading to the Gilded Age. However, not everyone enjoyed the benifits of wealth. Industrialization led to harsh labor conditions, forced child labor, and increased immigration, causing social and economic problems. The real movers and shakers were not politicians or Congress.

Progresive Era

ErikBoi — 2024-04-25 22:59:48 UTC

The Progressive movement, later evolved into a political movement. Initially, Progressives believed in a better education, safe environment, and workplace to solve problems in the Gilded Age. They believed government should be responsible for addressing these imbalances and promoting reforms in American life.

The United States; a World Power

ErikBoi — 2024-04-25 23:01:55 UTC

From 1896 to 1920, the United States became more involved globally due to industrialization and the need for resources and markets. The war with Spain over Cuba led to Cuban independence and the acquisition of Spanish colonial territories. The world ended with the first world war, fueled by nationalism, imperialism, and military arms race.

The 1920's

ErikBoi — 2024-04-25 23:04:05 UTC

The Roaring 20s in America brought economic prosperity, affordable automobiles, and a shift in values, including the rise of women's independence and the Harlem Renaissance, showcasing African American talents.

Great Depression & New Deal

ErikBoi — 2024-04-25 23:06:47 UTC

The Great Depression of the 1930s was marked by bank and business failures, high unemployment, and the Dust Bowl drought. President Franklin Roosevelt implemented the New Deal, providing job relief, recovery programs, and economic reform to address these issues.

World War II—1933-1945

ErikBoi — 2024-04-25 23:08:52 UTC

World War I began due to European nations' failure to stop Hitler's aggression, with the United States joining due to Pearl Harbor bombing. The war ended with the Allied victory in Europe and the Pacific, using nuclear weapons.

COLD WAR—19345 to 1991

ErikBoi — 2024-04-25 23:10:11 UTC

The Cold War, lasting 46 years, began after World War II with the Soviet Union's failure to allow free elections in Eastern Europe. The US engaged in containment, leading to conflicts in Korea and Vietnam. The Vietnam War, exposed through television, divided the US, leading to an anti-war movement. The Cold War ended with the Soviet Union's collapse.

Civil Rights—1950’s to 1960's

ErikBoi — 2024-04-25 23:12:07 UTC

The Civil Rights movement, fueled by the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments, gained momentum in the 1950s with the Brown v Board of Education decision, resulting in gains for African Americans, Latinos, American Indians, and women.

Contemporary America - 1970’s Present

ErikBoi — 2024-04-25 23:15:25 UTC

Modem America (1970-present) saw significant technological advancements, open US-China relations, post-Cold War focus on terrorism and Middle East conflicts, and a conservative movement addressing federal power growth, often leading to conflicts over the US's direction.