Timeline by Bianca Zuniga

Boston Massacre (1770)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-10 18:38:58 UTC

American colonists were throwing snowballs at the troops in the city of Boston, which led to them being fired up by the British. This event led to 5 colonists' deaths, which influenced "Anti-British sentiment".

First Continental Congress (1774)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-10 18:46:41 UTC

Due to the overwhelming British, representatives from all colonies met to discuss the next step. They formally declared that colonists should have the same rights as the British. However, the British decided to ignore the colonies, eventually leading to a second Continental Congress.

Stamp Act (1765-1766)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-10 19:28:12 UTC

Parliament decided to place a stamp on all printed material which included tax. Colonists were angry and protested, which worked as the Stamp Act was later repealed in 1766.

Sugar Act (1764-1766)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-10 19:54:21 UTC

The Sugar Act taxed foreign goods and banned direct shipment. This aimed to stop the smuggling of sugar from France (Britain's rival) into the colonies.

Townshend Act (1767-1770)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-12 19:01:13 UTC

A tax was placed on imported goods shipped to American colonies to help pay the expenses of governing the colonies.

Tea Act (1773-1861)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-12 19:11:09 UTC

Tea was was only to be purchased from the British East India Company. However, a high tax was placed on tea. This Act was notable for starting the Boston Tea Party.

Lexington and Concord Battle (1775)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-12 19:24:22 UTC

Massachussets defied british authority, making the battle take place in Concord, Massachussets. The Americans and British troops moved into their positions. A person shoots first, ultimately leading to British and the colonials to fire at each other.

The Boston Tea Party (1773)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-12 19:34:39 UTC

An infamous incident where 342 chests of tea that belonged to the British were thrown from ships by Americans. These Americans were protested the tea act.

The Intolerable Acts (1774)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-12 19:40:31 UTC

Four laws passed by British Parliament in respone to the Boston Tea Party. This intended to seperate colonies, but colonists responded by protesting.

The Quartering Act (1765-1767)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-12 19:47:05 UTC

The British required colonies to provide food, drinks, transporation to british forces that were stationed in their towns. The act also stated that british soldiers would use colonist's houses for rest.

The Battle of Yorktown (1781)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-12 19:52:42 UTC

America was supported by the French army during the battle against British forces. Washington's forces defeated Charles Cornwallis, a general in the British army, in Virginia. Charles surrendered to George Washington. This marked America's independence.

Declaration of Independence (1776)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-12 19:55:33 UTC

A document that declared the 13 colonies seperation/political connections from Britain. The declaration emphasized American's motivations for wanting independence.

Presidential Election of 1789

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-13 17:23:24 UTC

In 1789, the first election was held, ultimately declaring George Washington president. This was significant because the date marked the first president ever to lead America, and was the only election that spanned "two calendar years" without a contingent election.

Bill of Rights (1791)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-13 17:30:03 UTC

This was the first 10 amendments to the constitution. It was written by James Madison (4th president) who sought it as a solution to limit government power. These amendments served to protect individuals.

The Battle of Saratoga (1777)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-13 17:44:56 UTC

The turning point in the Revolutionary War. The battle was led by General Horatio Gates on the American side. On the British side, General John Burgoyne planned to isolate New England from the United States (he commanded British forces). This ended in victory for the Americans, with France joining the Americans as an ally.

The ratification of the US Constitution (1788)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-13 17:52:34 UTC

The Constitution was drafted in 1787, and by 1788 it was ratified. This meant the Constitution passed 9 colonies out of 13. This declared that they were now states.

The Battle of Long Island (1776)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-13 18:02:38 UTC

Infamous because it highlighted the defeat of George Washington's Continental Army. It was the first major battle of the American Revolution after the Declaration of Independence. The British wanted to seize New York and surrounded Americans who were forced to retreat.

The Battle of Monmouth (1778)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-14 02:10:08 UTC

This battle showed the Continental Army holding its ground against the British. This battle was seen as irrelevant as no side health with a heavy blow. General Washington and his second in command, Charles Lee attacked the British rearguard that was commanded by a British General, Henry Clinton. However, this led Charles Lee to retreat which angered Washington.

The Treaty of Paris (1783)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-14 02:17:56 UTC

A treaty that was signed and declared the end of the American Revolution. This made the United States an independent country. The British granted the US western territory and recognized America as its own country.

The siege of Boston (1775-1776)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-14 02:27:11 UTC

Known as the opening phase of the American Revolutionary War. American militiamen were able to contain British troops in Boston (not letting them move) which soon led British forces to evacuate Boston on March 17, marking the end of the siege.

Articles of Confederation (1781-1789)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-14 02:36:03 UTC

This was the first constitution of the United States. It established the functions of the national government of the US, however, it also established a weak central government that was unable to enforce laws, leading to the articles to fail.

The Louisiana Purchase (1803)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-14 02:45:52 UTC

The 3rd president of the US, Thomas Jefferson, purchased a massive portion of land from France for 15 million dollars. This meant America had doubled its size, ultimately influencing the idea of westward expansion.

The War of 1812 (1812-1815)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-14 03:04:28 UTC

This war took place 30 years after the Revolutionary War. James Madison declared war on Britain and invaded Canada. This was because he felt thee British had violated the US maritime rights.

This Missouri Compromise (1820-1854)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-14 23:24:36 UTC

An act that will authorize people from Missouri to form a government and constitution. The compromise focused on slavery, which stated no slavery would be allowed above the 36 30' latitude line.

The Battle of New Orleans (1815)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-14 23:34:48 UTC

It is known for the last major armed engagement between America and Britain. American troops defeated a poor attempted British assault in roughly 30 minutes, highlighting a great victory for Americans.

The Treaty of Ghent (1814)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-14 23:41:27 UTC

Ended the War of 1812, with both signatures from Britain and America. Britain agreed to relinquish the northwest territory. Both countries strived to end the slave trade.

John Adams elected (1797-1801)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-14 23:55:50 UTC

The election in which John Adams defeated Thomas Jefferson was the first president to reside in the White House. He was known for his influence on the American Revolution (Declaration of Independence, Treaty of Pairs, etc.).

The Quasi War (1798-1801)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 00:05:11 UTC

A naval conflict between France and the US. France was seizing/attacking the US ships from trading, which violated the Treaty of Alliance. It was an undeclared war. The war was mostly fought at sea, and there was no clear winner.

Cotton Gin invention (1793)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 00:51:57 UTC

The mechanical cotton gin was created by an American inventor, Eli Whitney. This invention was significant because it separated seeds from cotton fibers faster. Cotton was a significant crop in America.

Union admitted 15th state (1792)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 00:56:59 UTC

Kentucky was admitted to the US as the 15th state. It was the first state west of the Appalachian Mountains. Kentucky was a crucial border state that separated the Confederate states from the Union.

Mexican-American War (1846-1848)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 01:00:28 UTC

In 1845, the US annexed Texas which made it part of the US, though Mexico was unhappy about it and believed Texas belonged to them. A war erupts from them, leading to the US winning.

Compromise of 1850 (1850-1864)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 19:00:03 UTC

After the Mexican-American war, new states were added to the Union. The conflict involved whether the states should be free or slave states. Five laws were passed in an attempt to resolve disputes about slavery. (The fugitive slave act addressed the slavery issues) With this, California was admitted as a free state and a territorial government was set for Utah and New Mexico without mention of slavery. (remainder Mexican cession was split into two territories)

Kansas-Nebraska Act (Bleeding Kansas) (1854-roughly 1859)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 19:14:03 UTC

The west of Missouri was divided into two states: Kansas and Nebraska. This repealed the Missouri Compromise and forced settlers to decide their side, either free or slave state (popular sovereignty). With this, north and south fought for their side, commonly known as "Bleeding Kansas".

1860 President elected (1860-1865)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 19:20:32 UTC

Abraham Lincoln (Republican) defeated Douglas, a southern democrat in the election. During the time Lincoln was elected, America was divided by slave and free states. Some people were made at Lincoln for being elected, and thought they were different to be part of the Union and formed the 'Confederacy of States'. Ultimately, this leads to the civil war about to spur.

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 19:34:53 UTC

A United States policy that opposed European colonialism in the western hemisphere. This was announced by President James Monroe (5th president) in his address to Congress. He created the policy and warned European powers to not interfere with the affairs of the newly Western hemisphere nations.

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 19:43:44 UTC

This treaty ended the war between the United States and Mexico after the US won a victory. Mexico ceded 55 percent of its territory. The treaty also protected the rights of Mexicans living in the territories that were ceded.

California Gold Rush (1848-1855)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 19:52:26 UTC

Fortune seekers rapidly traveled to California after gold was found at Stutter's mill by James W Marshall. An estimated 300,00 people came to the territory, which the gold rush unleashed the largest migration in US history.

The Oregon Treaty (1846)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 20:05:10 UTC

This was a treaty between Britain and the US. This treaty brought an end to the Oregon Territory dispute. It established a border between the US and Britain and expanded the United States from the Atlantic to the Pacific (Oregon and Washington).

The Gadsden Purchase (1853-1854) -> finalized in 1854

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 20:15:04 UTC

A treaty of agreement between the US and Mexico. America agreed to pay Mexico 10 million dollars for a portion of Mexico. This portion later became part of Arizona and New Mexico. This helped establish the US-Mexico border and resolved disputes from the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

Indian Removal Act (1830)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 20:24:08 UTC

A law that was signed by President Andrew Jackson (7th president). This authorized him to negotiate with Native American tribes to relocate them from the east to unsettled lands in the west of Mississippi. Jackson wanted the Indian tribe's land, and a few tribes went without argument however many resisted. This led to forced removal and migration.

The Confederacy states formed (1861-1865)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 20:29:15 UTC

Confederate states were made up of 11 southern states. They broke away from America to form their government. These states included; Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. The president of the Confederacy was Jefferson Davis.

Start of the Civil War (1861-1865)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 20:33:21 UTC

Opening shots took place at Fort Sumter, South Carolina. The shots were fired by the Confederates after telling Union troops to surrender. By the opening shots, President Lincoln declared the attack as a rebellion, leading to the beginning of the Civil War.

First Battle of the Bull Run (1861)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 20:36:56 UTC

This was the first major battle of the American Civil War. The battle was fought in Virginia. The Union troops were slow and at an disadvantage with their positions, granting Confederate states their first victory.

Battle of Shiloh (1862)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 20:40:38 UTC

The second great battle was fought in Tennessee. The Confederate army launched a surprise attack on Union forces, however, the Union was able to penetrate through their interior. This led to the first Union victory.

Battle of Antietam (1862)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 20:52:40 UTC

Known as the deadliest one-date battle in American history. The battle was mostly about General George McClellan's (union) army vs General Robert Lee (confederates). George McClellan, who was a commanding general for the Union army, was tasked to stop Lee from entering northern territory. The war ended with the Union winning along with many casualties (nearly 23,000, more than 3600 fatalities). This battle proved the Union's strength and influenced the Emancipation Proclamation.

Emancipation Proclamation (1863)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 20:55:35 UTC

President Lincoln waited until the North had military victories before issuing the Emancipation Proclamation. All slaves in Union states were free and encouraged African Americans to join the Union army.

Battle of Appomattox Court House (1865)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 21:01:01 UTC

This was one of the final battles in the American Civil War. Briefly, General Robert Lee (commander of the confederate army) engaged in a battle with Ulysses Grant before he surrenderedd at the Appomattox Court House. This highlighted and led to the end of the Civil War.

Battle of Gettysburg + Address (1863)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 21:44:58 UTC

The Union defeated Robert E Lee's army in Gettysburg, destroying about 1/3 of his forces. This marked the last time the South pushed into the North and the end of the Civil War. Following this battle, Lincoln would give a speech, the Gettysburg Address, that was focused on the liberty and equality of the nation.

Assassination of Abraham Lincoln (1865)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 21:50:35 UTC

A week after the Confederate's surrender, Lincoln and his wife attended a play in Ford's Theatre on April 14th. John Wilkes Booth then snuck up on Lincoln, wounding him in the back of the head with a pistol. Abraham died from his wounds and Booth, the man who assassinated Lincoln, would be killed 12 days later by soldiers.

13th Amendment (1865)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 21:53:45 UTC

In December, months after the Civil War ended, the 13th Amendment was passed by Congress. This made slavery illegal across all States. Following the amendment, the Union occupied the South and kept the North and South together with the military.

The Great Railroad Strike (1877)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 22:04:27 UTC

The event resulted in a series of strikes and protests around America. There were many deaths, jails, and violence spurring around. The strikes revolved around wage cuts by 'Baltimore and Ohio Railroad' and this angered people, as railroad work was already poorly paid and dangerous.

Haymarket Riot (1886)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 22:07:44 UTC

The peaceful rally to support workers and an eight-hour workday turned violent when someone threw a bomb at the police. This led to chaos and outbursts erupting, both police and protestors were injured or killed. This riot led many to question labor movements and labor activists.

Homestead Strike (1892)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 22:09:45 UTC

This strike took place in Pennsylvania. Workers were protesting and rioting against wage cuts, ultimately leading to a violent fight between strikers and private securities hired by a company known as 'Pinkertons'.

The Pullman Strike (1894)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 22:13:14 UTC

Workers at the Car Company in Chicago went on a strike against wage cuts and high rents in the company-owned town. A notable person in this strike was Eugene V Debs, who was the president of the American Railway Union. He openly advocated for workers rights. The American Railway Union supported the workers by refusing to handle Pullman cars, causing nationwide traffic and escalating the strike. The government intervened, causing the strike to end with economic problems.

Triangle Shirtwaist Fire (1911)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 22:16:47 UTC

In New York, a fire started in a factory and spread quickly. Exist doors were locked which trapped many workers, leading to the death of 146 workers. This event led to significant changes in labor laws, such as improved safety standards and regulations to ensure a worker's safety.

Sherman Antitrust Act (1890)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 22:31:40 UTC

A federal law that allows/promotes competitive business practices. It prohibits unfair monopolies and anti-competitive agreements. It encourages businesses to operate efficiently and keep prices down.

Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) (1887-1996)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 22:42:53 UTC

A federal law that regulated the railroad/transportation industry and its monopolistic practices. This was implemented because of public indignation against railroad malpractices and abuses. This law made the railroads the first industry subject to federal regulation.

Creation of electric Light bulb (1879)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 23:01:23 UTC

The electric light bulb was an infamous and important invention that helped establish social order in the night, allowing people to navigate and travel during the dark. The inventor, Thomas Edison, created the light bulb as a safer replacement than the dirty gas/lamps that were commonly used.

Chinese Exclusion Act (1882-1943)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 23:20:10 UTC

The Chinese were the first wave of Asian immigrants in America. The law restricted immigrants to the United States, which the law was passed by Congress and signed by President Chester A. Arthur (21st president). This act provided a 10-year absolute ban on Chinese laborers immigrating.

American Federation of Labor (1886)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-15 23:32:05 UTC

This was a labor union that fought for workers' rights, which included working conditions, economic benefits, bargaining rights, etc. The union was successful as it allowed smaller organizations to join. Its influence extended to the 21st century, which the union is now named "AFL-CIO'. Samuel Gompers founded the union and is known as an American leader for workers.

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (1914)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-17 06:15:04 UTC

This eventually led America to be pulled into the first World War who had remained neutral for a while. World War 1 started when a teenage (19 years old) Serbian revolutionary, Gavrilo Princip, shot Archduke Franz Ferdinand who was the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. This led Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia, leading to the formation of alliances and counter-alliances between European powers.

The sinking of the Lusitania (1915)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-17 06:21:03 UTC

One of the causes that US entered war. The Lusitania was a British ocean liner that the German U-boat torpedoed on May 7th. The attack led to 1198 deaths, following along 128 Americans. This event increased tension between America and Germany.

The Zimmerman Note (1917)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-17 06:26:32 UTC

A German minister, Arthur Zimmermann sent a secret communication to Mexico. Germany proposed an alliance with Mexico against the United States, however, this note was intercepted by the British. The US was inflamed by this which prompted them to declare war.

The Battle of the Cantigny (1918)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-17 06:37:34 UTC

The first major American battle of WW1. The United States fought off artillery barrages against Germany. The US 1st Division infantry regiment attacked a German village called Cantigny, which American's scored a victory.

The Battle of Belleau Wood (1918)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-17 06:48:27 UTC

A major battle between the US Marines and the Germans. The US fought off parts of five divisions of Germans. The Marines contained the Germans, which often led the hand-to-hand combats, leading to a significant battle for the Allies and proving the US involvement in the war. This changed how people viewed the US Marine Corps.

Fourteen Points (1918)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-17 06:56:06 UTC

President Woodrow Wilson designed 14 points to undermine the Central Powers and inspire the Allies to victory. The points focused on equality, freedom of the seas, the establishment of League nations, and trade. Wilson used this as a basis for negotiating the Treaty of Versailles. This served as a landmark of enlightenment in international relations.

The Spanish-American War (1898)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-17 07:02:40 UTC

America was sympathetic to Cuban people who were treated harshly by the Spanish, which developed the "Blame the Maine on Spain" saying. It was a quick victory for the US against Spain, making Spain cede Guam and Puerto Rico. This meant more land.

Women telephone operators (1918)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-17 07:14:18 UTC

American female telephone operators were called 'Hello Girls'. They served as operators for telephone switchboards who were sworn to the US Army Signal Corps. This showcases the start of women's significance in America, and how they played a role during World War 1. This also implies the start of women's jobs being more common, as they were the first American women to serve a combat rote with the US military.

Battle of Saint-Mihiel (1918)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-17 07:18:51 UTC

A major battle that involved the American Expeditionary forces attacking the Germans. The Germans were in the process of retreating during the attack. This proved the Germans were disorganized which led to the American victory in France

Battle of Chateau-Thierry (1918)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-17 07:24:01 UTC

American forces allied with the French at the Marne River. They both forced the Germans back across the river and did not allow them to go to Paris. The US retaliated with a counter-attack to the Germans, proving another victory and increasing America's popularity.

The Treaty of Versailles (1918-1919)

zunigabianca0808 — 2024-12-17 07:32:08 UTC

This was the treaty that ended the war. Germany was heavily punished. Wilson's 14-point speech heavily influenced the treaty. The treaty included a plan to formthe League of Nations, which President Wilson was a strong advocate of the League since he thought it would prevent future wars.