AH Timeline by Evelyn Seyss _ Student - MillsParkMS

1492 Columbus “Discovers” the New World

emseyss — 2025-08-27 17:16:36 UTC

Christopher Columbus “discovered” the New World in 1492 when he landed in the Caribbean while searching for a westward route to Asia. This voyage marked the beginning of European exploration and colonization of the Americas.

1521 Conquest of Tenochtitlan

emseyss — 2025-08-27 17:17:09 UTC

The Conquest of Tenochtitlan took place in 1521 when Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés and his allies defeated the Aztec Empire’s capital city. This victory led to the fall of the Aztec Empire and the beginning of Spanish rule in what is now Mexico.

1587 Roanoke Settlement

emseyss — 2025-08-27 17:17:40 UTC

The Roanoke Settlement was established in 1587 on Roanoke Island, off the coast of present-day North Carolina. It became known as the “Lost Colony” because when supply ships returned in 1590, the settlers had vanished without a trace.

1675 King Philip’s War

emseyss — 2025-08-27 17:18:43 UTC

King Philip’s War occurred from 1675 to 1678 between Native American tribes led by Metacom and English settlers in New England. It was one of the bloodiest conflicts in colonial America and resulted in a significant loss of life and power for the Native Americans.

1676 Bacon’s Rebellion

emseyss — 2025-08-27 17:19:45 UTC

Bacon’s Rebellion happened in 1676 in the Virginia Colony, led by Nathaniel Bacon. It was an uprising of frontier settlers who protested against the colonial government’s failure to protect them from Native American attacks and challenged the authority of Governor William Berkeley.

Decloration of Independance

emseyss — 2025-09-28 20:07:40 UTC

The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, is a document in which the American colonies declared their freedom from British rule. It emphasizes individual rights and the idea that governments must protect those rights.

Shays Rebellion

emseyss — 2025-09-28 20:08:56 UTC

Shays' Rebellion was an armed uprising that took place in 1786-1787, led by Daniel Shays in Massachusetts. It was fueled by economic hardship and opposition to high taxes and debt collection, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and leading to calls for a stronger federal government.

UNIT: 2 French & Indian War

emseyss — 2025-09-28 20:10:49 UTC

The French and Indian War (1754-1763) was a conflict between Britain and France over territory in North America. British victory expanded their land claims but increased tensions that eventually contributed to the American Revolution.

Boston Tea Party

emseyss — 2025-09-28 20:12:21 UTC

The Boston Tea Party was a protest on December 16, 1773, where American colonists, frustrated by British taxation without representation, dumped 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor. This act of defiance escalated tensions between the colonies and Britain, leading to the American Revolution.

Constitutional Convention

emseyss — 2025-09-28 20:13:33 UTC

The Constitutional Convention took place in Philadelphia in 1787, where delegates gathered to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. The result was the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, establishing a stronger federal government and incorporating checks and balances among branches of government.

Washingtons Farewell Address

emseyss — 2025-09-28 20:15:01 UTC

George Washington's Farewell Address in 1796 advised against political parties and foreign alliances, emphasizing national unity and the common good. He warned that divisive factions could threaten stability and urged vigilance in protecting liberties.

First Continental Congress

emseyss — 2025-09-28 20:15:45 UTC

The First Continental Congress convened in September 1774 in Philadelphia, with representatives from 12 of the 13 colonies (excluding Georgia). The Congress aimed to address colonial grievances against British policies, organize resistance, and promote unity. It resulted in a call for a boycott of British goods and set the stage for future revolutionary actions.

UNIT: 3 Louisiana Purchase

emseyss — 2025-09-29 14:23:01 UTC

A land acquisition in 1803 where the United States purchased approximately 828,000 square miles of territory from France, effectively doubling the size of the nation. This deal was significant for westward expansion and exploration.

Missouri Compromise

emseyss — 2025-09-29 14:27:54 UTC

An 1820 agreement designed to maintain the balance of power between slave and free states by admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state. It also established a boundary line at 36°30′ north latitude, north of which slavery was prohibited.

White House Burned

emseyss — 2025-09-29 14:32:54 UTC

In 1814, during the War of 1812, British forces captured and set fire to the White House and other government buildings in Washington, D.C., as part of their military campaign. This event symbolized the vulnerability of the young United States and the conflicts with Britain.

War of 1812

emseyss — 2025-09-29 14:35:44 UTC

The War of 1812 was fought between the United States and Great Britain from 1812 to 1815, largely over issues such as trade restrictions and impressment of American sailors. The war ended in a stalemate but fostered a sense of national unity and identity.

Seneca Falls Convention

emseyss — 2025-09-29 14:36:44 UTC

The first women's rights convention held in Seneca Falls, New York, in 1848, which focused on social, civil, and religious rights for women. The convention resulted in the "Declaration of Sentiments," asserting the equality of women and calling for suffrage.

Market Revolution

emseyss — 2025-09-29 14:37:13 UTC

A transformative period in the early 19th century marked by a shift from subsistence farming to a more market-oriented economy, characterized by advancements in transportation, communication, and industrialization. This revolution drastically changed the way goods were produced and consumed in America.

Mexican-American War

emseyss — 2025-10-26 17:36:20 UTC

The Mexican-American War happened from 1846 to 1848 between the U.S. and Mexico. It resulted in the U.S. gaining a large amount of land, including California and Texas.

Dred Scott Decision

emseyss — 2025-10-26 17:36:47 UTC

The Dred Scott Decision was made by the Supreme Court in 1857. It ruled that African Americans were not citizens and had no rights, which deepened the divide over slavery.

Compromise of 1850

emseyss — 2025-10-26 17:37:09 UTC

The Compromise of 1850 was passed in the same year and included several laws to deal with slavery. It tried to keep peace between free and slave states but was only a temporary solution.

Kansas-Nebraska Act

emseyss — 2025-10-26 17:37:35 UTC

The Kansas-Nebraska Act was enacted in 1854 and allowed new territories to decide on slavery through voting. This led to violent conflicts known as "Bleeding Kansas."

Emancipation Proclamation

emseyss — 2025-10-26 17:38:01 UTC

The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Lincoln in 1863 during the Civil War. It declared that all slaves in Confederate states were free.

Appomattox Court House

emseyss — 2025-10-26 17:38:28 UTC

The surrender at Appomattox Court House took place on April 9, 1865. General Lee surrendered to General Grant, effectively ending the Civil War.

Lincoln Assassinated

emseyss — 2025-10-26 17:38:55 UTC

Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 14, 1865, just days after the Civil War ended. His death shocked the nation and changed the course of history.

Reconstruction

emseyss — 2025-10-26 17:39:17 UTC

Reconstruction lasted from 1865 to 1877 and aimed to rebuild the South and integrate it back into the Union. It focused on giving rights to former slaves and rebuilding the Southern economy.

UNIT 5: Haymarket Riot of 1886

emseyss — 2025-11-11 18:16:47 UTC

A labor protest rally in Chicago turned into a riot after someone threw a bomb at police, resulting in at least eight deaths. Eight radical labor activists were convicted despite a lack of evidence.

Homestead Strike of 1892

emseyss — 2025-11-11 18:17:14 UTC

A violent strike in Pittsburgh over a decision to cut wages by nearly 20%. This strike ended with the destruction of the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel workers, one of the largest unions.

Pullman Strike of 1894

emseyss — 2025-11-11 18:17:39 UTC

A nonviolent strike that brought down the railway system in most of the West over wages; President Cleveland shut it down because it interfered with mail delivery.

Plessy vs. Ferguson

emseyss — 2025-11-11 18:18:07 UTC

U.S. Supreme Court decision supporting the legality of Jim Crow laws that permitted or required separate but equal facilities for blacks and whites.

The Jungle is Written

emseyss — 2025-11-11 18:18:51 UTC

A novel by Upton Sinclair that revealed gruesome details about the meat packing industry in Chicago.

UNIT 6: USS Maine Destroyed (1898)

emseyss — 2025-12-02 02:49:02 UTC

The USS Maine sank in Havana Harbor, an incident that ignited public outrage in the United States against Spain. This event was a catalyst for the outbreak of the Spanish-American War.

Spanish-American War (1898)

emseyss — 2025-12-02 02:50:27 UTC

A conflict between the United States and Spain, mainly over Cuban independence, which resulted in the U.S. acquiring territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. The war marked the emergence of the U.S. as a global imperial power.

Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901)

emseyss — 2025-12-02 13:33:15 UTC

An anti-foreign uprising in China led by the "Boxers," who sought to expel foreign influence and control. The rebellion was suppressed by an international coalition of several countries, including the U.S.

Sinking of the Lusitania (1915)

emseyss — 2025-12-02 13:33:44 UTC

The British ocean liner was torpedoed by a German U-boat, resulting in the deaths of 1,198 passengers, including 128 Americans. This incident heightened tensions and contributed to U.S. involvement in World War I.

WWI (1914-1918)

emseyss — 2025-12-02 13:34:15 UTC

A global conflict that involved many of the world's great powers, characterized by trench warfare and significant loss of life. It resulted in major political changes and the establishment of the League of Nations

Roaring 20s (1920-1929)

emseyss — 2025-12-02 13:34:47 UTC

A decade of economic prosperity and cultural change in the United States, marked by jazz music, flapper culture, and a booming stock market. This era is often known for its social liberation and artistic revolution.

Great Depression (1929-1939)

emseyss — 2025-12-02 13:35:13 UTC

An economic crisis that began with the stock market crash in 1929 and led to widespread unemployment, poverty, and hardship both in the U.S. and globally. It profoundly affected the economy and society throughout the 1930s.

New Deal (1933-1939)

emseyss — 2025-12-02 13:35:39 UTC

A series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform in response to the Great Depression. The New Deal sought to revive the economy and support those affected by the economic downturn.

WWII (1939-1945)

emseyss — 2025-12-02 13:36:05 UTC

A global conflict involving the majority of the world's nations, marked by significant battles, genocides, and the use of nuclear weapons. The war resulted in massive geopolitical changes and the establishment of the United Nations.

UNIT 7: Murder of Emmett Till (1955)

emseyss — 2025-12-17 15:07:05 UTC

Emmett Till was murdered in 1955 for allegedly offending a white woman. His death sparked outrage and highlighted racism in America.

Greensboro Sit-Ins (1960)

emseyss — 2025-12-17 15:07:31 UTC

The Greensboro Sit-Ins began in 1960 when four Black students protested at a segregated lunch counter. Their actions inspired similar protests nationwide.

March on Washington (1963)

emseyss — 2025-12-17 15:07:57 UTC

The March on Washington took place in 1963, with over 250,000 people advocating for civil rights. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech at this event.

Assassination of JFK (1963)

emseyss — 2025-12-17 15:08:22 UTC

President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. His death shocked the nation and changed American politics.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

emseyss — 2025-12-17 15:08:49 UTC

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It aimed to end segregation in various areas.

Assassination of MLK Jr. (1968)

emseyss — 2025-12-17 15:09:23 UTC

Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. His death led to national sorrow and strengthened the civil rights movement.

Civil Rights Act of 1968

emseyss — 2025-12-17 15:09:44 UTC

The Civil Rights Act of 1968, or Fair Housing Act, made housing discrimination illegal. It aimed to ensure equal rights in buying or renting homes.

US Withdraws from Vietnam (1973)

emseyss — 2025-12-17 15:10:15 UTC

The U.S. withdrew its troops from Vietnam in 1973. This marked the end of a long and controversial war.

Watergate Scandal (1972-1974)

emseyss — 2025-12-17 15:10:47 UTC

The Watergate Scandal involved a break-in at the Democratic National Committee in the early 1970s. It led to President Nixon's resignation in 1974.

Iran-Contra Affair

emseyss — 2026-01-14 18:25:26 UTC

A political scandal in the 1980s involving the covert sale of weapons to Iran by the U.S. government to fund Nicaraguan Contra rebels, leading to Congressional investigations and convictions.

NAFTA

emseyss — 2026-01-14 18:25:51 UTC

A trade agreement signed in 1994 between the United States, Canada, and Mexico, aiming to eliminate barriers to trade and investment and promote economic cooperation in North America.

Clinton Impeachment

emseyss — 2026-01-14 18:26:14 UTC

Centered on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice related to his extramarital affair.

Bush v Gore

emseyss — 2026-01-14 18:26:39 UTC

The 2000 U.S. presidential election, marked by a controversial recount in Florida, legal battles culminating in the Supreme Court's decision to stop the recount, and Bush's ultimate victory despite losing the popular vote.

War on Terror

emseyss — 2026-01-14 18:27:00 UTC

A global military and political campaign initiated by the United States in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, aimed at combating terrorism and its sponsors around the world.

The Patriot Act

emseyss — 2026-01-14 18:27:28 UTC

A U.S. law passed in response to the 9/11 attacks, granting expanded surveillance and law enforcement powers to the government in the name of national security and counterterrorism efforts.