U.S. History Timeline
1. EXPANSION a. Northwest Ordinance-Created 6 states, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin b. Louisiana Purchase- Doubled the size of the United States c. War of 1812- Even though America did not gain or lose land, this was gave Americans newfound confidence and pride in their nation d. Monroe Doctrine- Stated that there could be no more colonization of European colonies in the Western Hemisphere and America would not butt into any country’s affairs provided they didn’t butt into America’s affairs. e. Manifest Destiny- Claimed that it was Divine Providence and God’s will for America to explore and inhabit the western lands. f. Texas- America accepted Texas into the Union after Texas pleaded to be part of America g. Mexican-American War- America gained California and New Mexico as a result of the Mexican-American War h. Oregon- created route for people to get to the West i. Improvements in Transportation i. Canal- transported goods cheaper and easier ii. Train- transported humans faster iii. Steamboat- made river travel more reliable and extended the range of transportation in both directions 2. DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL GOVERNMENT j. Why we rebelled against Britain- Britain had too much influence and control over America iv. Proclamation of 1763- Britain prohibited colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains v. Taxation 1. Sugar- Britain placed a tax on all sugar, molasses, and sweets 2. Tea- Britain placed a tax on tea 3. Stamp- Britain placed a tax on stamps, newspapers, cards, and even playing dice vi. Boston Massacre- Britain shot on American killing about 5 or 6 people. vii. Boston Tea Party- American threw British tea overboard to protest the Tea Tax k. Declaration of Independence- Written proof of America’s freedom and the necessities for every human viii. John Locke- Said that all humans have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of personal property l. American Revolution- The many wars and battles that eventually resulted in the official recognition of the country of America m. Articles of Confederation- U.S.’s first national government ix. Strengths and weaknesses- x. Shay’s Rebellion- farmers who did not benefit from the Articles of Confederation rebelled and demanded more agricultural influence n. Constitution- Supreme Law of United States xi. Connecticut Compromise- the Senate and the House of Representatives were created. There are 2 reps for each state in the Senate and the House of Reps if based on population xii. Federalists- believed in loose interpretation of Constitution; wanted a strong national government xiii. Anti-Federalists- believed in strict interpretation of Constitution; wanted limited national governments; wanted to be ruled by the people xiv. Basic Principles of the Constitution- Popular sovereignty, Limited Government, Separation of Powers, Federalism 3. CAUSES OF THE CIVIL WAR o. Northwest Ordinance- all the states in the North became slave-free states p. Cotton Gin- Made cotton the cash crop of the South and increased the demand and dependence on slavery q. Abolition- abolitionists were people who did not