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These societies had their own culture, language, and traditions and lived in the Americas for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans.
Native American societies
In the late 15th century, European countries searched for new supplies
European Expeditions
Colombian Exchange
The Exchange of Plants, Animals and Diseases Between the Old and New Worlds. Europeans brought crops such as wheat and grapes to the Americas, while Native Americans brought corn, potatoes and tobacco to Europe.
Spanish Colonization
The Spanish established colonies in the Caribbean and South America, and they also explored the southwestern and southeastern United States. They founded cities such as St. Augustine, Florida, and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
French Explorations
The French explored and established trading posts in Canada and along the Mississippi River, where they traded fur with Native American societies.
English Colonization
The British established colonies in Virginia, Massachusetts, Maryland, and other areas on the East Coast in 1607.
Conflicts with Native Americans
As Europeans began to settle North America, they often came into conflict with Native American societies over land and resources. This conflict resulted in the expulsion of Native Americans.
Growth of tobacco
Tobacco became the most profitable crop for the English colonies in North America. It was cultivated on large plantations, which led to the growth of the slave trade.
Great Awakening
In the 1730s and 1740s, a religious revival known as the Great Awakening swept through the colonies. Preachers such as George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards preached a message of salvation and inspired a renewed sense of religious fervor.
French and Indian War
The French and Indian War (1754-1763) was fought between the French and British in North America, with Native American allies on both sides. The war ended with the Treaty of Paris, which gave Britain control of much of North America. The war also left Britain heavily in debt, leading to tensions with the colonies over taxation and representation.
Bacon's Rebellion
In 1676, Nathaniel Bacon led a rebellion against Virginia's colonial government, which was seen as corrupt and oppressive. The rebellion highlighted tensions between settlers and Native Americans, as well as tensions between the colony's wealthy elite and poor farmers.
French and Indian War
The French and Indian War (1754-1763) was fought between the French and British in North America, with Native American allies on both sides. The war ended with the Treaty of Paris, which gave Britain control of much of North America.
Stamp Act
In 1765, the British Parliament passed the Stamp Act, which imposed a tax on all printed materials in the colonies. This was the first direct tax on the colonies, and it sparked widespread protests and boycotts.
Boston Tea Party
In 1773, a group of Boston colonists disguised themselves as Native Americans and boarded British tea ships in Boston Harbor, dumping over 300 chests of tea into the water. This act of protest was in response to the Tea Act, which gave the British East India Company a monopoly on tea sales in the colonies.
Declaration of Independence
In 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, which declared the 13 American colonies to be free and independent states.
American Revolution
The American Revolution (1775-1783) was a war between the 13 American colonies and Britain. The war ended with the Treaty of Paris, which recognized American independence and established the boundaries of the new United States
Constitutional Convention
In 1787, delegates from the states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of Confederation. Instead, they drafted a new constitution that established a stronger federal government with a separation of powers and a system of checks and balances.
Bill of Rights
In 1791, the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified. The Bill of Rights established fundamental rights and protections for American citizens, including freedom of speech, religion, and the press, and the right to a fair trial.
Louisiana Purchase
In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Territory from France, which doubled the size of the United States.
War of 1812
The War of 1812 (1812-1815) was fought between the United States and Britain, primarily over trade restrictions and British support for Native American resistance. The war ended in a stalemate but helped to boost American nationalism and pride.
Era of Good Feelings
After the War of 1812, the United States experienced a period of national unity and economic growth known as the Era of Good Feelings. However, this period was also marked by growing sectional tensions over issues such as tariffs and slavery.
Market Revolution
During the 19th century, the United States underwent a period of rapid economic transformation known as the Market Revolution. This period was characterized by technological innovations, the growth of industry and commerce, and the expansion of transportation networks.
Jacksonian Democracy
In the 1820s and 1830s, President Andrew Jackson and his supporters championed the expansion of democracy, including the extension of voting rights to white male non-landowners.
Mexican-American War
The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) was fought between the United States and Mexico over disputes about the Texas-Mexico border. The war ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which gave the United States control of much of the Southwest and California.
Monroe Doctrine
In 1823, President James Monroe issued the Monroe Doctrine, which warned European powers not to interfere in the affairs of the Western Hemisphere. The doctrine became a cornerstone of American foreign policy.