Pre-Ap History Winter Exam

1607

The first English settlement was Jamestown. It was the first lasting English settlement in North America. It was significant because it laid the foundation for a future expansion and exploration

1619

1.) Virginia’s colonists established the House of Burgesses. It was the first elected law, making body in America. It was the beginning of representative government in America. It was significant because it fostered self governance, set a precedent for future political structures, and contributed to the evolving political identity of the universe.

1754

Seven years war began. It was significant because it expanded British territory In North America, removing French influence, And setting the stage for future colonial discontent that contributed to the American revolution by creating over frontier policies, and it increased British taxation to pay for their work costs. Ever broke out due to competition over Claims of the Ohio River Valley.

1763

Treaty of Paris: It ended the French + Indian war. It was significant because it altered the global balance of power as Britain gained significant North American territories. Proclamation of 1763: it was a line drawn by the British that made land west of the Appalachian Indian’s territory. It prohibited American colonists from settling west of that line to minimize conflicts with Native Americans.

1765

Stamp Act: it was passed by British Parliament to help pay for British troops stationed in the colonies during the 7 years war. Its purpose was to raise revenues to support new military force in Britain. It was significant because it marked an important step toward the unity of the colonies.

1773

Tea Act: it gave British merchants an unfair advantage in selling their tea in America. It was significant because it let the British East India Company sell tea in America without paying taxes, which angered the colonists.

1776

Declaration of independence: It was adopted by the continental Congress. It was significant because they gave America independence, put forth that all men were created equal, it gave people the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Thomas Paine’s Common Sense: it was significant because it independence from Britain and creation of democratic Republic. it also influence support of the American revolution.

1778

Revolutionary War: it was caused by colonial opposition to British attempts to impose greater control over the colonies and to make them repay the crown for its defense of them during the French + Indian War. It was significant because it resulted in the creation of the USA.

1783

Treaty of Paris: it was significant because it ended the Revolutionary War. It also recognized the U.S. as an independent nation.

1787

The Constitutional Convention: it met at the Philadelphia state house to revise the Articles of Confederation. It was significant because it framed a new government, which would include an executive, judiciary, and legislative comprise of 2 houses. It addressed the problems of the weak central government that existed under the Articles of Confederation.

1789

1.) First Congress: The 1st Congress of the US met in NYC then in Philadelphia. The Congress established a court system, created government departments, inaugurated the President, and passed the bill of rights. 2.) George Washington’s election: he was elected as the 1st president of the USA.

1791

Bill of Rights: the us ratified the bill of rights, the 1st 10 amendments of the constitution. It was significant because it gave citizens more confidence in the new government. James Madison wrote the amendments as a solution to limit government power and protect individual liberties through the Constitution.

1798

1.) Alien and Sedition Acts: it was passed by Congress. It restricted immigrants and free speech, sparking debate about government power versus individual rights. It was significant because it highlighted early American tensions between national security and liberty. 2.) Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions: it was a response to the Alien and Sedition Acts. They argued it was unconstitutional.

Colonial Era 1607-1763

This era marked the establishment and growth of the 13 colonies. Key events: foundation of Jamestown in 1607, introduction of tobacco cultivation, and king Philips war. It highlighted tensions between native Americans and colonists. This era ended with the French + Indian war, a significant conflict that reshaped territorial dynamics between Britain and France in North America.

Revolutionary Era 1763-1783

This era witnessed increasing tensions between Great Britain and its 13 colonies, fueled by issues like taxation without representation. Key figures: Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin played significant roles in the American Revolution, culminating in the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and treat of Paris in 1783, which formally recognized American independence. Major battles were Lexington and Concorde, Saratoga, and Yorktown.

Early Republic Era 1783-1815

This Era saw the establishment of the us government under the Constitution, with Washington as the 1st president. Key events: adoption of Bill of rights, whiskey rebellion, and the Louisiana purchase under president T. Jefferson, significantly expanding U.S. territory.