APUSH events

The Columbian Exchange (1492-1700s)

the widespread transfer of plants, animals, people, diseases, and ideas between the Old World and the New World, reshaping global diets, economies, populations, and ecosystems. Native Americans suffered from European diseases

Spanish Encomienda System 1500s-1700s

Granted Spanish settlers the right to extract labor and tribute from Indigenous peoples in exchange for supposed protection and Christianization, leading to widespread exploitation and contributing to the decimation of Native populations

Founding of Jamestown 1607

First permanent English settlement in North America, established in Virginia by the Virginia Company, and marked the beginning of England's colonial presence in the New World, despite early struggles with disease, starvation, and conflict with Native Americans

The "Starving Time" 1609-1610

Settlers in Jamestown weren't used to working so that they could eat and so they began to starve. Some resorted to canibilism and others joined nearby tribes.

Founding of Plymouth 1620

Established by English Pilgrims seeking religious freedom, who signed the Mayflower Compact to create a self-governing colony; Plymouth became an early model of colonial self-rule and cooperation with Native Americans like the Wampanoag

Triangular Trade 1600s-1700s

Transatlantic trading system in which goods, enslaved Africans, and raw materials were exchanged between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, fueling colonial economies and the growth of the Atlantic slave trade.

The Enlightenment 1600s-1700s

An intellectual movement in Europe that emphasized reason, individual rights, secularism, and scientific thought, deeply influencing political revolutions, democratic ideals, and the founding principles of the United States

Bacon's Rebellion 1676

A rebellion lead by Nathaniel Bacon with backcountry farmers to attack Native Americans in an attemp to gain more land

Glorious Revolution in England 1688

The English overthrew King James II and replaced him with William and Mary

King Philip's War 1675-76

A conflict between New England colonists and Native American Groups allied under leadership of Wampanoag chief Metacom - marked the end of major Native resistance

Salem witchcraft trials 1692

Trials in Salem Massachusetts in 1691, that led to the deaths of twenty people after young girls charged people with practicing witchcraft (reflects religious extremism)

The Great Awakening 1730s-40s

This was a major religious revival in the colonies, which began in the 1730's with its leader being Jonathan Edwards.

Stono Uprising 1739

The first and most successful slave rebellion. It took place 70 years after slavery began in America. Led to harsher slave codes and fear of slave resistance

French and Indian War/Seven Years War 1756-63

Global conflict between major European powers; it ended with British victory and the Treaty of Paris, greatly expanding British territorial claims but also straining its finances, which led to increased colonial taxation and tensions that fueled the American Revolution

The Townshend Acts 1767

They imposed duties on imported goods like glass, paper, paint, and tea in the American colonies, aiming to raise revenue for Britain; the acts intensified colonial resistance and helped spark organized boycotts and protests leading up to the American Revolution.

The Boston Massacre 1770

A violent confrontation in which British soldiers fired into a crowd of colonists, killing five; the incident was used as powerful propaganda by revolutionaries to fuel anti-British sentiment and build support for independence

The Intolerable Acts 1774

They were a series of punitive laws imposed by Britain in response to the Boston Tea Party, including the Boston Port Act and the Massachusetts Government Act, which closed Boston Harbor and restricted colonial self-government; these acts outraged colonists and helped unify them against British rule, leading directly to the First Continental Congress.

Boston Tea Party 1773

demonstration by citizens of Boston who (disguised as Indians) raided three British ships in Boston harbor and dumped hundreds of chests of tea into the harbor

First Continental Congress 1774

A gathering of delegates from twelve colonies (excluding Georgia) in response to the Intolerable Acts, where they coordinated a colonial boycott of British goods and asserted colonial rights

Second Continental Congress 1775

Managed the colonial war effort during the American Revolution, appointed George Washington as commander of the Continental Army, and ultimately adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776, formally breaking from British rule.

The Articles of Confederation 1781

They served as the first constitution of the United States, creating a weak central government with limited powers, which struggled to address national issues like taxation and interstate trade—leading to its eventual replacement by the U.S. Constitution in 1789.

The Treaty of Paris 1783

Officially ended the war between the United States and Great Britain, recognized American independence, and granted the U.S. significant western territory, establishing its borders from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River

Annapolis Convention 1786

A convention held in to consider problems of trade and navigation, attended by five states and important because it issued the call to Congress and the states for what became the Constitutional Convention

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

Set rules for creating new states from the Northwest Territory, banned slavery there, and guaranteed basic rights, laying the foundation for U.S. westward expansion.

The Three-Fifths Compromise 1787

An agreement at the Constitutional Convention to count enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for purposes of taxation and representation, giving slaveholding states more political power.

Hamilton's Financial Plan (1790-1791)

Aimed to strengthen the national economy by assuming state debts, creating a national bank, and promoting industry through tariffs and excise taxes, laying the foundation for federal economic power.

The Louisiana Purchase (1803)

A land deal in which the U.S. bought over 800,000 square miles from France, doubling the nation's size and securing control of the Mississippi River and New Orleans. It accelerated westward expansion, strengthened U.S. influence in North America, and set a precedent for future land acquisitions—even though it challenged Jefferson's strict interpretation of the Constitution.

War of 1812 (1812-1815)

Fought between the U.S. and Britain over issues like British impressment of American sailors, interference with trade, and support for Native resistance. Though the war ended in a stalemate with the Treaty of Ghent, it boosted American nationalism, weakened Native American resistance, and helped launch the “Era of Good Feelings.”

The Panic of 1819

The first major economic crisis in U.S. history, triggered by land speculation, a collapse in cotton prices, and tight credit from the Second Bank of the U.S. It led to widespread bank failures, foreclosures, and unemployment, sparking public distrust in banks and revealing the instability of the young nation's economy.

The Monroe Doctrine (1823)

A U.S. foreign policy statement declaring that European powers should not colonize or interfere in the Americas. In return, the U.S. would stay out of European affairs. It asserted U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere and became a cornerstone of American foreign policy.

The Battle of Antietem 1862

the first major battle in the American Civil War to take place on Northern soil. It was the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with almost 23,000 casualties. After this "win" for the North, Lincoln announced the Emancipation Proclamation

The Emancipation Amendments

The 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments were passed after the Civil War to expand freedom and civil rights. The 13th ended slavery, the 14th granted citizenship and equal protection, and the 15th banned racial discrimination in voting. Together, they aimed to secure legal equality for formerly enslaved people.

Atlanta Exposition/Compromise

the speech given by Booker T. Washington at the Atlanta Cotton Expo was known as this compromise; his major philosophy in this was accommodation, not integration; he felt that blacks needed to strive to be totally successful and yet totally separate from the white community

Battle of New Orleans

battle in 1815 between american and british troops for control of New Orleans, ending in an american victory

Boston Massacre

The first bloodshed of the Amercan Revolution, as British guards at the Boston Customs House opened fire on a crowd killing five americans

Boxer rebellion

A rebellion of traditionalist Chinese people who wanted to throw the foreigners out

Chesapeake Affair

British warship fired on US warship off Virginia's coast, killing three Americans; resulted in high anti-British sentiment (1807)

Compromise of 1877

Ended Reconstruction. Republicans promise 1) Remove military from South, 2) Appoint Democrat to cabinet (David Key postmaster general), 3) Federal money for railroad construction and levees on Mississippi river

Constitutional Convention of 1787

Delegates met to revise the Articles of Confederation, but ultimately decided to write the Constitution as a replacement.

Credit Mobilier Scandal

1872 illegal manipulation of contracts by a construction and finance company associated with the building of the Union Pacific Railroad

"Cross of Gold" Speech

An impassioned address by William Jennings Bryan at the 1896 Deomcratic Convention, in which he attacked the "gold bugs" who insisted that U.S. currency be backed only with gold.

"Era of Good Feelings" 1815-1825

The Era of Good Feelings (1815-1825) was a period of relative political unity and national pride following the War of 1812, marked by the dominance of the Democratic-Republican Party and the decline of the Federalists. However, underlying tensions over slavery, tariffs, and sectionalism would soon disrupt this harmony.

The Missouri Compromise (1820)

An agreement to maintain the balance between free and slave states by admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, and banning slavery north of the 36°30′ line in the Louisiana Territory. It temporarily eased sectional tensions but foreshadowed future conflicts over slavery’s expansion.

The Election of 1824

A controversial race in which no candidate won a majority, so the House of Representatives chose John Quincy Adams over Andrew Jackson—despite Jackson winning the most votes. When Adams then made Henry Clay his Secretary of State, Jackson's supporters denounced it as a "corrupt bargain," fueling the rise of Jacksonian democracy.

The Democratic Party (began 1820s),

Emerged from the split of the Democratic-Republican Party after the contentious Election of 1824. It was formally organized by Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren to support Jackson's populist vision of government for the "common man," emphasizing states' rights, limited federal power, and expanded white male suffrage.

Pet Banks

State banks where President Andrew Jackson placed federal funds after he vetoed the recharter of the Second Bank of the U.S. in 1832. These banks, loyal to Jackson, often made risky loans, contributing to inflation and the Panic of 1837.

The Panic of 1837

A major economic crisis triggered by the collapse of state "pet banks," falling cotton prices, and Jackson's banking policies, including the Specie Circular (gold/silver payments forced). It led to widespread bank failures, unemployment, and a deep recession during Martin Van Buren's presidency.

The Filipino Insurrection/Philippine-American War (1899-1902)

Emilio Aguinaldo led a Filipino movement for independence in 1896, and wrote constitution when Spain surrendered. When US received Philippines, they tried to fight again, but the U.S. brutally suppressed the rebellion, exposing the contradictions of America's claims to promote democracy abroad.

German and Irish immigration

Wave of German/Irish immigration in 1840s-50s that was met with wave of resentment due to competition for jobs. Irish especially, for Catholicism.

Nat Turner's Rebellion (1831)

A violent slave uprising in Virginia, led by enslaved preacher Nat Turner, that resulted in the deaths of around 60 white people. The revolt was quickly suppressed, but it terrified slaveholders and led to harsher slave laws and increased repression across the South.

The Gag Rule (1836-1844)

A series of Congressional resolutions that automatically tabled anti-slavery petitions without discussion, aiming to silence debate over slavery. It outraged abolitionists and was eventually repealed due to opposition from figures like John Quincy Adams, who saw it as a violation of free speech and the right to petition.

Gold Rush in California 1848

When gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill in California, sparking a massive migration of fortune-seekers known as "forty-niners." It fueled rapid westward expansion, boosted the U.S. economy, and helped California achieve statehood by 1850, but also led to the displacement and suffering of Native peoples.

The Compromise of 1850

A set of laws aimed at easing sectional tensions over slavery. It admitted California as a free state, allowed popular sovereignty in Utah and New Mexico, ended the slave trade in D.C., and passed a strict Fugitive Slave Act, which angered the North and deepened national divisions.

The Seneca Falls Convention (1848)

The first major women's rights convention in U.S. history, held in New York. Led by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, it produced the Declaration of Sentiments, demanding equal rights for women—including the right to vote—marking the start of the organized women's suffrage movement.

Great Migration

movement of over 300,000 African American from the rural south into Northern cities between 1914 and 1920

Hartford Convention 1814-1815

Meeting by Federalists dissatisfied with the war of 1812 to draft a new Constitution and limit federal power; resulted in seemingly traitorous Federalist party's collapse

Haymarket Square Riot

A demonstration of striking laborers in Chicago in 1886 that turned violent, killing a dozen people and injuring over a hundred.

Homestead Strike

It was one of the most violent strikes in U.S. history. It was against the Homestead Steel Works, which was part of the Carnegie Steel Company, in Pennsylvania in retaliation against wage cuts. The riot was ultimately put down by Pinkerton Police and the state militia, and the violence further damaged the image of unions.

The Underground Railroad

A secret network of safe houses and escape routes used by enslaved people to flee to freedom, mainly in the North and Canada, during the early to mid-1800s. Led by abolitionists like Harriet Tubman, it defied slavery laws and became a powerful symbol of resistance against the slave system.

Indian Removal Act (1830)

Passed by Congress under the Jackson administration, this act removed all Indians east of the Mississippi to an "Indian Territory" where they would be "permanently" housed.

The Whig Party (began 1830s)

In opposition to President Andrew Jackson, viewed as abusing executive power. Led by figures like Henry Clay and Daniel Webster, the Whigs supported Congressional supremacy, a national bank, internal improvements, and a protective tariff, appealing to business interests and reform-minded voters.

King George's War

1744 and 1748. England and Spain were in conflict with French. New England captured French Bastion at Louisburg on Cape Brenton Island. Had to abandon it once peace treaty ended conflict.

Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)

A Supreme Court case in which the Court ruled that enslaved people were not citizens and had no right to sue, and that Congress could not ban slavery in the territories. The decision outraged the North, pleased the South, and further inflamed tensions leading to the Civil War.

Lincoln-Douglas Debates

1858 Senate Debate, Lincoln forced Douglas to debate issue of slavery, Douglas supported pop-sovereignty, Lincoln asserted that slavery should not spread to territories, Lincoln emerged as strong Republican candidate

The Election of 1860

Abraham Lincoln won as the Republican candidate, despite winning no Southern states. The Democratic Party split between Stephen Douglas and John C. Breckinridge, dividing the vote. Lincoln's win led to the secession of Southern states and directly triggered the Civil War.

Maysville Road Veto

A veto by Jackson that prevented the Maysville road from being funded by federal money since it only benefited Kentucky. This was a blow to Clay's American System, and it irritated the West.

Mexican-American War 1846-48

Fought after the U.S. annexed Texas and disputed the border with Mexico. The U.S. won and, through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, gained a vast amount of land—including California, Arizona, New Mexico, and more—fulfilling Manifest Destiny but intensifying tensions over the expansion of slavery.

Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854)

Allowed settlers in Kansas and Nebraska territories to decide slavery through popular sovereignty, effectively repealing the Missouri Compromise. It led to violent conflict known as “Bleeding Kansas,” deepened sectional divisions, and helped spark the formation of the Republican Party.

Pullman Strike

in Chicago, Pullman cut wages but refused to lower rents in the "company town", Eugene Debs had American Railway Union refuse to use Pullman cars, Debs thrown in jail after being sued, strike achieved nothing

Reform Movements

Work to change society for the better. Focused on improving conditions for the poor, enslaved, imprisoned, women, and disabled.

Second Great Awakening

A series of religious revivals starting in 1801, based on Methodism and Baptism. Stressed a religious philosophy of salvation through good deeds and tolerance for all Protestant sects. The revivals attracted women, Blacks, and Native Americans.

Seneca Falls Convention

Kicked off the equal-rights-for-women campaign led by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony (1848)

Seward Purchase of Alaska

Secretary of State William Seward signed a treaty with Russia giving Alaska to the United States for $7.2 million (1867).

Shays' Rebellion 1786

Led by Daniel Shays it was a protest against the land being taken away and the taxes that they had just worked so hard to get rid of

Sherman's march through Georgia

Sherman decided to send a blocking force under George H. Thomas to stop Confederate moves northward. Breaking his lines of communication, he would fan out his army and set off for Savannah, Georgia, on a giant raid that became known as the march to the sea, carving a wide swath through the Georgia countryside on his way.

Sioux Wars

lasted from 1876-1877 b/t Sioux Indians and white men; led by Sitting Bull; American Officer -Custer killed at the battle at Little Bighorn. Indians defeated by U.S.

South Carolina Exposition and Protest

In 1828 Calhoun anonymously wrote this widely circulated book which he spelled out his argument that the tariff of 1828 was unconstitutional and that aggrieved states therefore had the right to nullify the law within their borders.

South Carolina Ordinance of Nullification

When faced with the protective Tariff of 1828, John Calhoun presented a theory in the South Carolina Exposition and Protest (1828) that federal tariffs could be declared null and void by individual states and that they could refuse to enforce them, SC passed an ordinance forbidding collection of tariff duties in the state

Spanish-American War 1898

War fought between the US and Spain in Cuba and the Philippines. It lasted less than 3 months and resulted in Cuba's independence as well as the US annexing Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

Stamp Act Crisis

Tax on stamps and printed materials in colonies to pay for keeping troops there and paying off war debts angered many colonists because of taxation without representation and led to protesting and violence; often by the Sons of Liberty.

Swing Around the Circle

speaking campaign of US President Andrew Johnson in which he tried to gain support of his mild Reconstruction policies

Trail of Tears 1830s

The tragic journey of the cherokee people from their home land to indian territory between 1838 and 1839, thousands of cherokees died.

Tripoli War

war with a Barbary state concerning America's refusal to pay a fee to pass through the Mediterranean

U.S.S. Maine

Ship that explodes off the coast of Cuba in Havana harbor and helps contribute to the start of the Spanish-American War

The Tariff of Abominations (1828)

A high protective tariff that angered the South, especially South Carolina, which saw it as economically harmful and unfairly favoring Northern industries. It led to the Nullification Crisis

The Nullification Crisis (1832-1833)

A conflict between South Carolina and the federal government over high tariffs; South Carolina claimed states could nullify federal laws, but President Andrew Jackson asserted federal supremacy, averting secession with a compromise tariff

Uncle Tom's Cabin 1852

Written by Harriet Beecher Stowe in 1853 that highly influenced england's view on the American Deep South and slavery. a novel promoting abolition. intensified sectional conflict.

Jay's Treaty 1794

was a deal between the U.S. and Britain to ease post-Revolution tensions. It got the British to leave forts in the Northwest Territory but didn't stop them from seizing American ships or impressing sailors, leading to strong backlash from many Americans.

The Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)

Four laws passed by the Federalists under President John Adams that expanded government power to deport immigrants and punish critics of the government; they were widely seen as violations of free speech and sparked strong opposition from Democratic-Republicans.

The Quasi-War 1798-1800

An undeclared naval conflict between the U.S. and France, triggered by the XYZ Affair and French attacks on American ships. France saw Jay's Treaty (1794)—which improved U.S.-British relations—as a betrayal, worsening tensions and leading to the conflict. The war prompted a U.S. naval buildup and ended with a peace agreement under President John Adams.

Union Pacific and Central Pacific joined/transcontinental line

Central Pacific and Union Pacific lines met at Ogden, Utah, creating the first transcontinental railroad line.

Whiskey Rebellion 1794

In 1794, farmers in Pennsylvania rebelled against Hamilton's excise tax on whiskey. In October, 1794, the army, led by Washington, put down the rebellion. This showed the consitution's strength compared to the Articles of Confederation.

XYZ Affair 1797

An insult to the American delegation when they were supposed to be meeting French foreign minister, Talleyrand, but instead they were sent 3 officials Adams called "X,Y, and Z" that demanded $250,000 as a bribe to see Talleyrand. Outraged Americans and leading to calls for war, which sparked the undeclared Quasi-War with France

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Established judicial review, giving the Supreme Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional. The case arose after President John Adams appointed last-minute "Midnight Judges," and William Marbury sued when Jefferson's Secretary of State, James Madison, refused to deliver his commission.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

A landmark Supreme Court case that upheld the constitutionality of the national bank and declared that states could not tax federal institutions. It established the principles of implied powers and federal supremacy, strengthening the power of the national government.

Army-McCarthy Hearings

a series of hearings where Senator McCarthy accused people in the US military of being communists

Berlin Blockade and Airlift

Stalin's attempt to block access to Berlin. Truman sent a huge airlift to Berlin with food, fuel, and equipment to stock the City with supplies.

Bonus Expeditionary Force

thousands of WWI veterans, who insisted on immediate payment of their bonus certificates, they marched on Washington in 1932, violence ensured when President Hoover ordered their ten villages cleared

Cold War

A conflict that was between the US and the Soviet Union. The nations never directly confronted eachother on the battlefield but deadly threats went on for years.

Court Packing

Where FDR tried to add more members to the Supreme Court to pass his programs.