Key Dates in APUSH

1492

Year Columbus arrived in the New World, leading to increased trade between the Old World and the New World.

Roanoke Island

The site of England's first attempt to settle in North America, known as the Lost Colony.

Spanish Armada

The fleet defeated by the English in 1588, marking a shift in naval power.

Jamestown

The first permanent English settlement in North America, established in 1607.

Powhatan Confederacy

A group of Native American tribes in Virginia that aided Jamestown settlers.

Mayflower

The ship that brought Pilgrims to Plymouth in 1620.

Toleration Act of 1649

Granted religious freedom to Christians in Maryland, a step towards religious tolerance.

Glorious Revolution

The overthrow of James II in 1688, establishing William and Mary as joint monarchs.

Salem Witch Trials

A period of hysteria in 1692 involving accusations of witchcraft, resulting in many executions.

Seven Years’ War

Conflict from 1754–1763 between the British and the French over territorial disputes.

Proclamation of 1763

Forbade colonial settlement past the Appalachian Mountains, angering colonists.

Stamp Act

1765 legislation taxing goods produced within the colonies, leading to boycotts and protests.

Boston Massacre

Incident in 1770 where British soldiers killed five colonists, used as propaganda.

Boston Tea Party

1773 protest against tea taxes, leading to the Intolerable Acts.

Declaration of Independence

Document signed in 1776 articulating the principle of individual liberty and government responsibility.

Battle of Saratoga

A significant battle in 1777 that marked a turning point in the Revolutionary War.

Articles of Confederation

The first national constitution of the United States, adopted in 1777.

Franco American Alliance

Alliance negotiated by Ben Franklin in 1778, bringing French support to the colonies.

Battle of Yorktown

The final battle of the Revolutionary War in 1781, leading to British surrender.

Treaty of Paris

The agreement ending the Revolutionary War in 1783, granting independence to the United States.

Constitutional Convention

1787 meeting where the U.S. Constitution was drafted, including compromises on representation.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, added in 1791.

Louisiana Purchase

The acquisition of territory from France in 1803, doubling the size of the U.S.

War of 1812

Conflict fought between the United States and Britain from 1812 to 1815.

Monroe Doctrine

1823 policy asserting U.S. opposition to European colonialism in the Americas.

Indian Removal Act

1830 legislation that authorized the removal of Native Americans from their lands.

Manifest Destiny

The belief in the 19th century that the U.S. was destined to expand across North America.

Mexican-American War

Conflict from 1845 to 1848 resulting in the U.S. acquiring territories in the west.

Seneca Falls Convention

The first women's rights convention held in 1848, advocating for women's suffrage.

Fugitive Slave Law

1850 law that required the return of runaway slaves to their owners.

Dred Scott Decision

1857 Supreme Court ruling that declared African Americans were not citizens.

Lincoln's Election

1860 event that led to the Civil War as Southern states seceded.

Civil War

Conflict from 1861 to 1865 primarily over slavery and states' rights.

Emancipation Proclamation

1863 executive order freeing slaves in Confederate states.

Reconstruction Act of 1867

Legislation aimed at reintegrating Southern states following the Civil War.

Purchase of Alaska

1867 acquisition of territory from Russia, expanding U.S. land.

Little Bighorn

1876 battle where General Custer's forces were defeated by Native Americans.

Dawes Act

1887 legislation aimed at assimilating Native Americans by allotting them individual plots of land.

Spanish American War

1898 conflict resulting in U.S. control of territories such as Puerto Rico and the Philippines.

Platt Amendment

1901 provision that allowed the U.S. to intervene in Cuban affairs.

Reagan's Election

1980 event marking the beginning of a conservative era in U.S. politics.

Korean War

Conflict from 1950 to 1953 between North and South Korea, with U.S. involvement.

Civil Rights Act

1964 legislation outlawing discrimination based on race, color, religion, and gender.

Watergate Scandal

Political scandal involving President Nixon that led to his resignation in 1974.

Roe v. Wade

1973 Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion and establishing women's rights.