Eras Definitions

Pre-Columbian Era/ Age of Exploration

PC: Native American people groups in isolation before Columbus’s voyage
AE: European exploration of the New World. God, Gold, and Glory.

Colonial Era

Growth of British colonies in America. Salutary Neglect led to the development of self-government in the colonies

Revolutionary Era

After the end of the French and Indian War, Great Britain began taxing and imposing strict rule over the colonies. This led to opposition and rebellion

The Young Republic

The Articles of Confederation carried the US through the Revolution and the Constitution replaced it and was ratified in 1789. The country began to grow under Washington and with the help of the Federalist Marshall Court

War of 1812 —> Nationalism

The War of 1812 was fought against the British after continued impressment and the British were aiding the Native Americans. Technically a tie but Americans experienced intense nationalism following the war.

Age of Jackson

Birth of second 2 party system with the election of Jackson; Jackson represented the “common man” with universal white man suffrage.

Manifest Destiny

Focus on expanding American land to include the continental US because of a belief it is our God-given right and responsibility.

Sectionalism

The acquisition of land from Manifest Destiny accelerated the growing division between the North and South over states rights issue, economic interests, and the expansion of slavery.

Civil War

War between the Union and Confederacy over the state’s rights to maintain slavery.

Reconstruction

Time of rebuilding the South into the Union and integrating the formerly enslaved into society.

Gilded Age/Immigration/Industrialization/Urbanization

GA: A time of corrupt politics, especially at the municipal level.
I/I/U: Time of increased immigration from South and East Europe and the mechanization of labor causing a movement to cities for jobs. Time of increased growth of big business.

Populist Era —> Progressive Era

Populist: National People’s Party fought for more political power of the people, more government control, and mostly the free coinage of silver.

Progressive: Group of reformers who wanted to fix the problems caused by the Gilded Age and Industrialization. Brough change in political, social, and economic spheres but did not address civil rights.

Imperialism

America began to expand beyond its continental boundaries to take political or economic control of other countries

World War I

Global conflict sparked by militarism, secret alliances, imperialism, and nationalism. US joined to promote peace and spread democracy

Roaring ‘20s

Time of Republican presidents, increased consumerism, and increased gap between rich and poor. US desired isolationism but was a growing global power.

Great Depression —> New Deal

GD: When the US economy fell to deep depression due to overproduction in the economy, leading to record unemployment and bank failures.

ND: FDR attempted to bring immediate relief, recovery, and reform to the US economic system. Increased size and scope of federal government and changed its role in protecting social welfare.

WWII

When the US increased support and eventually joined the Allied efforts to end German and Japanese aggression.

Cold War (50s)

Period of high tension between the US and Soviet Union over Capitalism and Communism.

Cold War (60s)

Continued period of high tension between US and USSR over capitalism and communism. Kennedy’s administration hoped to reduce tensions of Eisenhower/Dulles Era.

Cold War (70s)

Continued period of high tension between US and USSR over capitalism and communism. Nixon’s policy of detente eased tensions for a little bit.

Rise of Modern Conservatism

Election of Reagan signals high ride of conservative movement that had been on the right of 1970s; Increased tensions in the Cold War led to the downfall of the USSR by 1991 and the end of the Cold War.

War on Terrorism/Globalization

American efforts to defeat terrorism through intelligence gathering and military involvement; growing global connectedness.