APUSH Key Dates and Events in Early American History (1491-1877) - Semester 1

1492

Europeans become aware (Columbus) of a world new to them; Columbian exchange across the Atlantic begins.

1494

The Treaty of Tordesillas divides Spanish and Portuguese claims to the Americas.

1525

The transatlantic slave trade begins expanding.

1588

English defeat of the Spanish Armada

1607

Founding of Jamestown (first permanent English colony)

1619

Jamestown settlers established the first elected legislature (House of Burgesses) in the English Colonies & first enslaved Africans brought to Virginia from Dutch settlers.

1620

Pilgrims land in Plymouth, founding New England Colony

1664

The British capture Dutch New Amsterdam, which becomes New York.

1676

King Phillip's War marks Native Americans' resistance to colonization. Beacon's rebellion occurs in Virginia over settlement claims and expansion

1692

Salem Witch Trials

1733

Georgia, the final British colony is established.

1739

the largest and most significant slave rebellions (Stono Rebellion) in British North America in South Carolina occurs.

1754

Start of the 7 Years War (French and Indian War) / Albany Plan of Union proposed by Benjamin Franklin

1763

Britain's Proclamation of 1763 limits colonial westward expansion.

1766

British Parliament passes Declaratory Act after repeal of controversial Stamp Act that states that Parliament can tax colonists and make laws for the colonies "in all cases whatsoever."

1776

The Declaration of Independence marks separation from Great Britain.

1781

Articles of Confederation ratified and first attempt of a US government established; Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown

1783

Treaty of Paris ends Revolutionary War

1787

The passage of the Northwest Ordinance expands the new nation.

1788

The Constitution ratified, and a new government begins to form replacing Articles of Confederation.

1791

Bill of Rights ratified by states

1794

Washington sends 15,000 federal troops, as a symbolic show of force, to end local whiskey distillers and corn farmers of Pennsylvania's open rebellion against new federal government. Ends with little violence. Known as Whiskey Rebellion.

1796

Washington's gives his Farewell Address warning of not getting involved with European affairs, not making permanent alliances, and not forming political parties.

1800

After heated election, the Federalists hand over power peacefully to newly elected Democratic-Republican president Thomas Jefferson. Known as the "Revolution of 1800."

1803

Purchase of Louisiana from France doubles the US size; In Marbury v. Madison the Supreme Court first rules a law unconstitutional.

1804

US explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set out to explore Louisiana Territory from St. Louis, MO; Hamilton is killed in duel with Aaron Burr.

1808

Congress prohibits the importation of enslaved people

1812

The US begins its second conflict with Great Britain, resulting in little but US gains European respect (Officially ends in 1815).

1814

Britain sets fire to White House and burns other government buildings to the ground; Francis Scott Key writes the Star Spangled Banner at the Battle of Fort McHenry.

1820

Congress prohibits the expansion of slavery into the Louisiana Territory north of latitude 36" 30'. Known as the Missouri Compromise.

1823

President Monroe warns Europeans to stay out of Western Hemisphere affairs. Known as the Monroe Doctrine.

1825

Erie Canal completed

1828

Election of Andrew Jackson and soon thereafter an increase in tariffs prices is proposed and passes in Congress with South Carolina threatening to ignore federal law arguing in favor states' right theory.

1831

A slave revolt led by Nat Turner is crushed, but it scares slaveowners.

1838

The government forces American Indians to move west on the Trail of Tears

1846

The Mexican-American War begins; is fought over claims to the southern boundary of Texas (Officially ends in 1848)

1848

Seneca Falls Convention is held with aims to address the social, civil, and religious rights of women.

1849

Gold discovered in California bringing 100,000 new settlers soon there after. Petitions to be admitted as a free state sparking heated debates in Congress.

1850

Congress agrees to controversial compromises on slavery including the strengthening of the Fugitive Slave Act.

1852

Publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin ignites wide criticism of slavery.

1854

Kansas Nebraska Act & "Bleeding Kansas;" Republican Party Formed

1857

The Dred Scott Supreme Court case and decision opens ALL territories to slavery, ending Missouri Compromise of 1820.

1859

John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry, Virginia, hoping to inspire slave uprisings.

1860

Abraham Lincoln elected president in close election frightening slaveowners. South Carolina becomes first state to secede from Union.

1861

South Carolina's Confederate forces attack Union military garrison, Fort Sumpter, in Charleston harbor, beginning Civil War.

1863

Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, which frees some enslaved people.

1865

Abraham Lincoln becomes first US president to be assassinated. Ratification of 13th Amendment ends slavery.

1866

Ratification pf the 14th Amendment extends citizenship to everyone born in the United States; Andrew Johnson becomes first president to be impeached, is not removed from office in Senate by one vote.

1869

Ratification of the 15th Amendment bans racial discrimination in voting.

1877

After contested election, Democrats make deal with Republicans to elect Republican candidate Rutherford B. Hayes to presidency in exchange to remove federal military from southern states. Marks end of Reconstruction.