American History

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Introduction

American history is the study of the history and culture of the United States, from its earliest inhabitants to the present day. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including the colonial period, the Revolution and early National Government, westward expansion, industrialization and Immigration, World War II and the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War, the modern era, and contemporary issues.

Colonial Period (1492-1776)

  • The first European explorer to reach North America was Juan Ponce de León in 1513.
  • The Spanish established the first permanent settlement at St. Augustine, Florida in 1565.
  • In 1607, the English established Jamestown, Virginia, which would become a major hub for American colonization.
  • The Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620 and established Plymouth Colony.

Revolutionary War (1775-1783)

  • The war was sparked by a tax on sugar and other goods imposed by the British government.
  • The Continental Army, led by George Washington, fought against the British army.
  • The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, declaring independence from Britain.

Early National Period (1783-1828)

Westward Expansion (1828-1860)

  • The Louisiana Purchase of 1803 doubled the size of the United States.
  • The Mexican-American War resulted in significant territorial gains, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and parts of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming.

Industrialization and Immigration (1860-1914)

  • The Civil War had a devastating impact on the United States, resulting in the loss of life and widespread destruction.
  • The late 19th century saw significant industrialization and Immigration from Europe.
  • The Homestead Act of 1862 allowed settlers to claim land for free.

World War I and the Roaring Twenties (1914-1929)

  • The United States entered World War I in 1917, joining the Allied powers.
  • The war ended with the signing of the Armistice of November 11, 1918.
  • The Roaring Twenties were marked by significant cultural and social changes.

The Great Depression and World War II (1929-1945)

  • The stock market crash of 1929 led to the Great Depression, a period of severe economic downturn.
  • President Franklin D. Roosevelt implemented a series of policies known as the New Deal.
  • In 1939, Germany invaded Poland, marking the beginning of World War II.

Cold War and Civil Rights Movement (1945-1980)

  • The United States emerged from World War II with a strong global presence.
  • The Cold War rivalry between the Soviet Union and the United States lasted for over 40 years.
  • The Civil Rights Movement, led by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, sought to end racial segregation and inequality.

Modern Era (1980-Present)

  • The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked a significant turning point in the Cold War.
  • The Gulf War in 1991 was fought between Iraq and a coalition of countries led by the United States.
  • The September 11 attacks in 2001 had a profound impact on global politics.

Contemporary Issues

  • The War on Terror, launched after the 9⁄11 attacks, has resulted in significant military interventions around the world.
  • The ongoing conflict in Afghanistan and Syria continues to be a major concern for the United States.
  • The #MeToo movement and other social justice movements have pushed for greater awareness and action on issues such as workplace harassment and police brutality.

Timeline

Colonial Period

  • 1492: Christopher Columbus arrives in the New World.
  • 1607: The English establish Jamestown, Virginia.
  • 1620: The Pilgrims land at Plymouth Rock.
  • 1775: The American Revolutionary War begins.
  • 1783: The Articles of Confederation are ratified.

Revolutionary War

  • April 19, 1775: Battles of Lexington and Concord begin.
  • July 4, 1776: The Declaration of Independence is signed.
  • January 31, 1781: The Treaty of Paris is signed, ending the war.

Early National Period

  • June 21, 1787: The United States Constitution is drafted.
  • September 17, 1787: The Constitutional Convention meets in Philadelphia.
  • December 14, 1787: The Articles of Confederation are ratified.

Westward Expansion

  • February 28, 1850: The Kansas-Nebraska Act is signed, leading to the formation of pro-Slavery and anti-Slavery factions.
  • March 2, 1861: The American Civil War begins with the Battle of Fort Sumter.
  • January 31, 1863: President Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation.

Industrialization and Immigration

  • 1848: California is admitted as a state.
  • 1877: The US Census Bureau reports that there are over 50 million Americans.
  • 1889: Thomas Edison patents the light bulb.

Glossary

  • American Revolutionary War: A conflict fought between the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Thirteen Colonies in North America from 1775 to 1783.
  • Articles of Confederation: The first Constitution of the United States, adopted by Congress in 1781.
  • Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the US Constitution, ratified in 1791.
  • Civil War: A conflict fought between the Union (the northern states) and the Confederacy (the southern states) from 1861 to 1865.
  • Emancipation Proclamation: President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation issued on January 1, 1863, declaring all slaves in Confederate territory to be free.
  • “A History of the United States” by Ronald C. White Jr.
  • “The American Dream” by David M. Kennedy
  • “Roosevelt and Churchill: How Four Leaders Changed the World” by David M. Kennedy

Further Reading

  • The Library of Congress’s American Memory collection includes a wealth of primary sources, including documents, letters, and photographs from key events in US history.
  • The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) provides access to historical records, including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Primary Sources

Secondary Sources

  • “A History of the United States” by Ronald C. White Jr.
  • “The American Dream” by David M. Kennedy
  • “Roosevelt and Churchill: How Four Leaders Changed the World” by David M. Kennedy

Online Resources

  • The Library of Congress’s website features a wealth of information on US history, including articles, images, and primary sources.
  • The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) provides access to historical records, including documents related to the American Revolution and the Civil War.

Visuals

Additional Resources

  • The National Museum of American History’s website features a collection of artifacts related to US history, including the First Ladies’ Inaugural Gowns and the Original Star-Spangled Banner.
  • The Smithsonian Institution’s website provides access to educational resources, including lesson plans and interactive exhibits on US history.