8th Grade U.S. History: Colonization to Revolution

• 8th grade U.S. History typically spans from colonization to Reconstruction.

Exploration and Colonization (1492–1763)

• European exploration was spearheaded by figures like Columbus and explorers from Spain, France, and England.
• The English established 13 colonies along the east coast of what would become the United States.
• Colonial life and economy differed significantly between the New England, Middle, and Southern Colonies.
• Colonists interacted with Native Americans, often resulting in conflict and displacement.
• The Transatlantic Slave Trade led to the forced migration of Africans to the Americas via the Middle Passage.
• Early forms of self-government emerged, such as the Mayflower Compact and the House of Burgesses.

American Revolution (1763–1783)

• The Revolution was fueled by grievances over taxation, protests, and acts like the Boston Tea Party and Intolerable Acts.
• Key figures include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and King George III.
• The Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, formally proclaiming the colonies' separation from Britain.
• Major battles included Lexington & Concord, Saratoga, and Yorktown.
• The Treaty of Paris in 1783 officially ended the war, recognizing American independence.

The Constitution and Early Government (1783–1800)

• The Articles of Confederation suffered from significant weaknesses, prompting its replacement.
• The Constitutional Convention produced the Great Compromise and the 3/5 Compromise to resolve disputes over representation.
• Federalists and Anti-Federalists debated the merits of the new Constitution.
• The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution to protect individual liberties.
• George Washington set important precedents as the first president, outlined in his Farewell Address.
• Political parties emerged, most notably the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.

The New Nation & Westward Expansion (1800–1850s)

• The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 doubled the size of the United States and was explored by the Lewis & Clark Expedition.
• The War of 1812 was caused by British violations of American maritime rights; its effects included a surge in nationalism.
• The Monroe Doctrine declared U.S. opposition to European interference in the Americas.
• The Industrial Revolution brought significant economic and social changes.
• Westward expansion was driven by Manifest Destiny, leading to events like the Trail of Tears, Texas Independence, the Oregon Trail, and the Gold Rush.

Sectionalism and Reform Movements (1820s–1850s)

• The Missouri Compromise attempted to address the growing divide over slavery.
• The Abolitionist Movement, led by figures like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, sought to end slavery through efforts like the Underground Railroad.
• The Women’s Rights Movement advocated for gender equality, with key events like Seneca Falls and leaders like Susan B. Anthony.
• Reform movements also targeted temperance, education, and prison reform.

The Civil War (1861–1865)

• The Civil War was caused by disagreements over slavery, states’ rights, and sectionalism.
• Key events included the attack on Fort Sumter, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the Battle of Gettysburg.
• Important leaders included Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, and Jefferson Davis.
• The war had profound effects on American society, politics, and the economy.

Reconstruction (1865–1877)

• The 13th Amendment abolished slavery, the 14th Amendment granted citizenship and equal protection, and the 15th Amendment protected voting rights.
• The Freedmen’s Bureau was established to assist formerly enslaved people.
• Black Codes and Jim Crow Laws were enacted to restrict the rights of African Americans.
• Reconstruction plans varied, including Lincoln’s Plan, Johnson’s Plan, and Radical Reconstruction.
• The Compromise of 1877 effectively ended Reconstruction, leading to the withdrawal of federal troops from the South.

Overview of U.S. History from 1492-1783, covering European exploration, colonization, and the American Revolution. Key events include the establishment of 13 colonies, interactions with Native Americans, the Transatlantic Slave Trade, and early forms of self-government.