Colonial America and Indigenous Peoples

The first major battle of the American Revolution, fought on April 19, 1775, in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It marked the beginning of the armed conflict between the American colonists and Great Britain.

A pivotal battle in the American Revolution, fought on October 19, 1781, in Yorktown, Virginia. The British surrender at Yorktown marked a decisive victory for the Americans and led to the end of the war.

A crucial battle in the American Revolution, fought on December 26, 1776, in Trenton, New Jersey. George Washington's surprise attack on the Hessian forces resulted in a significant American victory, boosting morale and turning the tide of the war.

The turning point of the American Revolution, fought in 1777, in Saratoga, New York. The British surrender in Saratoga convinced European powers, particularly France, to support the American cause.

The commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, known for his leadership and perseverance. He is considered one of the most important figures in American history.

A British general who played a significant role in the American Revolution. He is best known for his surrender at the Battle of Yorktown, which effectively ended the war.

A massacre that occurred on March 5, 1770, on King Street in Boston. British soldiers fired upon a crowd of colonists, killing five people. It became a symbol of British oppression and fueled colonial resentment.

The first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1777 and in effect from 1781 to 1789. Established a 'league of friendship' between the 13 states, promoting state rights and limiting the power of the central government.

A system of government where power is divided between a national government and state governments. Both levels have their own specific powers.

A system of government with a single legislative body, where each state has equal vote.

The ability of a government to raise revenue through taxes. This power was absent from the Articles of Confederation, proving to be a major weakness.

The first ten amendments to the US Constitution, guaranteeing fundamental rights and liberties to the people. Often known as the 'Bill of Rights'.

The right to express oneself freely through words, writing, or actions without fear of government censorship.

The right to practice any religion, or no religion at all.

Protects individuals from being forced to testify against themselves in court.

The right to own and use firearms for self-defense and other lawful purposes.

Guarantees the right to a fair and speedy trial by jury.

Protects individuals from excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.

Ensures that the rights of citizens not specifically listed in the Constitution are still protected.

Defines the relationship between the federal government and the states, reserving powers not delegated to the federal government to the states.

Provides equal protection under the law for all citizens and guarantees due process of law.

Establishes a process for electing the president and vice president.

Repeals the 18th Amendment, which prohibited the manufacture and sale of alcohol.

York was a skilled herbalist and hunter, highly respected by the indigenous people. He served as Clark's personal servant but was denied freedom despite pleading to reunite with his wife.

Denmark Vesey, a free Black man and Christian Pastor, planned a rebellion in Charleston, South Carolina in 1822. The goal was to free hundreds of enslaved Africans and escape to Haiti. The revolt was betrayed, leading to Vesey's capture and execution.

Gabriel Prosser, in Richmond, VA, organized enslaved people for a rebellion on August 30, 1800. The goal was to fight for their freedom, but the revolt was thwarted.

The Black Seminoles originated from enslaved Africans who escaped to Seminole territories in Florida. They formed a unique tribe through ethnogenesis, blending with existing Native American communities.

The New York Rebellion of 1712 saw 23 Black slaves rise up, resulting in the deaths of 9 white people. 21 slaves were convicted and executed.

This rebellion took place in the Louisiana Territory in 1811, involving 500 enslaved people who rose up and caused significant damage. The rebellion led to stricter laws for both enslaved and free Black people.

Nat Turner's Revolt in 1831 involved 70 enslaved people who killed 50-60 white people, including their captors. The rebellion was tragically quelled, and Turner was captured and hanged.

The Black Seminole Slave Rebellion lasted from 1835-1838, involving Native Americans and Maroons who destroyed 21 sugar plantations and freed slaves.

An armed conflict between the United States and Tripoli, sparked by American refusal to pay tribute to the rulers of Tripoli.

A war fought between the United States and Great Britain over issues like free trade and sailors' rights. It saw significant involvement of Africans in the conflict, leading to the escape of thousands.

The first major economic crisis in the United States, characterized by widespread financial distress, bank failures, and unemployment. Key causes included inflation, public debt from the War of 1812, and the Louisiana Purchase.

An armed conflict between the United States and the Seminole people in Florida. It began with US attacks on Seminole settlements and involved active participation of Africans, who fought alongside the Seminoles.

A federal law enacted in 1830, that led to the forced relocation of Native American tribes to areas west of the Mississippi River. The act resulted in significant hardships for Native Americans, including death and displacement.

A Congressional compromise in the 1820s that admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state. It also established a line dividing future states between free and slave territories.

Anthony Burns escaped enslavement in Virginia and sought refuge in Boston, but was eventually recaptured and returned to slavery.

Thomas Sims was a runaway slave who reached Boston, but was unfortunately apprehended and returned to slavery in Mississippi.

Margaret Garner, a woman who escaped slavery with her children, chose to kill her daughter rather than see her return to enslavement.

William and Ellen Craft escaped slavery in Georgia by posing as a white male planter and his servant, highlighting their daring and intelligence.

Dred Scott, an enslaved man, sued for freedom for himself and his family, but the Supreme Court ruled against them, solidifying the legal injustices of slavery.

Escaped slaves often sought refuge in Northern states, but the Fugitive Slave Act mandated their return to their owners.

The struggle for freedom was not without violent resistance; enslaved people fought back against their captors, highlighting their desperation for liberty.

Even though they were captured and returned to the South, their experiences highlighted the horrors of slavery and fueled abolitionist movements.