History of Pre-Columbian and Early America

The time before Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas.

Indigenous people of the Americas.

Period starting with Columbus's arrival in 1492, marked by European exploration.

Christopher Columbus's 1492 voyage to the Americas.

A day commemorating Columbus's arrival in the Americas.

European settlement and control over the Americas.

Period from 1500s to 1800s, characterized by European exploration and colonization.

A more accurate term than 'discovery' to reflect the encounter between Europe and the Americas, as the Americas were already inhabited.

The meeting between European colonists and Native Americans.

The violent and oppressive interactions between European colonists and Native Americans, causing immense harm.

Negative impact on the Native American population by European arrival, including death and disease.

St. Augustine, Florida, founded by the Spanish in 1565.

Established in 1607 by the English for economic gain, particularly tobacco cultivation.

Founded by Pilgrims in 1620 in New England for religious freedom. Known for the first Thanksgiving.

Colonies established along the North American coast, ranging from Massachusetts to Georgia, administered by royal British governors.

The forced migration of Africans to the Americas to work on plantations, primarily in the southern colonies, for the production of crops like cotton and tobacco.

The war fought between the American colonies (Patriots) and Great Britain (1775-1783) culminating in American independence.

A formal statement declaring the American colonies an independent nation, adopted on July 4, 1776.

The fundamental law of the United States, establishing the structure of the government and the rights of its citizens, adopted in 1787.

Period of significant economic growth, urbanization, and social change in the 1920s, characterized by increased consumer spending and new entertainment.

The period (1920-1933) when the 18th Amendment banned alcohol in the US, leading to illegal speakeasies and organized crime.

The major stock market crash of October 29, 1929, that triggered the Great Depression.

Severe worldwide economic downturn beginning in 1929, characterized by high unemployment and poverty.

Economic recovery program launched by President Roosevelt to combat the Great Depression, involving government intervention and social programs.

Surprise military attack by Japan on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, which led to the US entering World War II.

December 8, 1941, when the US entered World War II after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor.

Hiroshima and Nagasaki were bombed in 1945 with atomic bombs developed during World War II.

A period of geopolitical tension between the US and Soviet Union from 1947 to 1991. It did not involve direct military conflict.

A competition between the US and Soviet Union to develop more powerful nuclear weapons.

Competition between US and Soviet Union to achieve firsts in space exploration.

Conflict between North Korea (Soviet-backed) and South Korea (US-backed), 1950-1953.

A proxy war between North Vietnam (communist) and South Vietnam (US-backed), 1955-1975.

War fought between groups which are supported by larger powers.

Early American leaders who helped establish the United States. While they created important principles like popular sovereignty, their legacy was flawed, as they did not reflect the rights of all citizens.

The foundational law of the United States, establishing the framework of government and basic rights.

The principle that the authority of a state and its government are created and sustained by its people.

A system of government where power is held by the people and exercised through elected representatives.

Dividing governmental powers among different branches (executive, legislative, and judicial) to prevent tyranny.

The division of power between a central government and state governments.

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantees basic rights to citizens.

The movement to abolish slavery, led by free Black people and white supporters who worked to end the enslavement of people of African descent.

A network of secret routes and safe houses used to help enslaved people escape from the South to the North during slavery.

A war fought between the Union (North) and the Confederacy (South) over states' rights, slavery, and economic differences.

Lincoln's 1863 declaration that enslaved people in Confederate territory were free.

The amendment to the U.S. Constitution that abolished slavery.

The period after the Civil War, during which the South was rebuilt and the rights of formerly enslaved people were addressed.

A U.S. law that forced Native Americans to relocate to designated areas west of the Mississippi River.

Guaranteed voting rights for all male citizens, irrespective of race or previous condition of servitude.

Military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq to combat terrorism, primarily targeting Islamist militant groups like Al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

Barack Obama's 2008-2016 presidency saw a pullout from the Afghanistan war and introduced the concept of multiculturalism (Salad Bowl Model).

The US faces significant political, economic, and social problems marking a time of high division

Different perspectives on how various immigrant groups assimilate. The melting pot suggests a unified culture, while the salad bowl highlights a combination of cultures while retaining unique identities.

The ideal of equal opportunity for all Americans, allowing them to achieve success and a better life.