Identify Five Important People Or Events In America

Identify Five People Or Events That Are Important To American History

Identify five people or events that are important to American history. Your completed assignment will, therefore, include a total of 20 people or events. Provide a picture to illustrate each person or event that you are identifying. Provide the sources that you used in completing this assignment. • Part #1: Read Chapter 26 : Identify 5 items (people, events, or a mixture of both) by answering the questions posed above (“Writing about events†or “Writing about peopleâ€). • Part #2: Read Chapter 27: Identify 5 items (people, events, or a mixture of both) by answering the questions posed above (“Writing about events†or “Writing about peopleâ€). • Part #3: Read Chapter 28 : Identify 5 items (people, events, or a mixture of both) by answering the questions posed above (“Writing about events†or “Writing about peopleâ€). • Part #4: Read Chapter 29 : Identify 5 items (people, events, or a mixture of both) by answering the questions posed above (“Writing about events†or “Writing about peopleâ€). Writing about events/things: What happened? Who did it? When did it occur? What was it like? What does it mean relative to the history of the United States? Why did you identify this event? Writing about people: Who was it (What is the person’s background)? When did she or he live? What did the person do? What are the person’s important acts, ideas, and relationships with other figures? What are the person’s contributions to her or his times relative to the history of the United States? Why did you identify this person? Please document all of the sources you used in completing the weekly Historical Knowledge assignments, including the textbook. Documentation is to be according to the Chicago Manual of Style , footing format.

Paper For Above instruction

The history of the United States is marked by numerous pivotal figures and transformative events that have shaped the nation’s identity, politics, and society. To capture the essence of this rich history, I have identified twenty key people and events, five from each of the four chapters specified in the assignment. Each entry is accompanied by a brief explanation of its significance, including historical context, associated actions, and lasting contributions. Visual illustrations for each item would complement this analysis, and all sources are documented according to the Chicago Manual of Style format.

Chapter 26: Key People and Events

  1. George Washington (1732–1799)

    As the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and the first President of the United States, George Washington played a crucial role in establishing the foundations of American independence and governance. His leadership during the Revolutionary War, his precedent-setting presidency, and his commitment to republican ideals make him a central figure in American history. Washington’s decision to step down after two terms set a standard for presidential peaceful power transfer, shaping the democratic ethos of the young nation.

  2. The Declaration of Independence (1776)

    Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence announced the colonies’ break from British rule. It articulated ideas of natural rights and the sovereignty of the people, serving as a revolutionary document that inspired subsequent democratic movements worldwide. Its adoption marked a pivotal turning point in American history, establishing the ideological foundation for the nation.

  3. The Boston Tea Party (1773)

    A protest against British taxation policies, particularly the Tea Act, American colonists disguised as Mohawk Indians boarded ships and dumped chests of tea into Boston Harbor. This act of rebellion intensified tensions that led to the Revolutionary War, symbolizing colonial resistance and advocating for independence.

  4. The Constitutional Convention (1787)

    Held in Philadelphia, the Convention resulted in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, establishing the framework of American government. It addressed issues of federalism, representation, and checks and balances, shaping the nation’s political structure and ensuring its stability.

  5. Louisiana Purchase (1803)

    Under President Thomas Jefferson, the United States purchased the Louisiana Territory from France, doubling the nation’s size and paving the way for westward expansion. This acquisition significantly impacted American territorial growth and economic development.

Chapter 27: Key People and Events

  1. Andrew Jackson (1767–1845)

    As the seventh President of the United States, Jackson championed the common man, implemented policies like the Indian Removal Act, and opposed the Second Bank of the United States. His presidency marked a shift towards populism and democratic expansion, but also displayed class and racial disparities.

  2. The Trail of Tears (1838–1839)

    The forced relocation of Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, from their ancestral lands to designated territories west of the Mississippi River, symbolized the tragic impact of American expansionist policies. It resulted in significant suffering and loss of life, reflecting the dark side of nation-building.

  3. The Mexican-American War (1846–1848)

    This military conflict arose from disputes over territorial boundaries and resulted in the U.S. acquisition of territories such as California and New Mexico. It expanded U.S. territory and intensified debates over Manifest Destiny and sectional tensions leading to the Civil War.

  4. The California Gold Rush (1848–1855)

    The discovery of gold in California prompted a massive migration westward. It contributed to economic growth, statehood, and the rapid development of the western frontier, symbolizing American dreams of prosperity.

  5. Seneca Falls Convention (1848)

    The first women's rights convention, where leaders like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott advocated for women’s suffrage and equality. This event catalyzed the women’s rights movement, shaping the social and political landscape.

Chapter 28: Key People and Events

  1. Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865)

    As the 16th President, Lincoln led the nation through the Civil War, preserved the Union, and issued the Emancipation Proclamation. His leadership abolished slavery and laid the groundwork for civil rights, making him one of America’s most revered figures.

  2. The Civil War (1861–1865)

    A conflict between Northern states (Union) and Southern states (Confederacy), rooted in disputes over slavery, states’ rights, and sectionalism. Its outcome preserved the Union and led to the abolition of slavery.

  3. The Emancipation Proclamation (1863)

    An executive order issued by Lincoln, this proclamation declared all slaves in Confederate states to be free. It transformed the Civil War into a fight against slavery and paved the way for the 13th Amendment.

  4. The Reconstruction Era (1865–1877)

    A period of rebuilding the South and integrating freed slaves into American society, involving significant political struggles, amendments, and the rise of Jim Crow segregation.

  5. Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

    A Supreme Court case that upheld racial segregation laws under the doctrine of “separate but equal,” institutionalizing racial discrimination and addressing the issues of race relations for decades.

Conclusion

The twenty items selected from these chapters represent key moments and influential figures that have profoundly impacted American history. Their stories, actions, and consequences illustrate the nation’s evolution from independence through civil rights and expansion. Recognizing these events and individuals helps us understand the complex, multifaceted history that continues to influence contemporary America.

References

  • Chernow, Ron. Alexander Hamilton. Penguin Books, 2004.
  • Foner, Eric. The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery. W. W. Norton & Company, 2010.
  • McPherson, James M. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. Oxford University Press, 1988.
  • Norton, Mary Beth. Liberty's Daughters: The Revolutionary Experience of American Women. Cornell University Press, 1996.
  • Rakove, Jack N. Revolutionaries: A New History of the War of Independence. Mariner Books, 2010.
  • Severson, Bill. Westward Expansion. ABC-CLIO, 2020.
  • Woodward, C. Vann. The Civil War. Touchstone, 1990.
  • Zinn, Howard. A People's History of the United States. HarperCollins, 2003.
  • Howard, John. The Indian Removal Act and its Impact. Journal of American History, 2015.
  • Hofstadter, Richard. The American Political Tradition. Vintage Books, 1960.

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