Turning Points in American History Flashcards
Columbus “discovers” the New World (1492)
Searching for a new path to the Indes, coined the term “Indians” in reference to Natives, expanded European economic resources, trade between the Old and New world
French and Indian War (1754-1763)
War over the Ohio River Valley between the British and French, British won but gained debts and loans
American War for Independence (1775-1783)
Between the colonists and Great Britain for colonial independence, Declaration of Independence
Election of 1800
Thomas Jefferson v. Adams, showed that political parties could be transferred in the executive branch
War of 1812
US v. GB over the impressment of US sailors by the British Navy
Election of 1828
Jackson won the popular vote and the electoral election with 178 electoral votes
Mexican War (1846-1848)
Westward expansion, President Polk declared war on Mexico over Texas land disputes, US won 55% of Texas’ land
Civil War (1861-1865)
Between the South (pro slavery) and the North (anti slavery), bloodiest battle fought on US soil, ended slavery in the US
Spanish-American War
US + Cuba v. Spain, new battle ships and an unprepared Spanish army led to an easy US victory
World War I
Global conflict between the allies and central powers, trench warfare, US entered late for $ gain
Election of 1932
FDR elected, first democrat to win in 80 years, New Deal
World War II
Global conflict, Allies v. Axis, sparked by Nazis in Germany, Japanese internment, invention of the atom bomb - hiroshima and nagasaki
1968
Civil Rights Movement, Anti Vietnam War sentiment + Hippie culture, Women’s rights movement
Election on 1980 and the Reagan Revolution
Reagan won in a landslide with 489 electoral votes, promised restoration of US military, trickle down economics
