1. American History A Brief Introduction

2. The First Americans 15,000 years ago, hunter gatherers crossed a land bridge between present day Russia and Alaska. These people will become known as Native Americans

3. Columbus discovers America in 1492.

4. 1500’s-1700’s Imperialistic European countries set up colonies in the Americas Colony – an overseas settlement tied to a parent country Imperialism – controlling other countries (often to control their resources)

5. Groups of people from England travel to America and live there because they don’t like the king or his laws. 13 colonies are formed on the East Coast

6. Slavery becomes an important part of the American economy. In 1750, 25% of people in America are slaves.

8. In 1776, Americans declare independence from England. The Revolutionary War begins.

9. The Revolutionary War lasts 9 years, and America is free from England.

10. US acquires new territory Middle of the country purchased from France – early 1803 Many Southwestern and Western states annexed from Mexico in mid 1800’s * Annex = to take control of a territory or place

11. US acquires new territory Northwest corner of US purchased from Britain in mid 1800’s Alaska purchased from Russia in 1867 Hawaii annexed in 1898

12. In 1860, the Civil War begins when 11 states leave the Union.

14. The Civil War ends in 1865, with over 700,000 dead, but with the Union victory, the country remains whole.

15. 1914—1918 (US = only 1917-1918) World War I: America loses over 118,000 soldiers.

16. 1939—1945 (US = 1941-1945) World War II: America enters the war after the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

17. 1945 – US drops two atomic bombs on Japan to end WWII

18. 1960’s The Civil Rights Movement; African-Americans are protected under the law from discrimination and allowed to vote in the USA.

19. 1968: Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated.

20. September 11 th, 2001 A series of attacks by 19 members of al-Qaeda on NY and Washington, DC Starts the “War on Terror” when US invades Afghanistan to depose the Taliban (the government that supported al-Qaeda) Terrorism – the use of violence by individuals or groups to reach political goals

21. Symbols of America Today…

23. Eagle = Strength, Freedom

24. Statue of Liberty = Freedom, Hope, and Friendship between Countries One of the first things seen by immigrants who mostly entered through NY city

25. Washington Monument

26. Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco, California

27. Gateway Arch St. Louis, Missouri Honors Western expansion of the US Tallest arch in the world.