Download American History Some important dates 1492 Christopher

American History
Some important dates
1492
Christopher Columbus discovered “the new world” by landing on an island in the Caribbean
sea, which he named San Salvador. The people living there were called “Indians” because he
believed he was in India.
1620
The Pilgrim Fathers sailed on the Mayflower and founded New England, the first British colony
in America.
1775-1782
War of Independence against Britain. George Washington was named Commander-in-Chief.
4th July 1776
The Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson, was signed in Philadelphia.
The 13 original colonies broke away from Great Britain.
In 1789 George Washington was chosen to be the first President of the USA.
1861-1865
Two Americas existed, the North, with an economy based on farming and industry, and the
South, where tobacco- and cotton-growing was based on the Negro slaves’ work. The result was
the Civil War between the Union (north) and the Confederacy (south). It was one of the
bloodiest wars in history, and ended in victory for the Union troops, led by General Grant.
1865
April 14th: President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.
December 18th: slavery was abolished.
Independence Day, 4th July, is a very important holiday in the USA. In every town and village
there are parades, band concerts, fireworks, baseball games and picnics. Sometimes people dress in
patriotic costumes and there are always thousands of flags.
The army fires a thirteen-gun salute to commemorate the first thirteen independent states.
The Declaration of Independence is the most important document in American History.
It says that “the united colonies are free and independent states” and officially names them “the
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”.
It also says that “all men are created equal” and have the right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of
happiness”.
It adds that Governments can only rule with the consent of the people.
The Declaration of Independence was signed by all of the delegates from the 13 colonies on
July 4th, 1776.