An Introduction to American History

American history is a rich tapestry of constitutional, political, intellectual, economic and competing social forces that have shaped the United States. Its beginnings can be traced to Christopher Columbus’s first voyage on September 24, 1493, when he discovered a rugged island he named Dominica and believed it was the gateway to the Orient. From the colonial period that followed to the Civil War and beyond, American history is a tale of expansion and conquest.

Colonial America

The colonial era of the United States began when European countries created settlements in North America to develop trade and resources. This period ended with the American Revolution and the founding of the United States as a new nation.

During this time, many of the most significant events in American history took place. The Boston Tea Party, the “shot heard round the world” at Valley Forge, and the Declaration of Independence are just a few of the highlights from this important time in our nation’s history.

After the Revolution, the country’s first constitution was written. It gave the national government the power to tax, and it established three distinct branches of government-executive, legislative, and judicial. It also introduced the concept of checks and balances to prevent one branch of government from encroaching on the others. It was during this period that a young lawyer, George Washington, became the first president of the United States and John Adams served as secretary of state.

The next major event was the Civil War, a conflict that pitted the Union states against those of the South. This was a bitter and bloody struggle that left the Union victorious, but it also left the nation divided. The Reconstruction era that followed the Civil War was an attempt to reunite the nation and set a course for its future.

With the onset of the 20th century, American history entered an era of progressive reforms and rapid economic growth. These reformers sought to make big business more responsible through various regulations, cleaned up corrupt city governments, and improved working conditions in factories. They also hoped to make the world a more democratic place through efforts such as granting women the right to vote and creating electoral reforms including recall, referendum, and direct election of Senators.

The American experience in the latter half of the 20th century was characterized by the Cold War between the United States and Soviet Union. This was a period of growing tension that ultimately ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The United States was also active in foreign policy, taking control of several Caribbean islands and launching the Space Shuttle program. In addition, this era saw the emergence of a new generation of political leaders who would shape America for the rest of the century.