Louisiana: AP United States History Rundown
Timeline of Events:
- 1541: Hernando de Soto’s expedition explores the Mississippi River
- 1682: French explorer René-Robert Cavelier de La Salle claims the Mississippi River Valley for France
- 1699: French colonists establish the first permanent settlement at Fort Maurepas
- 1718: New Orleans is founded
- 1763: Louisiana becomes a Spanish colony
- 1800: Louisiana is acquired by the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase
- 1812: Louisiana becomes a state
Important Legislation:
- Treaty of Ghent (1814): Ended the War of 1812 and established the northern boundary of Louisiana
- Louisiana Civil Code (1825): One of the most comprehensive legal codes in the world, based on Napoleonic law
- Compromise of 1850: Admitted California as a free state and created the Fugitive Slave Act
Important Court Cases:
- Plessy v. Ferguson (1896): Upheld the doctrine of “separate but equal” and legalized racial segregation
- Brown v. Board of Education (1954): Overturned Plessy v. Ferguson and ended legal segregation
Major Industry:
- Agriculture: Louisiana is a leading producer of rice, soybeans, and sugarcane
Impact on the Rest of the Country:
- Louisiana’s acquisition by the United States doubled the size of the country and paved the way for westward expansion
- New Orleans became a major economic and cultural center during the early 19th century
- The state’s diverse population contributed to the country’s cultural heritage
- Louisiana’s history of racial discrimination and segregation played a significant role in the development of the civil rights movement