New York State in AP United States History
Timeline of Key Events:
- 1609: Henry Hudson’s voyage establishes Dutch claim to the area
- 1624: New Netherland established as a Dutch colony
- 1664: English conquer New Netherland and rename it New York
- 1776: New York declares independence from Great Britain
- 1789: New York ratifies the Constitution
- 1812: New York is a major battleground in the War of 1812
- 1825: Opening of the Erie Canal
- 1861: New York joins the Union at the start of the Civil War * 1898: Spanish-American War results in New York becoming a major port of entry for immigrants
- 1929: Stock market crash in New York leads to the Great Depression
- 1954: Brown v. Board of Education (case originating in New York) ends school segregation
- 1973: New York City fiscal crisis
- 2001: Terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center
Important Legislation Signed:
- Northwest Ordinance (1787): Established the principles of governing the Northwest Territory, including New York’s western lands
- Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857): Upheld the Fugitive Slave Law and declared that slaves were not citizens
- Morrill Land-Grant College Act (1862): Provided federal land to establish colleges focused on agricultural and mechanical arts
Important Court Cases:
- Marbury v. Madison (1803): Established the principle of judicial review
- Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857): Declared that slaves were not citizens and could not sue in federal court
- Brown v. Board of Education (1954): Struck down racial segregation in public schools
Major Industry:
- Finance: New York City is a global financial center, home to the New York Stock Exchange and Wall Street
Impact on the Rest of the Country:
- New York’s economic and political power has made it a major force in shaping the nation’s history.
- The state has been a gateway for immigrants from around the world, contributing to the country’s cultural and economic diversity.
- New York City has been a center for innovation and culture, serving as a model for other urban areas.
- The state’s legal system has had a significant impact on the development of American jurisprudence.