Early American War

  • The Battle of Lexington and Concord

    The Battle of Lexington and Concord

    First military engagement often the American Revolutionary War. It was marked the official start of the American revolution and the fight for independence from Britain
  • The Winter at Valley Forge

    The Winter at Valley Forge

    Continental Army’s harsh winter camp in Pennsylvania. Despite suffering, the army became stronger thanks to training by Baron von Steuben.
  • Benedict Arnold Turns Traitor

    Benedict Arnold Turns Traitor

    American general plotted to surrender West Point to the British. Became the infamous traitor in U.S. history, a symbol of betrayal.
  • The Battle of Cowpens

    The Battle of Cowpens

    Revolutionary War battle in South Carolina, decisive American victory, Boosted morales and helped turn the tide in the South against Britain.
  • The USS Constitution Defeats the HMS Guerriere

    The USS Constitution Defeats the HMS Guerriere

    Famous naval battle during the War of 1812. Boosted American morales the USS Constitution earned the nickname “Oldironsides”
  • The Battle of Baltimore

    The Battle of Baltimore

    U.S. forces defended Baltimore Harbor against a British naval attack. It was inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star-Spangled Banner, later the national anthem.
  • The Battle of New Orleans

    The Battle of New Orleans

    Last major battle of the War of 1812, led by Andrew Jackson. Huge U.S. victory, boosted American nationalism(fought after the peace treaty was signed)
  • The Election of Andrew Jackson

    The Election of Andrew Jackson

    Jackson, a common man, won the presidency. Marked the rise of Jacksonian democracy and expanded voting rights for white men.
  • The Battle of the Alamo

    The Battle of the Alamo

    A small group of Texan defenders fought Mexican forces. Became a rallying cry “Remember the Alamo” fro Texan independence form Mexico.
  • Mexico loses California, New Mexico and Arizona

    Mexico loses California, New Mexico and Arizona

    Ended the Mexican-American War; Mexico ceded vast territories to the U.S. greatly expanded U.S. territory(Mexican Cession)
  • Abraham Lincoln Elected President

    Abraham Lincoln Elected President

    Lincoln, the Republican candidate, won the presidency. Also promoted Southern states to secede, leading directly to the Civil War
  • South Carolina secedes from the United States

    South Carolina secedes from the United States

    First Southern state to leave the Union. Started the secession movement that formed the Confederacy
  • The First Battle of Bull Run

    The First Battle of Bull Run

    first major battle of the Civil War in Virginia; confederate victory. Shattered Union hopes of a quick war, showing it would be long and bloody.
  • The Battle of Gettysburg

    The Battle of Gettysburg

    Turning point battle of the Civil War; Union defeated Confederate forces under Robert E. Lee
  • The Treaty at Appomattox Courthouse

    The Treaty at Appomattox Courthouse

    General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant. Effectively ended the Civil War
  • The sinking USS Maine

    The sinking USS Maine

    the U.S. battleship Maine exploded in Havana Harbor, Cuba. Sparked the Spanish-American War cries of “Remember the Maine” blamed Spain.
  • Battle of the Philippines(Spanish American War)

    Battle of the Philippines(Spanish American War)

    U.S. navy defeated Spanish forced in the Philippines. Gave the U.S. control of the Philippines, marking America as a global power.
  • Adoption of the Star Spangled Banner

    Adoption of the Star Spangled Banner

    Congress officially made Francis Scott key’s poem into the U.S. national anthem. It became a symbol of national pride and indenting, rotted in the war of 1812