US History A Timeline

  • Sep 18, 850

    U.S. gains Southwest territories.

    Series of laws balancing free slave state issues.
  • Period: Aug 3, 1492 to Oct 12, 1492

    Discovery of America by Columbus

    When Christopher Columbus landed on an island in the Bahamas (San Salvador) and discovered the American continent as a European, that was reconzied
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    The Settlement of Jamestown

    First permanent English colony in North America.
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    French and Indian War

    War between Britain and France, aswell as Native allies for North American Territory.
  • The Boston Tea Party

    When American colonists disguised themselves as Native Americans and dropped 342 chests of tea into the harbor in protest.
  • Battle of Lexington & Concord

    The first battle of the American Revolution.
  • Declaration of Independence

    When the Thirteen Colonies declared independence from Britain.
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    Battle of Yorktown

    The British surrendered. The last major battle of the Revolution.
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    Constitutional Convention

    Delegates draft the U.S. Constitution.
  • Invention of Cotton Gin

    Eli Whitney’s machine revolutionized cotton production.
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    Alien & Sedition Acts

    Laws restricting immigration and speech during Adams’ presidency. (ended after his term)
  • Louisiana Purchase

    U.S. buys French territory, doubling its size.
  • War of 1812

    War with Britain over trade and maritime rights.
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    Missouri Compromise

    Balanced admission of slave free states before being repealed in 1854
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    Andrew Jackson’s Election

    Marked rise of Jacksonian democracy.
  • Trail of Tears

    Forced relocation of Native Americans; thousands died
  • Panic of 1837

    Severe economic depression. (Ended around the 1840s)
  • Invention of Telegraph

    Samuel Morse’s device enabled long-distance communication.
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    Mexican–American War

    U.S. gains Southwest territories.
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    Firing on Fort Sumter

    The Confederate attack began the Civil War.
  • Emancipation Proclamation

    Lincoln frees enslaved people in Confederate states.
  • Surrender at Appomattox

    General Lee surrenders to Grant, ending Civil War.
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    Abraham Lincoln’s Assassination

    First U.S. president assassinated. (1865)
  • 13th Amendment

    Abolished slavery.
  • 15th Amendment

    Voting rights regardless of race.
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    Andrew Johnson’s Impeachment

    First presidential impeachment, failed removal.
  • 14th Amendment

    Citizenship equal protection guaranteed.
  • Invention of Telephone

    First practical voice communication device.
  • Invention of Electric Light

    First successful long-lasting light bulb.
  • Standard Oil Trust

    Rockefeller’s oil monopoly dominates the U.S. industry.
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    Homestead Strike

    Violent labor strike at Carnegie Steel.
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    Pullman Strike

    National railroad strike crushed by federal troops.
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    Spanish–American War

    U.S. defeats Spain, gains overseas territories
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    Theodore Roosevelt becomes president

    Roosevelt leads Progressive reforms and conservation.
  • Invention of Airplane

    The Wright brothers achieved the first powered flight.