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Declaration of Independence
In July 1776, the thirteen American colonies declared independence from British rule, asserting their right to self-govern. This pivotal document, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, laid the foundation for American democracy. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris, signed in September 1783, officially ended the American Revolutionary War. This agreement recognized the sovereignty of the United States and established its borders. -
Constitutional Convention
In 1787, delegates convened in Philadelphia to draft the United States Constitution, aiming to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. The resulting document established a strong federal government and remains the backbone of U.S. law. -
Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase occurred in 1803 when the U.S. acquired approximately 827,000 square miles of territory from France for $15 million.
This significant expansion doubled the size of the nation and opened up vast lands for exploration and settlement. -
War of 1812
The War of 1812, fought between the United States and Britain, stemmed from trade restrictions and impressment of American sailors. This conflict reaffirmed U.S. independence and fostered a sense of national unity. -
Missouri Compromise
The Missouri Compromise, enacted in 1820, attempted to balance the interests of free and slave states by admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state. It established a boundary for slavery in the new territories, highlighting growing sectional tensions. -
Indian Removal Act
The Indian Removal Act of 1830 authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes to lands west of the Mississippi River. This policy led to the infamous "Trail of Tears," where thousands suffered and died during the journey. -
Mexican - American War
The Mexican-American War began in 1846 following territorial disputes over Texas and resulted in significant land gains for the United States. The war concluded with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, which transferred vast territories including California and New Mexico. -
Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 was a series of legislative measures aimed at easing tensions between slave and free states. Key components included the admission of California as a free state and the enactment of a stricter Fugitive Slave Act. -
Election of Abraham Lincoln
The election of Abraham Lincoln as the 16th President in November 1860
marked a turning point in U.S. history, as his anti-slavery stance heightened sectional tensions. His victory prompted several Southern states to secede from the Union, leading to the Civil War.