-
Louisiana Purchase
On April 30, 1803, the United States received $15 million worth of territory extending west from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains. Jefferson bought this land due to an urge to expand America. -
Lewis and Clark Expedition begins.
On May 4,1804, Lewis and Clark set out on an expedition to explore the unknown territories of the Louisiana Purchase. These territories were newly received and were within the western portion of the country. -
War Of 1812
On June 18, 1812, the United States declared war on Britain due to their interference with American shipping of trade to Europe and Americas westward expansion. During this war, Washington was captured and the White House and Capital Building were set on fire. -
First Public Railroad System
On July 4, 1838, construction began on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. This was important because it was the first public railroad to be build in the United States. This helped to lessen the expenses of trade, marking America beginning the Industrial Revolution. -
Mexican American War
This war was an armed conflict between the United States and Mexico from 1846-1848. This followed the 1845 American annexation of Texas, which was Mexican territory according to Mexico. -
Gold Rush Begins
On January 24, 1848, gold was found at Sutter's Mill in California. After hearing this news, thousands of Americans moved to California. This drastically increased America's westward expansion. -
Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 was five bills passed by the United States congress. These bills defused a political confrontatin between the slave and free states that were acquired in the Mexican- American War. -
Abraham Lincoln Is Elected
Abraham Lincoln, one of the most remembered presidents of the America, was elected on March 4, 1861. He was an American lawyer and statesman who served as the 16th president of the United States from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. -
Civil War
After decades of disagreements and tension between northern and southern states over slavery, rights, and expansion the Civil War began. This began by Confederate troops firing on Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861 at 4:30 AM. Less than 34 hours later, Union forces surrendered. -
Spanish-American War
This war was a period of armed conflict between the United States and Spain. Disagreements began after the explosion of USS Maine in Havana Harbor of Cuba, leading to the United States intervening in the Cuban War for Independence.