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Declaration of Independence
On July fourth, the United States issued the Declaration of Independence, officially cutting ties with Britain, and marking the beginning of America. -
Articles of Confederation Adopted
The Articles were adopted as the first U.S. constitution, outlining the functions of the national government, but containing many flaws. -
Treaty of Paris Ratified
The Treaty of Paris was ratified, officially ending the Revolutionary War. -
Constitution Signed
The U.S. Constitution replaces the Articles of Confederation, and is still used to outline the government over two hundred years later. -
Bill of Rights Ratified
The first ten amendments to the Constitution (The Bill of Rights) were put in place, restricting some government control. -
Cotton Gin Invented
Invented by Eli Whitney, the cotton gin revolutionized cotton production. -
John Adams Sworn in as 2nd President
John Adams is sworn in as the United States's second President. -
Thomas Jefferson Sworn in as 3rd President
Thomas Jefferson is sworn in as the United States's third President. -
Louisiana Purchase
America buys 800,000 square miles of land from the French, doubling their current size. -
Act to Prohibit the Importation of Slaves Passed
The Act to Prohibit the Importation of Slaves was passed and did just that, it allowed no more slaves to be imported to the U.S. -
War of 1812 Begins
The U.S. started the war of 1812 against the UK and its allies. -
Alabama Admitted as 22nd State
The U.S. Congress creates the Alabama Territory, which would later become an important state in the Confederacy. -
The Monroe Doctrine
James Monroe states that any act from Europe to interfere with the U.S. will be viewed as an act of aggression. -
Andrew Jackson Sworn in as 7th President
Andrew Jackson is sworn in as the 7th President of the U.S., being the first democrat President. -
Arkansas Admitted as 25th State
Arkansas becomes a state after being bought over 30 years ago in the Louisiana Purchase. -
California Becomes a State
Three years after gold is discovered in California, it becomes the 31st state. -
Civil War Begins
The Civil War between the Union and Confederacy begins, marking one of the bloodiest battles fought in America. -
Emancipation Proclamation
Almost three years into the Civil War, Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, setting all slaves free. This was a major milestone in African American rights. -
Lincoln Assassinated
Lincoln is shot in the head and killed by John Wilkes Booth two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was passed. -
Civil Rights Act of 1866
Signed by Andrew Johnson, the Civil Rights Act of 1866 declared that anyone born in the U.S. is a U.S. citizen, regardless of race.
