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Oregon Trail
The Oregon trail, layed out by trappers and explorers as early as 1811, is used for migrations from Independance, Missouri to Oregon starting around 1836. It was one of the first and most significant routes to the west. -
Nationalism Develops in Americans
Soon after what Americans consider a victory during the War of 1812 and other successes in foreign affairs, Americans begin to develop a strong sense of pride and patriotism for their nation. -
Approximate Start of Era of Good Feelings
This is the Approximate start of the Era of Good Feelings, largely a result of American Nationalism after a 'victory' in the War of 1812. -
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Era of Good Feelings
After the War of 1812, this era of peace, pride, and progress lead to many important developments, such as the Erie Canal. During this time, National Security also became more important. -
McCullogh vs. Maryland Case
Maryland imposes a tax on bank notes. A cachier at the bank, James McCullogh, refuses to pay the tax. The state of Maryland takes him to court, and the case moves up to the Supreme court, where it is decided that the tax is not legal because it cannot impede national activity. -
Sectionalism
Missouri applies for statehood, creating one of the larest examples of sectionalism in the Era of Good Feelings. Sectionalism, the division of political philosophies, threatens to tear the nation apart over weather Missiouri should be admitted as a free or slave state. -
Missouri Compromise
When Missouri applies for statehood, a huge debate arises in Congress about weather or not it will be free. The compromise, proposed by Henry Clay, states that Missouri will enter the Union as a slave state, while Maine will enter as a free state to balance power in Congress. All other states will be admitted as free states. -
Adams–Onís Treaty
After continuous territorial disputes between the United States and Spain, this treaty is signed to create a definitive boundary between Spanish and United States territory in the Americas. As a result, Florida is given to the US and Spain recieves Texas. The US government also agrees to pay $5 million in citizen claims to lost territory. -
Santa Fe Trail
This trail to the West is as influential as the Oregon trail. It is laid out in 1821, but is ultimately replaced by the steam engine around 1841. -
Monroe Doctrine
Probably inspired by the Napoleonic Wars and Texas' independence, this doctrine is created by President Monroe and states that any attempt to interfere with American expansion will be considered an act of aggression. -
Bureau of Indian Affairs
The Bureau of Indian Affairs is founded. Though in the 21st century it attempts to preserve Indian culture, it is founded in the 19th century to assimilate Indian children and help in the removal of Indians starting in 1830. -
Tariff of Abominations Passed
Congress passes a tariff to 'protect' Northern Industry. The high tariff on imports causes the Southern states to call it the Tariff of Abominations. Ultimately, South Carolina attempts to declare it unconstitutional and ignore it, leading to the Nullification Crisis. -
Jacksonian Democracy Begins
During Jackson's popularity and presidency, several democratic refors take place. Most noteably, many states either decrease or abolish their minimum property requirement for voting, allowing almost all white men to vote. -
Spoils System
Part of the new Jacksonian Democracy is the 'spoils system,' where his supporters get important government jobs. The name comes from the expression 'to the victor go the spoils.' It showed one of the first examples of government corruption in the US. -
States' Rights Doctrine
Based on the tenth Amendment, many states claim rights such as the ability to 'nullify' laws they deem unconstitutional. -
Nullification Crisis
The nullification of the Tariff of Abominations in South Carolina causes a divide between sates that believe States' Rights extend to nullification and those that do not. This schism is one of the many divides that ultimately leads to the American civil war. -
Indian Territory
Indian Territory is a territory for relocated Indians, part of what is today Oklahoma. Many Indians are forcefully marched here, including those that traverse the infamous trail of tears. The territory is eventually opened for white settlment, and Indians are once more forced out of their homes. -
Indian Removal Act
During the presidency of Jackson, the Indian Removal Act is passed, allowing the president to 'negotiate' with Indian Tribes for removal from their territory. It is strongly supported by the Southerners, who want more territory for farming, and ultimately leads to the trail of tears. -
Trail of Tears
The Trail of tears refers to the forced migration of Indians from their homes to Indian and Oklahoma Territories. Many Tribes, including the Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muskogee, Creek, Seminole, and Cherokee, are relocated due to the Indian Removal Act of 1830. -
Whig Party
The Whig Party is founded, and is against the strong government proposed by Democrats and Federalists. -
Battle of the Alamo
The battle of the alamo is one of the most pivotal events during Texas' revolution. Santa Anna's troops kill every defender, but at heavy losses. The cruelty of the legion during the battle also inspires many Texans to revolt. -
Panic of 1837
In 1837, America falls into a financial depression caused partially by the fall of cotton prices. The depression creates a panic that lasts through the 1840s. Unemployment goes up to 25% in some cities. -
Manifest Destiny
Manifest destiny is the concept that the United States has a right and destiny to the territory from atlantic to pacific coasts. It leads to many wars and infamous events, including the Mexican War and the Trail of Tears. The term is coined in 1845, but the concept exists far before. -
Donner Party
In May of 1846, a party of pioneers sets out to California. They are trapped in the Sierra Nevada for the winter of 1846-47, and resort to cannibalism to survive. 42 of the 87 party members die. -
California Gold Rush Begins
Gold is discovered in California by James Marshall. As a result of the flood of hopeful migrants, California becomes a state by 1850, agriculture there expands, and a primitive property system is developed to protect gold rights. -
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California Gold Rush
During this time period, floods of aspiring migrants rush to California, where gold is discovered in 1848. The result is a temporary boom in California's economy and population, allowing it to become a state. -
Treaty of Guatalupe Hidalgo
The treaty of guatalupe hidalgo is signed, declaring peace between Mexico and the United States. The US gets California, New Mexico, Arizone, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming as part of the treaty. -
The Forty-Niners
After the discovery of gold in California in early 1848, word begins to spread around the world. By 1849, packs of hopeful miners rush toward California in an attempt to make a fortune. This rush gives California a boost in its economy and population, allowing it to become an official state. -
Gadsden Purchase
America purchases a 76,800 square kilometer plot of land from Mexico, which includes parts of what is now Arizona and New Mexico. It is the last major purchase that adds to the contiguous United States, finally fulfilling the dram of Manifest Destiny.
