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The Battles of Lexington and Concord
The battles of Lexington and Concord marked the beginning of the American Revolution; the battles between colonial militias and British troops further showed the colonists’ readiness to fight for their independence, which sparked larger resistance against British rule. These battles are significant to the Colonial Period of the United States, as they further united the American colonies and gave them hope for the future as they defeated the British in the battles. -
The Winter at Valley Forge
The Winter at Valley Forge was an important period during the American Revolution, as during this period, the Continental Army endured hardship because of a lack of supplies, disease, and other harsh conditions caused by the winter. This period is significant to the Colonial Period of the United States as it transformed the army into a more disciplined and effective fighting force, significantly impacting the eventual success of the colonies' fight for independence. -
Benedict Arnold turns traitor
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The Battle of Cowpens
The Battle of Cowpens was a battle during the American Revolution in which American forces under General Daniel Morgan defeated British troops led by Banastre Tarleton. This event was significant to the Early American Wars Period because it weakened British forces in the South, shifting momentum to the Americans, and paving the way for the eventual defeat of the British at Yorktown. -
The USS Constitution defeats the HMS Guerriere
The USS Constitution's defeat of the HMS Guerriere was when the USS Constitution, a battleship, defeated the British HMS Guerriere during a naval battle during the War of 1812, a war between the United States and Britain. This event was significant to the Early American Wars Period as it highlighted the strength of the U.S. Navy, boosted national morale, and showcased the young nation's ability to defend its independence against one of the world's most powerful empires. -
The Battle of Baltimore
The Battle of Baltimore was a battle during the War of 1812 in which U.S. forces successfully defended the city from British attack by land and sea. This event was significant to the Early American Wars Period as it demonstrated the strength of the new nation, boosted national morale, and inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner," which later became the national anthem. -
The Battle of New Orleans
The Battle of New Orleans was a battle during the War of 1812 in which General Andrew Jackson led the American forces to victory against the British. This event was significant to the Early American Wars Period, as although the war had technically ended, the American victory safeguarded U.S. control over New Orleans and the Mississippi River, ensured the nation's independence, and effectively paved the way for Andrew Jackson's presidency. -
The Election of Andrew Jackson
The election of Andrew Jackson was when presidential candidate Andrew Jackson beat the other candidates in the 1828 presidential election. This event was significant to the Early American Wars Period as Andrew Jackson caused tremendous westward expansion through the Indian Removal Act, which indirectly contributed to tensions between the North and the South as the country struggled to keep a balance between slave and free states as it grew. -
The Battle of the Alamo
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Mexico loses California, New Mexico, and Arizona
Mexico losing California, New Mexico, and Arizona was when Mexico lost the territory of California, New Mexico, and Arizona to the United States after the Mexican-American War, finalized by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. This event was significant to the Early American Wars Period as it extraordinarily expanded U.S. territory, contributing to westward expansion, economic growth, and the fulfillment of Manifest Destiny. -
Abraham Lincoln Elected President
The election of Abraham Lincoln was when presidential candidate Abraham Lincoln beat the other candidates in the 1960 presidential election. This event was significant to the Early American Wars Period as Abraham Lincoln's stance on slavery was well known, so his election heightened tensions between the North and South, ultimately leading to the secession of Southern states and the outbreak of the Civil War, showcasing how far slavery had divided the nation. -
South Carolina secedes from the United States
The secession of South Carolina was when the state of South Carolina seceded from the United States in December 1860, marking the first instance of a state leaving the Union, setting the stage for the secession of other states and ultimately the Civil War. This event was significant to the Early American Wars Period as it highlighted how far slavery had divided the nation, ultimately leading to the formation of the Confederacy, and to a civil war that would reshape the nation. -
The First Battle of Bull Run
The First Battle of Bull Run was the first major battle of the American Civil War between the Confederacy and the Union, resulting in the defeat of the Union. The First Battle of Bull Run was significant to the Early American Wars Period as it shattered the illusion that the conflict would be short-lived and easy, setting the stage for a prolonged and brutal civil war. -
The Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg was a battle during the American Civil War between the Confederacy and the Union, resulting in the defeat of the Confederacy. The Battle of Gettysburg was significant to the Early American Wars Period as it became a turning point that halted General Robert E. Lee's invasion of the North and weakened the Confederacy's ability to wage war, leading to the eventual victory of the North, the surrender of the South, and an end to the civil war. -
The Treaty at Appomattox Courthouse
The 'Treaty' at Appomattox Courthouse was an agreement made after the Battle of Appomattox Courthouse that marked the formal surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee to Union General Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the American Civil War. This event was significant to the Early American Wars Period as it led to the preservation of the Union and laid the groundwork for the Reconstruction Era, which sought to rebuild the nation after the Civil War. -
The sinking of the USS Maine
The sinking of the USS Maine was when the battleship the USS Maine exploded and sank in Havana Harbor, resulting in the deaths of over 260 crew members. The sinking of the USS Maine was significant to the Early American Wars Period as it escalated tensions between the United States and Spain and became one of the leading contractors to the Spanish-American War, which ended Spain’s colonial presence in the Americas and expanded the United States's influence on the world stage. -
Battle of the Philippines (Spanish-American War, not World War II)
The Battle of the Philippines was a battle during the Spanish-American War in 1898, where the United States defeated Spain's Pacific fleet in Manila Bay. This event was significant to the Early American Wars Period as it led to the annexation of the Philippines, expanding American territory and influence in the Pacific while ending Spain's colonial empire. -
The Adoption of the Star Spangled Banner as the National Anthem
