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Naturalization Act of 1790
The first Congress passes the Naturalization Act, which grants citizenship only to "free white persons" who have been in the United States for at least two years. This excludes Native Americans, African slaves, and other non-white individuals. -
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War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a conflict between the United States and Great Britain from 1812 to 1814, marked by territorial disputes, British interference with American trade, and American efforts to expand westward. The war ended with the Treaty of Ghent in 1814, restoring pre-war boundaries and solidifying a sense of national identity for the United States. -
The Missouri Compromise
The Missouri Compromise is passed, temporarily resolving tensions between slave and free states by admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, while drawing a line to prohibit slavery north of the 36°30' parallel. -
The Indian Removal Act
The Indian Removal Act is signed into law, leading to the forced relocation of Native American tribes, including the Cherokee Nation, along the Trail of Tears, resulting in the displacement and suffering of thousands of indigenous people. -
The Battle of the Alamo
The Battle of the Alamo takes place during the Texas Revolution, with Texian defenders valiantly fighting against Mexican forces before being overwhelmed, becoming a symbol of resistance and Texan independence. -
The Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 is passed, attempting to address growing tensions over slavery in new territories by allowing California to enter the Union as a free state while implementing stricter fugitive slave laws and organizing popular sovereignty for other territories. -
Dred Scott v. Sandford
The U.S. Supreme Court rules in Dred Scott v. Sandford that African Americans, whether enslaved or free, cannot be considered citizens. This decision further reinforces the exclusion of African Americans from citizenship rights. -
14th Amendment
The 14th Amendment is ratified, granting citizenship to all individuals born or naturalized in the United States, including former slaves. It also provides equal protection under the law. -
15th Amendment
The 15th Amendment is ratified, prohibiting states from denying the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. This grants voting rights to African American men. -
Chinese Exclusion Act
In response to anti-Chinese sentiments and fears of job competition, the Chinese Exclusion Act is passed, barring Chinese laborers from becoming naturalized citizens. This marks the first time a specific ethnic group is explicitly excluded from citizenship. -
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End of World War I
The United States enters World War I, supporting the Allied Powers and contributing to the eventual victory and the redrawing of national borders. -
19th Amendment
The 19th Amendment is ratified, granting women the right to vote, which significantly expands the concept of citizenship and suffrage. -
Monroe Doctrine
President James Monroe issues the Monroe Doctrine, declaring that the Americas are off-limits for further colonization by European powers and any attempt to interfere with independent nations would be seen as a threat to the United States. -
Indian Citizenship Act
The Indian Citizenship Act grants citizenship to all Native Americans born in the United States, regardless of tribal affiliation. This marks an important step in recognizing Native Americans as citizens. -
Magnuson Act
The Magnuson Act repeals the Chinese Exclusion Act, allowing Chinese immigrants to become naturalized citizens and granting them greater rights. -
Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952
The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (McCarran-Walter Act) eliminates racial and ethnic barriers to immigration and grants naturalization rights to Asians and other non-white immigrants. -
Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965
The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 eliminates national origins quotas, which were based on race, in the issuance of immigrant visas. This paves the way for more diverse immigration and a broader concept of American citizenship. -
Loving v. Virginia
The U.S. Supreme Court rules in Loving v. Virginia that laws prohibiting interracial marriage are unconstitutional, ensuring the rights of interracial couples and their children. -
Roe v. Wade
In the landmark Supreme Court case, Roe v. Wade, the right to privacy is established, and the decision effectively legalizes abortion, expanding the concept of individual rights and autonomy for women. -
Voting Rights Act Amendments
The Voting Rights Act is amended to protect the voting rights of language minorities, including Hispanic, Native American, and Asian American citizens, ensuring broader inclusion in the democratic process. -
Immigration Reform and Control Act
The Immigration Reform and Control Act grants amnesty to millions of undocumented immigrants and imposes sanctions on employers who hire undocumented workers, addressing issues of citizenship and immigration. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA is signed into law, prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various areas of public life, further advancing the concept of equal rights and inclusion. -
Lawrence v. Texas
In Lawrence v. Texas, the Supreme Court strikes down laws that criminalize consensual same-sex activity, marking a significant step towards recognizing the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and promoting equality. -
District of Columbia v. Heller
In this landmark case, the Supreme Court confirms an individual's right to own firearms for self-defense, expanding the understanding of personal liberties and rights. -
Affordable Care Act (ACA)
The ACA, also known as Obamacare, is signed into law, expanding access to healthcare and insuring millions of previously uninsured Americans. -
United States v. Windsor
In United States v. Windsor, the Supreme Court strikes down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), providing federal recognition for same-sex marriages and paving the way for nationwide marriage equality. -
Obergefell v. Hodges
In a historic ruling, the Supreme Court legalizes same-sex marriage nationwide, affirming the right of same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same legal benefits and protections as heterosexual couples. -
Travel Ban Executive Order
The Trump administration issues several executive orders restricting entry into the United States from certain countries, sparking debates over immigration and raising questions about the scope of citizenship and inclusivity. -
Supreme Court DACA Decision
In a significant decision, the Supreme Court rules against the Trump administration's attempt to end the DACA program, protecting the rights of hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. -
Black Lives Matter Protests
Following the killing of George Floyd, nationwide protests erupt, calling for an end to racial injustice and police brutality. The movement sparks renewed conversations about systemic racism and the need for greater equality for all citizens. -
Revoking Trump's travel bans from primarily Muslim and African countries
President Joe Biden signs executive order revoking Trump's travel bans from primarily Muslim and African countries. The order emphasizes the United States' commitment to religious freedom and tolerance, stating that the previous administration's actions were inconsistent with the nation's history of welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. -
Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization
On June 24, 2022, in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled by a 6-3 majority to overturn both Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, holding that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion. The decision returned the authority to regulate abortion to individual states and their elected representatives, allowing them to enact laws regarding abortion restrictions.