First half of the 19th century timeline

Thomas Jefferson becomes president

Mar 4, 1801

Jefferson is response for the Louisiana purchase to make our country bigger. Jefferson is also known for being the draftsman of the deceleration of Independence. Jefferson founded the university of Virginia.

Louisiana purchase

1803

The Louisiana Purchase was the purchase of land by the United States from France. Thomas Jefferson faced much opposition to the purchase of the land and many said that it was unconstitutional and undermined the authority of the states in the government.

James Madison becomes president

1809

Madison was U.S. Secretary of State for Thomas Jefferson. Madison led the country through the war of 1812. Madison also drafted the United States Bill of Rights.

War of 1812

Jun 18, 1812

In the War of 1812, caused by British restrictions on U.S. trade and America’s desire to expand its territory, the United States took on the greatest naval power in the world, Great Britain.

James Monroe becomes president

Dec 4, 1816

James Monroe was associated with the Missouri compromise. Monroe's presidency was an era of good feelings. Monroe made the U.S bigger with the Florida purchase treaty.

Missouri Compromise

Mar 4, 1819

The Missouri Compromise was written by Henry Clay, and both pro and anti-slavery proponents in Congress agreed to it. The Compromise forbade slavery in Louisiana and any territory that was once part of it in the Louisiana Purchase.

John Quincy Adams becomes president

1824

Adams was the author of Monroe Doctrine

Andrew Jackson becomes president

1828

Andrew Jackson was the main founder of the modern Democratic party. Jackson played a role in all white males being granted the right to vote. Jackson also resolved the nullification crisis.

Gold rush starts in California

1849

Gold mining towns sprang up to take care of the miners. The towns had stores, saloons, and hotels. Few women and children lived here. The towns were often rough and lawless.