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The Declaration of Independence
It was the colonists' way of declaring independence from the British. -
The Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party is important because it was the first major act of defiance to British rule over the colonists. -
The Battles of Lexington and Concord
It marked the beginning of the American War of Indepence. -
The Winter at Valley Forge
It proved to be a great trial for the American army. -
Article of Confederation are Ratified
It agreed to state-by-state voting and proportional state tax burdens based on land values. -
The Battle of Yorktown
Marked the conclusion of the last major battle of the American Revolution and the start of a new nation's independence. -
The Constitution is Ratified
The ratification of the Constitution is significant because it served as the function to inform the public of the provisions of the proposed new government. -
Presidential Inauguration of George Washington
The executive branch of the United States government officially began operations under the new frame of government established by the 1787 Constitution. -
Washington’s Farewell Address
It tried to unify the people under a common goal. -
The Death of George Washington
Political leaders utilized the mourning process to spawn the first recognizable steps towards creating a sense of national unity during a time of shared sorrow. -
Election Day
Jefferson's triumph brought an end to one of the most acrimonious presidential campaigns in U.S. history and resolved a serious Constitutional crisis. -
Marbury vs. Madison
It established the principle of judicial review. -
The Dead Rabbits Riot
It was the largest disturbance since the Astor Place Riot in 1849 and the biggest scene of gang violence until the New York Draft Riots of 1863. -
The Ku Klux Klan is Established
Still tried to suppress blacks after the Civil War. -
John D. Rockefeller Creates Standard Oil
It controlled some 90 percent of U.S. refineries and pipelines. -
Alexander Graham Bell Patents the Telephone
It revolutionized communication as we know it. -
The Great Oklahoma Land Race
It set the stage for non-Indian settlement of other sections of Indian Territory. -
Ellis Island Opens to Process Immigrants
Ellis Island saw millions of newly arrived immigrants pass through its doors. -
The Wizard of Oz (Book) is Published
It mirrors the myth of American society's movement from conquering the wilderness to building big cities on the frontier. -
J.P. Morgan Founds U.S. Steel
It helped make rapid expansion of cities and urban infrastructure. -
Ford Motor Company is Founded
It transformed agricultural economies in the United States and even around the world into prosperous industrial and urban ones. -
Ida Tarbell Publishes Her Article About Standard Oil
Supreme Court decision in 1911 found Standard Oil in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act. -
The 16th Amendment is Passed
Made it possible to enact a modern, nationwide income tax. -
Angel Island Opens to Process Immigrants
It controlled and enforced the relatively new immigration laws and deal with the threat of disease from the many new people arriving daily to America. -
The 17th Amendment is Passed
It removed from state legislatures the power to choose U.S. Senators and gave that power directly to voters in each state. -
The Empire State Building Opens
It's the first of many iconic roles the building will play on the silver screen and among its most important pop culture moments. -
Teddy Roosevelt Becomes President of the United States
Sympathetic to both business and labor, Roosevelt avoided labor strike, most notably negotiating a settlement to the great Coal Strike of 1902. He vigorously promoted the conservation movement, emphasizing efficient use of natural resources. He dramatically expanded the system of national parks and national forests.