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American Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence broke the Thirteen Colonies' ties with Britain. This marked the birth of the United States and began the Revolutionary War. -
Treaty of Paris
This treaty ended the American Revolutionary War, making Britain recognize their independence. It established boundaries of the fresh nation. -
French Revolution
The French Revolution destroyed the French monarchy. It inspired global movements for democracy. -
Bill of Rights
This guaranteed personal freedoms. Freedoms like freedom of speech. -
Louisiana Purchase
The United States acquired 828,000 square miles of territory from France. It opened vast lands for settlement and exploration, contributing to westward expansion. -
Napoleonic Wars
These wars spread French revolutionary ideals across Europe. Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo in 1815 ended his empire and restored European monarchies. -
Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade
Britain outlawed the transatlantic slave trade in 1807, followed by the U.S. in 1808, marking a significant step in the global abolition movement. Although it ended the importation of slaves, slavery itself continued in many countries. -
War of 1812
The U.S. fought Great Britain over issues like trade restrictions and the impressment of American sailors. The war ended in a stalemate, but it bolstered American nationalism and confirmed U.S. sovereignty. -
Mexican-American War
The war resulted in a decisive U.S. victory, leading to the acquisition of over half of Mexico’s territory. This dramatically increased U.S. land holdings, including modern-day California and Texas, and ignited debates over slavery in new states. -
Compromise of 1850
A series of laws aimed at easing tensions between Northern free states and Southern slave states. It delayed the Civil War but deepened divisions by enforcing the Fugitive Slave Act, which required citizens to assist in the capture of escaped slaves.