Preston's Timeline

  • 1776 – Adoption of the Declaration of Independence

    1776 – Adoption of the Declaration of Independence
    Adopting the Declaration of Independence on July 4 marked the birth of the United States. It declared the colonies' right to self-govern and emphasized principles of liberty and equality.
  • 1783 – Treaty of Paris

    1783 – Treaty of Paris
    The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1783, officially ended the American Revolutionary War. Great Britain recognized the United States' independence.
  • 1787 – Constitutional Convention

    1787 – Constitutional Convention
    Delegates from 12 states met in Philadelphia in 1787 to draft a new governing document. The Constitution created a stronger federal government with three branches.
  • 1789 – George Washington Inaugurated

    1789 – George Washington Inaugurated
    George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States in New York City. His presidency set many precedents for the office, including establishing a cabinet and peacefully transitioning power.
  • 1803 – Louisiana Purchase

    1803 – Louisiana Purchase
    President Thomas Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Territory from France for $15 million, doubling the size of the United States.This acquisition opened vast lands west of the Mississippi River.
  • 1812 – War of 1812

    1812 – War of 1812
    The War of 1812 was fought between the U.S. and Great Britain over issues such as trade restrictions and Native American resistance. The conflict ended in 1815 with the Treaty of Ghent.
  • 1820 – Missouri Compromise

    1820 – Missouri Compromise
    The Missouri Compromise was a legislative agreement that admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state. It prohibited slavery in the northern part of the Louisiana Territory above the 36°30′ latitude.
  • 1823 – Monroe Doctrine

    1823 – Monroe Doctrine
    President James Monroe proclaimed the Monroe Doctrine in 1823. It warned European powers against further colonization or interference in the Americas.
  • 1845 – Annexation of Texas

    1845 – Annexation of Texas
    In 1845, the U.S. annexed the Republic of Texas. This annexation contributed to tensions with Mexico and led to the outbreak of the Mexican-American War.
  • 1860 – Election of Abraham Lincoln

    1860 – Election of Abraham Lincoln
    In November 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected as the 16th President of the United States.His victory, which opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories, prompted Southern states to begin seceding from the Union.