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Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was endorsed by Congress on July 4, 1776. This was after the American Revolution, when the colonies declared independence from Britain. -
The Constitutional Convention
The Constitutional Convention was held by delegates from each state, excluding Rhode Island, in Philadelphia, where the "Virginia Plan" introduced a new form of government with a bicameral legislature, and the "New Jersey Plan" introduced equal representation of the states while revising the Articles of Confederation. This led to the formation of Federalists and Anti-Federalists, who are in favor and against the Constitution, respectively. The Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787. -
Presidential Election of 1789
George Washington was elected as the first president of the United States. As the commander of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, he proved himself to be suited for a position in office. -
Louisiana Purchase
The United States purchased 530,000,000 acres of territory from France for $15 million. President Thomas Jefferson decided to forgo a Constitutional amendment to validate the purchase of the Louisiana territory. -
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a conflict fought between the United States and Great Britain over British violations of U.S. maritime rights. It resulted in the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the War of 1812. -
The Star-Spangled Banner
Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics of the Star-Spangled Banner after watching the British attack Fort McHenry, Maryland. It was adopted as the national anthem by Congress in 1931. -
Missouri Compromise
The Missouri Compromise was a legislation that admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a non-slave state at the same time in order to not upset the balance between slave and non-slave states in the nation. It also outlawed slavery above the 36º 30' latitude line in the Louisiana Territory. -
Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo
The Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War. The U.S. acquired 500,000 miles of land for $15 million in the West and Southwest, including California and New Mexico. -
Dred Scott Decision
In the 1857 Dred Scott Decision, the United States Supreme Court upheld slavery in U.S. territories, denied the legality of black citizenship in America, and declared the Missouri Compromise to be unconstitutional. This was a controversial decision that ultimately led to a civil war, as it was seen as a pro-Southern bias. -
Presidential Election of 1860
Abraham Lincoln became President of the United States in 1860. He won the vote on a national level, having a victory in the popular vote and electoral vote.