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1492
Europeans "Discover" the New World
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1493
Columbian Exchange Begins
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1501
The Transatlantic Slave Trade Begins
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1517
Religious Battles in the Old World
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1565
First Permanent European Settlement in North America
St Augustine, present-day Florida - founded by the Spanish. North America is already inhabited by several distinct groups of people, who go into decline following the arrival of settlers. -
Jamestown, Virginia Founded
Began growing tobacco -
Plymouth Colony
Near Cape Cod, is founded by the Pilgrim Fathers, whose example is followed by other English Puritans in New England. -
Seven Year's War
Britain gains control of territory up to the Mississippi river following victory over France in Seven Years' War. -
First Continental Congress
Colonists form First Continental Congress as Britain closes down Boston harbour and deploys troops in Massachusetts. -
American Revolution
George Washington leads Continental Army to fight against British rule. -
July 4th
Declaration of Independence endorsed by Congress; colonies declare independence. -
Treaty of Paris
Britain accepts loss of colonies by virtue of Treaty of Paris. -
U.S. Constitution
Founding Fathers draw up new constitution for United States of America. Constitution comes into effect in 1788. -
First President
George Washington elected first president of USA. -
Bill of Rights
Bill of Rights guarantees individual freedom. -
Louisiana Territories
France sells Louisiana territories to USA. -
Slaves
Atlantic slave trade is abolished. -
War of 1812 Begins
War of 1812 between the US and Britain, partly over the effects of British restrictions on US trade during the Napoleonic Wars. -
California and New Mexico Added
US acquires vast tracts of Mexican territory in wake of Mexican War including California and New Mexico. -
Republican Party
Opponents of slavery, or abolitionists, set up Republican Party. -
Abraham Lincoln Elected President
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Secession from the Union
Eleven pro-slavery southern states secede from Union and form the Confederate States of America, triggering civil war with abolitionist northern states. -
Emancipation Proclamation
Lincoln issues Emancipation Proclamation, declaring slaves in Confederate states to be free. -
Slavery Abolished
Confederates defeated; slavery abolished under Thirteenth Amendment. Lincoln is assassinated. -
U.S. Gains More Territory
US gains Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines and Cuba following the Spanish-American war. US annexes Hawaii.