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Declaration of Independence
The thirteen American colonies declared independence from Britain, leading up to the American Revolutionary War. This marked the beginning of the United States as a new nation. -
Battle of Yorktown
American and French forces defeated the British in the final major battle of the Revolutionary War. General Cornwallis’s surrender effectively ended the war. -
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Constitutional Convention
Delegates met in Philadelphia to draft the U.S. Constitution. This document replaced the Articles of Confederation and established the framework for the U.S. government. -
George Washington Becomes First U.S. President
George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States. His leadership set many precedents for future presidents. -
Louisiana Purchase
The U.S. and France finalized the agreement for the Louisiana Purchase for $15 million. This doubled the size of the country. -
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Lewis & Clark Expedition
Lewis and Clark set out to explore the western territories of the U.S. Their journey helped map the land and established relations with Native American tribes. -
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War of 1812
The U.S. declared war on Britain over trade restrictions and impressment of American sailors. The war ended in 1815, affirming U.S. independence. It ended with the Treaty of Ghent. -
Missouri Compromise
The Missouri Compromise allowed Missouri to enter as a slave state and Maine as a free state. It helped temporarily help tensions between North and South over slavery. -
Indian Removal Act
President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act into law, leading to the forced relocation of Native American tribes, and to the Trail of Tears. -
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Mexican-American War
The war started over a border dispute between the U.S. and Mexico. It ended with the U.S. gaining vast southwestern territories, including California.