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Declaration of Independence
The 13 colonies declared independence from Great Britain on July 4th, 1776. This document clarified there motives for wanting to break away based on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. -
American Revolutionary War
Due to colonial opposition to British rule and a strong pushback against taxation and many policies, the colonies started a war. It lasted for 8 years and ended in 1783, and in the end the colonies gained their independence. -
Constitutional Convention
Delegates from all states met in Philadelphia to meet. During this meeting they discussed the problems with the Articles of Confederation and formed the Constitution which allowed for a strong federal government. -
Bill of Rights Adopted
In order to address individuals liberty's the Bill of Rights was created. The first 10 amendments guaranteed rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to own a firearm. -
Louisiana Purchase
The United States bought about 827,000 acres of land from France for about $15 million. This purchase helped with the westward expansion of the states and the idea of Manifesting Destiny. -
Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine stated the the Americas were now off limits to any European colonization. This solidified The United States dominance in the western hemisphere and helped to protect new independent nations. -
Annexation of Texas
Texas was admitted as the 28th state in a time when tensions were high due to slave and non slave states. The annexation contributed to the Mexican American War and only lasted about 9 years. -
California Gold Rush
The discovery of gold in California triggered a mass migration west. This migration caused massive changes geographically and economically to California and the entire United States. It also increased tensions with slavery. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
This act allowed for residents living in Kansas and Nebraska to decide whether or not to allow slavery. This led to violence known as bleeding kansas and many controversies over the decisions made. -
Abraham Lincoln Elected President
Abraham Lincoln was elected president during the 1860 election but not placed in office until 1861. He was the first ever republican president elected and his actions led directly to many states threatening to secede and the Civil War.