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Jamestown Founded
The first permanent English settlement in North America is established in Virginia. -
Pilgrims Land at Plymouth
The Mayflower brings the Pilgrims to Plymouth, Massachusetts, where they establish a colony. -
Declaration of Independence
On July 4, the thirteen colonies declare independence from British rule. -
Constitution Ratified
The United States Constitution is ratified, replacing the Articles of Confederation and establishing the framework of the federal government. -
Louisiana Purchase
The U.S. purchases the Louisiana Territory from France, doubling the size of the nation. -
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Civil War
The United States is divided over slavery, leading to the Civil War between the Union and Confederate states. -
Emancipation Proclamation
President Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring all slaves in Confederate states to be free. -
Spanish-American War
The U.S. defeats Spain, acquiring territories including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. -
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World War I
The United States enters World War I, tipping the balance in favor of the Allies. -
Stock Market Crash
The Great Depression begins with the stock market crash in October, leading to a decade of economic hardship. -
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World War II
The U.S. enters World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor, playing a crucial role in the defeat of Axis powers. -
Brown v. Board of Education
The Supreme Court decision declares racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. -
Civil Rights Act
Legislation is passed to outlaw racial segregation and discrimination. -
Moon Landing
Apollo 11 mission lands the first humans on the Moon. -
Watergate Scandal
President Richard Nixon resigns in the wake of the Watergate scandal. -
Fall of the Berlin Wall
Marking the end of the Cold War, the U.S. emerges as the world's sole superpower. -
September 11 Attacks
Terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon lead to the U.S. launching the War on Terror. -
Financial Crisis
A global financial crisis begins, leading to the Great Recession. -
Election of Barack Obama
Barack Obama is elected as the first African American president of the United States. -
COVID-19 Pandemic and Social Unrest
The U.S. faces the COVID-19 pandemic, economic challenges, and widespread protests against racial injustice and police brutality.