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Louisianna Purchase
Thomas Jefferson buys the Louisiana Territory from France for $15 Million. This territory added around 830,000 square miles nearly doubling the size of the United States. -
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War of 1812
The United States declared war on Great Britain due to their interference of American maritime shipping and westward expansion. The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Ghent. -
Missouri Compromise
In attempt to maintain balance between free and slave states, Maine is admitted to the union as a free state and Missouri is admitted as a slave state. Slavery is prohibited in the land gained from the Louisiana Purchase north of 36 30’. -
Monroe Doctrine
In his annual address to Congress, President Monroe declares that the America Continents are off-limits for further colonization by European powers. -
Indian Removal Act
Signed by President Andrew Jackson, this act authorized the forced removal of Native Americans Living in the eastern part of the country to lands west of the Mississippi River. -
Trail of Tears
More than 15,000 Cherokee Indians are forced to march from Georgia to Oklahoma with approximately 4,000 dyeing from starvation or disease along the way. -
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Mexican War
United States declares war on Mexico in an effort to gain land from Mexico in the southwest. The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Hidalgo, with the United States gaining the land of California and other territory in the southwest. -
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Civil War
Conflict between the Union and the Confederacy erupts over disagreements on tariffs, slavery and westward expansion. The war ended when General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Courthouse. -
Acquisition of Alaska
United States purchases Alaska from Russia for $7.2 Million. -
Fifteenth Amendment
The fifteenth amendment of the constitution is ratified giving African Americans the right to vote.