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Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Territory was bought from France for $15 million. This purchase doubled the size of the U.S. at that point. -
Start of Lewis and Clark Expedition
Thomas Jefferson sends Meriwether Lewis and William Clark with a team of explorers begin their journey across the Louisiana Territory. They hoped to make negotiations with the Native Americans, see if there was a Northwest Passage to China to extend U.S. trade, and to find out what the U.S. bought from France. -
Lewis and Clark Return Home
After two years, the Lewis and Clark expedition was over. Although they did not find the Northwest Passage, they discovered many species of plants and animals and visited many places that they were able to put on maps for future travellers. -
Start of the War of 1812
James Madison wanted to abandon isolationism, so Congress declared war with Britain, starting the War of 1812. This is the first war declared by the United States. -
Star-Spangled Banner Written
Francis Scott Key wrote the National Anthem after he saw the U.S. flag still waving over Fort McHenry after it had been bombarded. -
End of War of 1812
The Treaty of Ghent ended War of 1812. -
Start of the Mexican-American War
Mexican troops fired on U,S. patrols, giving President Polk a reason to declare war with Mexico. -
California Gold Rush
James W. Marshall discovered a gold nugget in the American River. News of his discovery was spread, and people rushed from everywhere to the gold mines. -
End of Mexican-American War
The Mexican-American War ended when the Treaty of Guadalupe Hildago was signed. This made Rio Grande the Southern border of the U.S. The Mexican territory north of the river was added to the United States. -
Compromise of 1850
Henry Clay introduces the compromise to Congress to solve the tension over slavery between north and south states.
