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Early 1800s (The Louisiana Purchase of 1803)
The United States acquired approximately 828,000 square miles of land from France through the Louisiana Purchase, effectively expanding the young nation's size twofold. At the time, the region known as Louisiana Territory encompassed the area between the Mississippi River on the eastern side and the Rocky Mountains on the western side, extending from the Gulf of Mexico in the south to the Canadian border in the north. Sources: https://www.history.com/topics/19th-century/louisiana-purchase -
War of 1812-1815
The United States challenged Great Britain, the world's dominant naval force at the time, in a conflict that would significantly shape the young nation's future. The war was triggered by several factors, including British efforts to limit American trade, the forcible recruitment of American sailors into the Royal Navy, and the United States' ambition to expand its territory. Source:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMXqg2PKJZU -
Monroe Doctrine 1823
The text refers to the initial framework presented in an address to Congress in 1823. In this speech, President James Monroe cautioned European nations against further attempts at colonization, military involvement, or other forms of interference in the Western Hemisphere. This declaration aimed to convey that the United States would consider any such intrusion as a potentially aggressive action. Source:
https://www.history.com/topics/19th-century/monroe-doctrine -
The Mid 1800s (Mexican-American War 1846-1848)
The Mexican-American War was the first major armed conflict for the United States that primarily took place on foreign territory. This war saw a Mexico that was politically fractured and militarily underprepared face off against a U.S. administration driven by expansionist ambitions. James K. Polk, U.S. President, held the view that America was destined to expand from coast to coast, embracing the concept of "Manifest Destiny" to justify the nation's growth across the continent to the Pacific. -
The California Gold Rush 1848
The event in question pertains to the rush initiated by the unearthing of gold in the Sacramento Valley in the beginning of 1848, which is considered one of the most influential occurrences shaping American history in the initial half of the 19th century. As news of the finding spread, numerous gold seekers journeyed by sea to reach San Francisco and its neighboring regions. Sources: https://online.norwich.edu/online/about/resource-library/historical-impact-california-gold-rush -
Compromise of 1850
The 1850 compromise consisted of five legislative acts aimed at addressing conflicts over slavery in territories acquired by the United States following the Mexican-American War. Sources: https://www.history.com/topics/slavery/compromise-of-1850 -
Early 1900s (Spanish-American War 1898)
The Spanish-American War of 1898 marked a conflict between Spain and the United States, which brought an end to Spanish colonial control in the Americas. This war led to the United States gaining territories in both Latin America and the western Pacific region. Source: https://diplomacy.state.gov/teacher-resources/spanish-american-conflict-of-1898/ -
Progressive Era
The Progressive movement aimed to tackle issues stemming from rapid industrial growth, urban expansion, mass immigration, and political dishonesty, as well as the vast consolidation of industrial power in monopolies. Reformers within this movement were deeply concerned about the proliferation of impoverished neighborhoods, widespread poverty, and the mistreatment of workers.
Source:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=i0Q4zPR4G7M -
World War 1 (1914-1918)
World War I, also referred to as the Great War, commenced in 1914. At first, the United States maintained a neutral stance. However, the country ultimately decided to enter the conflict in April 1917, joining the Allied powers and engaging in combat against Germany in Europe. This shift in position was largely influenced by events such as the Lusitania's destruction and the discovery of the Zimmermann Telegram, which significantly altered public sentiment towards involvement in the war. -
Great Depression (1929)
The Great Depression is commonly associated with the dramatic plunge in stock prices on Wall Street in Oct 1929. This event is widely regarded as the catalyst for the severe global economic downturn that ensued. The stock market crash, marked by "Black Thursday" (October 24) and "Black Tuesday" (October 29), saw massive sell-offs that resulted in substantial financial losses for investors. These events ultimately sparked a broader economic crisis that came to be known as the Great Depression.