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Thomas Jefferson Elected President
Thomas Jefferson is elected President of the United States of America after 36 ballots. Some called the close tie and eventual transition of power a "bloodless revolution." -
Robert Fulton and the Invention of the Steam Boat
Robert Fulton established the first commercial steamboat service up and down the Hudson River in New York in 1807. Soon steamboat services would be very common for American rivers. -
The War of 1812
When Britain refused to stop impressing American sailors into its navy, America went to war with Britain. It lasted for about 3 years and involved some Native Americans as well. The war ended as more of a psychological victory rather than an actual physical one. -
Second Great Awakening
The Second Great Awakening is a succession of religious revivals across the nation. Preachers on horseback travel the states delivering passionate sermons, which leads to a renewed spirituality and religious fervor. -
The Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine opposes the European colonization of any land in the American continents. It was supposed to keep European power out of the American continents and encourage the formation of new countries such as the United States. -
Erie Canal
New York State completes the Erie Canal in 1825. It connects the Great Lakes with the Hudson River and the Atlantic Ocean and helps with the transportation of goods from the east coast to the middle of the continent. -
Andrew Jackson Elected President
Andrew Jackson is elected President of the United States. He defeated his opponent, John Quincy Adams, in one of the dirtiest elections in American history. Many thought Jackson was too much like a king, leading some to call him King Andrew. -
Slavery Abolished in Britain
Great Britain passes the Slavery Abolition Act in its empire, abolishing slavery before the United States. This was especially ironic, considering America claimed to be a free country while portraying Britain as tyrannical and oppressive. -
Texas Revolution
Texas rebels against Mexico and creates the Republic of Texas which lasts for two years. Soon after gaining their freedom, they join the United States. -
Telegraph
Samuel F. B. Morse develops and patents telegraphy, revolutionizing communication. -
John O'Sullivan and Manifest Destiny
John O'Sullivan coins the term "Manifest Destiny" to refer to the right to overspread the continent and take over the land, regardless of who was previously living there. -
The Compromise of 1850
Henry Clay and others push for the Compromise of 1850 to help with the problem of slavery. It has several points, the most important two being the joining of California as a free state and the abolition of the slave trade (but not slavery) in Washington D.C. -
Abraham Lincoln Elected President
In a four-way race, Lincoln emerges victorious with 180 electoral votes. His election triggers the Southern States seceding from the Union. -
South Carolina Leaves the Union
Following Lincoln's Election, the state of South Carolina unanimously voted to dissolve their union with the United States. Other states followed shortly thereafter. -
Fort Sumpter
The American Civil War begins when Confederate Brigadier General P. G. T. Beauregard fires on Fort Sumpter. The fort surrenders one day later. Lincoln calls for troops and the war begins. -
Emancipation Proclimation
Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, a document that freed all of the slaves in the South. -
The Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg takes place from July 1-3. Both the North and the South suffer heavy casualties but it ended Confederate General Robert E. Lee's offensive into the North and marked the beginning of the end of the war. -
Civil War Ends
Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at the Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, bringing the Civil War to an end.
