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Sep 26, 1580
Circumnavigation and a Round World
(Link) On this date, English sea captain Francis Drake sailed into Plymoth harbor, becoming the first Englishman to circumnavigate the face of the planet. Commended for his bravery and passion, he was awarded a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth I. Through his actions, Drake was able to prove to many that the world was indeed round, and therefore could be sailed around in one direction. -
Voyage of the Mayflower
(Link) A vessel of around 130 passengers, this voyage marked the beginning of a large-scale settlement of North America by the British. Though previously occuring, voyages such as this were not common, thus making this an iconic moment. -
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British Colonies are Established
During this time period, all thirteen of the English New World colonies were officially estabished. Though still under British rule, discontent was growing. -
Culture Through the People
(Link) Throughout the 1700's many immigrants came to the United States. All contributed to a culture that, though regulated, was not dictated by the government. This expanded following the Declaration of Independence in 1776, as religion and cultural practices were not prohibited. Because of this, America flourished as the nation where people chose and contributed to their own culture, not one set up by the government. -
The Declaration of Independence
(Link) The Declaration of Independence is adopted by the United States Continental Congress, proclaiming it a free and independent nation. This date is celebrated as American Independence Day. -
Independence of Government
(Link) Alongside the Declaration of Independence came a new and radical idea: the notion that the people of a nation have the right to choose the government that rules over them. Though this idea came with a price, (the Revolutionary War,) it was an example for the world what a unified population can do. -
The Treaty of Paris
(Link) The United States of America is officialy recognized by England as an idependent nation. Though no official leader could sign on the American's behalf, representitives from both sides assembled to sign. -
George Washington is Elected President
(Link) George Washington, military leader and American figurehead, becomes the first elected president of the United States unanimously. He was reelected again in 1792 to serve two terms, and after serving them retired to his home in Virginia. -
Washington D.C. Becomes the Capital of America
(Link) Commissioned by George Washington, the design of the new capital in Washington D.C. is drawn up by Pierre-Charles L'Enfant. Burned down during the war of 1812, it was reconstructed and stands as it is today. -
Eli Whitney Invents the Cotton Gin
(Link) The demand for slavery explodes in the United States after cotton production increases tenfold, due to the invention of the cotton gin. The slave trade booms. -
Political Parties Emerge
(Link) During the election of 1796 political parties are formed. Washington strictly made it clear that political parties would only hurt the development of the government, but after his retirement they formed anyway. -
Louisiana Purchase is Made
(Link) Though often seen as unconstitutional, Thomas Jefferson purchases the territory of Louisiana from Napolean III of France. In doing so, he more than doubles the size of the United States at a price of less than three cents per acre. -
The Indian Removal Act
(Link) The Indian Removal Act is approved, leading to the mass- migration of Native Americans into a newer "Indian Teritory". This migration kills almost one quarter of the whole Indian population. -
Jackson Vs. Nullification
(Link) President Andrew Jackson requests for the ability to use the United States military to enforce taxes onto South Carolina. His actions suceeded in preventing the sucession of South Carolina from the Union. -
The Oregon Border Dispute
(Link) The dispute between England and the United States results in the division of Oregon at the 49th parallel. This helps to avoid a third war between the two countries. -
The Mexican-American War Ends
(Link) The Mexican-American War ends with the United States victorious. This results in the addition of most land west of the United States at the time. -
Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad
(Link) The iconic Harriet Tubman, former slave, begins to escort slaves from the South to the North. It is during this time that conflict starts brewing between these two sides of the United States, -
South Carolina Seceds from the Union
(Link) South Carolina is the first state to seced from the United States of America. Most southern states follow, resulting in an armed conflict known as the Civil War. -
Robert E. Lee Surrenders at Appomattox
(Link) On this day, southern Commander Robert E. Lee surrenders the confederate army at Appomattox, ending the Civil War. President Abraham Lincoln is then assasinated two days later, but previously emancipates all slaves in the United States of America. -
Removal of Government Officials
(Link) Andrew Johnson, who became president of the Unites States after the assasination of Abraham Lincoln, becomes the first President to be impeached by the U.S. House of Representitives. The ability to peacefully remove those who corrupt government was an astounding revelation that showed many in the world that peace was a viable option when opting for change. -
Racial Equality
(Link) Racial equality begins to take shape after the end of the American Civil War. Many Southerners were removed from office, allowing for Northern power to dominate. Because of this, the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution were passed, stating that all subjugation of U.S. citizens (regardless of race) is illegal.
