-
Period: to
American History Timeline
-
French-Indian War
Benjamin Franklin creates his famous "Join, or Die." political cartoon to promote the Albany Congress and gain colonial support in the French and Indian War. -
Treaty of Paris
French and Indian War ends with the Treaty of Paris. France is driven out and Britain becomes the dominant North American power. -
Proclamation of 1763
America is angered by Proclamation of 1763, prohibiting America from expanding westward. Colonist ignore law and push westward. This issue was the first of many that would spilt America from Britain. -
First Continental Congress
Delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies met at the First Continental Congress to discuss actions for the Coercive Acts passed by the Parliament. The delegates decide to boycott all British goods, leading to more acts being passed. -
The Battle of Lexington and Concord
British troops cut through to Concord, but it was there were the "shot heard round the world" was initiated. The Battle of Lexington and Concord kicks the Revolutionary War into high gear. -
Second Continental Congress
Second Continental Congress is formed. The latter outcome of this group is the Declaration of Independence is formed and the introduction of social contract is put in place. -
The Battle of Bunker Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill declared victory for Britain, but due to high British casualties, American militias were taken more seriously. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is signed. This contributes to the birth of the United States. -
The Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga is the turning point in the war. America's victory encourages France, Spain, and the Netherlands to support America. -
The Royal Army
Eight years of carping and the inability of the British Army to win, British troops become fatigued and this helps to end the Revolutionary War. -
The Surrender at Yorktown
The British Army surrenders at Yorktown. This finally gives America full control of their new nation. -
U.S. Bill of Rights
The framers, i.e., group which made the U.S. government, add the ten amendments to the Constitution known as the Bill of Rights. The bill extends and protects the principles of individual liberties and due process of law. -
Louisiana Purchase
As the United States had their own nation, the land west of the Mississippi River was of extreme importance for westward expansion. For 15 million dollars, America gained 828,000 square miles from France known as the Louisiana Purchase. -
The War of 1812
The War of 1812, while short, was of extreme importance. It marked the end of the Federalist party, reinforced the feeling of Anglophobia, i.e., someone with the dislike, hatred, or fear of England or English people. It boosted national pride and encouraged expansion for America, and helped catapult four men into presidency, one of which was Andrew Jackson. -
The Battle of the Alamo
The Battle of the Alamo was fought for Texas to gain its independence from Mexico. The famous "Remember the Alamo!" was shouted as some eight hundred Texans defeated a Mexican militia of 1,500 members. This marked Texas' independence. -
Industrial Revolution in America (1760-1840)
In the United States, the industry grew first in the northwest. From steam-driven boats to textile inventions that helped the production of cotton, the U.S. was growing rapidly. -
Westward Expansion
Mexico attacked the United States, killing a dozen American troops. For two years, both sides fight for the southern west states. America is granted southwest states for fifteen million dollars. -
California Gold Rush
From 1849-1857, 300,000 settlers fled to California in hopes of mining gold, which was first found near Sutter's Mill. California made the list of being one of the few American states to go straight to statehood without being a territory first. -
The Civil War
The Civil War was fought between the Union (north) and the Confederates (south) over slavery and state territory rights. This war was deemed the deadliest war in American history. -
Emancipation Proclamation
After the victory at Antietam, Lincoln issued for the second time the Emancipation Proclamation, announcing all slaves that could either, escape Confederate areas or through advancements of federal troops, would be free. -
The Union's Victory
Confederate Army general Robert E. Lee, refusing to watch his soldiers suffer any more, surrenders to the Union Army Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant at the Appomattox Court House. -
Thirteenth Amendment
From the 17th century to the 19th century, more than 600,000 African Americans were brought to America for harsh labor. Finally on December 6, 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment was ratified, ending slavery.
