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George Washington
1.George Washington was born at his family's plantation on Popes Creek in Westmoreland County, Virginia, on 2/22/1732, to Augustine and Mary Ball Washington. His education is elementary and limited secondary. He was was assigned command of the Virginia Regiment during the French and Indian War. He was later elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses and appointed as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. he had stepchildren, and step-grandchildren and his wife Martha Washington. -
Congress enacts tariff
Congress, led by Representative James Madison, enacts the first protective tariff. Madison consulted with President Washington about the need for the measure. -
March 26, 1790 First naturalization law
Congress passes the United States' first naturalization law, establishing terms of citizenship. -
Copyright law
President Washington signs the first United States copyright law. -
First revenue law
Congress approves its first internal revenue law, creating fourteen revenue districts and placing a tax on all distilled spirits. -
Ratifying the Bill of Rights
The states officially ratify the first ten amendments to the Constitution, also known as the Bill of Rights. President Washington had called for their ratification in his first inaugural address. -
Warships
Congress responds to British aggression by authorizing the production of six warships (March 11) and announcing a sixty-day embargo on American shipping (March 26). The Washington administration supports both measures. -
Farmers' rebellion
Farmers in western Pennsylvania rebel over the strict enforcement of an excise tax on whiskey passed in 1791. -
Battle of Fallen Timbers
General Anthony Wayne defeats an Indian force numbering more than 1,000 at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. The victory helps open the Ohio territory for American settlement and is a defeat for Britain, which had allied with the Native Americans in the region. -
Jay Treaty
American statesman John Jay signed the Amity, Commerce, and Navigation Treaty with Britain. The treaty, now known as Jay's Treaty, was designed to resolve issues between the United States and Britain. -
Treaty of San Lorenzo
The United States signs the Treaty of San Lorenzo with Spain, granting Americans the right to ship goods through the port of New Orleans without having to pay duties to the Spanish Government. -
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John Adams
Adams was born in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1735.he is a Harvard educated lawyer. During the Revolutionary War he served in France and Holland in diplomatic roles, and helped negotiate the treaty of peace. he became identified with the patriot cause; a delegate he led in the movement for independence. He served two terms as vice president before being a president.
left office. -
Special session
Adams calls the first special session of Congress to debate the mounting crisis in French-Amer -
Negotiating with France
Adams appoints a three man commission, composed of Charles C. Pinckney, Elbridge Gerry, and John Marshall, to negotiate a settlement with France. -
The Eleventh Amendment
The Eleventh Amendment to the Constitution of the United States is declared in full force by President Adams. It stipulates that federal courts shall not have the jurisdiction over litigation between individuals from one state against individuals from another state. -
Preparing for war
Congress empowers Adams to enlist 10,000 men for service in case of a declaration of war or invasion of the country's domain. It also authorizes Adams to instruct commanders of ships-of-war to seize armed French vessels praying upon or attacking American merchantmen about the coast. -
Federal Bankruptcy Act
Congress passes and Adams signs into law the Federal Bankruptcy Act, providing merchants and traders protection from debtors. -
Dividing the Northwest Territory
Congress passes an act dividing the Northwest Territory into two parts, with the border between them running north from the junction of the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers. The western part of the territory will be known as the Indiana Territory while the eastern half will retain the name Northwest Territory. -
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Thomas Jefferson
He was born in 1743 in Albemarle County, In 1772 he married Martha Wayles Skelton .he wrote a bill establishing religious freedom, enacted in 1786.hrough a flaw in the Constitution, he became Vice President, although an opponent of President Adam. he opposed a strong centralized Government and championed the rights of states. -
The United States and Britain convene
The United States and Britain conclude a convention regarding Jay's Treaty of 1794 to resolve some outstanding issues about details in the treaty. A commission rules that the United States owes £600,000 to British citizens in settlement of Revolutionary War claims. -
War with Tripoli
Congress recognizes the War with Tripoli, authorizing the arming of merchant ships to ward off attacks. -
Excise taxes repealed
Infamous excise taxes on commodities such as whiskey are repealed. -
Enabling Act
President Jefferson signs the Enabling Act, establishing procedures under which territories organized under the Ordinance of 1787 can become a state. The law effectively authorizes people of the Ohio territory to hold a convention and frame a constitution. -
Monroe appointed minister to France and Spain
Jefferson appoints James Monroe minister to France and Spain, instructing him to purchase New Orleans and East and West Florida. Napoleon informs U.S. minister in Paris Robert Livingston that France will be willing to sell the entire Louisiana territory, much to his surprise. -
Congress passes military organization
Congress passes legislation providing for a military organizational structure. -
Jefferson warns Americans
In Washington, D.C., President Jefferson publicly warns citizens not to take part in a plot to invade Spanish territory. Jefferson issues this warning after having been told of Aaron Burr's subversive activities with respect to annexing Spanish terr -
Jefferson asks for ban on slave trade
Jefferson appeals to Congress asking for a ban on the slave trade. -
Slave trade ban official
The law officially banning the slave trade goes into effect. -
Sixth presidential election
The sixth presidential election for President of the United States is held. -
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James Madison
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Congress repeals the Embargo Act
After the U.S. economy suffers at the hands of the embargo, Congress repeals the Embargo Act. Jefferson signs the Non-Intercourse Act the same day, closing U.S. ports only to France and England. Trade with the two countries is to be resumed when they agreed to respect the rights of U.S. citizens and vessels. -
Trade wars
Under the terms of Macon's Bill Number 2, Madison accepts a French offer to stop confiscation of American supplies and ships. In February 1811, he declares a halt in trade with Britain unless the Orders are repealed. Undeterred, Britain vows to continue to seize American ships until France ends its trade restrictions. -
Bank of the United States
The Bank of the United States closes. Treasury Secretary Gallatin urges Congress to extend its charter but fails to convince members concerned with the large British interest in the Bank. -
U.S Navy
The House refuses to enlarge the Navy. -
Relations with Canada
Madison shares the letters of John Henry, agent for governor of Canada, with Congress, having purchased the letters the previous month for $50,000. The documents indicate that the governor general of Canada is inciting rebellion in New England. -
Amendment for national bank
James Jackson of Virginia introduces a constitutional amendment in the House authorizing the establishment of a national bank, but Congress postpones consideration. -
Campbell appointed Secretary of Treasury
George Washington Campbell of Tennessee replaces Gallatin as Secretary of the Treasury. -
Invasion of Canada
Madison and his cabinet decide to continue with the attempted invasion of Canada. -
End of the War of 1812
News arrives of the December 1814 Treaty of Ghent that ends the War of 1812. On February 15, Congress appropriates $500,000 for the reconstruction of federal buildings. The Senate ratifies the Treaty of Ghent on February 16. -
Indiana becomes a state
Madison signs a bill admitting Indiana to statehood. -
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James Monroe
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Aguirre Mission
Monroe enunciates a policy of neutrality towards the Latin American colonies seeking independence. He also advocates a controversial fact-finding mission, the Aguirre Mission, to Buenos Aires that could be construed as recognition for the colony's sovereignty. -
Mississippi becomes a state
Mississippi becomes the twentieth state in the Union. -
Illinois becomes a state
Illinois is admitted as the twenty-first state of the Union. -
Alabama becomes a state
Alabama becomes the twenty-second state of the Unio -
Maine becomes a state
Maine is admitted as the twenty-third state of the Union. -
Missouri becomes a state
Missouri is admitted as the twenty-fourth state of the Union. -
No-transfer" principle
In a letter to Richard Rush, British foreign secretary George Canning discreetly contemplates recognition of what is referred to as the “no-transfer” principle advocated by the United States. This proposal requires European powers to abstain from exchanging colonies or acquiring new possessions from Spain. -
Cherokee chiefs arrive in Washington
Cherokee chiefs arrive in Washington, D.C., to object to the government's removal policies and plead for their sovereign right to stay in Georgia. Originally siding with the Cherokee, Monroe will later reverse his stance on the issue. -
General Survey Bill
Monroe signs the General Survey Bill, departing from his opposition to congressionally sponsored internal improvements. The United States Army Corps of Engineers prepare to produce surveys, plans, and estimates to improve navigation. Monroe subsequently purchases 1,500 shares of stock in the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Co. for $300,000. -
Tariff of 1824
Monroe signs the Tariff of 1824 into law, implementing protectionist measures in support of local manufactures and goods. Complaints arise in the South with cotton-growers fearful of British retaliation for the increase in price. Northern manufacturers are pleased with the law. -
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John Quincy Adams
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Tennessee Legislature nominates Jackson
The Tennessee legislature nominates Andrew Jackson their presidential challenger for the 1828 election. -
Military Training Manuals Created
Military standardization and integration of Union and state militias is a foremost concern during the Adams administration. In response to a proposal by the secretary of war to revamp military organization and seniority systems, a joint House and Senate resolution calls for the production and dispersal of training manuals. -
Jefferson and Adams Die
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, founding fathers and former Presidents, both die. -
Resolution of war damages
Under the mediation of Czar Nicholas I, President Adams finalizes a settlement with the British over restitution for damages incurred during the War of 1812, left unresolved by the Treaty of Ghent. -
Mexican Boundary settlement
Joel Poinsett accedes to a Mexican boundary settlement on behalf of the United States. This concludes a slew of unsuccessful efforts by Adams to negotiate more favorable borders than the existing Sabine River. -
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Andrew Jackson
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Indian Removal Act
Congress passes the Indian Removal Act, sanctioning the forcible relocation of Creek, Chickasaw, Cherokee, Choctaw, and Seminole tribes to land allotments west of the Mississippi river. Ninety-four removal treaties follow the bill's enactment. From 1835 to 1838, Cherokee and Creek are forcibly removed from the Southeast onto reservations. Nearly one quarter die along what became known as the “Trail of Tears.” -
Peggy Eaton Affair
Jackson reshuffles his cabinet following the divisive and ongoing “Peggy Eaton Affair.” The woman's first husband supposedly committed suicide after discovering her dalliance with Tennessee senator John Eaton, whom Jackson later names secretary of war. Members of Jackson's inner circle and their wives feud over accusations about the woman's alleged behavior. Jackson supports the Eatons and is outraged by the charges. -
French spoliation claims
The French government agrees to a treaty settling spoliation claims by the United States dating back to the Napoleonic Wars. France agrees to pay $5 million but initially declines to make the payment. When U.S. representatives warn the French of American naval superiority, monies flow from French to U.S. coffers, beginning in 1836 -
Jackson wins reelection
Running on the Democratic ticket, Jackson wins reelection to the presidency, soundly defeating Henry Clay and William Wirt. Jackson scores an impressive victory, amassing 219 electoral votes to Clay's 49. The election marks the entrance of third parties onto the national scene, with Wirt running on the Anti-Masonic ticket. It also features the use of national nominating committees. -
Ordinance of Nullification
A South Carolina state convention adopts the Ordinance of Nullification, an decree nullifying congressional acts involving duties and imposts on the importation of foreign commodities. Calhoun resigns as vice president and immediately takes his elected position as senator. No other states join South Carolina in this action -
Force Bill
Pressed by Jackson, Congress passes the Force Bill, authorizing Jackson's use of the army to gain compliance for federal law in South Carolina. Vice President Calhoun voices his dissent. -
Jackson commissions Edmund Roberts
Jackson commissions Edmund Roberts as a “special agent” of the United States to negotiate commercial trade treaties abroad. Roberts's efforts result in the first treaties between the United States and a number of far eastern governments, including Siam (now Thailand). -
Jackson terminates national debt
Jackson announces he will terminate the national debt, freeing the United States of foreign and domestic obligations beyond the reserves of the Treasury. -
Texas declares independence
In Washington, D.C., the delegates of the people of Texas officially and unanimously declare their independence. -
Specie Circular
Jackson, along with Treasury Secretary Levi Woodbury, introduces the Specie Circular, revealing that the government will accept only gold and silver for land payments. The act serves as an attempt to check rising inflation precipitated by unprecedented land speculation and irresponsible lending. -
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Martin Van Buren
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The Panic of 1837
The Panic of 1837 begins in New York when banks first suspend payments of specie. Following the collapse of credit facility, banks can no longer redeem currency notes in gold and silver. Compounding the problem, a depression in England causes the price of cotton to drop and ends British loans to the United States. An already unstable economy now suffers from additional debts and unemployment. -
Van Buren opposes the annexation of Texas
Van Buren announces his opposition to the annexation of Texas, primarily to make possible the ensuing peace with Mexico but also to alleviate abolitionist concerns at home. -
Canadian militia seizes Caroline
Britain orders the Canadian militia to seize the American steamship Caroline, which had been supplying Canadian rebels, on the Niagara River. One American is killed, and several are wounded. -
Van Buren remains neutral
Van Buren criticizes the British but maintains a neutral stance in the conflict. -
Arbitration commission
Van Buren agrees on the principle of forming an arbitration commission to settle disputed claims with Mexico. -
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John Tyler
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William Henry Harrison inaugurated
William Henry Harrison inaugurated as the ninth President of the United States. -
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William Henry Harrison
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President Harrison Dies
On April 4, 1841, President William Henry Harrison died of pneumonia, exactly one month after his inauguration as the ninth President of the United States -
Commonwealth v. Hunt
The Massachusetts Supreme Court establishes the legality of labor unions, including the right for workers to strike, in the case of Commonwealth v. Hunt. -
The Democrats gain majority
In the congressional elections, the Democrats gain a majority over the Whigs in the House of Representatives, while at the same time defending their majority in the Senate. -
First telegraph line completed
The first telegraph line in the United States is completed between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. -
John Tyler marries Julia Gardiner
On June 26, 1844, President John Tyler married Julia Gardiner in a private ceremony at a New York City Episcopal church. It was the first time a President had wed while in office, and two days later the Tylers held a reception in the Blue Room of the White House to introduce the country to its new First Lady. -
James K. Polk elected
James K. Polk is elected as the eleventh President of the United States on promises to “re-annex” Texas and “re-occupy” Oregon -
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James K. Polk
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Discouraging Mexican invasion
General Zachary Taylor receives orders from Polk to move his troops from Fort Jesup in Louisiana to a position “on or near the Rio Grande” in Texas to discourage a Mexican invasion. -
The Naval Academy opens
Under the direction of Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft, the Naval Academy opens at Annapolis, Maryland. -
Mormon migration to Utah
The Mormon migration to Utah, led by Brigham Young, begins. -
Bear Flag Revolt
In the Bear Flag Revolt, approximately thirty American settlers (anticipating the Mexican War) take over a small Mexican garrison in Sonoma, California, and declare California a free and independent republic. -
Tariff of 1846
Congress passes the Tariff of 1846, a key part of President's Polk's domestic agenda. Known as the “Walker Tariff,” after Polk's secretary of the Treasury, Robert J. Walker, the Tariff of 1846 lowers rates toward revenue-only levels, although a few items remain protected -
Iowa becomes a state
Iowa is admitted as a free state, making it the twenty-ninth state in the Union. -
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Zachary Taylor
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Zachary Taylor inaugurated
Zachary Taylor is inaugurated as the twelfth President of the United States. -
Compromise of 1850
Congress debates solutions to the issue of slavery's possible expansion into the territories won in the Mexican War. Henry Clay proposes the Compromise of 1850, and Daniel Webster with Stephen Douglas lead its supporters against the measure's opponents who coalesce around John C. Calhoun of South Carolina -
Zachary Taylor dies
in July 9, 1850, President Zachary Taylor died after a brief illness. He had attended a ceremony at the unfinished Washington Monument on July 4. For several hours, the President sat under the blazing sun, listening to various speakers, before he took a walk by the Potomac River and retired to the White House around 4:00pm. There he drank iced water and chilled milk and ate cherries and other fruits. Taylor did not feel well that evening, but conducted business the next day. -
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Millard Fillmore
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Compromise of 1850 passes
Congress passes the Compromise of 1850, written by Kentucky senator Henry Clay. California is admitted as a free state, the Utah and New Mexico territories are to be organized on the principle of “popular sovereignty,” and the slave trade is to be abolished in Washington, D.C. -
National women's rights convention
Headed by feminists and abolitionists, a national women's rights convention is held in Worcester, Massachusetts, and is attended by delegates from nine states. Chosen for its accessibility by rail, the Worcester convention attracts hundreds of people. Among the main topics, participants discuss employment opportunities, political and legal rights, property rights after marriage, and educational opportunities for women, especially in medicine. -
Treaty with El Salvador
Acting on long-held interest in gaining influence in Central America, the United States ratifies its first commercial treaty with El Salvador. -
Gold discovered in Oregon
Gold is found in Oregon along the Rogue River, a prospective new territory for the California gold rushers of 1849. The discovery leads to the arrival of thousands of individuals in search of the metal. -
Democrats gain seats
In Congressional elections, Democrats gain three Senate seats for a 38-22 majority over the Whigs. The Democrats also pick up 19 seats in the House for a 159-71 majority. Meanwhile, following Pierce's election over the Whig candidate Scott, the Whig Party splits with Southern Whigs defecting and abstaining to protest the party's antislavery leadership. -
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Franklin Pierce
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Treaty of Kanagawa
After nearly three centuries of Japanese isolation, Commodore Matthew Perry -- first ordered to Japan by President Fillmore -- signs the Treaty of Kanagawa, marking the beginning of the Pacific nation's trade with the rest of the world. The United States is permitted a consulate in Japan, and U.S. ships will be allowed to sail into Japanese ports for the purpose of conducting limited trade. -
Massachusetts Emigrant Aid Society
The Massachusetts Emigrant Aid Society is founded by Eli Thayer to encourage opponents of slavery to move to Kansas. Thayer, who becomes a U.S. Congressman (Republican) from 1857 to 1861, establishes the society while serving in the state legislature. On February 21, 1855, the society is renamed the New England Emigrant Aid Society. -
Wakarusa War
The Wakarusa War threatens Lawrence, Kansas. Fifteen hundred Border Ruffians attack the town, only to retreat after finding it defended by Free State forces. Lawrence -- originally named Wakarusa -- becomes the center of Free-State activities after being founded by the Massachusetts Emigrant Aid Society. -
Border Ruffians attack Lawrence, Kansas
Pro-slavery forces and Border Ruffians, including Sheriff Jones of Douglas County and his followers, lead another attack on Lawrence, Kansas. One person dies as the band burns a hotel and two newspaper offices. -
Know-Nothing Party nominates Millard Fillmore
The anti-slavery section of the Know-Nothing Party nominates former President Millard Fillmore for President and Andrew Jackson Donelson for vice president. -
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James Buchanan
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English Bill Passed
Congress passes the English Bill after Representative William Hayden English (Democrat-Indiana) strikes a compromise between the House and Senate bills on the admission of Kansas to the Union. The bill effectively resubmits the Lecompton Constitution to Kansas voters with the attached incentive of land if ratified. -
Minnesota Joins Union
A Republican-controlled Congress admits Minnesota to the Union as the thirty-second state (and a free one). Congressional approval had been delayed for several months due to the Kansas controversy. -
Southern Commercial Convention
The Southern Commercial Convention meets in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and Southern slave owners advocate for the reopening of the African slave trade. A congressional act banned the slave trade in 1808. -
Kansas Constitution Ratified
The Kansas Constitution is ratified as an antislavery document by an overwhelming popular vote. A provisional state government is elected in December. -
Constitutional Union Party Nominates Bell
The Constitutional Union Party, comprised of remnants from the Whig and American parties, nominates John Bell for the presidency and Edward Everett for the vice presidency. -
Democrats Nominate Douglas
The Democratic Party meets again in Baltimore and nominates Stephen Douglas for the presidency and Herschel Johnson for the vice presidency. -
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Abraham Lincoln
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Andrew Johnson
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Ulysses S. Grant
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Rutherford B. Hayes
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James Garfield
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Chester A. Arthur
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Grover Cleveland
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Benjamin Harrison
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William McKinley
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Theodore Roosevelt
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William Howard Taft
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Woodrow Wilson
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Warren G. Harding
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Calvin Coolidge
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Herbert Hoover
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Franklin D. Roosevelt
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Harry S. Truman
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Dwight D. Eisenhower
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John F. Kennedy
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Lyndon B. Johnson
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Richard M. Nixon
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Gerald R. Ford
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James Carter
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Ronald Reagan
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George H. W. Bush
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William J. Clinton
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George W. Bush
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Barack Obama
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Donald Trump