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Louisiana Purchase
Jefferson purchases Louisiana from France for 15 million, doubling the country's size. -
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Lewis and Clark Expedition
Lewis and Clark explore 8,000 miles reaching the Pacific Ocean. The group was ordered to make observations of longitude and latitude as well as soil, climate, animals, plants, and natives. -
Missouri Compromise
The compromise helped to keep the issue of slavery from starting all out war for 40 years. It did not, however, end the issue, but rather, subdue it for a time. -
Siege on the Alamo
This battle was extremely important to Texas' independence and later, statehood. -
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California Gold Rush
Gold is found in Sutter's Mill in 1848 and this leads to a nationwide rush toward California as many go to strike it rich. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin
Uncle Tom's Cabin was one of the best selling books of the time second only to the Bible. This book is a story that reflects the tragedy of slavery. -
John Brown's Raid
John Brown, in an attempt to start a revolt of enslaved people, raids Harper's Ferry. He hoped the event would be the start to a revolution. -
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Lincoln's Presidency
Lincoln's election as president led to the South believing their way of life was in danger and thusly began to secede. Lincoln led the Union during the Civil War and eventually to victory. -
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Civil War
Finally torn enough, the North and the South go to war with each other. At first the fighting is over the ability to secede, but is later focused on slavery. After a bloody 4 years, the North wins and slavery is formally no more. -
Emancipation Proclaimation
President Abraham Lincoln releases an executive order stating that all persons held as slaves within the South were now free. This redefined what the Civil War was about. -
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Siege of Vicksburg
As the last holdout of the west, the capture of Vicksburg by the Union allowed for uninhibited travel along the Mississippi River. It alo effectively split the Confederacy in two. -
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Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg was the last northern incursion by Lee of the Confederacy. The battle was the bloodiest of the war with an estimated 51,000 casualties. Later, an address was given by Lincoln honoring the soldiers who gave their lives. -
Surrender of the Confederacy
At Appomattox Court House, Lee surrendered to Grant effectively ending Confederate Military operations. -
Lincoln's Death
While watching a play in Ford's Theater, actor John Wilkes Booth assassinates the president. Lincoln dies the next day in the Petersen House. The death is tragic and the first assassination of a president.