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Declaration of Independence
The Continental Congress declares its independence from Great Britain. Important because it marks the beginning of the United States' sovereignty. -
Treaty of Paris Signed
The Treaty of Paris is signed, officially ending the American Revolutionary War. This is important because it marks the day the United States of America became recognized as a sovereign state -
Articles of Confederation Replaced by the Constitution
The Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation as the plan of government for the USA. This is important because it lays groundwork for the actions of future presidents and officials. -
Samuel Slater Brings Industry to America
Samuel Slater brought British technology to America and with him the factory system. This is important because it laid the groundwork for American industrialization. -
The Louisiana Purchase
Thomas Jefferson purchases the Louisiana Territory from France. This is important because the USA doubled it size. -
Lewis and Clark Expedition
Lewis and Clark went on their expedition to reach the Pacific Ocean. This is important because it gave rise to expanding settlers and Manifest Destiny. -
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was fought between the USA and Britain over the British impressing of American sailors and the refusal of Britain to remove itself from American soil. This is important because it gave birth to nationalism and patriotism in the United States. -
Treaty of Ghent
British and American representatives signed the treaty of Ghent, ending the War of 1812. This is important because it established our northwestern border with Canada. -
Erie Canal Built
The Erie Canal was built connecting New York to the Great Lakes. This is important because it gave America a rise to trade and industry. -
Andrew Jackson Elected
Andrew Jackson is elected president. This is important because he brought with him a new direct approach of things and the spoils system, a process of appointing people who helped you run to government office. -
Trail of Tears
Andrew Jackson opens land guaranteed to the Creek natives to settlers in Georgia and Alabama. After making a deal with the chief, the tribe moves out to present day Oklahoma. This is important because it highlights America's increasing desire to expand. -
Annexation of Texas
Congress voted to annex Texas. This is important because it gave the southern states a larger voice. -
Mexican-American War
The Mexican - American War begins. This is important because it emphasizes the idea of Manifest Destiny -
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The treaty ended the Mexican American War in favor of America. This is important because it gave the United States the southwest and we have today. -
South Carolina Secedes
South Carolina secedes from the Union to form the Confederacy with other states following. This is important because it started the American Civil War -
Abraham Lincoln Elected
Abraham Lincoln is elected as president. This is important because it triggered the succession of the Southern States -
General Lee's Surrender
Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House. This is important because it was the end of the Civil War. -
Alaskan Purchase
William Seward purchased Alaska for $7.2 million or 2 cents an acre. This is important because it added more land to the country -
Custer's Last Stand
General Custer and his men were ambushed at Little Big Horn by Lakota native Americans. This is important because it symbolizes the natives never giving up their land. -
End of Reconstruction
Andrew Johnson removed the last troop from the South ending reconstruction. This is important because it gave the South the ability to instate racial inequality laws
