-
The Battles of Lexington and Concord
These where the first battles of the American Revolution. British Soldiers came to seize weapons from the Americans and as tension grew the first shot was fired, starting the American Revolution. Paul Revere alerted Americans before the British arrived. -
The Winter at Valley Forge
During the winter of 1777 during the American Revolution the continental army camped out at valley forge. The winter was very difficult for the soldiers due to a lack of supplies and resources. However during this time the french began to help the continental army giving them valuable resources and soldiers they would need to win the war. -
Benedict Arnold turns traitor
He was a high-ranking member of the colonies during the revolutionary war. He fought against the British until one day he became a traitor and started working for them. He went to England after the war where he would die years later, Benedict Arnold is still well known today. -
The Battle of Cowpens
This battle was a turning point in the revolution it was of the first major victories and lead to the patriot's victory at the Battle of Yorktown. The British were confident they could win this battle due to other smaller victories in the south but they were defeated. -
The USS Constitution defeats the HMS Guerriere
The USS Constitution defeated the HMS Guerriere during the war of 1812. This victory lead to a massive increase in morale among the public and helped gain more support for the war. -
The Battle of Baltimore
This was one of the battles fought in the war of 1812. This battle is the origin of the Star Spangled Banner this battle was shortly after the burning of Washington DC. During this battle the British tried to take Baltimore but failed the loss here lead the the British's defeat in the war. -
The Battle of New Orleans
This was a major battle in the war of 1812, but it was fought after the war had ended since the news hadn't been heard yet. Andrew Jackson, who would later become president, fought in this battle is one of the most famous battles of this war. -
The Election of Andrew Jackson
This election was important because it caused major changes in the party system of the US. Jackson was part of the Jacksonian Democrat party and caused the two-party system to come back. -
The Battle of the Alamo
This was a major battle in the war for Texas Revolution. Everyone fighting against Santa Ana was killed and this tragedy inspired many people to join the fight. -
Mexico loses California, New Mexico, and Arizona
After the Mexican American War Mexico was forced to give up large parts of its territory. The gain of new western territory lead to manifest destiny and an increased amount of Americans moving to the west. -
Abraham Lincoln Elected President
Lincoln heavily opposed slavery and as soon as he was elected many southern states believed it would cause the end of slavery and left the union because of it, starting the confederacy. -
South Carolina secedes from the United States
South Carolina was a slave state in the Union, after Lincoln was elected they seceded since they did not want to risk losing slaves. They were the first to secede and formed the confederacy. -
The First Battle of Bull Run
This was the first important land battle of the civil war, the battle took place near the 'capital and was won by the rebels it was the first major battle and made many people realize this war wouldn't be a short one. -
The Battle of Gettysburg
This battle was a major turning point in the war. The Confederate soldiers were defeated by Union this was one of the Union's first major victories of the war. -
The Treaty at Appomattox Courthouse
This treaty brought about the end of the civil war, the documents were signed after the Battle of Appomattox Courthouse. Only Virginia surrendered at first but the rest of the southern states surrendered soon after -
The sinking of the USS Maine
As tension grew between the US and Spain the USS Maine blew up while in Havana Harbor. The press began publishing papers blaming the Spanish the public outcry lead the start of the Spanish American war, even though they were not responsible. -
Battle of the Philippines
During the Spanish-American war, the USA fought in the Philippines in hopes of gaining control of it after the war ended they were successful. -
The Adoption of the Star Spangled Banner as the National Anthem
This song was written based on the events of the Battle of Baltimore. This was written by Francis Key Scott in 1814 while he was on a British ship during the battle. It was not adopted as the anthem until the 1900's however.