Key Events By Gianna81397 Jul 4, 1776 U.S.A. gets independence from Britain Apr 12, 1861 The Civil War Begins Apr 14, 1865 Abe Lincoln is Assassinated Period: Jan 1, 1921 to Aug 25, 2012 Key Events Oct 24, 1929 Stock Market Crashes The start of the Great Depression May 1, 1931 James Truslow Adams coins the phrase "American Dream" Sep 11, 2001 9/11 Terrorist Attack Jan 20, 2009 Barack Obama is Inaugurated Aug 22, 2012 Present Day