New Frontiers: Post-Civil War America

Darwin Publishes 'On the Origin of Species"

Nov 24, 1859

Darwin describes his theory of the "Survival of the Fittest," from which the idea of Social Darwinism originated.

The Civil War Begins

Apr 12, 1861

The Civil War Ends

Apr 9, 1865

Alaska Bought from Russia

Mar 30, 1867

TransContinental Railroad is Completed

May 10, 1869

At PRomontory Point, Utah, the United States was officially joined from East to West.

Hawai'i Ceded to the Union

Jan 17, 1893

Spanish-American War Begins

Apr 25, 1898

Spanish-American War Ends

Aug 12, 1898