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arrives in the Americas, marking the beginning of European exploration and colonization.
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the first permanent English settlement in North America.
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Pilgrims settle Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts, furthering English colonization.
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The Treaty of Paris ends the French and Indian War, giving Britain control over much of North America.
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Indigenous peoples, including tribes like the Iroquois, Navajo, and Cherokee, inhabit North America for thousands of years, establishing complex societies.
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American Revolutionary War—The 13 colonies fight for independence from Britain. Articles of Confederation ratified; it serves as the first constitution of the U.S. George Washington becomes the first President of the United States. The Louisiana Purchase doubles the size of the U.S., expanding westward beyond the Mississippi River.
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expedition explores the newly acquired western territories, mapping routes to the Pacific Ocean.
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The Missouri Compromise regulates the extension of slavery in new territories, shaping political tensions.
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Samuel Morse invents the telegraph, revolutionizing long-distance communication.
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The concept of "Manifest Destiny" becomes popular, justifying expansion across North America.
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Gold is discovered in California, leading to the Gold Rush, bringing a wave of settlers to the West Coast.
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U.S. population reaches 31 million, with rapid urbanization and industrial growth in the North.
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The North (Union) fights the South (Confederacy) over issues of slavery and states’ rights.
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slavery is abolished (13th Amendment), and Lincoln is assassinated.
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The First Transcontinental Railroad is completed, linking the east and west coasts, enabling faster travel and trade.
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Alexander Graham Bell invents the telephone, further advancing communication.
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marked by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and economic inequality, sees significant growth in U.S. infrastructure and cities.
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The Statue of Liberty is dedicated in New York Harbor, symbolizing immigration and opportunity.
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The U.S. Census Bureau declares the American frontier closed, signaling the end of westward expansion.
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The Wright brothers make the first powered flight, revolutionizing transportation.
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The Panama Canal opens, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, boosting global trade.
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The U.S. joins World War I, marking its emergence as a global power.
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sees economic growth, technological advancements like the automobile (Ford Model T), and the rise of mass media.
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The stock market crashes, leading to the Great Depression, the most severe economic downturn in U.S. history.
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The U.S. participates in World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor, emerging as a global superpower.
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The United Nations is established, with the U.S. playing a central role.
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The Cold War begins, marking decades of political and military tension between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
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The Federal-Aid Highway Act creates the Interstate Highway System, revolutionizing transportation and enabling further expansion.
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The Civil Rights Act is passed, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, or gender.
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The Watergate scandal leads to President Richard Nixon’s resignation, a turning point in American politics.
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The fall of the Berlin Wall marks the beginning of the end of the Cold War.
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The rise of the internet transforms communication, business, and daily life in the U.S.
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The Soviet Union collapses, leaving the U.S. as the world's dominant superpower.
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The September 11 terrorist attacks lead to the War on Terror and U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq.
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The Great Recession impacts global economies; Barack Obama becomes the first African American president.
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The COVID-19 pandemic disrupts economies and societies worldwide, with the U.S. taking a leading role in vaccine development and global recovery.
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The U.S. grapples with political polarization, racial justice movements, and climate change, while continuing its role as a global leader in technology and innovation.