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American Revolutionary War
The American Revoultionary War lasted from 1775 to 1783. It was the colonists' struggle for independence against England, which began with the firing at Lexington and Concord. When the war was over, the colonies were liberated, and became the United States. #2 -
The Signing of the American Constitution
The American Constitution was created as a new form of government to replace the failing Articles of Confederation. It created a stronger central government, while also protecting the rights of citizens. Since its signing, the Constitution has only been amended twent-seven times. #3 -
Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana purchase, negotiated under President Jefferson, was the acquisition of the Louisana Territory from France. It nearly doubled the size of America, and opened the path for Westward Expansion. It was sold by Napoleon to help fund his failing empire. #1 -
The American Civil War
The American Civil War (1861-1865) was fought between the Union and Confederate armies, over issues such as state's rights. Eleven states seceded from the Union, forming the Confederate States of America. It ended with the surrender of Confederate forces at Appomattox Courthouse by General Lee, and remains today the bloodiest war in American history. #5 -
The Lincoln Assassination
Just days after the end of the Civil War, President Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth while watching a "Our American Cousin" at Ford's Theater on the 14th of April. He died the next day at a nearby boarding house. Booth was hunted down and killed two weeks later. #8 -
The Passing of the 19th Amendment
The 19th Amendment passed through Congress on June 4th, 1919, granting women the right to vote. The amendment came largely in part due to the sufferage movement in America. This was a huge leap forward for true equality among Americans. #9 -
Brown vs Board of Education Decision
The decision of this case overturned a previous court ruling in the Plessy v Ferguson case.In a unanimous vote, it declared racial segregation in schools to be unconstitutional. The case was instrumental in bringing around racial equality in America. #6 -
John F. Kennedy Assassination
Driving through the streets of Dallas, President Kennedy was shot and killed by Lee Harvey Oswald from the window of the Texas Schoolbook Depository. Later, while in custody, Oswald himslef was killed by Jack Ruby, and was never able to say why he killed the President. Conspiracies continue to circulate about Oswald's motive. #10 -
Moon Landing
Neil Armstrong, an Ohio native, became the first man to step foot on the moon. He was part of the Apollo mission, and landed, with his partner Buzz Aldrin, from Apollo 11. This event was critical to beating the Russians in the space race. -
9/11
On September 11th, 2001, two hijacked aircraft, piloted by al-Qaeda operatives, crashed into the World Trade Center buildings, destroying them. Another plane was hit into the Pentagon, while the final was taken back by passengers, and crashed in an empty field in Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 people died. #7
