US history timeline

  • Massacre at Mystic

    Massacre at Mystic
    Was the first win of the Pequot people by the English in the Pequot War, a three-year war by the Puritans to seize the tribe's traditional land. Indians were viewed as savages who needed to be contained.
  • The Boston Tea Party

    The Boston Tea Party
    American colonists were angry at Britain for imposing “taxation without representation” so, they dumped 342 chests of tea, which were imported by the British East India Company. This later caused the revolutionary war and lead to America becoming separate from Britain.
  • Battle of Lexington and Concord

    Battle of Lexington and Concord
    This battle kicked off the American Revolutionary War, hundreds of British troops marched to Boston to seize an arms cache. It was important because it helped America get freedom and independence.
  • The Battles of Lexington and Concord

    The Battles of Lexington and Concord
    ​​Governor of Massachusetts from 1774 to 1775 was Thomas Gage. He developed the Coercive Acts, a set of laws designed to punish colonists who refused to submit to British authority. Patriot spies learned of Gage's plan, and he underestimated the colonists' courage and determination.
    The Battle of Baltimore
  • The Signing of The Declaration of Independence

    The Signing of The Declaration of Independence
    It took two day to write the Declaration of Independence, the largest signature was John Hancock. This Declaration declared America an independent nation which is why July 4th is Independence day. This also sealed the assistance from the French in the War against Great britain, which we would not have won without their help.
  • Winter at Valley Forge

    Winter at Valley Forge
    During this time the Continental Army had very scarce resources for troops and their families, due to this many died of starvation, frost bit, or other diseases. 6 months later the ones that have survived the cold winters and no food came out stronger than ever and were able to defeat the British.
  • Benedict Arnold turns traitor

    Benedict Arnold turns traitor
    General William Henry Arnold led an attack on the British lines at Bemis Heights in 1777. Arnold's attack threw the enemy into confusion and helped the Americans win the war. Burgoyne surrendered his entire army at Saratoga ten days later.
  • The Battle of Cowpens

    The Battle of Cowpens
    He talked about previous conflicts, discussed the combat plan, and slammed the British. One soldier noticed that the army was "in good spirits" by the time he was finished. The morning of January 17, 1781, in the Cowpens, was clear and very cold. Tarleton ordered formation on the Green River Road. There were rumors of Overmountain soldiers on the way, his aggressive approach became even more intense. 110 killed, over 200 wounded, and 500 captured. In less than an hour, the battle was ended.
  • The Confederation is Ratified

    The Confederation is Ratified
    It took 16 months before the Confederation was actually ratified. The reason this was so important is because it gave the natio enough structure to survive and how to run a good governments for 8 years.
  • Battle of Yorktown

    Battle of Yorktown
    This battle lasted about 20 brutal day, the British wanted to surrender to the French but they made British surrender to Americans. This was the last major battle in the American Revolution, this helped Washington eventually become the first president of the U.S because he had a reputation of being a good leader.
  • The 3/5ths Compromise

    The 3/5ths Compromise
    Many of the Founding Fathers acknowledged that slavery violated the ideal of liberty. They were unable to take bold action against slavery because of their commitments to private property rights. Southern Founders' embrace of slave-based agriculture and ingrained racial prejudice solidified the barriers against emancipation.
  • The Constitution is Ratified

    The Constitution is Ratified
    The only two presidents to sign it was George Washington and James Madison. This was suer important because without it we would not have laws and everyone would go crazy and not be held responsible for their actions. This also stated what the rights for citizens were.
  • The Inauguration of George Washington

    The Inauguration of George Washington
    There we 10,000 spectators at his inauguration. Without his becoming the first president then the world and how we live would be so different. He made sure that we had a strong Constitution and Bill of Rights because he beloved it was good for the public.
  • Washington’s Farewell Address

    Washington’s Farewell Address
    Washington was frustrated with the French and that is one of the reasons he did not want to continue onto his third term of presidency. He left a great impact on the young republic and was an inspiration to many for a very long time.
  • The Death of George Washington

    The Death of George Washington
    He died because of a throat infection due to him not changing right away after being on the farm and it snowing. He had wrote two wills but ended up trowing one in the fire right before his passing. One of his requests on his will was to set free all his and his wife's slaves after her passing but his wife, Martha, decided it was best to set them free before her passing.
  • Election Day, 1800

    Election Day, 1800
    This was the first time when both parties had someone running and campaigning against one another. This election was the reason the 12th amendment was passed and there was a tie between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr.
  • Marbury vs. Madison

    Marbury vs. Madison
    This was very important because it showed who had the power of judicial review and it also lowered the federal courts due to the constitution.
  • Slave Trade Ends in the United States

    Slave Trade Ends in the United States
    By the middle of the 18th century, slavery could be found in all 13 colonies. English importers alone brought some three million captive Africans to the Americas. The slave trade was at the core of the Southern colonies' agricultural economy.
  • Battle of Tippecanoe

    Battle of Tippecanoe
    The Battle of Tippecanoe was fought along the banks of a river in the heart of central Indiana. The United States government forced Indian tribes to sell three million acres of land to the U.S.
  • The USS Constitution defeats the HMS Guerriere

    The USS Constitution defeats the HMS Guerriere
    On August 2, 1812, the USS Constitution sailed from Boston to off the coast of Halifax, Nova Scotia, under the leadership of Captain Isaac Hull. The strong hull of the Constitution, made of white oak planking and live oak frames, proved resistant to enemy cannonballs.
  • The Battle of New Orleans

    The Battle of New Orleans
    At New Orleans, the United States secured its largest ground victory. The British attempt to take control of a vital American port was defeated by a battle. Against a battle-hardened British force, Maj. Gen. Andrew Jackson's quickly organized army won the day.
  • The Missouri Compromise

    The Missouri Compromise
    In 1820, Congress passed a law that admitted Missouri to the Union as a slave state. The Missouri Compromise was repealed by the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. In 1857, the Supreme Court ruled the compromise unconstitutional in the Dred Scott case.
  • The Election of Andrew Jackson

    The Election of Andrew Jackson
    The 1828 election was perhaps one of the most important in American history. It ushered in the modern era of political campaigns and set the path for the formation of political parties. John Quincy Adams had won the previous election in 1824, despite his opponent Andrew Jackson receiving the most electoral votes.
  • Indian Removal Act

    Indian Removal Act
    The Indian Removal Act was signed into law by President Andrew Jackson on May 28, 1830. A few tribes went peacefully, but many resisted the policy.
  • Trail of Tears

    Trail of Tears
    The Trail of Tears began in the 1830s with the forced relocation of Eastern Woodlands Indians from the Southeast region of the United States to Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River. Estimates based on tribal and military records suggest that 100,000 indigenous people were forced from their homes.
  • Nat Turner Rebellion

    Nat Turner Rebellion
    Nat Turner killed the white Southern myth that said slaves were actually happy with their lives. His revolt hardened attitudes throughout Southern whites which then led to new legislation forbidding the education, movement, and assembly of slaves.
  • The Battle of the Alamo

    The Battle of the Alamo
    The Alamo was captured in 1835 by volunteers led by George Collinsworth and Benjamin Milam. Colonel James Bowie and Lieutenant Colonel William B. Travis were given control of the Texan soldiers in San Antonio in 1836. Davy Crockett was one of the soldiers, who never numbered more than 200 despite later supplies.
  • Mexico loses California, New Mexico, and Arizona

    Mexico loses California, New Mexico, and Arizona
    In violation of President Polk's recall, Nicholas Trist negotiated the deal. Upper California and New Mexico were given to the United States by Mexico. The Mexican Cession included present-day Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, and Colorado, and was known as the Mexican Cession. Article X eliminated Article X ensuring the security of Mexican land grants. The United States paid Mexico $15,000,000 "in consideration of the extension achieved by the limits of the United States."
  • The Fugitive Slave Act

    The Fugitive Slave Act
    The Fugitive Slave Acts were among the most controversial laws of the 19th century. They allowed local governments to seize and return escapees to their owners. Widespread resistance to the 1793 law led to the passage of the more restrictive 1850 act.
  • Dred Scott Decision

    Dred Scott Decision
    He was a slave who sued for his freedom after being taken to Wisconsin where slavery was banned. This case was eventually taken to Supreme Court which led to him not being able to sue for his freedom since he was not a citizen.
  • The Dead Rabbits Riot

    The Dead Rabbits Riot
    This was important to the era of immagration and industrialization because this was one of the largest disturbance in New York. Around 800-1,000 gang members participated in this riot. The cause of the riot was political tension.
  • Abraham Lincoln Elected President

    Abraham Lincoln Elected President
    Lincoln was at home in Springfield, Illinois, waiting for the results of the national election. To win the election, he required a majority of votes in the Electoral College. If he were elected, at least seven states were likely to take steps to leave the union. In March 1861, Abraham Lincoln was sworn in as President.
  • South Carolina secedes from the United States

    South Carolina secedes from the United States
    Slavery was important to the South's plantation economy, society, and traditions. When the postmaster in Charleston, South Carolina, found abolitionist material in the mail in 1835, he refused to deliver it and had it publicly burned in a fire. South Carolina's governor warned Lincoln won the election, his state would secede. The state legislature called a special convention, which assembled on December 17th after being elected on December 6th. They voted to leave the Union on December 20th.
  • The First Battle of Bull Run

    The First Battle of Bull Run
    The First Battle of Bull Run was the American Civil War's first major land battle. Union and Confederate soldiers fought in Manassas Junction, Virginia, on July 21, 1861. The rebels rallied and broke the Union right flank after battling on the defensive for the most of the day.
  • Emancipation Proclamation

    Emancipation Proclamation
    This act confirmed that the Civil War for the Union must be a war for freedom of everyone. It ended up strengthening the Union in both politically and militarily.
  • The Battle of Gettysburg

    The Battle of Gettysburg
    Gettysburg was the Civil War's bloodiest battle. It was the end of Robert E. Lee's second attempt to overthrow the North. The Confederate States of America's ambitions of being an independent nation were shattered by the defeat. General George Meade of the Union army refuses to maintain the retreating army.
  • 13th Amendment

    13th Amendment
    This isimportant to history because this was the amendment that ended slavery in all U.S. states and territories.
  • The Treaty at Appomattox Courthouse

    The Treaty at Appomattox Courthouse
    On April 9, 1865, the Battle of Appomattox Court House took place. Confederate General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant as a response of it. The four-year Civil War was effectively ended by this fight.
  • The Ku Klux Klan is Established

    The Ku Klux Klan is Established
    This was important to the era of immagration and industrialization because the equality for Black Americans was super low at this time. The Ku Klux Klan members had an underground campaign filled with intimidation and violence that targeted white and Black Republican leaders.
  • 14th Amendment

    14th Amendment
    This was very important to everyone in history because it gave everyone the right to be citizen even slaves. It gave “equal protection of the laws.” Also it is one of three amendments passed during the Reconstruction era to abolish slavery.
  • John D. Rockefeller Creates Standard Oil

    John D. Rockefeller Creates Standard Oil
    This was important to the era of immagration and industrialization because he controlled some 90 percent of U.S. refineries and pipelines. He became one of the world’s wealthiest men and a major philanthropist. He expanded and added more partners into his business which is one of the main reasons for the growing of the oil industry.
  • 15th Amendment

    15th Amendment
    “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States” this is important because everyone should be able to vote and have a say in our president and it be fair with every political party.
  • Alexander Graham Bell Patents the Telephone

    Alexander Graham Bell Patents the Telephone
    This was important to the era of immagration and industrialization because this allowed people to communicate in new ways between one another even if they were many miles apart. This was important because in war people need to be able to communicate so this helped the president and the military communicate on what to do next.
  • Battle of Little Bighorn

    Battle of Little Bighorn
    This was one of the biggest wars for Native American victories to settle. After many white Americans and confirmed their image of the Indians as wild and bloodthirsty.
  • The Great Oklahoma Land Race

    The Great Oklahoma Land Race
    This was important to the era of immagration and industrialization because on March 23, 1889 the president said that any open land on April 22, settlers could claim land. It was a first come, first served deal so whoever got to the land first got to own that land. This was important because it allowed people to claim land and build their home and farm on.
  • Battle of Wounded Knee

    Battle of Wounded Knee
    One of the last military actions against Native Americans took place on December 29, 1890. Hundreds of Lakota men, women, and children were killed. Wounded Knee massacre site would become a rallying cry in struggles for Native American rights after the WWI era.
  • Ellis Island Opens to Process Immigrants

    Ellis Island Opens to Process Immigrants
    This was important to the era of immagration and industrialization because it was one of the only ways immigrants were able to enter the USA. It took sometimes many days to get through. Ellis Island was the nation's major immigration station in which 12 million immigrants passed through.
  • Plessy vs. Ferguson

    Plessy vs. Ferguson
    By a vote of 7 to 1 the United States Supreme Court case that ruled segregation was legal, as long as equal facilities were provided for both races.
  • The sinking of the USS Maine

    The sinking of the USS Maine
    The battleship USS Maine sank in Havana Harbor, Cuba. Around 260 members of the American crew died on board. The ship was blown up by a fire that ignited its ammunition storage, according to the US Naval Court of Investigation, who did not blame Spain.
  • The Wizard of Oz (Book) is Published

    The Wizard of Oz (Book) is Published
    This was important to the era of immagration and industrialization because the song “Over the Rainbow” describes how America lost something but can possibly regain it. This was important because it gave people hope and it also is an amazing children's book.
  • Teddy Roosevelt Becomes President of the United States

    Teddy Roosevelt Becomes President of the United States
    This was important to the era of immagration and industrialization because he became the youngest president in history around 43 years old, after the assassination of McKinley. He made a strong foreign policy and led the congress and American public to progressive reforms.
  • J.P. Morgan Founds U.S. Steel

    J.P. Morgan Founds U.S. Steel
    This was important to the era of immagration and industrialization because he took over the building of railroads. Railroads are a major part of our history because they helped transport different goods to different states faster than what a horse would do. They were also important because the building of the railroads because new and different companies organized to help contribute the the growing need of steel so they could buil new building, bridges and new factories.
  • Ida Tarbell Publishes Her Article About Standard Oil

    Ida Tarbell Publishes Her Article About Standard Oil
    This was important to the era of immagration and industrialization because she explained why Standard Oil violated of the Sherman Antitrust Act. After she published this the Court made the Standard brake into 34 separate companies due to it being an illegal monopoly.
  • Ford Motor Company is Founded

    Ford Motor Company is Founded
    This was important to the era of immagration and industrialization because without car or motorized vehicles it would make it difficult to get around and this made it easier on wealthy people to get a far distance. Now days cars are used everyday to go anywhere no matter the distance.
  • The 16th Amendment is Passed

    The 16th Amendment is Passed
    This was important to the era of immagration and industrialization because it made everyone have an income tax. After this amendment taxes would become the governments largest source of income.
  • Angel Island Opens to Process Immigrants

    Angel Island Opens to Process Immigrants
    This was important to the era of immagration and industrialization because what is known as the "Ellis Island of the West." This was another way immigrants can get to enter the USA. They opened it and about one million Asian, 250,000 Chinese and 150,00 Japanese immigrants. San Francisco, California was a primary point of entry for Asians immigrating to the U.S.
  • The 17th Amendment is Passed

    The 17th Amendment is Passed
    This was important to the era of immagration and industrialization because many saw it necessary to reduce the influence of big business. It was also important because it prevented vacancies or frequent turnover in the Senate.
  • 1st Miss American Pageant

    1st Miss American Pageant
    The Atlantic City Businessmen's League hosted a Fall Frolic in 1920. On September 8th, 1921, Atlantic City held the first Miss America pageant. Margaret Gorman of Washington, D.C. was the winner. She had a strong resemblance to Mary Pickford, a well-known cinema actress. The game drew a crowd of 100,000 spectators to the boardwalk. Gorman won over the judges and the crowd with his openhearted smile and young zeal. "She embodies the type of lady that America requires," says Samuel Gompers.
  • KDKA goes on the air from Pittsburgh

    KDKA goes on the air from Pittsburgh
    Since Marconi's first broadcast, inventor Reginald Fessenden has been working on voice radio. November 2, KDKA broadcasted the nation's first commercial broadcast. KDKA was a big success, motivating other businesses to start broadcasting as well. There were 600 commercial stations across the country in four years. Stations turned to advertisers to cover the costs of upgrading equipment and compensating artists. With the introduction of mass communication into American homes, a big culture grew.
  • Teapot Dome Scandal

    Teapot Dome Scandal
    Albert Bacon Fall was implicated in a scandal involving the leasing of federal oil assets. The leases were ordered to be cancelled by Congress, and the Supreme Court declared them to be illegal.
  • Sacco and Vanzetti arrested for armed robbery and murder

    Sacco and Vanzetti arrested for armed robbery and murder
    Both Italian-Americans, Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, were convicted of robbery and murder in 1921. The fact that the two men were known communists, influenced the judge and jury against them. Sacco and Vanzetti's final appeal was denied on April 9, 1927, and they were sentenced to death. Felix Frankfurter, a Harvard Law School professor at the time, was widely regarded as the trial's most famous and respected critic. Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed him to the Supreme Court in 1939.
  • 1st Winter Olympics Held

    1st Winter Olympics Held
    The first Winter Olympics was held in Chamonix on January 25, 1924. The ski jump and bobsled, as well as 12 other events, thrilled spectators. The so-called "International Winter Sports Week" was a huge success.
  • Scopes Monkey Trial

    Scopes Monkey Trial
    Judge Raulston dismissed their claim that the statute was unconstitutional. Bryan was forced to make stupid and conflicting claims, much to the delight of the audience. Bryan had won, but his religious ideals had been shamed and he had been publicly humiliated.
  • The Great Gatsby published by F. Scott Fitzgerald

    The Great Gatsby published by F. Scott Fitzgerald
    It is commonly referred to as the Great American Novel. Nick Carraway, a Yale graduate from the Midwest who relocates to New York after World War I. Gatsby seeks to debunk rumors that have been flying about him. Nick is doubtful of this and develops a growing affection for Jordan. They'd been in love for five years when he enlisted in the army for World War One, and she married Tom Buchanan. After nearly five years apart, the couple reunites and falls in love all over again.
  • Charles Lindberg completes solo flight across the Atlantic

    Charles Lindberg completes solo flight across the Atlantic
    In 1927, Charles Lindbergh flew nonstop from New York to Paris for the first time. His single-engine monoplane, The Spirit of St. Louis, had taken off 33 1/2 hours earlier from Roosevelt Field in New York, it lacked a navigator and a co-pilot. To support the additional weight, more fuel tanks were added and the wing span was increased. On May 21, at 2 a.m. the Spirit of St. Louis crossed the Ocean. Lindbergh's covered 3,600 miles, thousands welcomed his arrival at Paris's Le Bourget Aerodrome.
  • The Jazz Singer debuts (1st movie with sound)

    The Jazz Singer debuts (1st movie with sound)
    The Jazz Singer makes its debut at Seattle's Blue Mouse Theater on December 30, 1927. After its premiere in New York City, this was the film's debut showing on the West Coast. The Vitaphone sound-on-disc technology developed by Warner Brothers would later become the industry standard.
  • St. Valentine's Day Massacre

    During the late 1920s, gang warfare ruled the streets of Chicago. Al Capone, the mob kingpin, wanted to maintain power by assassinating his enemies. In 1927, Capone's net wealth was estimated to be around $100 million. The St. Valentine's Day Massacre is still a mystery. One of the most famous unsolved crimes in history was the St. Valentine's Day Massacre of 1929.
  • Black Tuesday (Stock Market Crash)

    Black Tuesday (Stock Market Crash)
    Thousands of investors were wiped out as a result of the loss of billions of dollars. The Great Depression, which lasted from 1929 to 1939, was the most severe and long-lasting economic depression in history. The Great Depression was not solely caused by the 1929 stock market crash. It did, however, hasten the worldwide economic collapse, of which it was a symptom. Roughly half of America's banks had failed by 1933, and unemployment had risen to nearly 15 million people.
  • The Adoption of the Star Spangled Banner as the National Anthem

    The Adoption of the Star Spangled Banner as the National Anthem
    After watching the bombardment of Fort McHenry, Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner." While trapped on a British ship, Key remained focused on the siege. After seeing the flag's amazing survival of the 1,800-bomb attack, he penned the famous lyrics.
  • The Empire State Building Opens

    The Empire State Building Opens
    This was important to the era of immagration and industrialization because it shows the technological prowess and economic strength of the United States. Only 25% of the rooms inside the state building were rented out.
  • Battle of the Philippines

    Battle of the Philippines
    The Battle of the Pacific was one of World War II's most important naval battles. It took place in connection with the US landing on Saipan and resulted in a total US victory. During the two-day combat, the Japanese lost 130 aircraft and suffered severe ship damage.