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Marbury vs. Madison
A Supreme Court decision greatly expanding the power of the Court by establishing its right to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional. -
Louisiana Purchase
United States agrees to pay France $15 million for the Louisiana Territory, which extends west from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains and comprises about 830,000 sq mi. As a result, the U.S. nearly doubles in size. -
War of 1812
U.S. declares war on Britain over British interference with American maritime shipping and westward expansion, and the war ends in 1814. -
Missouri Compromise
In an effort to maintain the balance between free and slave states, Maine (formerly part of Massachusetts) is admitted as a free state so that Missouri can be admitted as a slave state; except for Missouri, slavery is prohibited in the Louisiana Purchase lands north of latitude 36°30'. -
Monroe Doctrine
In his annual address to Congress, President Monroe declares that the American continents are henceforth off-limits for further colonization by European powers -
Articles of Confederation
Continental Congress adopts the Articles of Confederation, the first U.S. constitution.The Articles of Confederation served as the written document that established the functions of the national government of the United States after it declared independence from Great Britain. -
Mexican War
U.S. declares war on Mexico in effort to gain California and other territory in Southwest.War concludes with signing of Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848.Mexico recognizes Rio Grande as new boundary with Texas and, for $15 million, agrees to cede territory comprising present-day California, Nevada, Utah, most of New Mexico and Arizona, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin is Published
Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin is published. It becomes one of the most influential works to stir anti-slavery sentiments. -
16th President of the U.S.
Abraham Lincoln is elected president. -
Civil War
It was a conflict between the North (the Union) and the South (the Confederacy) over the expansion of slavery into western states, and it ended in 1865. -
Emancipation Proclamation
Emancipation Proclamation is issued, freeing slaves in the Confederate states.