US History Key Events: Articles, Wars, Reforms & Expansion

Articles of Confederation

First U.S. government; weak federal authority, no taxing power, economic failure that led to the Constitution.

Shays' Rebellion

Farmer uprising that showed the Articles were too weak; convinced leaders to create stronger government.

Bill of Rights

First 10 amendments; protected individual freedoms to satisfy Anti-Federalists.

Hamilton's Financial Plan

Created national bank, assumed state debts, improved credit, caused political divisions between parties.

Whiskey Rebellion

Revolt against whiskey tax; Washington used troops, proving strong federal power.

XYZ Affair

French bribery attempt; increased anti-French feeling and led to undeclared naval war.

Quasi-War

Naval conflict with France in 1798-1800; helped build U.S. Navy.

Louisiana Purchase

Doubled U.S. size; allowed westward expansion and exploration.

Lewis & Clark Expedition

Mapped new territory and established U.S. claims in the West.

War of 1812

War with Britain; boosted nationalism and showed U.S. could defend itself.

Battle of New Orleans

Major U.S. victory that raised national pride (fought after peace treaty).

Monroe Doctrine

Warned Europe not to colonize Western Hemisphere; U.S. influence grows.

Missouri Compromise

Maintained free/slave state balance; temporary solution over slavery expansion.

Industrial Revolution

Factories and machines expand economy; creates regional differences North vs. South.

Second Great Awakening

Religious revival that inspired major reform movements like abolition.

Spoils System

Jackson rewarded supporters with government jobs; increased corruption and party loyalty.

Bank War

Jackson destroyed National Bank; increased presidential power but hurt economy.

Nullification Crisis

South Carolina tried to reject federal tariffs; Jackson enforced federal supremacy.

Indian Removal Act

Forced Indigenous tribes west; led to Trail of Tears and huge suffering.

Trail of Tears

Forced removal of Cherokee; thousands die on march to Oklahoma.

Maysville Road Veto

Jackson blocked federal funding for a road; claimed state responsibility.

Panic of 1837

Economic depression caused by state banks and end of National Bank.

Know-Nothing Party

Anti-immigrant, anti-Catholic movement; shows fear of immigration.

Abolitionists

Movement to end slavery (ex: Douglass, Grimké sisters, Garrison).

Transcendentalism

Philosophy stressing individualism and nature (Emerson & Thoreau).

Manifest Destiny

Belief Americans should expand across the continent.

Texas Revolution

Texans fought Mexico for independence; leads to annexation.

Battle of the Alamo

Symbol of sacrifice for Texas independence.

Mexican-American War

U.S. wins Southwest lands; reignites slavery expansion debate.

Compromise of 1850

Admits California free; stronger Fugitive Slave Act; heightens tensions.

Fugitive Slave Act

Forced Northerners to assist in returning enslaved people; increased Northern anger.

Kansas-Nebraska Act

Allowed popular sovereignty; caused "Bleeding Kansas" violence.

Bleeding Kansas

Pro- and anti-slavery forces clash; mini-Civil War preview.

Dred Scott v. Sandford

Supreme Court says African Americans not citizens; Congress can't ban slavery.

John Brown's Raid

Abolitionist attacks Harper's Ferry; South fears major slave uprisings.

Lincoln-Douglas Debates

National attention focuses on slavery; Lincoln becomes major figure.

Election of 1860

Lincoln wins without Southern support; South secedes.

Confederate States of America

Seceding states with weak central gov; Jefferson Davis President.

Fort Sumter

First shots of Civil War in 1861.

Union Advantages

More population, industry, and railroads.

Confederate Advantages

Skilled generals and defensive strategy.

Anaconda Plan

Union strategy: blockade South and control Mississippi River.

Battle of Antietam

Bloodiest day; leads to Emancipation Proclamation.

Emancipation Proclamation

Freed slaves in Confederacy; shifted war goal to ending slavery.

Battle of Gettysburg

Turning point; halted Confederate invasion of North.

Sherman's March to the Sea

Total war; destroyed Southern economy and morale.

Appomattox Court House

Lee surrenders to Grant; Civil War ends.

Juneteenth

Final announcement of freedom to enslaved Texans (1865).