us history 1 clep

1776

Declaration of Independence The colonies declared independence from Britain.

Memory clue: Declare independence.

1783

Treaty of Paris Britain officially recognized American independence, ending the Revolutionary War.

Memory clue: War ends; independence recognized.

1787

Constitution drafted Delegates met in Philadelphia to create a stronger national government.

Memory clue: Design the government.

1789

Washington becomes president The new federal government began operating under the Constitution.

Memory clue: Government begins.

1791

Bill of Rights ratified The first ten amendments protected individual liberties.

Memory clue: Protect people's rights.

1800

Thomas Jefferson defeated John Adams, marking a peaceful transfer of power between political parties.

Memory clue: Political power changes hands.

1803

Louisiana Purchase Jefferson bought a vast territory from France, roughly doubling the size of the United States.

Memory clue: More land.

1804

Lewis and Clark expedition begins The expedition explored and documented the newly acquired western lands.

Memory clue: Explore the West.

1812

The War of 1812 begins

The United States declared war on Britain under President James Madison.

1814

Treaty of Ghent signed

The agreement to end the war was signed in December. British forces also burned Washington, D.C., in August 1814.

1815

Battle of New Orleans

General Andrew Jackson led American forces to victory in January, after the peace treaty had been signed but before news of it arrived.

1815

Era of Good Feelings begins

National pride grows after the War of 1812 and until 1825

1820

Missouri Compromise

Congress temporarily balances free and slave states, Missouri entering the Union as a slave state and Maine as a free state.

1823

Monroe Doctrine

The United States warns European powers against further colonization and interference in the Americas.

1829

Andrew Jackson becomes president

Jackson's presidency began a new era of populist politics and a more assertive presidency.

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1830

Indian Removal Act

Authorized federal removal policies that led to the forced displacement of Native American nations from their homelands.

1832

Jackson vetoed the bill to renew the national bank's charter; the Nullification Crisis intensified.

1833

A compromise tariff helped resolve the Nullification Crisis. (Henry Clay)

1838-1839

Cherokee Trail of Tears

The forced removal of Cherokee people under the removal policies resulted in thousands of deaths.