APUSH Timeline (copy)

1492

Year Columbus arrived in the New World, facilitating trade flows between the Old World and the New.

1587

Year of England’s first attempt to settle in North America at Roanoke Island, known as the Lost Colony.

1607

Year Jamestown was established as the first permanent English settlement in North America.

1620

Year the Mayflower arrived in Plymouth, carrying the Pilgrims.

1649

Year the Toleration Act was passed in Maryland, granting religious freedom to Christians.

1688

Year of the Glorious Revolution, which saw the overthrow of James II and the establishment of William and Mary as monarchs.

1692

Year of the Salem Witch Trials, reflecting unrest in religion, politics, and gender.

1754-1763

Period of the Seven Years' War fought between the British and the French.

1763

Year the Proclamation of 1763 was issued, forbidding colonial settlement past the Appalachian Mountains.

1776

Year the Declaration of Independence was adopted, outlining individual liberty and government responsibilities.

1783

Year the Treaty of Paris was signed, granting the U.S. land and independence from Britain.

1787

Year the Constitutional Convention took place, leading to the creation of the U.S. Constitution.

1800

Year of Jefferson’s election, marking a significant political shift in the U.S.

1803

Year of the Louisiana Purchase, which expanded U.S. territory.

1812-1815

Period of the War of 1812, fought between the U.S. and Britain.

1823

Year the Monroe Doctrine was established, asserting America's right to intervene in the Western Hemisphere.

1845-1848

Period of the Mexican-American War.

1861-1865

Period of the Civil War fought in the U.S.

1898

Year of the Annexation of Hawaii and the Spanish-American War.

1947

Year of the Truman Doctrine, committing the U.S. to support anti-Communist countries.

1964

Year the Civil Rights Act was enacted, outlawing discrimination based on race, color, religion, or gender.

1973

Year Roe v. Wade was decided, legalizing abortion nationwide.

1989

Year the Cold War ended.

2001

Year of the 9/11 Attacks, which had significant impacts on U.S. foreign and domestic policy.