APUSH Important Dates

Native Americans and Europeans exist in two separate “worlds”—they haven’t made permanent contact yet. In the

Americas a variety of different indigenous societies (both large and small scale) have their own way of life, while in Europe

factors are converging to promote trans-oceanic exploration and conquest.

1491

Jamestown founded, signaling the beginning of British colonization of the Americas

1607

French and Indian War begins, signaling the height of rivalry between European powers for dominance in the

Americas, and ultimately creating tensions between the colonies and the Crown which culminate in the American Revolution

1754

Thomas Jefferson elected president, ushering in an era of the “common man”

1800

The “Era of Manifest Destiny” begins with the election of our 11th President, James K. Polk.

1844

Two things: the Mexican-American War ends, with the US acquiring the land known as the “Mexican Cession”

(including California); also, activists converge at the Seneca Falls Convention to demand women get the right to vote.

1848

the Civil War ends with the North’s victory over the South—ends slavery, “Reconstruction” begins

1865

Reconstruction ends, leaving the newly freed African Americans at the mercy of Southern states

1877

the Sherman Anti-Trust Act is signed into law signaling a new concern in American life—the growth of massive

corporations with enormous (perhaps too much?) power.

1890

the Spanish American War begins and ends, symbolizing America’s embrace of a new foreign policy trend--

imperialism

1898

World War II ends, with the Allied Powers (including the US) victorious over the Axis Powers (led by Germany).

However, the Cold War begins between the US and USSR, a foreign policy trend which dominates the next 45 years.

1945

Ronald Reagan is elected to the presidency, signaling a shift from the liberal politics of the post-war era to a re-

emergence of conservative social and economic policies.

1980