History Final Dates

Columbus's voyages to the Americas mark the beginning of European colonization.  

1492

Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement, is established.  

1607

The French and Indian War (also known as the Seven Years' War) reshapes the balance of power in North America.  

1754-1763

The American Revolutionary War leads to American independence from Great Britain.  

1775-1783

The Declaration of Independence is signed, declaring the colonies' separation from British rule.  

1776

The Constitutional Convention takes place, resulting in the U.S. Constitution.  

1787

George Washington is inaugurated as the first President of the United States, and the Constitution is ratified.  

1789

The Louisiana Purchase doubles the size of the United States and sparks westward expansion.  

1803

The War of 1812 with Great Britain solidifies American nationalism.  

1812-1815

The Missouri Compromise attempts to address the issue of slavery in new territories.  

1820

The Indian Removal Act authorizes the forced removal of Native American tribes from the Southeast.  

1830

The Mexican-American War results in the United States acquiring vast territories in the Southwest.  

1845-1848

Abraham Lincoln is elected President, leading to the secession of Southern states and the start of the Civil War.  

1860

The American Civil War is fought between the Union (North) and the Confederacy (South).  

1861-1865

The Emancipation Proclamation declares the freedom of slaves in Confederate territory.  

1863

The Civil War ends with the Confederate surrender, and slavery is abolished.  

1865

Reconstruction takes place, attempting to rebuild the South and integrate formerly enslaved people into society.  

1877

Reconstruction ends with the Compromise of 1877. (gave Hayes presidency in exchange for end of Reconstruction)

1877

The Wounded Knee Massacre marks the end of the major armed conflicts between Native Americans and the US military.  

1890

The stock market crash triggers the Great Depression, a period of severe economic hardship.  

1929

The United States enters World War II, becoming a major Allied power.  

1941-1945

The end of World War II sees the emergence of the United States as a global superpower.  

1945

The collapse of the Soviet Union marks the end of the Cold War. 

1991

US enters WWI

1917

WW1 Allied Powers

France, Great Britain, Russia, Italy, Japan, US

WW1 Central Powers

Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire (Turkey), Bulgaria

WW2 Allied Powers

UK, US, Soviet Union, China, France

WW2 Axis Powers

Germany, Italy, Japan