U.S History Timeline Flashcards

U.S. Constitution

Signed on September 17, 1787, it established the democratic framework for government in the United States.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution ratified in 1791, guaranteeing civil liberties and protection from government overreach.

Cotton Gin

Invented by Eli Whitney in 1793, it revolutionized the cotton industry by increasing production.

George Washington

Became the first President of the United States on April 30, 1789, setting many precedents.

Hamilton's Assumption Bill

Passed in June 1790, it allowed the federal government to assume state debts.

Washington’s Farewell Address

September 17, 1796, Washington advised against political parties and foreign alliances.

Election of 1796

The first contested presidential election resulting in John Adams as President and Thomas Jefferson as Vice President.

Marbury v. Madison

The 1803 Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review.

Louisiana Purchase

The 1803 purchase from France that doubled the size of the United States.

Lewis and Clark Expedition

1804-1806 exploration of the Louisiana Territory, aimed at finding a northwest passage and mapping the area.

Embargo Act of 1807

Legislation that halted foreign trade, damaging the U.S. economy.

Battle of Tippecanoe

The 1811 battle where American forces defeated Shawnee tribes, increasing tensions.

War of 1812

A conflict with Britain that began on June 18, 1812, ending with the Treaty of Ghent.

Treaty of Ghent

The 1814 treaty that ended the War of 1812, restoring pre-war boundaries.

Erie Canal

Constructed between 1817-1825, it connected the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.

Frederick Douglass

Born February 1818, he became a leading abolitionist and advocate for African American rights.

McCulloch v. Maryland

The 1819 Supreme Court ruling that asserted federal authority over state actions.

Missouri Compromise

The 1820 agreement that allowed Missouri to be a slave state and Maine a free state.

Monroe Doctrine

Announced in 1823, it declared the Western Hemisphere off-limits to European powers.

Tariff of Abominations

1828 protective tariff that raised taxes on imports, causing discontent in Southern states.

Andrew Jackson

Elected President in 1828, marking a shift towards populism.

B&O Railroad

Founded in February 1830, it was a significant development in America's transportation network.

Indian Removal Bill

Passed in May 1830, this act forced Native American tribes to relocate west.

Nat Turner’s Rebellion

A slave rebellion led by Nat Turner in 1831, increasing Southern fears of insurrections.

Texas Declaration of Independence

Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836, leading to the Texas Revolution.

Mexican-American War

The 1846-1848 conflict resulting in the U.S. gaining extensive territories from Mexico.

Gold Rush

Triggered by the 1849 discovery of gold in California, it led to a mass migration.

Compromise of 1850

Legislation that tried to resolve slavery disputes, including the Fugitive Slave Act.

Republican Party

Formed in March 1854 in response to the Kansas-Nebraska Act.

Kansas-Nebraska Act

The 1854 act that allowed territories to decide on slavery, leading to violent conflict.

Dred Scott Decision

The 1857 ruling that declared enslaved people as property, not citizens.

John Brown's Raid

In 1859, abolitionist John Brown attempted to incite a slave rebellion at Harpers Ferry.

Election of 1860

Resulted in Abraham Lincoln becoming President, causing a divide in the Democratic Party.

Marbury v. Madison

A Supreme Court case from February 1803 that established the principle of judicial review, allowing courts to declare laws unconstitutional.