Apush Dates

1942

Columbus’ first voyage was in 1492, marking the beginning of European exploration of the Americas.

1607

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

1649

Toleration Act that granted religious freedom to Christians in Maryland.

1688

Glorious Revolution in England that resulted in the overthrow of King James II, establishing parliamentary sovereignty.

1692

Salem Witch Trials, a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts.

1754–1763

The French and Indian War, a conflict between Britain and France in North America over territorial disputes that ultimately contributed to the American Revolutionary War.

1763

The Treaty of Paris, which ended the French and Indian War, was signed, leading to British dominance in North America. Proclamation of 1763 established a boundary between British colonies and Native American lands.

1765

The Stamp Act, a law passed by the British Parliament requiring all printed materials in the colonies to carry a tax stamp, leading to widespread protest and resistance among colonists.

1770

The Boston Massacre, an event where British soldiers killed five colonists during a confrontation, heightened tensions between Britain and the American colonies.

1767-1768

The Townshend Acts were enacted during this period, imposing duties on imported goods and increasing tensions between Britain and the American colonies.

1773

The Boston Tea Party, a protest by the colonists against the Tea Act, involved dumping tea into Boston Harbor as a response to taxation without representation. British responded with the coercive acts (known to colonist as the Intolerable Acts). The First Continental Congress was convened in 1774 to address colonial grievances and organize resistance against British rule.

1775

The Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War, marked the beginning of armed conflict between Britain and the colonies.

1776

The Declaration of Independence was adopted, declaring the colonies' separation from British rule and asserting their rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Thomas Paine’s Common Sense was published, advocating for American independence and advocated Enlightenment ideals.

1777

The Articles of Confederation were adopted by the Continental Congress, establishing the first governing document of the United States. The Battle of Saratoga was fought, marking a turning point in the Revolutionary War and leading to French support for the American cause.

1781

Battle of Yorktown was the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War, resulting in British General Cornwallis's surrender and effectively ending the conflict.

1783

The Treaty of Paris was signed, officially ending the American Revolutionary War and recognizing the independence of the United States.

1787

The Constitutional Convention convened in Philadelphia to draft the United States Constitution, replacing the Articles of Confederation and establishing a stronger federal government. The Northwest Ordinance was passed, providing a method for admitting new states and addressing governance in the Northwest Territory. In 1786 Shay’s Rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and prompted the need for a stronger national government.

1788

The ratification of the United States Constitution occurred, with nine states approving it, leading to its establishment as the governing document. Washington was elected.

1798

The Alien and Sedition Acts were enacted, allowing the government to deport foreigners and criminalizing certain political speech. The XYZ Affair also heightened tensions between the United States and France.

1800

The election of 1800 marked a significant political shift in the United States, as Thomas Jefferson defeated John Adams, leading to the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties.

1803

The Louisiana Purchase was made, doubling the size of the United States and significantly increasing its territory.

1812–1815

The War of 1812 was fought between the United States and Great Britain, primarily over trade restrictions and impressment of American sailors, resulting in a stalemate and increased national unity.

1814

Battle of New Orleans took place after the war officially ended, showcasing American resilience and leading to a surge in national pride.

1816–1824

The Era of Good Feelings was characterized by a sense of national purpose and unity in the United States following the War of 1812, marked by the presidency of James Monroe and the decline of the Federalist Party.

1820

The Missouri Compromise was reached in 1820 to maintain the balance of power between slave and free states, admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state.

1823

The Monroe Doctrine established a policy of opposing European colonialism in the Americas, asserting that any intervention by external powers in the political affairs of the Americas would be viewed as a hostile act.

1820s

Sectionalism deepened as debates over slavery intensified and economic differences emerged between the North and South.

1828

Jackson’s Election marked a significant shift in American politics, leading to the rise of the Democratic Party and reinforcing populist ideals. The Tariff of Abominations angered many Southern states and contributed to the Nullification Crisis.

1830

The Indian Removal Act was enacted, leading to the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their homelands, most notably resulting in the Trail of Tears.

1832

The Nullification Crisis escalated as South Carolina attempted to nullify federal tariffs, leading to a confrontation with the federal government and highlighting the tension between state and federal authority. Nat Turner’s Rebellion sparked fears of slave insurrections and increased calls for stricter slave codes.

1830–1850

Manifest Destiny was the 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the United States throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable, leading to territorial acquisitions and conflicts.

1836

The Battle of the Alamo was fought in Texas, marking a pivotal moment in the Texas Revolution, while the Presidential Election led to Martin Van Buren becoming the eighth President of the United States.

1845–1848

The Mexican-American War was fought during this period, resulting in significant territorial gains for the United States through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

1848

The end of the Mexican-American War was marked by the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ceded large portions of Mexico's northern territory to the United States. The Seneca Falls Convention was held in the same year, signaling the start of the women's rights movement in America.

1850

The Compromise of 1850 was enacted to ease tensions between free and slave states, introducing measures such as the admission of California as a free state and stricter fugitive slave laws.

1852

The Pierce administration commenced, and the Uncle Tom's Cabin novel was published, raising awareness about the moral issues of slavery.

1765 and 1766

Key years for the Stamp Act, which imposed direct taxes on colonists, leading to widespread protests, and the Declaratory Act, affirming British authority over the colonies.