U.S History Timeline Flashcards

Timeline Events Explained

1. September 17, 1787 – U.S. Constitution Signed

The U.S Consitution is one of the most significant documents in American history as it established the democratic framework for government. Its signing signals a shift from the monarchy system to a government based on laws, popular sovereignty (consent of the people), and individual rights. Created a national gov. consisting of a legislative, executive, and judicial branch. 

2. 1791 – Bill of Rights Ratified

Consists of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing civil liberties and protection from government overreach. Some rights include freedom of speech, right to a fair trial, and protection from unreasonable searches.

3. 1793 – Eli Whitney Invents Cotton Gin

Eli Whitney invents the cotton gin, a device that revolutionizes the cotton industry by making it easier to separate cotton fibers from seeds, increasing production and expanding slavery in the South.

4. April 30, 1789 – George Washington Becomes President

George Washington becomes the first President of the United States, setting many precedents for the new government.

5. September 11, 1789 – Hamilton Becomes Economist

Alexander Hamilton is appointed Secretary of the Treasury, shaping the nation's economic policies.

6. June 20, 1790 – Assumption Bill

Hamilton’s Assumption Bill is passed, giving the federal government control over state debts and strengthening national unity.

7. September 17, 1796 – Washington’s Farewell Address

George Washington steps down after two terms, advising the country to avoid political parties and foreign alliances.

8. November 4 – December 7, 1796 – Election of 1796

The first contested presidential election results in John Adams becoming President and Thomas Jefferson becoming Vice President.

9. October 31 – December 3, 1800 – Election of 1800

Thomas Jefferson defeats John Adams in the "Revolution of 1800," marking the first peaceful transition of power between political parties.

10. February 1803 – Marbury v. Madison

The Marbury v. Madison Supreme Court case establishes the principle of judicial review, giving the courts the power to declare laws unconstitutional.

11. April 30, 1803 – Louisiana Purchase

The United States purchases the Louisiana Territory from France, doubling the size of the nation and securing control over the Mississippi River.

12. 1804-1806 – Lewis and Clark Expedition

The Lewis and Clark Expedition explores the newly acquired Louisiana Territory, providing valuable information for westward expansion. Three objectives: find a northwest passage (none exists), document and map everything they find, and establish friendly relations with Native Americans.

13. November 2 – December 5, 1804 – Election of 1804

Thomas Jefferson is re-elected, confirming broad support for his policies, including the Louisiana Purchase.

14. 1807 – Embargo Act

In response to British and French interference with American ships, Jefferson passes the Embargo Act, halting foreign trade and damaging the U.S. economy. The act closed U.S. ports to all exports and restricted imports from Britain. While Jefferson was popular, the Embargo Act caused discontent due to its economic damage.

15. 1808 – Congress Bans Importation of Slaves

Congress passes a law banning the importation of enslaved people, signaling a growing desire to curb the spread of slavery.

16. 1811 – Battle of Tippecanoe

In a battle between American forces and Native American tribes led by Tecumseh, William Henry Harrison’s forces defeat the Shawnee, increasing tensions with Native Americans and contributing to the causes of the War of 1812.

17. June 18, 1812 – War of 1812

A war with Britain due to trade interference and the impressment of American sailors into the British navy. The war ends with the Treaty of Ghent, resulting in increased nationalism, industrial development, westward expansion, and the Monroe Doctrine.

18. August 24, 1814 – White House and Capitol Burned

British forces burn Washington, D.C., during the War of 1812, but the nation’s resolve remains strong.

19. December 1814 – Treaty of Ghent

The War of 1812 ends with the Treaty of Ghent, restoring pre-war boundaries and affirming American sovereignty.

20. 1815 – Battle of New Orleans

Andrew Jackson’s victory at the Battle of New Orleans, fought after the Treaty of Ghent, boosts American nationalism and Jackson’s political career.

21. 1817-1825 – Erie Canal Built

The Erie Canal is constructed, connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean and facilitating trade and westward expansion.

22. February 1818 – Frederick Douglass Born

Frederick Douglass, born into slavery, becomes a leading abolitionist and key voice in the fight for African American rights.

23. 1819 – McCulloch v. Maryland

The Supreme Court rules that states cannot tax federal institutions, strengthening federal authority.

24. 1820 – Congress Makes Importation of Slaves a Capital Crime

Congress makes the illegal importation of enslaved people a capital crime, strengthening enforcement of the ban on the transatlantic slave trade.

25. 1820 – Missouri Compromise

The Missouri Compromise allows Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining a balance between free and slave states.

26. 1823 – Monroe Doctrine

President Monroe announces that the Western Hemisphere is off-limits to European colonization, asserting U.S. dominance in the Americas.

27. 1828 – Tariff of Abominations

A protective tariff that raises taxes on imported goods, angering Southern states and contributing to sectional tensions.

28. 1828 – Jackson Elected President

Andrew Jackson is elected the 7th President of the United States, ushering in an era of populism and political change.

29. February 1830 – B&O Railroad Begun

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad is established, marking a significant step in the development of America’s transportation infrastructure.

30. May 1830 – Indian Removal Bill

The Indian Removal Act forces Native American tribes to relocate west of the Mississippi River, leading to the Trail of Tears.

31. 1831 – Nat Turner’s Rebellion

Nat Turner leads a slave rebellion in Virginia, increasing Southern fears of slave uprisings and leading to stricter slave codes.

32. 1836 – Texas Declares Independence

Texas declares independence from Mexico, sparking the Texas Revolution, which leads to Texas becoming an independent republic.

33. 1846-1848 – Mexican-American War

The U.S. defeats Mexico in the Mexican-American War, gaining vast territories such as California, Arizona, and New Mexico through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

34. 1849 – Gold Rush (49ers)

The discovery of gold in California triggers a mass migration, dramatically increasing California’s population and accelerating its admission to the Union.

35. 1850 – Compromise of 1850

The Compromise of 1850 attempts to resolve disputes over slavery in the territories, including the controversial Fugitive Slave Act.

36. March 1854 – Republican Party Formed

The Republican Party is formed in response to the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the spread of slavery into the territories.

37. 1854 – Kansas-Nebraska Act

The Kansas-Nebraska Act opens new territories to the possibility of slavery, leading to violent conflict in Kansas, known as "Bleeding Kansas."

38. 1857 – Dred Scott Decision

The Supreme Court rules in Dred Scott v. Sandford that enslaved people are property, not citizens, heightening tensions between the North and South.

39. 1859 – John Brown Leads Raid on Arsenal at Harpers’ Ferry

Abolitionist John Brown leads a raid on a federal arsenal in Harpers’ Ferry, Virginia, hoping to incite a slave rebellion. His capture and execution inflame sectional tensions.

40. 1860 – Election of 1860

Abraham Lincoln becomes the 16th president of the U.S., resulting in a split within the Democratic Party. The North and South were divided, leading to two different candidates and split votes. The Democratic Party’s inability to unite led to Lincoln's victory, and Southern states began to secede from the Union.