U.S. History Timeline: 1783-1900

1492
  1784
The first successful daily newspaper, the Pennsylvania Packet & General Advertiser, is published.
  1787
The Constitutional Convention meets to write a Constitution for the U.S.
Constitution
Who Attended the Convention?
The Constitutional Convention met in Philadelphia in the hot summer of 1787.

Most of the great founders of America attended. Among those present were George Washington, James Madison, and John Adams. They met to form a new government that would be strong and, at the same time, protect the liberties that were fought for in the American Revolution. The Constitution they created is still the law of the United States.
  1789
The new Constitution is approved by the states. George Washington is chosen as the first president.
  1800
The federal government moves to a new capital, Washington, D.C.
Louisiana Purchase 1803
The U.S. makes the Louisiana Purchase from France. The Purchase doubled the area of the U.S.
Louis and Clark 1804
Lewis and Clark explore what is now the northwestern United States.
War of 1812 1812
-1814
War of 1812 with Great Britain: British forces burn the Capitol and White House. Francis Scott Key writes the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner."
  1820
The Missouri Compromise bans slavery west of the Mississippi River and north of 36°30' latitude, except in Missouri.
  1823
The Monroe Doctrine warns European countries not to interfere in the Americas.
  1825
The Erie Canal opens and links New York City with the Great Lakes.
  1831
The Liberator, a newspaper opposing slavery, is published in Boston.
  1836
Texans fighting for independence from Mexico are defeated at the Alamo.
  1838
Cherokee Indians are forced to move to Oklahoma, along "The Trail of Tears."
trail of tears
"The Trail of Tears"
The Cherokee Indians living in Georgia were forced, by the state government of Georgia, to leave in 1838. They were sent to Oklahoma. On the long march, thousands died because of disease and the cold weather.
  1844
The first telegraph line connects Washington and Baltimore.
  1846
-1848
U.S. war with Mexico: Mexico is defeated and the United States takes control of the Republic of Texas and of Mexican territories in the West.
1848
The discovery of gold in California leads to a "rush" of 80,000 people to the West in search of gold.
  1852
Uncle Tom's Cabin is published.
Harriet Beecher Stowe
UNCLE TOM'S CABIN
Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel about the sufferings of slaves was an instant bestseller in the North and banned in most of the South. When President Abraham Lincoln met Stowe, he called her "the little lady who started this war" (the Civil War).
  1858
Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas debate about slavery during their Senate campaign in Illinois.
1860
Abraham Lincoln is elected president.
1861
The Civil War begins.
1863
President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing most slaves.
  1865
The Civil War ends as the South surrenders. President Lincoln is assassinated.
Civil War Dead and Wounded
The U.S. Civil War between the North and South lasted four years (1861-1865) and resulted in the death or wounding of more than 600,000 people.

Little was known at the time about the spread of diseases. As a result, many casualties were also the result of illnesses such as influenza, measles, and infections from battle wounds.
  1869
The first railroad connecting the East and West coasts is completed.
  1890
Battle of Wounded Knee is fought in South Dakota- the last major battle between Indians and U.S. troops.
  1898
Spanish-American War: The U.S. defeats Spain, gains control of the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam.

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