Beyond the ordinary

 

American history spans from initial European exploration to its emergence as a global superpower, marked by foundational conflicts and rapid expansion. The timeline begins with Christopher Columbus's arrival in 1492 and moves through the formation of the United States to pivotal 20th-century events like World War I. 

 

Era of Exploration and Colonial Settlement (1492–1763) 

Before European arrival, North America was inhabited by diverse indigenous groups for tens of thousands of years. 

  • 1492: Christopher Columbus, financed by Spain, lands in the Bahamas, 
  • "discovering" the New World for Europe.
  • 1565: St. Augustine, Florida, is founded by the Spanish as the first permanent European settlement in North America.
  • 1607: Jamestown, Virginia, is founded by English settlers.
  • 1619: The first enslaved Africans are brought to North America.
  • 1620: The Mayflower lands at Plymouth Rock, establishing the Plymouth colony.
  • 1754–1763: The French and Indian War (Seven Years' War) occurs; Britain gains control of territory up to the Mississippi River. 

The American Revolution and New Nation (1763–1815) 

Increasing taxes and tension between the British government and colonists led to the birth of a new country. 

  • 1773: The Boston Tea Party occurs in protest of British taxes.
  • 1775: The American Revolution begins with the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
  • 1776 (July 4): The Declaration of Independence is endorsed by Congress.
  • 1781: The British surrender at Yorktown, effectively ending the land war.
  • 1787: The U.S. Constitution is ratified.
  • 1789: George Washington is elected the first President of the United States.
  • 1803: The Louisiana Purchase from France nearly doubles the size of the U.S.
  • 1812–1815: The War of 1812 is fought against Britain over commerce and territory. 

National Expansion and the Civil War (1815–1877) 

This era was defined by westward growth and the internal crisis over slavery. 

  • 1830s: The Trail of Tears occurs as indigenous peoples are forcibly relocated from their ancestral lands.
  • 1848: The California Gold Rush begins.
  • 1861–1865: The American Civil War is fought between the Union and the pro-slavery Confederate States of America.
  • 1863: President Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation.
  • 1865–1877: The Reconstruction era focuses on reuniting the country and integrating formerly enslaved people. 

Industrialization and World War I (1877–1929) 

The U.S. transitioned into a major industrial power and began to play a larger role in global affairs. 

  • 1890–1920: The Progressive Era sees major social and political reforms.
  • 1898: The Spanish-American War results in the U.S. acquiring territories like Puerto Rico and Guam.
  • 1917–1918: The United States enters World War I, joining the Allies and emerging as a major global military power.
  • 1920: The 19th Amendment is ratified, giving women the right to vote. 

Modern America (1929–Present)

  • 1929–1939: The Great Depression causes widespread economic hardship.
  • 1941–1945: The U.S. enters World War II following the attack on Pearl Harbor and emerges as a global superpower.
  • 1947–1991: The Cold War sees the U.S. and the Soviet Union compete in an arms race and the Space Race.
  • 1950s–1960s: The Civil Rights Movement fights to end racial segregation and discrimination.
  • 1969: The U.S. achieves the first Moon Landing.
  • 2001: The September 11 attacks lead to the start of the War on Terror.