Key Dates in AP US History

Key Events in Early American History

• 1607: Establishment of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America.
• 1620: Arrival of Pilgrims at Plymouth, signifying the start of colonization by separatist groups.
• 1730-1760: The First Great Awakening, a significant religious revival that fostered emotional expression in Christianity.

Colonial Conflicts and Foundations

• 1754-1763: Treaty of Paris concludes the French and Indian War, reshaping territorial claims in North America.
• 1775-1783: The Revolutionary War, a conflict for American independence from British rule.

Framework of Government

• 1787: The Constitutional Convention assembles to draft the U.S. Constitution, establishing a framework for government.

Economic Innovations and Political Changes

• 1793: Invention of the cotton gin revolutionizes the cotton industry and reinforces slavery in the South.
• 1800: Thomas Jefferson defeats John Adams in a pivotal election, marking the end of the Federalist era and the beginning of Democratic-Republican dominance.

Territorial Expansion and Conflict

• 1812-1814: The War of 1812, fought between the U.S. and Britain, addresses issues of trade restrictions and British support for Native American attacks.
• 1820: The Missouri Compromise attempts to resolve sectional tensions regarding the expansion of slavery in new territories.
• 1846-1848: The Mexican War results in significant territorial gains for the United States, including present-day California and Texas.

Political Developments and Compromise

• 1824: "Corrupt Bargain" refers to the disputed election where John Quincy Adams is elected over Andrew Jackson, leading to allegations of secret deals.
• 1850: The Compromise of 1850 includes several bills aimed at resolving tensions between slave and free states.
• 1854: The Kansas-Nebraska Act introduces popular sovereignty for determining the status of slavery in new territories, leading to violent conflict known as "Bleeding Kansas."

Civil War and Reconstruction

• 1860: Abraham Lincoln's election prompts Southern states to secede from the Union, escalating tensions over slavery.
• 1861-1865: The Civil War, the deadliest conflict in American history, centered on issues of slavery and state rights.
• 1869: Completion of the Transcontinental Railroad facilitates westward expansion and economic growth.
• 1877: Compromise of 1877 ends Reconstruction, leading to the withdrawal of federal troops from the South.

Judicial and Legislative Milestones

• 1883: Civil Rights Cases affirm state-sanctioned segregation, limiting civil rights advancements.
• 1887: Interstate Commerce Act establishes regulations for the railroad industry, marking federal intervention in the economy.

20th Century Conflicts and Political Shifts

• 1896: William McKinley defeats William Jennings Bryan, effectively ending the Populist movement's influence in American politics.
• 1898: The Spanish-American War marks the U.S.'s emergence as a global power.
• 1912: Woodrow Wilson wins the presidency, overcoming Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft in a major political shift.
• 1914-1918: World War I, a global conflict, leads to U.S. involvement primarily in 1917-1918.

Economic Crises and Warfare

• 1929: October stock market crash triggers the Great Depression, leading to widespread economic hardship.
• 1939-1945: World War II engulfs the globe, with significant U.S. involvement following events such as the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Post-War America

• 1950-1953: The Korean War marks the U.S.'s first military engagement in the Cold War context.
• 1960: John F. Kennedy defeats Richard Nixon in a closely contested presidential election.
• 1963: Assassination of President Kennedy shocks the nation and leads to significant political repercussions.
• 1965: Escalation of the Vietnam War coincides with the passage of the Voting Rights Bill, marking a critical era for civil rights and social upheaval.

Test your knowledge of crucial events in American history with this quiz. Covering key dates from the founding of Jamestown to the Mexican War, this quiz will help you understand significant milestones that shaped the United States. Perfect for AP US History students preparing for exams.