The 19th century was a time of significant change and progress in the history of the United States. It was an era of expansion, westward exploration, the Civil War, industrialization, and social reform.
1800-1837: Early 19th century
– 1803: The Louisiana Purchase occurs when the United States buys over 828,000 square miles from France for $15 million.
– 1812: The United States declares war on Great Britain in the Second Anglo-American War, which ends with no significant changes to borders.
– 1815: The United States purchases Florida from Spain for $5 million.
– 1820: American forces led by George Washington Platts and Stephen Holsey invade Honduras to assist the Spanish against rebels but their operation fails.
– 1837: A financial crisis linked to bank withdrawals leads to a national financial crisis in the United States.
1846-1861: Revolution and civil War
– 1846: The United States declares war on Mexico and gains control of California, New Mexico, Southern Texas, and Upper California.
– 1850: The Fugitive Slave Act is passed by Congress, allowing slave owners to sell slaves in Kansas.
– 1861: The United States declares war on the South, starting the American Civil War.
The civil war (1861-1865)
– 1863: President Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation.
– 1864-1865: The Confederacy loses its last military campaigns and eventually surrenders.
1877–1896. Late 19th century
– 1879: The first automobile highway in the United States opens in Ohio.
– 1881: Notorious outlaw Walter Campbell is killed in Arizona.
– 1893: The World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago showcases industrial advancements.
– 1898: The United States declares war on Spain and occupies Cuba and the Philippines.
Social reforms
– 1851: The American Association for Industrial Progress (AAIP) is founded.
– 1872: Clara Barton becomes the head of the American Red Cross.
– 1883: The landmark case of Plessy v. Ferguson allows law enforcement to force African Americans to relocate.
– 1896: George W. David publishes “The Social Reformer’s Handbook”, which provides recommendations for addressing major issues of the time.
Industrialization and technological innovations
– 1867: Western Union is founded.
– 1876: Alexander Graham Bell announces the development of the first telephone.
– 1885: The Railway Labor Act in the United States is established.
– 1893: At the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, technological advancements are showcased.
Local and national elections
– 1800-1856: Americans vote for their presidents every four years.
– 1868: The 15th Amendment to the US Constitution is ratified, guaranteeing African American voting rights.
Conclusion
The 19th century was a period of significant change and progress in US history. It was an era of expansion, westward exploration, civil war, industrialization, and social reform. Americans experienced profound changes during this time, and the country emerged as a major world power.
References:
1. “History of America” by Matthew Daven (2008)
2. “The American Story: A History of the United States Since 1492” by Patricia Nelson (2003)
3. “A History of America from 1492 to the Present Day” by Donald K. Johnson (2014)
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