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Discover the people, events, and movements that shaped America.
Up to 1492
The diverse Native nations, cultures, settlements, and trade networks that developed across North America before sustained European contact.
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1492–1607
European expeditions began mapping North America and establishing sustained contact with Indigenous peoples.
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1607–1763
European colonies expanded across North America, developing distinct economies, communities, and political traditions.
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1763–1783
Growing resistance to British rule led to the American Revolution and the creation of an independent United States.
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1776–1789
American leaders declared independence, formed a new government, and adopted the United States Constitution.
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1789–1828
The young nation established its political institutions, expanded its economy, and confronted its first major challenges.
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1803–1890
Settlers, explorers, railroads, and the federal government pushed westward, often displacing Native peoples and transforming the land.
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1861–1865
The Union and Confederacy fought over slavery, secession, and the future of the United States.
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1898–1914
The United States emerged as a global power through war, territorial acquisition, and increased overseas influence.
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1914–1919
American involvement in World War I expanded the country’s military, economic, and diplomatic role in the world.
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1920–1929
Economic growth, jazz, automobiles, changing social customs, and Prohibition defined a decade of dramatic cultural change.
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1941–1945
The United States mobilized millions of people and vast industrial resources to fight a global war.
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1945–1960
Rivalry with the Soviet Union shaped American foreign policy, military planning, technology, and domestic politics.
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1954–1968
Activists challenged segregation and racial discrimination through protests, court cases, organizing, and federal legislation.
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1957–1975
Cold War competition drove rapid advances in rockets, satellites, human spaceflight, and the Apollo Moon landings.
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1960–1975
War abroad and movements for civil rights, women’s rights, and cultural change produced deep divisions at home.
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1975–2001
Technological growth, globalization, political realignment, and the end of the Cold War reshaped American life.
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2001–2021
The September 11 attacks led to wars overseas, expanded security policies, and major changes in American foreign policy.
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