American History

A first look at the timeline

Enable JavaScript to explore the timeline and map. This curated introduction connects colonial foundations, the founding of the United States, national change and selected later events.

1. 1565–1680 — colonial foundations and Indigenous resistance
2. 1773–1791 — Revolution, independence and constitutional government
3. 1803–1848 — expansion, removal and reform
4. 1861–1872 — Civil War and Reconstruction
5. 1882–1969 — industry, world wars, civil rights and spaceflight
6. 1990–2001 — disability rights and the September 11 attacks

Explore the National Archives' primary documents for further reading.