Historical Timeline

Key Events in American History

1676 - 1877

Major events that shaped American concepts of polarization and freedom

1676

Polarization

Bacon's Rebellion

Colonial rebellion reveals early polarization between frontier settlers and colonial elite

1787-1788

Both Themes

Constitutional Convention & Ratification Debate

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists debate creates first major political polarization

1820

Both Themes

Missouri Compromise

First major sectional crisis over slavery expansion reveals growing national divide

1848

Freedom

Seneca Falls Convention

First women's rights convention challenges traditional concepts of freedom

1861-1865

Both Themes

The Civil War

Ultimate polarization leads to armed conflict over slavery and union

1863

Freedom

Emancipation Proclamation

Lincoln transforms the Civil War into a war for freedom

1865-1870

Freedom

Reconstruction Amendments

Constitutional revolution expands freedom with 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments

1877

Both Themes

End of Reconstruction

Compromise ends federal protection of civil rights, limiting freedom gains

Click on any timeline event to see detailed information and primary sources