The Declaration of Independence officially announced the colonies' break from British rule. Adopted on July 4, 1776, it laid the foundation for the new nation.

George Washington led the Continental Army to victory and became the nation's first president. His leadership set a precedent for future American presidents.

The American Revolutionary War was the conflict that resulted in the colonies gaining independence from Britain. It laid the groundwork for the creation of the United States.

The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land, outlining the framework of the government. It serves as the legal foundation for all other laws.

The Battles of Lexington and Concord were the first military engagements between colonial and British forces. They signaled the start of the armed struggle for independence.

Checks and balances ensure that no single branch of government becomes too powerful. This system embodies the separation of powers established by the Constitution.

The First Amendment protects essential individual freedoms, including speech, religion, and the press. This protection is a cornerstone of American democracy.

The issue of slavery created deep divisions between the North and the South. These disagreements over slavery were central to the conflict that erupted into the Civil War.

Marbury v. Madison set the precedent that the Supreme Court can review and invalidate laws that conflict with the Constitution. This case established the principle of judicial review.

The northern states experienced rapid industrialization, leading to the growth of industrial capitalism. This economic model contrasted with the agrarian, slave-based economy of the South.

The Emancipation Proclamation declared that slaves in Confederate-controlled territories were free. This strategic move redefined the war and weakened the Confederate economy.

The Battle of Gettysburg marked a critical defeat for the Confederate forces and shifted the war's momentum in favor of the Union. This battle is often recognized as a turning point in the Civil War.

The New Deal was designed to address the economic hardships of the Great Depression by offering immediate relief, spurring economic recovery, and reforming the financial system. It significantly expanded the role of the federal government.

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, was the catalyst that led the United States to join World War II. This event dramatically altered U.S. foreign policy and military strategy.

Manifest Destiny was the widely held belief that the United States was destined to expand its territory across the North American continent. This idea influenced policies and spurred westward expansion in the 19th century.

The North's rapid industrialization and the South's dependence on slave labor for its agricultural economy deepened regional divides. These economic differences were a significant factor in the ideological and political conflicts leading up to the Civil War.

The Great Compromise resolved the dispute between states with large and small populations by creating a two-chamber legislature. This arrangement ensured proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

The Civil Rights Movement was instrumental in passing significant legislation and court rulings that challenged discriminatory practices. Its impacts reshaped American society by promoting legal reforms and a broader commitment to racial equality.

The Cold War era was marked by heightened fears of communism, which influenced U.S. domestic policies. This period saw a significant increase in defense spending and the implementation of measures designed to counteract communist influences.

Supreme Court decisions during the Civil Rights era, such as Brown v. Board of Education, established that state laws enforcing segregation were unconstitutional. These rulings strengthened federal authority in ensuring civil rights, thereby shifting the balance of power away from states that maintained discriminatory practices.