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Timeline: United States

Years: c. 30,000 years ago - 2011	Subject: Encyclopedias, Geographical reference
Publisher: HistoryWorld	Online Publication Date: 2012
Current online version: 2012	eISBN: 9780191736841

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BCE CE

Year	Event
c. 30,000 years ago	With the sea level falling, a land bridge (known as Beringia) forms between Siberia and Alaska, enabling humans to enter the continent of America Go to Bering land bridge in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Prehistory Science Migration American Indians Asia East Asia Society North America Canada
c. 15,000 years ago	Apparent marks of cutting, on animal fossils preserved in the La Brea tar pit in Los Angeles, suggest human activity in the area at this time Go to Palaeo‐Indian in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Prehistory Science American Indians North America Archaeological evidence reveals that the central plains of north America by now have a widespread human population Go to Plano cultures in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Prehistory American Indians North America Canada
8000 BCE	As the ice cap recedes, hunter-gatherers move up the eastern side of America into Newfoundland and the prairie provinces of Canada Go to Maritime Archaic in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Prehistory American Indians North America As temperatures warm, the sea level rises, submerging the Bering land bridge and isolating the Siberian immigrants as the aboriginal Americans Go to Bering land bridge in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Prehistory Neolithic American Indians South America North America Canada
c. 1000 BCE	Burial mounds feature in the Ohio valley, built first in the Adena culture and then by Hopewell tribes Go to Adena Complex in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE 1000-600 BCE Architecture American architecture Religion American Indians North America
1540	Francisco Vasquez de Coronado penetrates far north and west of Texas in an expedition searching for gold Go to Coronado, Francisco Vásquez de in New Oxford American Dictionary (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Exploration European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires North America
1585	Roanoke Island, off the coast of North Carolina, is settled by the first English colonists in America – with disastrous results Go to Roanoke Island in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America The English artist John White paints the everyday life of the Secotan Indians of America Go to White, John (1585–93) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Arts Painting American painting British painting Politics Conquest and colonization Social and domestic American art American Indians British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Britain North America
1587	A new group of English settlers arrives at Roanoke Island and makes a second attempt at a settlement Go to Roanoke Island in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Conquest and colonization British Isles British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Britain North America Virginia Dare becomes the first English child to be born in America, on Roanoke Island Go to Dare, Virginia in New Oxford American Dictionary (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Conquest and colonization British Isles British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Britain North America
1590	An English ship, the first to arrive at Roanoke Island since 1587, finds no remaining trace of the settlers or their settlement Go to Roanoke Island in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Conquest and colonization British Isles British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Britain North America
1607	Colonists establish the first lasting British settlement in the new world, at Jamestown Go to Jamestown in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America
1608	John Smith claims (many years later) that when captured by Indians he was saved from execution by Pocahontas, daughter of the chief Go to Pocahontas (c. 1595–1617) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization American Indians British colonial America British empire Empires North America
1609	Henry Hudson reaches the inlet of New York Bay and explores the river now known by his name Go to Hudson, Henry (d.1611) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Exploration British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires North America
1613	The American Indian princess Pocahontas is taken hostage by Jamestown colonists in the first Anglo-Powhatan war Go to Pocahontas (c. 1595–1617) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization American Indians British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America
1614	Pocahontas is baptized a Christian and marries John Rolfe, one of the Jamestown colonists Go to Pocahontas (c. 1595–1617) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization American Indians British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America
1616	Pocahontas fascinates Londoners when she arrives with her husband to publicize Jamestown Go to Pocahontas (c. 1595–1617) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Social and domestic British Isles American Indians British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Britain North America John Smith publishes A Description of New England, an account of his exploration of the region in 1614 Go to Smith, John (1580–1631) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Literature American literature English literature Literature in English Politics Conquest and colonization Exploration British Isles American Indians British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Britain North America
1620 September 16	The Pilgrims (or Pilgrim Fathers), a group of 102 English settlers, sail in the Mayflower to the new world Go to Pilgrims in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Conquest and colonization British Isles British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Britain North America
1620 November 1121	Ten days after their first landfall, at Cape Cod, the adult males on the Mayflower agree a form of government for their new colony Go to Pilgrims in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America
1620 December 26	The Pilgrims on the Mayflower select a place for their settlement, and give it the name of Plymouth, their port of departure in England Go to Pilgrims in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America
1620	William Bradford begins a journal of the Pilgrims' experience in New England, subsequently published (in 1856) as History of Plymouth Plantation Go to Plimmoth Plantation, History of in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Literature American literature Literature in English Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America
1621 autumn	The Mayflower settlers in Plymouth offer thanksgiving for their first harvest, eating turkeys in a celebration shared by local Indians Go to Pilgrims in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Social and domestic American Indians British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires North America
1621	William Bradford, one of the Pilgrims from the Mayflower, is elected governor of the new Plymouth Colony Go to Bradford, William (1590–1657) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Democracy and dissent British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America
1622	A sudden attack by Powhatan Indians, led by their chieftain Opechancanough against the English colony at Jamestown, results in the death of more than 300 settlers Go to Powhatan Indians in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization War American Indians British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America
1626	Peter Minuit purchases the island of Manhattan from local Indians and calls the place New Amsterdam Go to Minuit, Peter in New Oxford American Dictionary (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization American Indians Dutch empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America
1630	John Winthrop, appointed governor of the new Massachusetts Bay Company, sails from England with 700 settlers Go to Winthrop, John (1588–1649) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Conquest and colonization British Isles British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Britain North America John Winthrop selects the site of Boston for the first Massachusetts settlement Go to Winthrop, John (1588–1649) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America John Winthrop, arriving in Massachusetts, begins the journal that is eventually published as The History Of New England Go to Winthrop, John (1588–1649) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America
1632	Maryland is granted to Lord Baltimore as a haven for English Roman Catholics Go to Baltimore, George Calvert, 1st Lord (c. 1580–1632) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America
1633	Williamsburg, first known as Middle Plantation, is founded in Virginia Go to Williamsburg in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America
1636	North America's first university is founded at Cambridge in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and soon receives a large bequest from John Harvard Go to Harvard University in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century North America Rhode Island is founded by Roger Williams as a colony based on the principle of religious tolerance Go to Williams, Roger (c. 1603–83) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Reformation Politics Conquest and colonization Religion Christianity British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America
1637	War between English colonists and Pequot Indians brings disaster to the Pequots but safeguards the settlement of Connecticut Go to Pequot War (1636–1637) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization War American Indians British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America
1639	Richard Fairbanks, given responsibility for delivering mail in Massachusetts, is allowed to charge a penny per letter Go to Massachusetts (USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Social and domestic Society North America
1640	The first book published in England's American colonies is Bay Psalm Book, a revised translation of the psalms Go to Bay Psalm Book in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Printing Technology North America
1647	Peter Stuyvesant begins a 17-year spell as director-general of the Dutch colony of New Netherland in North America Go to Stuyvesant, Peter (1610–72) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Dutch empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America
1650	The poems of Massachusetts author Anne Bradstreet are published in London under the title The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America Go to Bradstreet, Anne (c.1612–1672) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Literature American literature English literature Literature in English Poetry British Isles British colonial America Europe Britain North America
1664	Peter Stuyvesant accepts the reality of the military situation and yields New Amsterdam to the British without a shot being fired Go to Stuyvesant, Peter (1610–72) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire Dutch empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America
1666	New Amsterdam is renamed New York by the recently established English regime Go to New York (USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire Dutch empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America
1667	In the treaty of Breda, England keeps New Amsterdam and New Netherland, and Holland keeps the English-held territory of Surinam Go to Anglo‐Dutch Wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America Dutch empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Latin America South America North America
1669	Robert de La Salle makes his first exploration of the Ohio valley, providing the basis for France's later claim to the area Go to La Salle, René Robert Cavelier, Sieur de (1643–87) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 French empire Europe Empires North America
1674	Samuel Sewall begins a diary of daily life in Boston, Massachusetts, that will span a period of more than fifty years Go to Sewall, Samuel (1652–1730) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Literature American literature Literature in English Politics Conquest and colonization Social and domestic Society North America
1675	A sudden uprising by the Wampanoag Indians against the new England settlements begins the conflict known as King Philip's War Go to King Philip's War (1675–76) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization War American Indians British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America
1680	The Pueblo Indians of New Mexico rise against the Spanish, killing 21 missionaries and some 400 colonists Go to Pueblo Revolt in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Protest and rebellion American Indians Latin America North America
1681	Charles II grants William Penn the charter for the region that becomes Pennsylvania, in settlement of a debt to Penn's father Go to Penn, William (1644–1718) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America
1682	Robert de la Salle travels down the Mississippi to its mouth and claims the entire region for France, naming it Louisiana Go to La Salle, René Robert Cavelier, Sieur de (1643–87) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 French empire Europe Empires North America William Penn approves the Great Law, allowing complete freedom of religious belief in Pennsylvania Go to Penn, William (1644–1718) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Religion Christianity British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America William Penn achieves peace for Pennsylvania by negotiating a treaty with the local Lenape (or Delaware) tribes Go to Penn, William (1644–1718) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization American Indians British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America
1683	Mennonites and other from Germany (later known as the Pennsylvania Dutch) begin to settle in Penn's liberal colony Go to Penn, William (1644–1718) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Religion Christianity British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America
1692	The Massachusetts town of Salem is gripped by witch-hunting hysteria Go to Salem witch trials (1692) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Persecution and repression Social and domestic Society North America Twenty people convicted of witchcraft are hanged in Salem, and one is pressed to death Go to Salem witch trials (1692) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Persecution and repression Social and domestic Society North America
1700	Boston merchant Samuel Sewall publishes The Selling of Joseph, a very early anti-slavery tract Go to Sewall, Samuel (1652–1730) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century 18th century Literature American literature Literature in English Slavery Society North America
1717	Scottish entrepreneur John Law establishes the Louisiana Company to develop the Mississippi valley for France Go to Law, John (1671–1729) in The New Oxford Companion to Literature in French (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Commerce and industry Society North America
1722	16-year-old Benjamin Franklin contributes the 'Dogood Papers', essays on moral topics, to a Boston journal, The New England Courant Go to Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America
1729	Benjamin Franklin prints, publishes and largely writes the weekly Pennsylvania Gazette Go to Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century North America
1731	Benjamin Franklin sets up a subscription library, the Library Company of Philadelphia Go to Library Company of Philadelphia in The Oxford Companion to the Book (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century North America
1732	Georgia is granted to a group of British philanthropists, to give a new start in life to debtors Go to Oglethorpe, James Edward in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America
1733	Benjamin Franklin establishes the most successful of America's almanacs, publishing it annually until 1758 Go to Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century North America
c. 1735	A revivalist movement in America, led by Jonathan Edwards, becomes known as the Great Awakening Go to Great Awakening, The in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Religion Christianity North America John Peter Zenger, editor of the Weekly Journal, is acquitted of libelling the governor of New York on the grounds that what he published was true Go to Zenger, John Peter (1697–1746) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Slavery Society North America
1741	The American Magazine and the General Magazine both begin a short-lived existence Go to General Magazine, the (1741) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century North America American revivalism is inflamed by Jonathan Edwards' vivid sermon Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God Go to Great Awakening, The in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Religion Christianity North America
1743	Benjamin Franklin drafts in Philadelphia the founding document for the American Philosophical Society Go to Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century North America
1744	Franklin publishes his design for an improved stove in Account of the New Invented Pennsylvania Fire Place Go to Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Technology Inventions and discoveries North America
1745	New England militiamen achieve an unexpected success in capturing the fortress of Louisbourg from the French Go to Louisbourg in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century War French empire Empires North America Canada
1749	A French official travels down the Ohio valley, placing markers to claim it for France Go to New France in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French and Indian War Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 French empire Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America
1752	The French seize or evict every English-speaking trader in the region of the upper Ohio Go to New France in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French and Indian War War French empire Empires Wars and Revolutions North America Benjamin Franklin flies a kite into a thunder cloud to demonstrate the nature of electricity Go to Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Science Physics North America
1753	George Washington undertakes a difficult and ineffectual journey to persuade the French to withdraw from the Ohio valley Go to Washington, George (1732–99) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French and Indian War War French empire Empires Wars and Revolutions North America
1754	In Freedom of Will American evangelist Jonathan Edwards makes an uncompromising defence of orthodox against liberal Calvinism Go to Edwards, Jonathan (1703–58) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Religion Christianity North America Benjamin Franklin's chopped-up snake, urging union of the colonies with the caption 'Join or Die', is the first American political cartoon Go to Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion Wars and Revolutions North America Quaker minister John Woolman publishes the first part of Some Considerations on the Keeping of Negroes, an essay denouncing slavery Go to Woolman, John (1720–72) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Slavery Society North America George Washington kills ten French troops at Fort Duquesne, in the first violent clash of the French and Indian war Go to French and Indian War (1754–1763) in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French and Indian War War Battles British colonial America British empire French empire Empires Wars and Revolutions North America Benjamin Franklin proposes to the Albany Congress that the colonies should unite to form a colonial government Go to Albany Congress (1754) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America The British colonies negotiate with the Iroquois at the Albany Congress, in the face of the French threat in the Ohio valley Go to Albany Congress (1754) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French and Indian War Politics War American Indians British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 French empire Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America
1755	A British force under Edward Braddock lands in America to provide support against the French in the Ohio valley Go to French and Indian War (1754–1763) in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French and Indian War War British colonial America British empire French empire Empires Wars and Revolutions North America The first Conestoga wagons are acquired by George Washington for an expedition through the Alleghenies Go to covered wagon noun in New Oxford American Dictionary (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French and Indian War Travel and transport War Society Wars and Revolutions North America The army led by Edward Braddock and George Washington is ambushed at Fort Duquesne and Braddock is killed Go to Braddock, Edward (1695–1755) in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French and Indian War War Battles British colonial America British empire French empire Empires Wars and Revolutions North America
1756	The French in America, under the marquis of Montcalm, begin two highly successful years of campaigning against the British Go to French and Indian War (1754–1763) in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French and Indian War War French empire Empires Wars and Revolutions North America Canada
1761	George Washington, the future president, inherits Mount Vernon from his half-brother Lawrence Go to Washington, George (1732–99) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Social and domestic Society North America
1763	In the treaty of Paris France cedes to Britain all its territory north of the Great Lakes and east of the Mississippi river, except the district of New Orleans Go to Paris, Treaty of (1763) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French and Indian War Politics War British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 French empire Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America In the treaty of Paris, Spain cedes Florida to Britain, completing British possession of the entire east coast of north America Go to Paris, Treaty of (1763) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French and Indian War Politics War British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America Canada Pontiac, an Ottawa chief, leads an uprising of the Indian tribes in an attempt to drive the British east of the Appalachians Go to Pontiac (c. 1720–69) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Protest and rebellion American Indians British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America
1764	Britain passes the Sugar Act, levying duty on sugar, wine and textiles imported into America Go to Sugar Acts in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Britain 1750-1900 Politics Protest and rebellion Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain North America
1765	Britain passes the Stamp Act, taxing legal documents and newspapers in the American colonies Go to Stamp Act (1765) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Britain 1750-1900 Politics Protest and rebellion Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain North America American campaigners against the Stamp Act organize themselves as the Sons of Liberty in Massachusetts and New York Go to Sons of Liberty in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America
1766	Britain repeals the Stamp Act, in a major reversal of policy achieved by resistance in the American colonies Go to Stamp Act (1765) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Britain 1750-1900 Politics Protest and rebellion Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain North America
1767	Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon complete a four-year survey to establish the boundary between Pennsylvania and Maryland Go to Mason-Dixon Line in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics North America The British Chancellor, Charles Townshend, passes a series of acts taxing all glass, lead, paint, paper and tea imported into the American colonies Go to Townshend Acts (1767) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Britain 1750-1900 Politics Protest and rebellion Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain North America
1769	Franciscan missionary Junipero Serra begins work at San Diego de Cala, the first of his nine California missions Go to Serra, Junipero (1713–1784) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Religion Christianity Monasticism North America
1770	British troops fire into an unruly crowd in Boston, Massachusetts, killing five Go to Boston Massacre (1770) in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America In response to American protests, the British government removes the Townshend duties on all commodities with the exception of tea Go to Townshend Acts (1767) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Britain 1750-1900 Politics Protest and rebellion Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain North America 27-year-old Thomas Jefferson begins constructing a mansion on a hilltop in Charlottesville, calling it Monticello ('little mountain') Go to Jefferson, Thomas (1743–1826) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Architecture American architecture North America
1773	Some fifty colonists, disguised as Indians, tip a valuable cargo of tea into Boston harbour as a protest against British tax Go to Boston Tea Party (1773) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America
1774	As a retaliation for the Boston Tea Party, the British parliament closes Boston's port with the first of its Coercive Acts Go to Coercive Acts (1774) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America Britain's new Coercive (or Intolerable) Acts include the requirement that Massachusetts citizens give board and lodging to British troops Go to Coercive Acts (1774) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Britain 1750-1900 Politics Protest and rebellion Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain North America Encouraged by Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine emigrates to America and settles in Philadelphia Go to Paine, Thomas (1737–1809) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Literature American literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America Europe Britain North America Illiterate visionary Ann Lee, leader of an English sect, the 'Shaking Quakers', crosses the Atlantic to spread the word Go to Shakers in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Religion Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America Europe Britain North America Delegates from twelve American colonies meet in Philadelphia and agree not to import any goods from Britain Go to Continental Congress (1774) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America
1775	Pioneer Daniel Boone and other backwoodsmen cut the road west that will bring settlers to Kentucky Go to Boone, Daniel (c. 1734–1820) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization North America Patrick Henry makes a stirring declaration – 'Give me liberty or give me death' – to the Virginia Assembly Go to Henry, Patrick (1736–99) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America John Singleton Copley, already established as America's greatest portrait painter, moves to London Go to Copley, John Singleton (1738?–1815) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Arts Painting American painting British painting British art Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles American art British colonial America Europe Britain North America General Gage sends a detachment of British troops to seize weapons held by American Patriots at Concord Go to Gage, Thomas (1721–87) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America Paul Revere is one of the US riders taking an urgent warning to Concord, but he is captured on the journey Go to Revere, Paul (1735–1818) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion War Wars and Revolutions North America The first shot of the American Revolution is fired in a skirmish between redcoats and militiamen at Lexington, on the road to Concord Go to Lexington and Concord, Battle of (19 April 1775) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America Delegates from the states reassemble in Philadelphia, with hostilities against the British already under way in Massachusetts Go to Continental Congress (1774) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America Delegates in Philadelphia select George Washington as commander-in-chief of the colonial army Go to Washington, George (1732–99) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War British colonial America European empires from 1415 US presidents Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America At Bunker Hill, overlooking Boston from the north, the American militiamen prove their worth against British professional soldiers Go to Bunker Hill, battle of (1775) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America Delegates to the Continental Congress make a final bid for peace, sending the Olive Branch Petition to George III Go to Olive Branch Petition in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Politics War British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America Britain declares the colonies to be in a state of rebellion, and sets up a naval blockade of the American coastline Go to American Revolution in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America Yankee Doodle is the most popular song with the patriot troops in the American Revolution Go to Yankee Doodle in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Performing arts Music British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America
1776	George Washington raises on Prospect Hill a new American flag, the British red ensign on a ground of thirteen stripes – one for each colony Go to Washington, George (1732–99) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War British colonial America European empires from 1415 US presidents Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America In Common Sense, an anonymous pamphlet, English immigrant Thomas Paine is the first to argue that the American colonies should be independent Go to Paine, Thomas (1737–1809) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Literature American literature Literature in English Politics Protest and rebellion British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America George Washington drives the British garrison from Boston, and moves south to protect New York Go to American Revolution in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War Wars and Revolutions North America The revolutionary convention of Virginia votes for independence from Britain, and instructs its delegates in Philadelphia to propose this motion Go to Continental Congress (1774) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Democracy and dissent Protest and rebellion War British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America Virginia's motion for independence from Britain is passed at the Continental Congress of the colonies with no opposing vote Go to Continental Congress (1774) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Democracy and dissent Protest and rebellion War British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America Thomas Jefferson's text for the Declaration of Independence is accepted by the Congress in Philadelphia Go to Declaration of Independence in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Democracy and dissent Protest and rebellion War British colonial America European empires from 1415 US presidents Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America John Hancock is the first delegate to sign the Declaration of Independence, formally written out on a large sheet of parchment Go to Hancock, John (1737–93) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Democracy and dissent Protest and rebellion War British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America George Washington, driven from New York by the British, retreats towards Philadelphia Go to American Revolution in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War War Wars and Revolutions North America George Washington defeats the British at Trenton at a psychologically important moment in the course of the war Go to Trenton, battle of (1776) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War War Battles Wars and Revolutions North America
1777	Congress adopts a new flag for independent America – the stars and stripes Go to Continental Congress (1774) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War Wars and Revolutions North America George Washington, heavily defeated in a battle at Brandywine, is forced to relinquish Philadelphia to the British Go to American Revolution in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War War Wars and Revolutions North America The American general Horatio Gates captures the army of General Burgoyne near Saratoga Go to American Revolution in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War War Battles Wars and Revolutions North America The US Congress agrees the final version of the Articles of Confederation, defining the terms on which states join the Union Go to Articles of Confederation (1781) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Democracy and dissent War Wars and Revolutions North America
1778	Benjamin Franklin persuades the French to sign a Treaty of Alliance, committing France to the US cause Go to Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics War European empires from 1415 Europe France Empires Wars and Revolutions North America France, joining the American colonies in their fight against Britain, sends a large fleet across the Atlantic Go to American Revolution in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Britain 1750-1900 War Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America Europe France Wars and Revolutions Britain North America The American naval hero John Paul Jones makes successful raids around the coasts of Britain Go to Jones, John Paul (1747–1792) in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Britain 1750-1900 War Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America Europe Wars and Revolutions Britain North America In Brook Watson and the Shark John Singleton Copley creates the most intensely dramatic of his modern history paintings Go to Copley, John Singleton (1738?–1815) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Arts Painting American painting American art North America The British rapidly abandon Philadelphia on news of the expected arrival of a French fleet Go to American Revolution in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War War Wars and Revolutions North America The British adopt a new policy in the south, landing in Georgia and capturing much of South Carolina Go to American Revolution in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War War Wars and Revolutions Latin America South America North America Francis Hopkinson's popular ballad The Battle of the Kegs describes an ingenious American threat to the British navy Go to Battle of the Kegs, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry War Wars and Revolutions North America
1779	U.S.S. Bonhomme Richard, commanded by John Paul Jones, fights H.M.S. Serapis near England's Flamborough Head Go to Jones, John Paul (1747–1792) in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Britain 1750-1900 War Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America Europe Wars and Revolutions Britain North America
1780	The capture of British go-between John André yields proof that US general Benedict Arnold is in the pay of the British Go to Arnold, Benedict (1741–1801) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War War Wars and Revolutions North America British army officer John André is executed in New York as a spy Go to André, John in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War War Wars and Revolutions North America
1781	Maryland, ratifies the Articles of Confederation (the last state to do so), completing 'the Confederation of the United States' Go to Articles of Confederation (1781) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics War Wars and Revolutions North America The Bank of North America is established by the Continental Congress to lend money to the fledgling Revolutionary government Go to Continental Congress (1774) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Commerce and industry War Society Wars and Revolutions North America US poet Philip Freneau describes in The British Prison Ship the horrors of his experiences as a prisoner Go to Freneau, Philip Morin (1752–1832) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry War Wars and Revolutions North America Ann Lee leads her Shaker colleagues in a missionary tour of New England lasting two years Go to Shakers in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Religion North America The British general Charles Cornwallis, isolated at Yorktown, is forced to surrender in the final engagement of the Revolutionary War Go to Cornwallis, Charles, 1st Marquis Cornwallis (1738–1805) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War War Battles British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America
c. 1783	Some 40,000 Loyalists flee from British America to the previously French colonies, in particular Nova Scotia Go to New France in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution War British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America Canada US lexicographer Noah Webster publishes a Spelling Book for American children that eventually will sell more than 60 million copies Go to Webster, Noah (1758–1843) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America 20-year-old John Jacob Astor emigrates from Germany to America and sets up in the fur trade Go to Astor, John Jacob (1763–1848) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Migration Germany Society North America In the Treaty of Paris, negotiated by Adams, Franklin and Jay, the British government recognizes US independence Go to Paris, Treaty of (1783) in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Britain 1750-1900 Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain North America
1784	Benjamin Franklin, irritated at needing two pairs of spectacles, commissions from a lens-grinder the first bifocals Go to Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Science Medicine Technology Inventions and discoveries North America
1785	French sculptor Jean Antoine Houdon crosses the Atlantic to sculpt a statue of George Washington from the life at Mount Vernon Go to Houdon, Jean-Antoine (25 Mar. 1741) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Arts Sculpture American art French art US presidents Europe France Rulers and politicians North America
1786	US author Philip Freneau publishes his first collection of poems, dating back to 1771 Go to Freneau, Philip Morin (1752–1832) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America Daniel Shays is the most prominent figure in a violent protest movement by farmers against the government of Massachusetts Go to Shays, Daniel in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Protest and rebellion North America
1787	The Continental Congress passes the Northwest Ordinance, a plan for the establishment of new states north and west of the Ohio river Go to Northwest Ordinance in The Oxford Companion to the Supreme Court of the United States (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization North America Delegates meeting in Philadelphia agree a final draft for a US constitution, to be submitted to the states for ratification Go to Constitution of the United States in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America The Federalist Papers, in support of the Constitution and mainly written by Alexander Hamilton, begin appearing in New York Go to Hamilton, Alexander in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Politics Wars and Revolutions North America
1788	The constitution of the United States is ratified by the states, but it is immediately agreed that amendments will be desirable Go to Constitution of the United States in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America
1789	George Washington, unanimously elected first president of the United States, is inaugurated on Wall Street in New York Go to Washington, George (1732–99) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America Alexander Hamilton becomes secretary of the treasury in the administration of George Washington, whose federalist views he shares Go to Hamilton, Alexander in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics North America The autobiography of Olaudah Equiano, a slave captured as a child in Africa, becomes a best-seller on both sides of the Atlantic Go to Equiano, Olaudah [Gustavas Vassa] (1745?–1801?) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Literature American literature Literature in English Migration Slavery Society North America US painter and author William Dunlap has great success with his comedy The Father; or, American Shandyism Go to Dunlap, William (19 Feb. 1766) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Performing arts Theatre Literature American literature Literature in English Drama North America
c. 1790	A second great revivalist movement sweeps northeast America, inspired by the earlier example of Jonathan Edwards Go to Great Awakening, The in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Religion Christianity North America The Potomac is chosen as the navigable river on which the new US capital city will be sited Go to Potomac in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America The USA becomes the first nation to establish a regular census as a systematic check on the size of the population Go to census in A Dictionary of Public Health (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Social and domestic Society North America
1791	Under the guidance of Alexander Hamilton the First Bank of the United States is established in Philadelphia Go to Hamilton, Alexander in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Commerce and industry Society North America An Indian raid on an American military camp beside the Maumee river leaves more than 600 US soldiers dead Go to Harmar's Defeat in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization American Indians North America The first ten amendments to the US Constitution, collectively known as the Bill of Rights, are ratified by the states Go to Bill of Rights in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1792	George Washington is unanimously elected for a second term as president of the USA Go to Washington, George in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America The first political parties, Hamilton's Federalists and Jefferson's Republicans, emerge in the USA Go to Democratic Republican Party in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1793	Eli Whitney invents the cotton gin, enormously speeding up the process of separating cotton fibres from the seeds Go to cotton gin in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Technology Inventions and discoveries North America George Washington lays the cornerstone for the Congress building on Capitol Hill See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America The US Congress passes Fugitive Slave Laws, enabling southern slave owners to reclaim escaped slaves in northern states Go to Fugitive Slave Acts in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Slavery Society North America
1794	The treaty agreed by US envoy John Jay restores some degree of friendship between the USA and Britain Go to Jay's Treaty in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain North America George Washington uses military force to assert government authority on rebels in Pennsylvania refusing to pay a federal tax on whisky Go to Whiskey Rebellion in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Protest and rebellion US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1795	Two extra stars are added to the American flag for Vermont and Kentucky, two new states that have joined since the original union of thirteen Go to United States of America in World Flags (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics North America Indian tribes, at peace talks in Fort Greenville, cede much of Ohio to the USA Go to Greenville, Treaty of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics American Indians North America After the Fort Greenville concessions, the Shawnee leader Tecumseh emerges as a champion of Indian territorial rights Go to Tecumseh (c. 1768–1813) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Protest and rebellion American Indians North America A treaty negotiated by US minister Thomas Pinckney provides a temporary resolution of disputes between Spain and the USA Go to Pinckney's Treaty (1795) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Europe Spain North America
1796	US author Joel Barlow publishes his mock-heroic poem The Hasty Pudding, inspired by a dish eaten in 1793 in France Go to Hasty Pudding, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America George Washington selects the Cherokee Indians for an experiment in adaptation to 'civilization' Go to Cherokee in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization American Indians US presidents Rulers and politicians North America George Washington, resisting pressure for him to accept a third presidential term, delivers a farewell address to guide the nation's future Go to Washington's Farewell Address in The Oxford Guide to the United States Government (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America The election in the USA brings in a Federalist president (John Adams) and a Republican vice-president (Thomas Jefferson) Go to Adams, John (1735–1826) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1798	The US public is outraged by news of the XYZ Affair, in which the French ask for bribes before being willing to negotiate a treaty Go to XYZ Affair in New Oxford American Dictionary (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Europe France North America US author Charles Brockden Brown publishes Wieland, the first of four novels setting Gothic romance in an American context Go to Brown, Charles Brockden (1771–1810) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America Controversial Alien and Sedition Acts are passed by the US Congress as emergency measures in response to the perceived threat of war with France Go to Alien and Sedition Acts in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century North America
1799	The tsar, Paul I, establishes the Russian-American Company with the express purpose of developing Alaska Go to Russian American Company in The Oxford Companion to World Exploration (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Commerce and industry Europe Russia Society North America
1800	The Library of Congress, the US national library in all but name, is founded in Washington Go to Library of Congress in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America US president John Adams moves into the newly completed White House, named for its light grey limestone Go to White House in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century 19th century Architecture American architecture US presidents Rulers and politicians North America Republican Thomas Jefferson and Federalist Aaron Burr have an identical number of Electoral College votes in the US presidential election Go to Burr, Aaron (1756–1836) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1801	The US House of Representatives votes for Jefferson as president, after a dead heat between him and Burr in the Electoral College Go to Jefferson, Thomas in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1803	In Marbury v. Madison, a landmark example of judicial review, the US Supreme Court declares an act of Congress to be unconstitutional Go to judicial review in The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics North America In the Louisiana Purchase, Jefferson buys from Napoleon nearly a million square miles at a knock-down price, doubling the size of the USA Go to Louisiana Purchase (1803) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Napoleonic era Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1804	Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set off from St Louis to explore up the Missouri river and west to the coast Go to Lewis, Meriwether in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Exploration Society North America Alexander Hamilton is fatally wounded by a bullet to the head in a duel with his political adversary Aaron Burr Go to Hamilton, Alexander (1755–1804) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics North America George Rapp and his followers establish a utopian community in Pennsylvania and call it Harmony Go to Harmony Society in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Communism Social and domestic Society North America
1805	Lewis and Clark make their way through the Rockies and reach the Pacific Go to Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804–06) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Exploration Society North America
c. 1806	Tecumseh's younger brother, Tenskwatawa, becomes known as the Shawnee Prophet Go to Tecumseh (1768–1813) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics North America Lewis and Clark get back to St Louis with a wealth of information about the unopened west of the continent Go to Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804–06) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Exploration Society North America
1807	Congress sets up the US Coast Survey to map and chart the country's coastline Go to Coast and Geodetic Survey, U.S. (1807) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics North America Legislation abolishing the slave trade is passed in both Britain and America Go to slave trade, abolition of in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Slavery Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain North America Anglo-US tensions are heightened by a clash between the frigates Leopard and Chesapeake off the coast of Norfolk, Virginia Go to Chesapeake affair in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain North America US engineer Robert Fulton launches a steamboat, the Clermont, on New York's Hudson river Go to Fulton, Robert (1765–1815) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Steam Commerce and industry Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society North America Thomas Jefferson puts an embargo on US exports, hoping to damage the economy of France and Britain Go to Embargo Act (1807) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Commerce and industry US presidents Society Rulers and politicians North America
1808	The German-born US entrepreneur John Jacob Astor establishes the American Fur Company Go to American Fur Company in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Commerce and industry Society North America Tecumseh and Tenskwatawa set up a permanent base in Indiana, calling it Prophetstown Go to Tecumseh (1768–1813) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics American Indians North America The Shakers define their Millennial laws in the Testimony of Christ's Second Appearing Go to Shakers in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Religion North America Republican candidate James Madison wins the US presidential election, defeating Federalist Charles Cotesworth Pinckney Go to Madison, James (1751–1836) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1809	The Treaty of Fort Wayne is the climax of seven years in which William Henry Harrison has acquired millions of acres from the American Indians Go to Harrison, William Henry (1773–1841) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization North America Washington Irving uses the fictional Dutch scholar Diedrich Knickerbocker as the supposed author of his comic History of New York Go to History of New York, A in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America
1810	16-year-old future millionaire Cornelius Vanderbilt begins his career by establishing a ferry service to Manhattan Go to Vanderbilt, Cornelius (1794–1877) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Commerce and industry Society North America
1811	Work begins at Cumberland in Maryland on the construction of America's National Road Go to Roads and Turnpikes, Early. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society North America John Jacob Astor establishes Astoria, a settlement on the Pacific coast to develop his fur trade with China Go to Astoria (Oregon/USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Commerce and industry Society North America An American army attacks and destroys Tecumseh's base at Prophetstown Go to Tecumseh (1768–1813) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization North America
1812	Damage to US trade by British orders in council prompts war (the War of 1812) between the two nations Go to War of 1812 in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Commerce and industry War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles US presidents Europe Society Rulers and politicians Britain North America The British capture Detroit in an early engagement of the War of 1812 Go to War of 1812 in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War North America The US frigate Constitution, affectionately known as 'Old Ironsides', wins successes against British warships in the Atlantic Go to Old Ironsides in New Oxford American Dictionary (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain North America
1813	The nickname Uncle Sam, supposedly based on the initials US, has its first recorded use in an issue of the Troy Post Go to Uncle Sam in A New Dictionary of Eponyms (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America American warships win a victory over the British on Lake Erie, strengthening the US presence in the Great Lakes Go to Lake Erie, Battle of (10 September 1813) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Battles North America Tecumseh is killed fighting for the British against General Harrison east of Detroit in the Battle of the Thames Go to Thames, Battle of the (5 October 1813) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Battles North America
1814	British forces enter Washington, burning the Capitol and the president's new house Go to War of 1812 in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War US presidents Rulers and politicians North America US lawyer Francis Scott Key writes The Star-Spangled Banner after seeing the British bombard Fort McHenry Go to Star-spangled Banner in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America The Rappists establish a second American community, this time in Indiana, calling it New Harmony Go to Owen, Robert (1771–1858) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Social and domestic Society North America Britain and the United States sign the Treaty of Ghent, ending the War of 1812 Go to Ghent, treaty of (1815) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles US presidents Europe Rulers and politicians Britain North America
1815	American volunteers under Andrew Jackson defeat British regulars near New Orleans, two weeks after peace has been agreed at Ghent Go to Jackson, Andrew (1767–1845) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Battles US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1816	Robert Finley, a US anti-slavery campaigner, founds the American Colonization Society to settle freed slaves in Africa Go to American Colonization Society in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Migration Slavery Society North America Republican candidate James Monroe wins the US presidential election by a wide margin Go to Monroe, James (1758–1831) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1817	US poet William Cullen Bryant publishes Thanatopsis, written seven years previously at the age of 16 Go to Bryant, William Cullen (1794–1878) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America An informal financial market on Wall Street is transformed into the New York Stock and Exchange Board Go to Wall Street in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Commerce and industry Society North America Andrew Jackson, attacking settlements in Spanish Florida, launches the first of three wars against the Seminole Indians See this event in other timelines: 19th century War American Indians US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1818	The 49th parallel is agreed as the frontier between the USA and Canada Go to Oregon Boundary dispute (1843–46) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America Canada
1819	Spain sells Florida to the USA for $5 million, in return for the waiving of any American claim to Texas Go to Florida in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics European empires from 1415 US presidents Europe Empires Rulers and politicians North America McCulloch v. Maryland defines the tax relationship between the US government and the states Go to Bank of the United States in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1820	Washington Irving tells the story of the long sleep of Rip Van Winkle in his Sketch Book Go to Irving, Washington in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America The Missouri Compromise, admitting Maine and Missouri to the union, keeps the balance between 'free' and 'slave' states in the US senate Go to Missouri Compromise (1820–21) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Slavery US presidents Society Rulers and politicians North America 7-year-old Henry Wadsworth Longfellow has a poem published in a newspaper in his home town of Portland, Maine Go to Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth (1807–82) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America
1821	The Spy, a romance set in the American Revolution, establishes the reputation of US author James Fenimore Cooper Go to Cooper, James Fenimore (1789–1851) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America The Shaker settlements, now widespread in the US, form The United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing Go to Shakers in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Religion North America The spoken language of the Cherokee Indians is captured in written form – an achievement traditionally attributed to Sequoyah Go to Sequoya in New Oxford American Dictionary (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English American Indians North America The Saturday Evening Post is launched in Philadelphia as a weekly to provide light Sunday reading Go to Saturday Evening Post, The (1821–1969) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America The Sante Fe Trail, from Missouri to New Mexico, is opened up by the US trader William Becknell Go to Santa Fe Trail in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry Society North America Stephen Austin begins the process of American settlement in the Mexican province of Texas Go to Austin, Stephen (1793–1836) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization North America
1823	A heavenly being appears to Joseph Smith in New York state – an event which launches the Mormon church Go to Smith, Joseph (1805–44) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Religion North America James Fenimore Cooper's The Pioneers introduces Natty Bumppo, frontiersman known for his 'leather stockings' Go to Bumppo, Natty in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America An American poem, A Visit from St Nicholas, describes in every detail the modern Santa Claus Go to Moore, Clement Clarke (1779–1863) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America US president James Monroe warns European nations against interfering in America, in the policy which becomes known as the Monroe Doctrine Go to Monroe Doctrine in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1824	The Republican party in the USA splits into National Republicans and Democratic Republicans Go to Republican Party (USA) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians North America The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is set up within the US War Department Go to Bureau of Indian Affairs. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics North America Leading only one half of the ruling Republican party, John Quincy Adams wins the US presidential election Go to Adams, John Quincy (1767–1848) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1825	Work begins on the 363-mile Erie Canal that will link the Hudson River to Lake Erie Go to Erie Canal in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Canals Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society North America The English socialist Robert Owen purchases New Harmony from the Rappists, to test his utopian theories in a new context Go to Owen, Robert (1771–1858) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Communism Social and domestic Society North America
1826	In James Fenimore Cooper's The Last of the Mohicans, Natty Bumppo sides with a Mohican chief Go to Last of the Mohicans, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America
1827	With Kaaterskill Falls 26-year-old Thomas Cole pioneers a heroic tradition in US landscape painting Go to Cole, Thomas (1801–48) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Arts Painting American painting American art North America
1828	After little more than two years of quarrelsome existence, Robert Owen's community at New Harmony comes to an end Go to New Harmony (Indiana/USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Social and domestic Society North America Connecticut lexicographer Noah Webster publishes the definitive 2-volume scholarly edition of his American Dictionary of the English Language Go to Webster, Noah in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America The Cherokees adopt an American-style constitution and publish the first American-Indian newspaper Go to Cherokee in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization American Indians North America Adult white males now have the vote in almost all the states of the USA Go to suffrage in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians North America Andrew Jackson, elected president of the USA, introduces the era known as Jacksonian democracy Go to Jackson, Andrew (1767–1845) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1829	20-year-old Edgar Allan Poe publishes Al Aaraaf, Tamerlane, and Minor Poems Go to Poe, Edgar Allan in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America The state government of Georgia declares that it is illegal for the Cherokees to hold political assemblies Go to Cherokee in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Persecution and repression American Indians North America
c. 1830	A network of undercover abolitionists in the southern states of America help slaves escape to freedom in the north Go to abolitionist in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Migration Slavery Society North America Oliver Wendell Holmes' poem 'Old Ironsides' prompts a public response that saves the frigate from the scrapyard Go to Holmes, Oliver Wendell (1809–94) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America Congress passes the Indian Removal Act, to push the American Indian tribes west of the Mississippi Go to Indian Removal Act in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization American Indians North America The Book of Mormon, translated from miraculously discovered holy tablets, is published by their finder Joseph Smith Go to Smith, Joseph (1805–44) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Religion North America
1831	Samuel Francis Smith's patriotic hymn America is sung for the first time on July 4 in Boston Go to “America in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America Oliver Wendell Holmes' poem The Last Leaf is inspired by an aged survivor of the Boston Tea Party Go to Last Leaf, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America Nat Turner leads a revolt by fellow slaves in Southampton County, Virginia, killing 59 whites and provoking more repressive legislation Go to Turner, Nat (1800–31) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Slavery Society North America Evangelical preacher Charles Grandison Finney leads a new wave of revivalism in the northeastern states Go to Finney, Charles Grandison (1792–1875) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Religion Christianity North America
1832	English author Frances Trollope ruffles transatlantic feathers with her Domestic Manners of the Americans, based on a 3-year stay Go to Trollope, Frances (1780–1863) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Literature American literature English literature Literature in English Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain North America The USA suffers the first of several cholera epidemics, spanning the sixty years to 1892 Go to cholera in Concise Medical Dictionary (8 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Science Medicine North America
1833	Under the leadership of William Lloyd Garrison a society is formed in the USA calling for the immediate abolition of slavery Go to Garrison, William Lloyd (1805–79) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Slavery Society North America Benjamin Henry Day establishes a new penny daily in New York, the Sun, which lasts until 1966 Go to New York Sun (1833–1966) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America The first long-distance US railway, in South Carolina, carries its first passengers Go to railway in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Commerce and industry Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society North America
1834	The opponents of US president Andrew Jackson, mockingly called King Andrew, become known as the Whig party Go to Whig Party in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians North America American novelist William Gilmore Simms publishes Guy Rivers, the first of his series known as the Border Romances Go to Simms, William Gilmore (1806–70) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America
1835	The New York Sun gains new readers with a convincing report that astronomer John Herschel has observed men and animals on the moon Go to Herschel, John Frederick William (1792–1871) in A Dictionary of Astronomy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America Alexis de Tocqueville publishes in French the first two volumes of his extremely influential study Democracy in America Go to Tocqueville, Alexis, Comte de (1805–59) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature French literature Literature in English Politics Democracy and dissent Europe France North America A school of landscape painting emerges in New York, with emphasis on the scenery of the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains Go to Hudson River School (c.1825–75) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Arts Painting American painting American art North America The Partisan, set in South Carolina, launches the series of novels by William Gilmore Simms known as the Revolutionary Romances Go to Simms, William Gilmore (1806–70) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America
1836	The inhabitants of the Mexican province of Texas declare their independence as a new republic Go to Texas in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion US presidents Rulers and politicians North America 200 Texans, among them Davy Crockett, hold out for twelve days in San Antonio before being killed in the Alamo by a Mexican army Go to Alamo in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization North America Sarah and Angelina Grimké join the abolitionist crusade, each publishing a powerful anti-slavery pamphlet in the same year Go to Grimké, Sarah Moore (1792–1873) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Slavery Society North America Sam Houston destroys a Mexican army near the San Jacinto river, completing the seizure of Texas from Mexico Go to Houston (Canada, Guyana, USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War Latin America Mexico North America American professor William Holmes McGuffey writes the first of his immensely popular school reading books Go to McGuffey, William Holmes (1800–1873) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America In his essay, Nature, Ralph Waldo Emerson sets out the fundamentals of the philosophy of Transcendentalism Go to Emerson, Ralph Waldo (1803–82) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Philosophy North America Martin van Buren, previously vice-president to Andrew Jackson, wins the US presidential election on the Democratic ticket Go to Van Buren, Martin (1782–1862) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1837	In The American Scholar Ralph Waldo Emerson urges his student audience to heed their own intellectuals rather than those of Europe Go to Emerson, Ralph Waldo (1803–82) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America Oberlin College in Ohio becomes the first in the USA to enrol women as degree students Go to Oberlin College in Black Women in America (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America
1838	US inventor Samuel Morse gives the first public demonstration, in Philadelphia, of his electric telegraph Go to Morse, Samuel Finley Breese (1791–1872) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Technology Communication Inventions and discoveries North America Five American Indian tribes are forcibly escorted to a new Indian Territory west of the Mississippi in the process that becomes known as the Great Removal Go to Indian reservations in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization American Indians North America John James Audubon completes publication of the 435 plates forming his 4-volume Birds of America Go to Audubon, John James (26 Apr. 1785) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Printing Arts Prints American art North America US naval officer Charles Wilkes leads a four-year exploration of the Antarctic and Pacific, proving on the way that Antarctica is a continent Go to Wilkes, Charles (1798–1877) in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Exploration Society North America In his Divinity School Address, delivered at Harvard, Ralph Waldo Emerson criticizes formal religion and gives priority to personal spiritual experience Go to Divinity School Address in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Religion Christianity North America US author Nathaniel Hawthorne publishes Fanshawe, his first novel, at his own expense Go to Hawthorne, Nathaniel (1804–64) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America
1839	Edgar Allan Poe publishes a characteristically gothic tale, The Fall of the House of Usher Go to Poe, Edgar Allan (1809–49) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America Mutiny by slaves on a Spanish vessel leads two years later to a significant abolitionist victory in the Amistad case Go to Amistad Case. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Slavery Society North America Joseph Smith and the Mormons create the thriving town of Nauvoo in Illinois on the Mississippi Go to Smith, Joseph (1805–44) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Religion North America
1840	The first issue of the quarterly magazine The Dial is issued by the Transcendentalists meeting at Ralph Waldo Emerson's home Go to Dial, The (July 1840–April 1844) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Philosophy North America William Henry Harrison wins the US presidential election as the Whig candidate, but dies 30 days after taking office Go to Harrison, William Henry (1773–1841) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America US lawyer Richard Henry Dana has immediate popular success with Two Years Before the Mast, his account of his time as a merchant seaman Go to Dana, Richard Henry, Jr. (1815–82) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America
1841	Herman Melville goes to sea on the whaler Acushnet and spends more than a year in the south Pacific Go to Melville, Herman (1819–91) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America August Dupin solves the case in Edgar Allan Poe's The Murders in the Rue Morgue, considered to be the first example of a detective story Go to Poe, Edgar Allan (1809–49) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America Brook Farm, the most famous of the Charles Fourier phalanxes, is established at Dedham near Boston Go to Brook Farm in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Social and domestic Society North America Horace Greeley founds and edits the New-York Tribune, which will survive for more than a century (till 1966) Go to Greeley, Horace (1811–72) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America On the sudden death of US president William Henry Harrison, from pneumonia, he is succeeded in the office by his vice-president John Tyler Go to Tyler, John (1790–1862) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's Ballads and Other Poems includes 'The Village Blacksmith' and 'The Wreck of the Hesperus' Go to Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth (1807–82) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America US social reformer Catherine Beecher publishes an influential book to empower women, Treatise on Domestic Economy Go to Beecher, Catherine (6 Sept 1800) in The Grove Encyclopedia of American Art (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Politics North America
1842	Edwin Pearce Christy launches the Virginia Minstrels, later to become America's most popular minstrel show under the name Christy's Minstrels Go to Christy Minstrels in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music North America US showman P.T. Barnum draws huge crowds to the New York premises where his attractions include 'General Tom Thumb', a 4-year-old midget Go to Barnum, P[hineas] T[aylor] (1810–91) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts North America US secretary of state Daniel Webster and British negotiator Lord Ashburton resolve US-Canadian boundary disputes Go to Webster–Ashburton Treaty (1842) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics North America Canada
1843	Edgar Allan Poe publishes The Pit and the Pendulum, a cliff-hanging tale of terror at the hands of the Spanish Inquisition Go to Poe, Edgar Allan (1809–49) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America The Great Migration across the north American continent to the Pacific establishes the Oregon Trail Go to Oregon Trail in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Migration Society North America William Hickling Prescott brings the Conquistadors dramatically to life in his 3-volume History of the Conquest of Mexico Go to Prescott, William Hickling (1796–1859) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Latin America Mexico North America
1844	James Polk pledges in his presidential campaign to include the self-proclaimed republic of Texas in the USA Go to Polk, James Knox in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization US presidents Rulers and politicians North America The Mormon leader, Joseph Smith, and his brother are killed by an armed mob in Nauvoo Go to Smith, Joseph (1805–44) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Religion North America Samuel Morse and his assistant Alfred Vail complete the first telegraph line, between New York and Baltimore Go to Morse, Samuel Finley Breese (1791–1872) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Technology Communication Inventions and discoveries North America Democratic candidate James Polk is elected president of the USA, defeating the Whig Henry Clay Go to Polk, James Knox in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1845	Edgar Allan Poe publishes The Raven and Other Poems Go to Poe, Edgar Allan (1809–49) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America New Yorker Alexander Cartwright devises the set of rules that become the basis of the modern game of baseball Go to baseball in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Sports and games Society North America Henry David Thoreau moves into a hut that he has built for himself in the woods at Walden Pond near Concord, Massachusetts Go to Thoreau, Henry David (1817–62) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America The expansionist slogan 'Manifest Destiny' is coined by journalist John L. O'Sullivan to emphasize the right of the USA to extend west to the Pacific Go to manifest destiny in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization North America Escaped slave Frederick Douglass publishes the first of three volumes of autobiography Go to Douglass, Frederick (1817–95) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Slavery Society North America US author Margaret Fuller publishes Woman in the Nineteenth Century, an early and thoughtful feminist study of women's place in society Go to Hollinghurst, Alan (1954– ) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Politics North America
1846	Francis Parkman travels west into dangerous territory in Wyoming, an adventure he later describes in The Oregon Trail Go to Parkman, Francis in New Oxford American Dictionary (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America The Irish, fleeing from the potato famine at home, become the main group of immigrants to the USA Go to Famine, Irish (1845–51) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Migration Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Ireland Society Britain North America The Oregon Treaty establishes the border between Canada and the USA along the 49th parallel to the Pacific Go to Oregon treaty (1846) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America Canada President Polk sends a US army into Texas, provoking the Mexican-American War Go to Mexican–American War (1846–48) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Latin America Central America Mexico North America Brigham Young leads the migration of Mormons west up the Missouri from Illinois Go to Young, Brigham (1801–77) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Religion North America The US Congress establishes the Smithsonian Institution with a bequest to the nation by Englishman James Smithson Go to Smithsonian Institution in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America A dentist in Boston, William Morton, uses ether as an anaesthetic while surgeon John Collins Warren removes a tumour in a patient's neck Go to Morton, William Thomas Green (1819–1868) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Science Medicine North America Members of the Donner Party, on the trail to California, survive by eating human flesh when trapped by snow in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada Go to Donner Pass in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Social and domestic Society North America
1847	Brigham Young selects the site of Salt Lake City as the place for Mormon settlement Go to Young, Brigham (1801–77) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Religion North America Ralph Waldo Emerson publishes his first collection of poems, many of which have appeared first in The Dial Go to Emerson, Ralph Waldo (1803–82) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America William Hickling Prescott follows his great work on Mexico with a 2-volume History of the Conquest of Peru Go to Prescott, William Hickling (1796–1859) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Latin America Mexico Peru North America
1848	Gold is found on the property of John Sutter, at Coloma on the Sacramento river in California, and news of it launches the first gold rush Go to gold rush noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Commerce and industry Society North America A treaty signed in Guadalupe-Hidalgo, ending the Mexican-American War, gives the US six new states Go to Mexican–American War (1846–48) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics War Latin America Central America Mexico North America Two New York girls, Maggie and Katie Fox, claim to be in touch with the spirit of a murdered man, thus launching the modern cult of spiritualism Go to spiritualism in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Religion North America The Wilmot Proviso is defeated in the US Senate, heightening north-south tensions on the issue of slavery Go to Wilmot Proviso in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Slavery Society North America With Wisconsin admitted as the 30th state, the western boundary of the USA now runs from Lake Superior to the Rio Grande Go to Wisconsin in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics North America US feminists Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott organize a convention on women's rights in Seneca Falls, New York Go to Stanton, Elizabeth Cady (1815–1902) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics North America Oh! Susannah is in the first published collection of popular songs by Stephen Collins Foster Go to Foster, Stephen in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music North America A utopian community dedicated to the sharing of both property and sexual favours is established by John Humphrey Noyes near Oneida, New York Go to Noyes, John Humphrey (1811–86) in The Biographical Dictionary of American Economists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Communism Social and domestic Society North America In a three-cornered US presidential election Whig candidate Zachary Taylor defeats Democrat Lewis Cass and the Free-Soil party's Martin van Buren Go to Taylor, Zachary (1784–1850) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1849	Francis Parkman's The Oregon Trail, already serialized in 1847, is published in book form Go to Parkman, Francis in New Oxford American Dictionary (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America An anti-British mob attacks the New York theatre where William Macready is appearing as Macbeth, leaving 22 dead and many injured Go to Macready, William (1793–1873) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Persecution and repression North America The gold rush to California gathers pace during 1849, causing the prospectors to become known as 'forty-niners' Go to Forty-niners in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Commerce and industry Society North America
1850	The brothers James and John Harper launch in New York Harper's Monthly Magazine, still published today Go to Harper's Monthly Magazine (1850–) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America As many as 50,000 US pioneers travel west this year on the Oregon Trail Go to Oregon Trail in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Migration Travel and transport Society North America California is admitted to the union just two years after being acquired from Mexico Go to California in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Mexico North America The slave trade, but not slavery itself, is banned in Washington and the district of Columbia Go to slave trade, abolition of in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Slavery Society North America US president Zachary Taylor dies after a short illness and is succeeded by his vice-president, Millard Fillmore Go to Fillmore, Millard (1800–74) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America The US Congress passes the Compromise of 1850, designed to defuse the growing crisis over slavery Go to Compromise of 1850 in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Slavery Society North America The Fugitive Slave Act, concerned with the arrest of runaway slaves, is the most contentious part of the Compromise of 1850 Go to Fugitive Slave Acts in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Slavery Society North America Nathaniel Hawthorne publishes his novel The Scarlet Letter, in which Hester Prynne is forced to wear the letter A for Adultress Go to Prynne, Hester [Lit.] in The Oxford Dictionary of Reference and Allusion (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America US Secretary of State John Clayton and British ambassador Henry Bulwer come to an agreement about the building of a canal between the Atlantic and Pacific Go to Panama Canal in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Canals Politics Society North America Escaped slave Harriet Tubman makes the first of many dangerous journeys back into Maryland to bring other slaves into freedom Go to Tubman, Harriet (1820–1913) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Slavery Society North America Jenny Lind, the 'Swedish Nightingale', has a great success touring the USA in a show presented by P.T. Barnum Go to Lind, Jenny (1820–87) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Sweden North America Allan Pinkerton retires from the Chicago police force and forms the Pinkerton National Detective Agency Go to Pinkerton, Allan (1819–84) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America
1851	An American clergyman, L.L. Langstroth, discovers the 'bee space', which becomes a standard feature of the modern beehive Go to Apiculture in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Economic History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Science Life sciences North America The first American branch of the Young Men's Christian Association is established in Boston Go to Young Men's Christian Association in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Religion Christianity North America The New York Times is founded by Henry Jarvis Raymond as a conservative daily with an emphasis on accuracy Go to Raymond, Henry Jarvis (1820–69) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America US author Nathaniel Hawthorne bases his novel The House of the Seven Gables on a curse invoked against his own family Go to House of the Seven Gables, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America Herman Melville publishes Moby Dick; or, The Whale, a novel based on his own 18-month experience on a whaler in 1841-2 Go to Melville, Herman (1819–91) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America A journalist in the Terre Haute Express gives a piece of advice, 'Go west, young man', that chimes perfectly with the US pioneer spirit Go to “Go west, young man,” in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Migration Society North America
1852	The citizens of the US are scandalized to discover that the Mormons practise polygamy Go to Mormons in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Religion North America In the four years since the discovery of gold, the population of California has leapt from 14,000 to 250,000 Go to gold rushes in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Migration Society North America Harriet Beecher Stowe publishes a massively successful antislavery novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin, that sells 300,000 copies in its first year Go to Stowe, Harriet Beecher in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction Slavery Society North America Democratic candidate Franklin Pierce wins the US presidential election, defeating his Whig opponent Winfield Scott Go to Pierce, Franklin (1804–69) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1853	Antoinette Brown becomes the first female to be ordained a minister in the USA, in the First Congregational Church in South Butler, NY Go to Blackwell, Antoinette Louisa Brown (1825–1921) in The Dictionary of Modern American Philosophers (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Religion Christianity North America
1854	An anti-slavery movement, formed in the USA to oppose the Kansas-Nebraska Act, adopts a resonant name, calling itself the Republican party Go to Kansas–Nebraska Act (1854) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Slavery US presidents Society Rulers and politicians North America US inventor Elisha Otis dramatically demonstrates his new safety elevator, cutting the rope suspending his platform in New York's Crystal Palace Go to Otis, Elisha Graves in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Technology Inventions and discoveries North America The controversial Kansas-Nebraska Act passes into law, enabling citizens of these territories to decide whether or not to allow slavery Go to Kansas–Nebraska Act (1854) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Slavery Society North America US minister to Mexico James Gadsden secures a treaty by which the USA purchases from Mexico much of southern Arizona Go to Gadsden Purchase (1853–54) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians Mexico North America Thoreau publishes an account of his two years of self-sufficient transcendentalism in his hut at Walden Pond Go to Thoreau, Henry David (1817–62) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America
1855	The first edition of Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass is published anonymously, at his own expense, and contains just 12 poems Go to Whitman, Walt (1819–92) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America Longfellow publishes his American Indian epic, The Song of Hiawatha, in an irresistibly catchy metre Go to Hiawatha, The Song of in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry American Indians North America
1856	Abolitionist John Brown presides over the lynching of five pro-slavery men at Pottawatomie in Kansas Go to Brown, John (1800–59) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Slavery Society North America Democrat candidate James Buchanan wins the US presidential election, defeating Republican John C Frémont Go to Buchanan, James (1791–1868) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1857	The Haughwout Store, a five-storey building in New York, installs the first Otis safety elevator Go to Badger, Daniel D. (1806–84) in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Technology Inventions and discoveries North America An ultra-reactionary Supreme Court judgement in the Dred Scott case heightens US tensions over slavery Go to Dred Scott decision (1857) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Slavery Society North America
1858	John O'Mahony, an Irish emigrant to the USA, founds the Fenian Brotherhood as a secret organization supporting the Irish republican cause Go to Fenian movement in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion North America Abraham Lincoln comes to national prominence through his debates on slavery with Stephen Douglas, his rival for an Illinois seat in the Senate Go to Lincoln, Abraham (1809–65) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Slavery Society North America Oliver Wendell Holmes' book The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table is the first in a breakfast-table series Go to Holmes, Oliver Wendell (1809–94) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America Longfellow uses a romantic story of early New England for his narrative poem The Courtship of Miles Standish Go to Courtship of Miles Standish, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America
1859	Edwin L. Drake strikes oil in Pennsylvania, leading to several local oil rushes Go to Oil City (USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Commerce and industry Society North America John Brown is captured leading a group of abolitionists to seize arms from the federal arsenal at Harper's Ferry Go to Brown, John (1800–59) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Slavery Society North America Abolitionist John Brown is convicted of treason at Harper's Ferry and is hanged Go to Brown, John (1800–59) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion North America
1860	Mail is carried by horse relay from Missouri to California, travelling 2000 miles in ten days in the service known as the Pony Express Go to Pony Express (1860–61) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Travel and transport Society North America Lincoln becomes the Republican presidential candidate, benefiting from a Democratic party split on the issue of slavery Go to Lincoln, Abraham (1809–65) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent Slavery War US presidents American civil war Society Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America German immigrants arriving in the USA now outnumber even the Irish Go to German Americans. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Migration Society North America Republican contender Abraham Lincoln is elected US president with only 39% of the popular vote and no electoral votes in eleven southern states Go to Lincoln, Abraham (1809–65) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics War US presidents American civil war Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America South Carolina becomes the first southern state to secede from the Union in response to Lincoln's election Go to South Carolina in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War US presidents American civil war Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America
1861	Seven southern states, meeting in Montgomery, Alabama, agree to form the Confederate States of America Go to Confederate States of America in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War US presidents American civil war Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America The seven members of the newly formed Confederacy elect Jefferson Davis as their provisional president Go to Davis, Jefferson (1808–89) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America Richmond, the state capital of Virginia, becomes the capital of the Southern Confederacy Go to Confederate States of America in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America Shots are fired against the Federal military garrison in Fort Sumter, in Charleston harbour, launching the American Civil War Go to Fort Sumter in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War US presidents American civil war Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America Mathew Brady sends teams of photographers to the various battle fronts to ensure a thorough photographic record of the American Civil War Go to Brady, Mathew B. (1823–96) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Arts Photography War American art American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America The first battle of the American Civil War, fought near Manassas and the Bull Run Creek, is a clear Confederate victory Go to American Civil War (1861–65) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Battles American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America Longfellow's narrative poem Paul Revere's Ride dramatizes a turning point at the start of the American Revolution Go to Paul Revere's Ride in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America
1862	The Monitor and the Merrimack fight all morning off the Virginia coast, in history's first clash between ironclad ships Go to Merrimack in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Maritime History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Battles American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America Julia Ward Howe publishes The Battle Hymn of the Republic, inspired by a visit to Union troops in the American Civil War Go to “Battle Hymn of the Republic, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry War American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America A two-day engagement at Shiloh is the first Civil War battle to bring massive casualties, with more than 23,000 dead, wounded or missing Go to Shiloh, Battle of (1862) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Battles American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America In a surprise raid, Union forces sail up the Mississippi estuary to capture New Orleans Go to New Orleans, Siege of (1862) in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America George B. McClellan brings a Union army within a few miles of Richmond, but withdraws after the Seven Days Battle against Robert E. Lee Go to Seven Days' Battle in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America The Homestead Act grants 160 acres in the west of the USA to any family farming them for five years Go to Homestead Act (1862) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization North America Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee defeat a Union army in the second battle of Bull Run or Manassas Go to Bull Run, Second Battle of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Battles American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America The Federal victory at Antietam comes at a cost of more than 22,000 casualties in a single day Go to Antietam, Battle of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Battles American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America Lincoln declares in his Emancipation Proclamation that all slaves in any state opposing the Union government 'are and henceforward shall be free' Go to Emancipation Proclamation in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Slavery US presidents Society Rulers and politicians North America Unpublished American poet Emily Dickinson writes more than 300 poems within the year Go to Dickinson, Emily Elizabeth (1830–86) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Philosophy North America
1863	It is discovered in the US that wood pulp can be used to make paper, and the Boston Weekly Journal is the first to use the new substance Go to wood in The Oxford Companion to the Book (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Technology North America Samuel Clemens uses the pseudonym Mark Twain for the first time on an article in Virginia City's Territorial Enterprise Go to Mark Twain in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America Mobs of women destroy shops in Richmond, Virginia, in protest at food prices inflated by the war Go to Civil War, American (1861–65) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America The three-day Battle of Gettysburg, inconclusive but more damaging to the Confederates, brings casualties on both sides of more than 50,000 Go to Gettysburg, Battle of (1–3 July 1863) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Battles American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America After a six-week siege the city of Vicksburg surrenders to Ulysses S. Grant, bringing the entire Mississippi under Union control Go to Vicksburg Campaign (November 1862–July 1863) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War US presidents American civil war Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America Four days of riots in New York greet Lincoln's new conscription or draft laws, with exemptions for the rich Go to Draft Riots, Civil War. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War US presidents American civil war Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America The Seventh-day Adventists become an organized church, with a first General Conference in Battle Creek, Michigan Go to Seventh-day Adventists in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Religion North America St Mary's hospital opens in Rochester, Minnesota, soon to be known as the Mayo Clinic from the three Drs Mayo who run it Go to Mayo Clinic in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Social and domestic Society North America President Lincoln, in honouring the Union dead at Gettysburg, captures in three minutes the essence of American democracy Go to Gettysburg Address in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent War US presidents American civil war Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America
1864	Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman become Lincoln's two leading generals in the final thrust of the Civil War Go to Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820–91) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War US presidents American civil war Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America Grant moves south in a hard-fought campaign to pin down Lee's Confederate army at Petersburg, near Richmond Go to Wilderness to Petersburg Campaign in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War American civil war Wars and Revolutions South America North America The Federal government confiscates the Arlington estate of Confederate general Robert E. Lee and turns it into a war cemetery Go to Arlington National Cemetery in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Social and domestic War American civil war Society Wars and Revolutions North America William Tecumseh Sherman captures Atlanta, the first important southern city to fall into Union hands Go to Atlanta Campaign in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America President Lincoln is re-elected for a second term, thanks largely to recent Union successes on the Civil War battlefields Go to Lincoln, Abraham (1809–65) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics War US presidents American civil war Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America William T. Sherman reaches the coast and captures Savannah, after his violently destructive 'march to the sea' Go to March to the Sea, Sherman's in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America
1865	The Confederate government abandons Richmond, and Lee begins a retreat to the west Go to Petersburg to Richmond Campaign in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America Lincoln visits the Confederate capital at Richmond and is greeted by a jubilant crowd of freed black slaves Go to Lincoln, Abraham (1809–65) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Slavery War US presidents American civil war Society Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America Lee surrenders to Grant at the Appomattox Court House, and is offered conciliatory terms Go to Appomattox Court House in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics War US presidents American civil war Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America Samuel Clemens, writing under the pseudonym Mark Twain, has immediate success with The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County Go to Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America On a visit to a Washington theatre, Lincoln is assassinated in his box by John Wilkes Booth Go to Booth, John Wilkes in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Terrorism and assassination War US presidents American civil war Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America Vice-president Andrew Johnson, a Democrat, becomes president on the death of Republican Abraham Lincoln Go to Johnson, Andrew (1808–75) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics War US presidents American civil war Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America The southern states pass new Black Codes, designed to limit the freedom granted to African-Americans by the victorious north Go to Black Codes (1865–66) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Persecution and repression War American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America The Plains Indians are threatened by settlers pressing west, building railways and slaughtering buffalo Go to Plains Indians Wars in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization American Indians North America The Thirteenth Amendment to the US Constitution prohibits slavery or any 'involuntary servitude' in the USA Go to Thirteenth Amendment in The Oxford Companion to the Supreme Court of the United States (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Slavery War American civil war Society Wars and Revolutions North America The first branch of the Ku Klux Klan is founded at Pulaski, in Tennessee, on Christmas Eve Go to Ku Klux Klan in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Terrorism and assassination War American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America
1866	A Civil Rights Act is passed by the US Congress, guaranteeing the legal rights of African-Americans Go to Civil Rights Act in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics War American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America The Fourteenth Amendment to the US constitution (not ratified till 1868) assures equal rights as citizens to all born or naturalized in the USA Go to Fourteenth Amendment in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent War American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America Walt Whitman laments the assassinated President Lincoln in his poem 'O Captain! My Captain!', published in Sequel to Drum-Taps Go to O Captain! My Captain! in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry US presidents Rulers and politicians North America US painter Winslow Homer makes his name with the exhibition of a Civil War subject, Prisoners from the Front Go to Homer, Winslow (1836–1910) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Arts Painting American painting American art North America Recovery from serious injury convinces Mary Baker Eddy that sickness and health are spiritually based, and provides her with the impulse to found Christian Science Go to Eddy, Mary Baker (1821–1910) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Religion North America
1867	Secretary of state William Seward negotiates a price of $7.2 million for the purchase of Alaska from Russia, in a deal that some consider 'Seward's Folly' Go to Seward's Folly in A New Dictionary of Eponyms (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America The US Congress passes Reconstruction Acts, dividing the defeated South into military districts and insisting on elections by universal male suffrage Go to Reconstruction Acts (1867–68) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians North America The invention of barbed wire is patented in the USA by Lucien Smith, designed to fence in cattle but also a protection for the wheat fields of the Midwest plains Go to patent in A Dictionary of Economics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Technology Inventions and discoveries North America Oliver Hudson Kelley founds the Grange as a social organization to benefit US farmers Go to Granger Movement in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Social and domestic Society North America William Cody earns his nickname Buffalo Bill by killing thousands of the animals to feed construction workers on the Union Pacific Railroad Go to Cody, William (“Buffalo Bill”) (1846–1917) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Social and domestic Society North America The first collection of 'Negro Spirituals' is published in book form in the US as Slave Songs of the United States Go to spiritual in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America
1868	US president Andrew Johnson escapes impeachment (for dismissing his secretary of war) by a single vote Go to Johnson, Andrew, impeachment trial of in The Oxford Companion to American Law (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America US author Louisa May Alcott begins serial publication of her book for children, Little Women (in book form 1869) Go to Alcott, Louisa May (1832–88) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America George Custer leads federal troops in the massacre of more than 100 American Indians, on an official reservation beside the Washita river Go to Cheyenne Indians in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization American Indians North America Civil War hero Ulysses S. Grant wins the US presidential election, as the Republican candidate against Democrat Horatio Seymour Go to Grant, Ulysses S. (1822–85) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1869	The Fifteenth Amendment to the US Constitution (ratified in 1870) makes it illegal to deny the right to vote on racial grounds Go to Fifteenth Amendment (1870) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians North America Cincinnati, Ohio, fielding the first baseball team in which every member is a hired professional, wins every match of the year Go to baseball in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Sports and games Society North America The Union Pacific and the Central Pacific railroads meet at Promontory Summit in Utah, completing the first transcontinental line Go to Promontory Point, Utah, meeting at (10 May 1869) in The Oxford Companion to the Photograph (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society North America
1870	John D. Rockefeller and his partners establish the Standard Oil Company of Ohio Go to Rockefeller, John D. (1839–1937) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Commerce and industry Society North America Bret Harte's comic ballad Plain Language from Truthful James acquires a popular alternative title, The Heathen Chinee Go to Plain Language from Truthful James in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America
1871	US anthropologist Lewis Henry Morgan inaugurates kinship studies with his massive Systems of Consanguinity and Affinity of the Human Family Go to Morgan, Lewis Henry (1818–81) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Science North America Civil War veterans in the USA establish the National Rifle Association to promote marksmanship Go to National Rifle Association. (1871) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Sports and games Society North America US president Ulysses S. Grant uses the new Civil Rights Act to suppress the violent Ku Klux Klan in southern states Go to Enforcement Acts in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion US presidents Rulers and politicians North America A fire in Chicago destroys a third of the city, to be followed by an extremely rapid and successful period of reconstruction Go to Chicago Fire. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Social and domestic Society North America Italian US immigrant Antonio Meucci files a patent in New York for the invention of the telephone Go to Meucci, Antonio in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Technology Communication Inventions and discoveries North America
1872	The US Congress establishes Yellowstone, with its famous geysers, as the world's first national park Go to Yellowstone National Park. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Social and domestic Society North America The Missouri, Kansas and Texas railroad cuts through the territory reserved for American Indians, bringing hordes of 'boomers' Go to Indian Territory in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization American Indians North America Pragmatism emerges as a philosophical approach in meetings of the Metaphysical Club in Cambridge, Massachusetts Go to pragmatism in A Dictionary of Sociology (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Philosophy North America
1873	The Gilded Age, by Charles Dudley Warner and Mark Twain, provides the familiar name for life in the US towards the end of the nineteenth century Go to Gilded Age, The: A Tale of To-day in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America San Francisco merchant Levi Strauss receives a patent for denim jeans, soon to be known as Levi's Go to Levi's in A New Dictionary of Eponyms (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Social and domestic Society North America US shoe salesman and YMCA member Dwight L. Moody launches into a new career as a revivalist preacher Go to Moody, Dwight Lyman (1837–99) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Religion Christianity North America St Nicholas, a monthly magazine of high literary quality for children, is launched in the USA Go to St. Nicholas (1873–1940) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America
1875	Madame Blavatsky founds in New York the Theosophical Society, preaching universal brotherhood with a strong dash of mysticism Go to Blavatsky, Madame Helena Petrovna (1831–91) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Religion North America Congress passes a Civil Rights Act outlawing segregation in the USA on public transport and in hotels and restaurants Go to Civil Rights Acts (1866) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics North America Andrew Carnegie's new steel mill near Pittsburgh prospers through automation, new technology and non-union labour Go to Iron and Steel Industry. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Commerce and industry Society North America Mary Baker Eddy expounds her beliefs in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, later considered the textbook of Christian Science Go to Christian Science in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Religion North America US artist Thomas Eakins' depiction of the gruesome aspect of surgery, in his portrait of Dr Gross, offends many viewers Go to Eakins, Thomas (1844–1916) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Arts Painting American painting American art North America
1876	Alexander Graham Bell makes the first practical use of his telephone, summoning his assistant from another room with the words 'Mr Watson, come here. I want to see you.' Go to Bell, Alexander Graham (1847–1922) in The Encyclopedia of the History of American Management (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Technology Communication Inventions and discoveries North America George Custer leads a US cavalry attack on the Sioux at the Little Bighorn river, with disastrous results Go to Little Bighorn, Battle of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Battles North America In 21 years Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass has grown from 12 poems to the two volumes of the sixth edition, published in the USA's centenary year Go to Korea, national library of, North Korea in The Oxford Companion to the Book (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America The US inventor Thomas Edison opens an experimental laboratory at Menlo Park, New Jersey, calling it his 'invention factory' Go to Edison in A New Dictionary of Eponyms (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Technology Inventions and discoveries North America Alexander Graham Bell demonstrates his new invention, the telephone, at the US Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia Go to Bell, Alexander Graham (1847–1922) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Technology Communication Inventions and discoveries North America Susan B. Anthony presents a Woman's Declaration of Rights at the US centennial Fourth of July celebrations Go to Anthony, Susan B. (1820–1906) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics North America Mark Twain publishes The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, in which Tom and his friends find excitement in a small town on the Mississippi Go to Tom Sawyer, The Adventures of in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America After a failed bank hold-up in Northfield, Minnesota, the whole of the James gang is killed except Jesse and his brother Frank Go to James, Jesse (1847–1882) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America Republican candidate Rutherford B. Hayes defeats Democrat Samuel J. Tilden in a US presidential election of which the result is strongly disputed Go to Hayes, Rutherford Birchard in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1877	The Compromise of 1877 settles the disputed US presidential election but ends active Republican commitment to the cause of Reconstruction in the southern states Go to Compromise of 1877. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians North America Puck is launched in the USA as a an illustrated weekly magazine of political satire Go to Puck (1877–1918) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America Cattle-rustler William H. Bonney becomes known as Billy the Kid in his brief and murderous career of crime in New Mexico Go to Billy the Kid (1859–81) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America The Nez Percé Indians are led by Chief Joseph in a war against the US army Go to Joseph, Chief (1840–1904) in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War American Indians North America A strike against wage cuts by Baltimore railway workers spreads until it becomes almost a national strike Go to Railroad Strikes of 1877. (July 1877) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Commerce and industry Society North America The human voice is recorded for the first time when Thomas Edison recites 'Mary had a little lamb' into his newly patented phonograph Go to phonograph in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Technology Inventions and discoveries North America
1878	A disagreement between families on the West Virginia and Kentucky border flares up and eventually claims a dozen lives Go to Hatfield-McCoy Feud. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Social and domestic Society North America
1879	US author Joel Chandler Harris introduces Uncle Remus in a story in the Constitution Go to Harris, Joel Chandler (1848–1908) in The Oxford Companion to Fairy Tales (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America Mary Baker Eddy and others found the first Church of Christ, Scientist, in Lynn, Massachusetts Go to Christian Science in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Religion North America Thomas Edison develops a long-lasting carbon filament light bulb (traditionally 40 hours) and is able to light his Menlo Park laboratory with 30 bulbs Go to Edison, Thomas Alva (1847–1931) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Technology Inventions and discoveries North America
1880	US author Lew Wallace publishes a historical novel, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ Go to Wallace, Lew[is] (1827–1905) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America Republican candidate James Abram Garfield defeats Democrat Winfield Scott Hancock in the US presidential election Go to Garfield, James Abram (1831–81) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1881	Boston lawyer Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr publishes a legal study that becomes a classic text, The Common Law Go to Holmes, Oliver Wendell, Jr. (1841–1935) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America In Washington Square Henry James tells the sad story of heiress Catherine Sloper Go to Washington Square in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America Joel Chandler Harris publishes Uncle Remus: His Songs and His Sayings, the first of many Uncle Remus volumes Go to Uncle Remus: His Songs and His Sayings in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America P.T. Barnum and his main rival James Bailey merge their enterprises to form America's leading circus Go to Barnum, Phineas Taylor (1810–91) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts North America US president James Garfield is shot by Charles J. Guiteau at a Washington railway station, and dies two months later Go to Garfield, James Abram (1831–81) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Terrorism and assassination US presidents Rulers and politicians North America Henry James's novel The Portrait of a Lady studies an American girl, Isabel Archer, in the unfamiliar context of Europe Go to Portrait of a Lady, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America Booker T. Washington, freed at the end of the Civil War, heads a college in the south, in Tuskegee, Alabama, to educate former slaves Go to Washington, Booker T. (1856–1915) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Slavery Society North America On the death of James Garfield, he is succeeded as US president by vice-president Chester A. Arthur Go to Arthur, Chester Alan (1830–86) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America The Chicago architects Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan set up a partnership Go to Adler, Dankmar (1844–1900) in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Architecture American architecture North America
1882	Jesse James allows into his home a new gang member, working secretly for the police, who shoots him in the back Go to James, Jesse Woodson (1847–82) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America Congress passes a Chinese Exclusion Act, in the USA's first retreat from the policy of welcoming all immigrants Go to Chinese Exclusion Acts in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Migration Society North America Jumbo, the 'world's largest elephant', becomes the star attraction of Barnum and Bailey's touring circus Go to Jumbo in Brewer's Dictionary of London Phrase & Fable (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts North America
1883	Harvard graduates J.A. Mitchell and E.S. Martin establish Life magazine as a new satirical weekly Go to Life (1883–1936) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America The Supreme Court declares illegal the 1875 Civil Rights Act against segregation, thus enabling the southern states to pass racist laws Go to Civil Rights Acts (1866) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America Joseph Pulitzer buys the New York World and builds circulation with sensational news and campaigns Go to New York World (1866–1931) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America Brooklyn Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the world, is opened between Brooklyn and lower Manhattan Go to Brooklyn Bridge. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Technology Engineering North America Mark Twain's autobiographical book Life on the Mississippi details his own personal involvement with the great river Go to Life on the Mississippi in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America William Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill, celebrates the world of the cowboy in his immensely successful Wild West Show Go to Wild West shows in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Theatre and Performance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts North America
1884	US entrepreneur James 'Buck' Duke wins exclusive rights in a machine that can manufacture 100,000 cigarettes a day Go to Duke, James (1856–1925) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Commerce and industry Technology Inventions and discoveries Society North America Huck Finn and his friend Tom Sawyer continue their exploits on the Mississippi in Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Go to Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America Democratic candidate Grover Cleveland wins the US presidential election, defeating Republican James G. Blaine Go to Cleveland, Grover (1837–1908) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1885	In his novel The Rise of Silas Lapham US author William Dean Howells follows the fortunes of a self-made man in Boston Go to Rise of Silas Lapham, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America The name Coca-Cola is registered by John S. Pemberton in America for a drink of cocaine, cola nuts and citrus juices Go to Coca‐Cola (1886) in A Dictionary of Modern Design (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Commerce and industry Society North America
1886	US author Frances Hodgson Burnett publishes Little Lord Fauntleroy, featuring an aristocratic child in a velvet suit Go to Little Lord Fauntleroy in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America In the Haymarket Affair a demonstration in Chicago against police brutality results in deaths and subsequent executions Go to Haymarket Affair (1886) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion North America The Statue of Liberty, after crossing the Atlantic, is erected on Bedloe's island in the approach to New York harbour Go to Liberty, Statue of in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Arts Sculpture American art North America The American Federation of Labor, with Samuel Gompers as its first president, is formed as an umbrella organization to represent all unions Go to American Federation of Labor in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Commerce and industry Society North America
1887	The US Congress passes the Interstate Commerce Act, an early attempt to avoid the excesses of unrestrained capitalism Go to Interstate Commerce Act in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Commerce and industry Society North America January blizzard and summer drought bring to an end ten years of agricultural boom in the US Midwest, prompting a new slogan – 'In Kansas we busted' Go to Kansas in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Commerce and industry Society North America The Dawes Severalty Act deprives American Indians of their tribal lands, giving each instead an allotment of up to 160 acres Go to Dawes Severalty Act (1887) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization American Indians North America Anne Sullivan works with the deaf and blind 7-year-old Helen Keller, in a relationship that will last nearly half a century Go to Keller, Helen Adams (1880–1968) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America
c. 1888	An American Indian visionary, Wovoka, launches a new religion that will bring the dead back to life, calling it the Ghost Dance Go to Wovoka (c. 1865–1932) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Religion American Indians North America Republican candidate Benjamin Harrison wins the US presidential election, defeating the incumbent president Grover Cleveland Go to Harrison, Benjamin (1833–1901) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1889	The first Land Run into Oklahoma has settlers galloping in from noon to claim territory previously reserved for American Indians Go to Oklahoma (USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization American Indians North America A collapsing dam sends 40 feet of water through Johnstown, Pennsylvania, killing more than 2000 people Go to Johnstown Flood (1889) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Social and domestic Society North America US reformer Jane Addams sets up Hull House as a neighbourhood social centre in a deprived area of Chicago Go to Addams, Jane (1860–1935) in Dictionary of the Social Sciences (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Social and domestic Society North America The first conference of American nations, in Washington, D.C., launches the Commercial Bureau of the American Republics (later called the Pan-American Union) Go to Pan American Union. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Commerce and industry Society Latin America Central America South America North America The US industrialist Andrew Carnegie argues in The Gospel of Wealth that 'the man who dies rich dies disgraced' Go to Carnegie, Andrew (1835–1919) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Commerce and industry Society North America
1890	In How the Other Half Lives Jacob Riis alerts middle-class New Yorkers to the appalling slum conditions in lower Manhattan Go to Riis, Jacob August (1849–1914) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Arts Photography American art North America The Sherman Antitrust Act begins a strong US tradition of protecting the free market Go to Anti‐Trust laws in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Commerce and industry Society North America Poems is the first of six collections of Emily Dickinson's poetry, found among her papers on her death and published posthumously Go to Dickinson, Emily (1830–86) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America Hundreds of Sioux Indians are killed by US troops in a massacre at Wounded Knee Creek Go to Wounded Knee, Battle of (1890) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization Persecution and repression Terrorism and assassination American Indians North America
1891	A new Populist Party, dedicated to democracy and welfare, begins a brief career of considerable political influence in the USA Go to Populist Party in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent North America Canadian athlete James Naismith, at a YMCA college in Springfield, Massachusetts, invents basketball as an indoor winter game Go to basketball in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Sports and games Society North America Canada Herman Melville dies in obscurity in New York, with an unpublished manuscript of Billy Budd (not printed till 1924) Go to Billy Budd in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America
1892	Ellis Island in New York Bay opens as the point of reception for arriving immigrants Go to Ellis Island in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Migration Society North America The Ohio Supreme Court rules that monopolistic practices by Rockefeller's oil company are illegal Go to Khalji in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Commerce and industry Society North America San Francisco businessmen found an organization to protect nature, the Sierra Club of California, a powerful environmental pressure group Go to Sierra Club. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics North America Leaves of Grass, still growing, is published in its ninth edition in the year of Walt Whitman's death Go to Leaves of Grass in The Oxford Companion to the Book (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America The closing of the Homestead Steel Works near Pittsburgh in a dispute with unions leads to massive confrontation and violence Go to Homestead strike (1892) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Commerce and industry Society North America Pudge Heffelfinger becomes the first football pro when the Allegheny Athletic Association pay him $500 to play a game in their team Go to football, American in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Sports and games Society North America Dvorák takes a job in New York as director of the National Conservatory, returning to Prague in 1895 Go to Dvorák, Antonín (1841–1904) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music North America Former president Grover Cleveland defeats incumbent president Benjamin Harrison, becoming the only US president to serve non-consecutive terms Go to Cleveland, Grover (1837–1908) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America In a sensational trial in Massachusetts, Lizzie Borden is acquitted of the charge of killing her father and stepmother with an axe Go to Borden, Lizzie (1860–1927) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America
1893	US author Stephen Crane cannot find a publisher for his first novel, Maggie: A Girl of the Streets, so issues it privately Go to Maggie: A Girl of the Streets in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America Decline in the federal gold reserve and panic by investors prompts a spectacular crash in the US economy Go to Free Silver Movement. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Commerce and industry Society North America George Westinghouse demonstrates the advantages of AC (Alternating Current) when he provides 100,000 lights for the Chicago World's Fair Go to Westinghouse, George (1846–1914) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Technology Inventions and discoveries North America Anton Dvorák's Ninth Symphony, subtitled 'From the New World', has its first performance in New York Go to New World, From the in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music North America
1894	Wealthy US astronomer Percival Lowell builds an observatory at Mars Hill in Flagstaff, Arizona Go to Lowell, Percival (1855–1916) in A Dictionary of Astronomy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Science Astronomy and space North America US Socialist Eugene Debs comes to prominence as leader of a strike by railway workers against the Pullman Company Go to Pullman strike (1894) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion North America William Randolph Hearst buys the New York Journal, the first of numerous purchases in building up his press empire Go to Hearst, William Randolph (1863–1951) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America
1895	Stephen Crane succeeds handsomely with his second novel, The Red Badge of Courage, set in the American Civil War Go to Red Badge of Courage, The: An Episode of the American Civil War in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America Joshua Slocum sails from Boston in his sloop Spray for his attempt at a solo circumnavigation of the world Go to Slocum, Joshua (1844–c.1910) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Travel and transport Society North America The USGA (US Golf Association) stages the first national amateur and open championships Go to Golf. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Sports and games Society North America
1896	Utah is admitted to the union as the 45th state, after the Mormons agree to give up polygamy Go to Utah (USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Religion North America The prolific US poet Edwin Arlington Robinson publishes The Torrent and the Night Before, his first poems about the fictional Tilbury Town Go to Robinson, E. A. (1869–1935) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America The US Supreme Court rules in Plessey v. Ferguson that it is legal for a state to provide 'separate but equal' facilities for blacks Go to Plessey v. Ferguson in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America US engineer Henry Ford test drives his first four-wheel internal-combustion vehicle, the Quadricycle, built in a coal shed behind his home Go to Ford, Henry (1863–1947) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Commerce and industry Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society North America Republican candidate William McKinley wins the US presidential election, defeating Democrat William Jennings Bryan Go to McKinley, William (b. 29 Jan. 1843) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1897	Henry James views the feckless adults in Maisie's life through the eyes of the child herself in What Maisie Knew Go to What Maisie Knew in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America Adolph Ochs, a new proprietor of The New York Times, coins the slogan 'All the News That's Fit to Print' Go to New York Times, The (1851) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America
1898	Charlotte Perkins Gilman publishes Women and Economics, developing the feminist theme in US cultural and political life Go to Gilman, Charlotte Perkins (1860–1935) in The Oxford Companion to Twentieth-Century Literature in English (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Politics North America The National Consumers' League, headed by Florence Kelley, fights for improved conditions in the US factories making consumer goods Go to National Consumers' League. (1898) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Commerce and industry Society North America Joshua Slocum reaches Newport, Rhode Island, after sailing 46,000 miles to achieve the first solo voyage round the world Go to Slocum, Joshua (1844–c.1910) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Travel and transport Society North America US basketball becomes a professional game with the establishment in Philadelphia of the National Basketball League Go to basketball in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Sports and games Society North America 5-year-old Mary Pickford plays her first professional role on stage Go to Pickford, Mary (1893–1979) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Theatre North America In the Treaty of Paris, ending the Spanish-American War, Spain cedes Puerto Rico and Cuba to the USA Go to Paris, Treaty of (1898) in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics War European empires from 1415 Spanish empire US presidents Europe Spain Empires Rulers and politicians Latin America Caribbean Cuba North America The agreement ending the Spanish-American War includes Spain selling the Philippines to the USA for a payment of $20 million Go to Paris, Treaty of (1898) in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics War European empires from 1415 Spanish empire US presidents Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Empires Rulers and politicians North America The Australian soprano Nellie Melba forms the Melba Grand Opera Company as a touring venture in the USA Go to Melba, Nellie (1861) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Opera North America
1899	US social scientist Thorstein Veblen publishes The Theory of the Leisure Class, an attack on capitalist exploitation and 'consumerism' Go to Veblen, Thorstein (1857–1929) in The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Commerce and industry Society North America Marconi equips two ships to send radio reports to New York on the progress of the yachts racing for the America's Cup Go to Marconi, Guglielmo (1874–1937) in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Technology Communication Inventions and discoveries North America US Secretary of State John Hay circulates a proposal that western powers should adopt an open-to-all trading policy in China Go to open door policy in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Commerce and industry Society North America
1900	Frank Baum introduces children to Oz, in his book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Go to Wizard of Oz, The Wonderful (1900) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century 1900s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America David Belasco's play Madame Butterfly has its premiere in New York, and is subsequently seen in London by Giacomo Puccini Go to Madame Butterfly in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 1900s 20th century Performing arts Theatre Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Europe Britain North America After a prodigiously productive career as novelist and journalist, Stephen Crane dies of tuberculosis at the age of 28 Go to Crane, Stephen (1871–1900) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century 1900s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America Harvey Firestone sets up the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio Go to Firestone, Harvey (1868–1938) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century 1900s 20th century Social and domestic Society North America Joshua Slocum publishes Sailing Alone Around the World, an account of his famous 1895-8 circumnavigation Go to Slocum, Joshua (1844–c.1910) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century 1900s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Travel and transport Society North America Jack London's first collection of stories, The Son of the Wolf, brings him a wide readership Go to London, Jack Griffith (1876–1916) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century 1900s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America Theodore Dreiser's first novel, Sister Carrie, receives no publicity because his publisher, Frank Doubleday, considers it immoral Go to Sister Carrie in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century 1900s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America More than 8000 people die when a hurricane demolishes the seaside resort of Galveston in Texas Go to Galveston Hurricane and Flood (1900) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century 1900s 20th century Social and domestic Society North America The American League emerges from baseball's Western League, before going national in 1901 Go to baseball in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century 1900s 20th century Sports and games Society North America The Voice of the People is the first of Ellen Glasgow's novels set in her native state, Virginia Go to Glasgow, Ellen (1874–1945) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century 1900s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America Wilbur and Orville Wright test a biplane glider at Kitty Hawk in North Carolina Go to Wright, Wilbur in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century 1900s 20th century Technology Inventions and discoveries North America In the US presidential election William McKinley wins a second term on a simple platform, promising 'the full dinner pail' Go to McKinley, William (b. 29 Jan. 1843) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century 1900s 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1901	Photographer Eadweard Muybridge extends the range of his studies with Human Figure in Motion Go to Muybridge, Eadweard (1830–1904) in The Oxford Companion to the Photograph (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Science North America Ransome Eli Olds manufactures the Curved Dash Oldsmobile on assembly line principles in Detroit Go to automobile in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Technology Engineering North America The concept of instant coffee is developed in Chicago by the Japanese American chemist Satori Kato Go to coffee in A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Social and domestic Society North America Frank Lloyd Wright designs low residential buildings, suitable for the plains around Chicago, and calls them Prairie Houses Go to Wright, Frank Lloyd (1869–1959) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Architecture American architecture North America The Texas oil industry is launched with the discovery of the 75,000-barrel-a-day Lucas Gusher near Beaumont Go to Petroleum Industry. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Commerce and industry Society North America Frank Norris publishes The Octopus, the first of a projected trilogy of novels set in Southern California Go to Octopus, The: A Story of California in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America President McKinley is assassinated by an anarchist when visiting the Pan-American exhibition in Buffalo Go to McKinley, William (b. 29 Jan. 1843) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination US presidents Rulers and politicians North America Vice President Theodore Roosevelt becomes US president on McKinley's death Go to Roosevelt, Theodore (b. 27 Oct. 1858) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1902	Edith Wharton's publishes her first full-length novel, The Valley of Decision Go to Valley of Decision, The in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America US philosopher William James publishes his influential book The Varieties of Religious Experience Go to James, William (1842–1910) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Philosophy North America Alfred Stieglitz and other US photographers launch the Photo-Secession movement Go to Photo-Secession in The Grove Encyclopedia of American Art (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Arts Photography American art North America Helen Keller's The Story of My Life begins publication in serial form Go to Keller, Helen Adams (1880–1968) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America North Carolina pharmacist Caleb Bradham launches the Pepsi-Cola company in a back room of his shop Go to Pepsi-cola in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Social and domestic Society North America A.E. Kennelly and Oliver Heaviside independently see the link between the atmosphere and the behaviour of radio waves Go to Heaviside, Oliver (1850–1925) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Science Physics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain North America The US Congress makes the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 permanent, without the need for ten-year renewals Go to Chinese Exclusion Acts in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Social and domestic Society North America Hughie Cannon writes 'Bill Bailey Won't You Please Come Home' for a minstrel, John Queen Go to dixieland in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Performing arts Music North America Brooklyn shopkeepers Morris and Rose Michtom have a huge success with their presidential 'Teddy's Bear' Go to teddy bear in A New Dictionary of Eponyms (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Social and domestic Society North America
1903	The Wizard of Oz, based on the book by Frank Baum, opens on Broadway as a musical to huge success Go to Wizard Of Oz, The (stage musical) in Encyclopedia of Popular Music (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Performing arts Theatre North America Cuba is forced to accept a permanent US military presence in Guantanamo Bay Go to Guantanamo Bay in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization US presidents Rulers and politicians Latin America Caribbean Cuba North America US author Jack London publishes a novel, The Call of the Wild, in which a huge pet dog has alarming adventures Go to Call of the Wild, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America Gertrude Stein leaves the USA to share with her brother an apartment in Paris that soon becomes a literary and artistic salon Go to Stein, Gertrude (3 Feb. 1874) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Literature American literature French literature Literature in English Europe France North America Edwin S. Porter directs The Great Train Robbery, providing a big commercial success for Thomas Edison's film company Go to cinema in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Performing arts Film North America A US warship appears off the coast of Panama in support of rebels declaring an independent republic Go to Panama in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Latin America Central America North America The Colombian government rejects the Hay-Herrán treaty with the US on the Panama canal, thus prompting the break-away of Panama Go to Hay Treaties (1901) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry Society Latin America Central America North America William Harley and three Davidson brothers begin the commercial production in Milwaukee of motorcycles, but complete only three by the end of the year Go to Harley‐Davidson (1902) in A Dictionary of Modern Design (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Commerce and industry Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society North America US author W.E.B. Du Bois publishes his first collection of essays, The Souls of Black Folk Go to Du Bois, W. E. B. (1868–1963) in A Dictionary of Critical Theory (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America The Pit, the second volume of an uncompleted trilogy by US novelist Frank Norris, is published posthumously Go to Pit, The: A Story of Chicago in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America The first World Series is played between nine leading baseball teams from the National League and the American League Go to baseball in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Sports and games Society North America The USA is granted exclusive control in perpetuity of a ten-mile corridor across Panama, suitable for a canal Go to Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s Canals 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry US presidents Society Rulers and politicians Latin America Central America North America Italian tenor Enrico Caruso makes his US debut at the New York Metropolitan Opera Go to Caruso, Enrico (1873–1921) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera North America Orville Wright travels 40 yards in the first successful powered flight, at Kitty Hawk in North Carolina Go to Wright, Wilbur in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Technology Inventions and discoveries North America
1904	Helen Keller overcomes deafness and blindness to graduate cum laude at Radcliffe College in the USA Go to Keller, Helen Adams (1880–1968) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America An observatory with a 100-inch reflecting telescope is set up by George Ellery Hale on Mount Wilson in California Go to Hale, George Ellery (1868–1938) in A Dictionary of Astronomy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Astronomy and space Technology North America Hughie Cannon writes the music and words for the song originally titled "He Done Me Wrong" in the US musical Frankie and Johnny Go to Frankie and Johnny in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Performing arts Music Theatre North America US architect Louis Sullivan completes the Schlesinger & Meyer Store (later known as the Carson, Pirie & Scott Store) in Chicago Go to Sullivan, Louis (1856–1924) in A Dictionary of Modern Design (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Architecture American architecture North America Theodore Roosevelt wins the US presidential election in his own right Go to Roosevelt, Theodore (b. 27 Oct. 1858) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America US inventor King C. Gillette receives a patent for a disposable safety razor Go to safety razor noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Social and domestic Technology Inventions and discoveries Society North America Australian soprano Nellie Melba makes the first of a great many recordings Go to Melba, Nellie (1861) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Performing arts Music North America US president Theodore Roosevelt announces the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, in response to crises in Latin America Go to Roosevelt Corollary (1904) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1905	The American sculptor Jacob Epstein moves from New York to settle in London Go to Epstein, Sir Jacob (1880–1959) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Arts Sculpture British art Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles American art Europe Britain North America Industrial Workers of the World (with its members later known as Wobblies) is founded in Chicago as a radical union initiative Go to Industrial Workers of the World in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent North America US photographers Alfred Stieglitz and Edward Steichen set up the Little Galleries of the Photo-Secession in New York Go to Gallery 291 in The Oxford Companion to the Photograph (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Arts Photography American art North America David Belasco's play Girl of the Golden West has its premiere in New York, where it is seen two years later by Giacomo Puccini Go to Girl of the Golden West, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Performing arts Theatre North America Edith Wharton publishes the novel that brings her fame and fortune, The House of Mirth Go to House of Mirth, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America US philosopher George Santayana publishes the first of the five volumes of his Life of Reason Go to Santayana, George (1863–1952) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Philosophy North America President Theodore Roosevelt mediates a peace treaty in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, between Russia and Japan Go to Portsmouth, Treaty of (1905) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century War US presidents Rulers and politicians North America Thomas Dixon's popular novel The Clansman presents the Ku Klux Klan in heroic terms Go to Clansman, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America Percival Lowell predicts the existence of an unknown planet, almost exactly where Pluto is discovered 25 years later Go to Lowell, Percival (1855–1916) in A Dictionary of Astronomy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Astronomy and space Technology North America
1906	Upton Sinclair publishes The Jungle, a hard-hitting novel about the Chicago meat-packing industry Go to Jungle, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America Fire destroys much of San Francisco following the most violent earthquake in the city's history Go to San Francisco Earthquake and Fire. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Social and domestic Society North America In Charles Ives' composition The Unanswered Question the trumpet repeatedly asks 'the perennial question of existence' Go to Ives, Charles Edward (1874–1954) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Performing arts Music North America The Naturalization Act provides definitive requirements for naturalization as a US citizen Go to Immigration and Naturalization Service in The Oxford Guide to the United States Government (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Social and domestic Society North America The Pure Food and Drug Act, a landmark initiative in consumer protection, becomes law in the US Go to Pure Food and Drug Act. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Social and domestic Society North America Humorous Phases of Funny Faces, created by New Yorker J. Stuart Blackton, introduces the concept of the animated cartoon Go to animation in A Dictionary of Media and Communication (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Performing arts Film North America Frank Lloyd Wright builds a Unity Temple for the Unitarians in Oak Park, now a suburb of Chicago Go to Wright, Frank Lloyd (1869–1959) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Architecture American architecture North America 6-year-old Fred Astaire and his sister Adele give their first professional performance, in the pier theatre in Keyport, New Jersey Go to Astaire, Fred (1899–1987) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Performing arts Dance North America President Roosevelt wins a Nobel Peace Prize for his mediation between Russia and Japan Go to Portsmouth, Treaty of (1905) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century War US presidents Rulers and politicians North America Reginald Fessenden transmits on Christmas Eve, from Brant Rock, Massachusetts, the world's first radio broadcast Go to Fessenden, Reginald Aubrey (1866–1932) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Performing arts North America
1907	US inventor Lee De Forest patents the Audion, a sensitive vacuum-tube radio receiver Go to De Forest, Lee (1873–1961) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Technology Communication Inventions and discoveries North America President Roosevelt sends marines to protect US property during political unrest in Honduras Go to Roosevelt Corollary (1904) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America US philosopher William James publishes Pragmatism: a New Name for Old Ways of Thinking Go to Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Philosophy North America Collapse of trust companies causes panic and financial crisis in USA Go to Federal Reserve Act (1913) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Commerce and industry Society North America Harry Lauder has a hit in the USA with his recording of I Love a Lassie Go to Lauder, Sir Harry MacLennan (1870–1950) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Performing arts Music North America US cartoonist Bud Fisher creates Mutt and Jeff for the San Francisco Chronicle, in the world's first daily comic strip Go to Mutt and Jeff in Brewer's Dictionary of London Phrase & Fable (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Arts American art North America A Midwest region, including what remains of the reserved Indian Territory, is included in Oklahoma when it joins the Union as the 46th state Go to Oklahoma (USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics American Indians North America President Roosevelt sends a fleet of warships on a goodwill tour of the world that also demonstrates US power Go to Great White Fleet in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Weapons US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1908	Jack London's novel Iron Heel foresees a future repressive capitalist regime in the USA Go to Iron Heel, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America Jack Norworth and Albert von Tilzer write Take Me Out to the Ball Game, which becomes one of the most popular songs in the USA Go to Norwoth, Jack (1879–1959) in The Oxford Companion to the American Musical (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Performing arts Music North America The FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) is set up in Washington Go to Federal Bureau of Investigation in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Social and domestic Society North America Ezra Pound's first book of poems, A Lume Spento, is published in Italy Go to Pound, Ezra (1885–1972) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America The Polyscope Film Company releases the first horror movie, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, filmed from a popular stage production Go to Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, The Strange Case of in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Performing arts Film North America Jack Norworth and Nora Bayes write "Shine on, Harvest Moon" for The Follies of 1908 Go to Ziegfeld Follies in The Oxford Companion to American Theatre (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Performing arts Music North America Lucy Maud Montgomery's first novel, Anne of Green Gables, brings her instant fame and fortune Go to Anne of Green Gables (1908) in The Oxford Companion to Canadian History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America The first Model T Ford rolls off the production line at the Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit Go to Ford, Henry (1863–1947) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Commerce and industry Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society North America Gideons International place their first bible in a hotel bedroom, in Montana, USA Go to Gideon in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Religion Christianity Social and domestic Society North America William Howard Taft, the Republican candidate, is elected to follow Roosevelt as president Go to Taft, William Howard (b. 15 Sept. 1857) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America US boxer Jack Johnson becomes the first black heavyweight champion when he knocks out Tommy Burns in Australia Go to Johnson, Jack (1878–1946) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Sports and games Australia and Oceania Society Australia North America
1909	The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is founded in response to two lynchings in Illinois Go to National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent North America Leo Baekeland announces his discovery of Bakelite, calling it 'the material of a thousand uses' Go to Baekeland,Leo Hendrik (1863–1944) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Social and domestic Technology Society North America Mary Pickford begins her film career at sixteen, when she is hired by D.W. Griffith Go to Pickford, Mary (1893–1979) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Performing arts Film North America Jack London publishes his most autobiographical novel, Martin Eden Go to London, Jack (1876–1916) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America President Taft builds the first Oval Office, in the new west wing of the White House Go to Oval Office in The Oxford Guide to the United States Government (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America US physicist Robert A. Millikan devises an oil drop experiment that determines the charge of an electron Go to Millikan's oil-drop experiment in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Science Physics North America The Selig Polyscope Company sets up the first film studio in the Los Angeles region, at Edendale Go to Hollywood in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Performing arts Film North America President Taft sends marines to Nicaragua after the government there executes two US citizens Go to Taft, William Howard (15 Sept. 1857) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians Latin America Central America North America Joshua Slocum, the most famous sailor of the day, vanishes on another lone voyage Go to Slocum, Joshua (1844–1909) in The Oxford Companion to World Exploration (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Travel and transport Society North America
1910	D.W. Griffith directs In Old California, the first film shot in the California village of Hollywood Go to Griffith, D(avid) W(ark) (1875–1948) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Film North America Lee De Forest broadcasts Enrico Caruso live from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, but with mixed success owing to the poor quality Go to De Forest, Lee (1873–1961) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Technology Communication North America Chicago cardiologist James Herrick publishes the first account of the cells causing sickle-cell anaemia Go to sickle cell anaemia in A Dictionary of Biomedicine (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Science Medicine North America US geneticist Thomas Hunt Morgan establishes the chromosome theory of heredity through his study of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster Go to Morgan, Thomas Hunt (1866–1945) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Science Life sciences North America The US Congress passes the Mann White Slave Traffic Act, an attempt to control prostitution Go to Mann Act in The Oxford Companion to the Supreme Court of the United States (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Social and domestic Society North America The Gimbel family open their flagship department store in Manhattan Go to department store in A Dictionary of Marketing (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Commerce and industry Society North America Elizabeth Arden opens her first beauty salon on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan Go to Arden, Elizabeth (1878–1966) in The Encyclopedia of the History of American Management (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Commerce and industry Social and domestic Society North America Giacomo Puccini's opera Girl of the Golden West premieres in New York Go to Puccini, Giacomo (1858) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera North America
1911	Eugene B. Ely lands his Curtiss biplane on the US cruiser Pennsylvania, pointing the way to the future development of the aircraft carrier Go to Aircraft Carrier in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Maritime History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War North America Nearly 150 New York garment workers die in a factory fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Company Go to Triangle Shirtwaist Company Fire. (25 March 1911) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Social and domestic Society North America Pennsylvania Station opens in New York, designed by McKim, Mead & White Go to McKim, Mead, & White in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Architecture American architecture North America Al Jolson makes his first recording, That Haunting Melody, for the Victor label Go to Jolson, Al (1886–1950) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Music North America John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil Company of New Jersey is broken up by US antitrust legislation Go to Rockefeller, John D. (1839–1937) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Commerce and industry Society North America US inventor Isaac Newton Lewis patents a lighter version of the machine gun Go to Lewis gun in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Technology Inventions and discoveries Weapons North America US driver Ray Harroun wins the first Indianapolis 500 motor race Go to Automobile Racing. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Sports and games Society North America Frank Lloyd Wright designs Taliesin, as his own home and studio, near Bear Run in Wisconsin Go to Wright, Frank Lloyd (1867–1959) in A Dictionary of Modern Design (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Architecture American architecture North America Scott Joplin completes a ragtime opera, Treemonisha Go to Joplin, Scott (?1868) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Music North America Frances Hodgson Burnett publishes The Secret Garden, which becomes a classic of children's literature Go to Children of the Chapel of Paul's in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America The Nestor Film Company opens the first film studio in Hollywood, on Sunset Boulevard Go to Hollywood in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Film North America Baseball pitcher Cy Young retires with a record achievement of 511 wins in 22 professional seasons Go to Baseball. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Sports and games Society North America Rudolph Wurlitzer's company in the USA produces the first of its famous movie theatre organs Go to Wurlitzer in A Dictionary of Modern Design (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Music Social and domestic Society North America The US composer Irving Berlin writes 'Alexander's Ragtime Band' Go to Berlin, Irving (1888–1989) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Music North America Jelly Roll Morton plays in New York his Jelly Roll Blues (published in 1915) Go to Morton, Jelly Roll (1885–1941) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Music North America
1912	New Mexico becomes the 47th state of the United States of America Go to New Mexico in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics North America US aeroplane designer Glenn Curtis demonstrates the potential of the first successful flying boat, The Flying Fish Go to flying boats in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Travel and transport Technology Inventions and discoveries Society North America Arizona becomes the 48th state of the United States of America Go to Arizona in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics North America Former president Theodore Roosevelt campaigns against President Taft for the Republican nomination Go to Roosevelt, Theodore (27 Oct. 1858) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians North America Lillian and Dorothy Gish make their screen debut with the Biograph Company Go to Gish, Lillian (1896–1993) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Film North America The White Star liner Titanic sinks on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York, drowning 1513 passengers and crew Go to Titanic in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Travel and transport Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain North America President Taft sends US marines to Cuba because of political unrest in the island Go to Cuba in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians Latin America Caribbean Cuba North America William Howard Taft defeats Theodore Roosevelt at the Republican convention to win the nomination Go to Taft, William Howard (15 Sept. 1857) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians North America Theodore Roosevelt's followers form a rival party to the Republicans, soon to be known as the Bull Moose party Go to Progressive Party of 1912–1924. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians North America Mack Sennett sets up the Keystone studio in California, soon to be famous for the knockabout farce of the Keystone Kops Go to Keystone Kops [Cin.] in The Oxford Dictionary of Reference and Allusion (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Film North America Renascence is the title poem in college student Edna St Vincent Millay's first published collection Go to Millay, Edna St. Vincent (1892–1950) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America Memphis Blues is composed by 'father of the blues' W.C. Handy Go to Handy, W. C. (1873) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Music North America Democrat Woodrow Wilson defeats Republicans Taft and Roosevelt to become the 28th president of the USA Go to Wilson, Thomas Woodrow (28 Dec. 1856) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America
1913	A new and spectacular Grand Central Station opens in New York, designed by Charles Reed and Alan Stern Go to railway stations in The Oxford Companion to Architecture (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Architecture American architecture North America Cecil B. de Mille, Jesse Lasky and Sam Goldwyn join forces to form a film production company Go to de Mille, Cecil B(lount) (1881–1959) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Film North America The Armory Show (officially the International Exhibition of Modern Art) is a sensation in New York Go to Armory Show in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Arts American art North America In O Pioneers Willa Cather finds her major theme, life on the frontier Go to Cather, Willa (1873–1947) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America The US navy begins transmitting by radio a regular time signal, much used by the nation's watchmakers and menders. Go to Naval Observatory in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Technology Communication North America In Pollyanna Eleanor Porter introduces an immensely successful character, the irrepressibly optimistic orphan Pollyanna Whittier Go to Porter, Eleanor Hodgman (1868–1920) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America The Woolworth Building opens in New York as the world's tallest skyscraper, a distinction it retains until 1930 Go to Woolworth, Frank Winfield (1852–1919) in The Encyclopedia of the History of American Management (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Architecture American architecture North America US poet Robert Frost publishes his first book of poems, A Boy's Will Go to Frost, Robert (1874–1963) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America Henry Ford pioneers the moving assembly line in the manufacture of cars at his company's Michigan plant Go to Ford, Henry (1863–1947) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Commerce and industry Society North America The Brillo Manufacturing Company markets the first Brillo pads in the USA Go to Brillo pad noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Commerce and industry Society North America The foxtrot, possibly introduced by US performer Harry Fox, becomes an immensely popular ballroom dance Go to foxtrot in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Dance Social and domestic Society North America Edith Wharton's novel The Custom of the Country begins publication in serial form Go to Wharton, Edith (1862–1937) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America The New York World publishes the first crossword puzzle, devised by English-born journalist Arthur Wynne Go to crossword in The Oxford Dictionary of Word Origins (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Social and domestic Society North America
1914	George Ruth acquires the nickname Babe when he joins the baseball team the Baltimore Orioles Go to Ruth, Babe (1895–1948) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Sports and games Society North America Tarzan makes his first appearance in Edgar Rice Burroughs' novel Tarzan of the Apes Go to Burroughs, Edgar Rice (1875–1950) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America The first issue of the weekly journal The New Republic is published in the USA Go to New Republic, The (1914–) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America American-born poet Thomas Stearns Eliot crosses the Atlantic to England, making it his home for the rest of his life Go to Eliot, T. S. (1888–1965) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature American literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain North America The poem 'Mending Wall' features in Robert Frost's collection North of Boston Go to Frost, Robert (1874–1963) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America Margaret Anderson publishes in Chicago the first issue of The Little Review, a monthly literary magazine Go to Little Review, The (1914–29) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America The Assemblies of God is established as the largest affiliation of Pentecostal churches Go to Assemblies of God in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Religion Christianity North America Martha, 29 years old and the last passenger pigeon in the world, dies in the Cincinnati zoo in Ohio Go to Passenger Pigeon in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Science Life sciences North America The American writer Amy Lowell publishes an Imagist collection of poems, Sword Blades and Poppy Seed Go to Lowell, Amy (1874–1925) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America The sculptor Constantin Brancusi has his first one-man exhibition, at Stieglitz's gallery in New York Go to Brancusi, Constantin (19 Feb. 1876) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Arts Sculpture American art North America The Swedish-American poet Carl Sandburg makes his name with 'Chicago', published in the magazine Poetry Go to Sandburg, Carl (1878–1967) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America The Clayton Act strengthens many aspects of US antitrust legislation Go to Clayton Act in A Dictionary of Economics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Commerce and industry Society North America Charlie Chaplin introduces his most famous character, the little tramp, in Kid Auto Races at Venice Go to Chaplin, Charlie (1889–1977) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Film Venice North America August 4 - President Woodrow Wilson proclaims US neutrality in the European war Go to Wilson, Thomas Woodrow (28 Dec. 1856) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America
1915	Alexander Graham Bell again summons his assistant Thomas Watson (as in 1876), but this time he is in New York and Watson in San Francisco See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Technology Communication North America Black heavyweight champion Jack Johnson loses his title, in the 26th round, to the "Great White Hope", Jess Willard Go to Great White Hope [Sport] in The Oxford Dictionary of Reference and Allusion (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Sports and games Society North America The Corning Glass Company launches Pyrex, a new range of heat-resistant kitchen ware made from borosilicate glass Go to Corning Glass (1851) in A Dictionary of Modern Design (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Social and domestic Technology Inventions and discoveries Society North America D.W. Griffith's epic film The Birth of a Nation has its premiere in New York Go to Griffith, D(avid) W(ark) (1875–1948) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Film North America Radiotelephone messages are transmitted from Arlington in Virginia to the Eiffel Tower in Paris Go to Information and Communication Technology in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Economic History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Technology Communication Europe France North America Thomas Edison invents a machine to record telephone conversations, calling it the telescribe Go to Edison, Thomas Alva (1847–1931) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Technology Inventions and discoveries North America American campaigner for birth control Margaret Sanger publishes a controversial pamphlet, Family Limitation Go to Sanger, Margaret (1879–1966) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Social and domestic Society North America US novelist Ernest Poole publishes The Harbor, set on the Brooklyn waterfront Go to Poole, Ernest (1880–1950) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America Charlie Chaplin makes The Tramp, giving prominence to the famous character he launched the previous year in Kid Auto Races at Venice Go to Chaplin, Charlie (1889–1977) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Film Venice North America Typhoid-carrier Mary Mallon is detained in New York after leaving a trail of destruction Go to Typhoid Mary in A Dictionary of Public Health (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Science Medicine Social and domestic Society North America Edgar Lee Masters makes his name as a poet with the publication of Spoon River Anthology Go to Masters, Edgar Lee (1868?–1950) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America William Joseph Simmons, a suspended Methodist preacher in Georgia, wins a big racist following in the south with his revival of the defunct Ku Klux Klan Go to Ku Klux Klan in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Social and domestic Society North America
1916	The opera Goyescas, by Spanish composer Enrique Granados, has its premiere in New York Go to Granados, Enrique (1867) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe Spain North America Haiti becomes a US protectorate, under the terms of a treaty signed in the previous year Go to Haiti in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Latin America Caribbean North America Enrique Granados, on the last leg of his return from New York, is one of many civilians to die when the Sussex is torpedoed by a U-boat in the English Channel Go to Granados, Enrique (1867) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Music Europe Spain North America Earth's the right place for love' in Robert Frost's 'Birches', included in his collection Mountain Interval Go to Frost, Robert (1874–1963) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America The National Parks Service is set up within the US Department of the Interior Go to National Park System. (1872) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Social and domestic Society North America The Provincetown Players are founded in Massachusetts, opening with a production of Eugene O'Neill's Bound East for Cardiff Go to Provincetown Players, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Theatre Drama North America In his first World Series for the Boston Red Sox, 21-year-old Babe Ruth sets a still unbroken record, pitching 13 successive scoreless innings Go to Ruth, Babe (1895–1948) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Sports and games Society North America The US National Defense Act establishes the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Go to Reserve Officers Training Corps in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Social and domestic Society North America William Boeing flies an aircraft built by himself, and a month later sets up in Seattle his own Aero Product company Go to Boeing, William Edward (1881–1956) in The Encyclopedia of the History of American Management (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Commerce and industry Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society North America The Passing Show of 1916 is the first of 22 musicals written in the short span of 17 years by the brothers George and Ira Gershwin Go to Gershwin, George (1898) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Theatre North America In his ground-breaking film Intolerance D.W. Griffith intercuts four parallel stories from different historical periods Go to Griffith, D(avid) W(ark) (1875–1948) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Film North America The Imagist poet H.D. (Hilda Doolittle) publishes her first collection, Sea Garden Go to Doolittle, Hilda (1886–1961) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America Margaret Sanger opens the first US birth control clinic, in a poor district of Brooklyn, and is gaoled for thirty days Go to Sanger, Margaret (1879–1966) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Social and domestic Society North America The Federal-Aid Highway Act sets up the first national road system in the US Go to Highway System. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society North America November 7 - Woodrow Wilson wins re-election as US president after campaigning on the slogan 'He kept us out of war' Go to Wilson, Thomas Woodrow (28 Dec. 1856) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Politics War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America
1917	Marcel Duchamp submits a ceramic urinal to the Society of Independent Artists in New York, giving it the title Fountain Go to Duchamp, Marcel (28 July 1887) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Arts American art French art North America New York responds with enthusiasm when the Original Dixieland Jazz Band performs a new kind of music in Reisenweber's restaurant Go to Original Dixieland Jazz Band in Encyclopedia of Popular Music (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Music North America The Jones Act gives Puerto Ricans US citizenship and a popularly elected Senate and House of Representatives Go to Jones Act in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Latinos and Latinas in the United States (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Latin America Caribbean North America Silent film comedian Harold Lloyd adopts the glasses and the straw hat that become his familiar props Go to Lloyd, Harold (1893–1971) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Film North America Comedian Buster Keaton makes his first appearance in a film, The Butcher Boy Go to Keaton, Buster (1895–1966) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Film North America The first annual prizes are awarded, under the terms of Joseph Pulitzer's will, for the best new US novel, play, history and biography Go to Pulitzer Prizes in Journalism and Letters in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America Race riots against migrant southern blacks in East St Louis, Missouri, leave forty-eight dead Go to East Saint Louis Riot in Encyclopedia of African American History 1896 to the Present (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Social and domestic Society North America The US Congress passes the Eighteenth Amendment, legislating for the introduction of Prohibition Go to Prohibition in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Social and domestic US presidents Society Rulers and politicians North America March 1 - a deciphered telegram, from the German foreign minister Arthur Zimmermann, inflames US public opinion by promising Texas and more to Mexico Go to Zimmermann Note (19 Jan. 1917) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Social and domestic War Society Wars since 1900 North America April 6 - Woodrow Wilson, president of the USA, declares war on Germany Go to Wilson, Thomas Woodrow (28 Dec. 1856) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America April - German U-boats sink 430 Allied and neutral merchant ships in this month alone Go to submarine in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Germany Wars since 1900 Britain North America Canada June - the Allies frustrate the German U-boats by introducing the convoy system Go to convoy system in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Europe Wars since 1900 Britain North America Canada
1918	In My Antonia Willa Cather's heroine survives setbacks on the Nebraska frontier Go to Cather, Willa (1873–1947) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America January 8 - President Woodrow Wilson formulates fourteen detailed proposals as a basis for world peace once the conflict has ended Go to Fourteen Points in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Politics War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America May - US troops are by now fighting in large numbers on the western front Go to Western Front in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Europe Belgium France Wars since 1900 North America
1919	Quia Pauper Amavi contains the first three of Ezra Pound's eventually more than 100 cantos Go to Pound, Ezra (1885–1972) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America H.L. Mencken's The American Language traces the gradual evolution of American from English Go to Mencken, H[enry] L[ouis] (1880–1956) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America US boxer Jack Dempsey defeats Jess Willard for the world heavyweight title, sending him from the ring with a broken jaw Go to Dempsey, Jack (1895–1983) in A Dictionary of Sports Studies (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Sports and games Society North America At least thirty-eight people are killed in a race riot in Chicago Go to Chicago Riot in Encyclopedia of African American History 1896 to the Present (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Social and domestic Society North America Lillian Gish stars as a Cockney girl in D.W. Griffith's inter-racial film romance Broken Blossoms, set in London's slums Go to Gish, Lillian (1896–1993) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Film North America Steelworkers go on strike in the US, attempting a major confrontation with industrial management Go to Steel Strike of 1919. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Commerce and industry Social and domestic Society North America President Woodrow Wilson suffers a severe stroke that renders him largely incapable during the final seventeen months of his presidency Go to Wilson, Thomas Woodrow (28 Dec. 1856) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America Marcel Duchamp adds a moustache and beard to a postcard of the Mona Lisa, and gives it the subtly offensive French title LHOOQ Go to Duchamp, Marcel (28 July 1887) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Arts American art French art Europe France North America The actors Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks and Charlie Chaplin establish United Artists with the director D.W. Griffith Go to United Artists in The Oxford Companion to the American Musical (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Film North America Boston Red Sox sell their star player, Babe Ruth, to the New York Yankees for $125,000 Go to Ruth, Babe (1895–1948) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Sports and games Society North America Sherwood Anderson establishes a reputation with a collection of short stories, Winesburg, Ohio Go to Anderson, Sherwood (1876–1941) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America To President Wilson's profound disappointment the US Congress, by failing to ratify the treaty of Versailles, opts out of the League of Nations Go to Treaty of Versailles in The Oxford Guide to the United States Government (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Politics War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America
1920	Prohibition comes into effect in the USA, three months after the Volstead Act has provided guidelines for enforcement Go to Volstead Act (1919) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Social and domestic US presidents Society Rulers and politicians North America The US steel strike collapses after four months, with nothing achieved Go to Steel Strike of 1919. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Commerce and industry Social and domestic Society North America Ezra Pound publishes Hugh Selwyn Mauberley, a poem that reflects on the practice of poetry itself Go to Pound, Ezra (1885–1972) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America Edith Wharton publishes her best-known novel, The Age of Innocence Go to Wharton, Edith (1862–1937) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America Bristol-born actor Cary Grant moves to the USA with a troupe of touring tumblers Go to Grant, Cary (1904–1986) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain North America The publication of Scott FitzGerald's first novel, This Side of Paradise, brings him instant success Go to Fitzgerald, F[rancis] Scott (1896–1940) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America The Nineteenth Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees women the right to vote Go to Nineteenth Amendment. (1920) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians North America Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart work together as Columbia University students, creating the musical Fly With Me Go to Rodgers, Richard Charles (1902–1979) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre North America Charles Ives publishes his Piano Sonata No. 2, Concord, Mass., 1840-60, usually known as the Concord Sonata Go to Ives, Charles (1874) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music North America D.H. Lawrence's Women in Love, a continuation of the family story in The Rainbow, is published first in the USA Go to Lawrence, D(avid) H(erbert) (1885–1930) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain North America Douglas Fairbanks makes the first of his swashbuckling adventure movies, The Mark of Zorro Go to Fairbanks, Douglas (1883–1939) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America The marriage of Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks is a Hollywood sensation after a three-year affair Go to Pickford, Mary (1893–1979) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America Warren Harding wins the US presidential election for the Republicans Go to Harding, Warren Gamaliel (2 Nov. 1865) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America The American novelist Sinclair Lewis has his first major success with Main Street, an unflattering portrayal of American village life Go to Lewis, [Harry] Sinclair (1885–1951) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America
1921	Franklin Delano Roosevelt is paralyzed from the waist down by polio Go to Roosevelt, Franklin Delano (30 Jan. 1882) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America Italian immigrant anarchists Sacco and Vanzetti are convicted of murder in a US trial flawed by prejudice Go to Sacco–Vanzetti Case in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Persecution and repression North America Tulsa race riots cap previous levels of violence, with more than eighty-five blacks killed Go to Tulsa Riot in Encyclopedia of African American History 1896 to the Present (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Persecution and repression North America Italian sex symbol Rudolph Valentino has two sensational hits within the same year, The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and The Sheik Go to Valentino, Rudolph (1895–1926) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America Marianne Moore calls her first published collection simply Poems Go to Moore, Marianne (1887–1972) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America Eugene O'Neill's play Anna Christie is performed in New York Go to O'Neill, Eugene (1888–1953) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature American literature Literature in English Drama North America November 11 - the first of America's 'unknown soldiers' is placed in the new Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery Go to Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 20th century War Wars since 1900 North America
1922	De Witt Wallace and his wife, working from home, publish the first issue of Reader's Digest Go to Reader's Digest, the (1922) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Commerce and industry Society North America Robert J. Flaherty lives with the Inuit in the Arctic to make his dramatized documentary Nanook of the North Go to Flaherty, Robert J. (1884–1951) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Performing arts Film North America The US architectural critic Lewis Mumford publishes The Story of Utopias, the first of his many influential works Go to Mumford, Lewis (1895–) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America Sinclair Lewis creates an archetypal character in George Folanshee Babbitt, a real-estate broker in the Midwestern town of Zenith Go to Babbitt in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America Linus Pauling, a graduate student at the California Institute of Technology, begins theoretical work on the nature of the chemical bond Go to Pauling, Linus Carl (1901–1994) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Science Chemistry North America US golfer Walter Hagen wins the first of his four victories in the British Open Go to Hagen, Walter (1892–1969) in A Dictionary of Sports Studies (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Sports and games Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain North America The Broadway show Ziegfeld Follies features an exciting new dance, the Charleston Go to Charleston in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Performing arts Dance Theatre North America The Teapot Dome scandal reveals corruption in the administration of US president Warren Harding Go to Teapot Dome Scandal in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America German film director Ernst Lubitsch moves to Hollywood, at the request of Mary Pickford Go to Lubitsch, Ernst (1892–1947) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Performing arts Film North America
1923	Henry Luce has an immediate success with a new magazine, calling it simply Time Go to Time (1923) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Commerce and industry Society North America Bessie Smith has a big hit with her first record, Downhearted Blues, selling two million copies within a year Go to Smith Bessie in Encyclopedia of Popular Music (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Performing arts Music North America Marcel Duchamp completes his large glass construction The Bride Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors, Even Go to Duchamp, Marcel (28 July 1887) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Arts Sculpture

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