Historical Events
19th Century
The California Gold Rush
1848-01-24
The discovery of gold in California sparked a massive migration and economic boom.
The Opium Wars
1839-03-18
The Opium Wars were a series of conflicts that resulted in the forced opening of China to foreign trade.
The Siege of the Alamo
1836-02-23
A heroic stand against overwhelming odds that became a symbol of Texas independence.
The Louisiana Purchase
1803-04-30
The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States and opened up vast new territories for settlement.
18th Century
The Reign of Terror
1793-09-05
The French Revolutionary government executed thousands of perceived enemies, leading to a period of extreme violence and fear.
The Haitian Revolution
1791-08-21
Enslaved Africans in Haiti rebelled against French colonial rule, leading to the establishment of Haiti as an independent nation.
The Storming of the Bastille
1789-07-14
French revolutionaries stormed a prison fortress in Paris, symbolizing the start of the French Revolution.
The French Revolution Begins
1789-05-05
The storming of the Bastille ignites a revolution that would forever change France's political landscape.
The French Revolution
1789-01-01
The French Revolution was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France.
The Treaty of Paris
1783-09-03
The treaty officially ended the American Revolutionary War and recognized the independence of the United States.
The Battle of Yorktown
1781-10-19
American and French forces secure a decisive victory over the British, effectively ending the Revolutionary War.
The American Declaration of Independence
1776-07-04
Thirteen American colonies declare their independence from British rule, setting the stage for a new nation.
The Boston Tea Party
1773-12-16
Colonists disguised as Native Americans threw tea into Boston Harbor in protest of British taxation.
The Boston Massacre
1770-03-05
Tensions between American colonists and British soldiers boiled over, resulting in a deadly clash.
The Industrial Revolution Begins
1760-01-01
The Industrial Revolution transformed society with advancements in manufacturing and technology.
The Industrial Revolution begins
1760-01-01
A period of technological advancements and economic growth transforms society.
The Industrial Revolution Begins
1760-01-01
The transition to mechanized manufacturing and urbanization transforms societies and economies worldwide.
17th Century
The Salem Witch Trials
1692-01-01
A series of trials and executions in colonial Massachusetts, based on accusations of witchcraft.
The Great Fire of London
1666-09-02
One of the most devastating fires in history swept through London, destroying much of the city.
The Great Fire of London
1666-09-02
A devastating fire engulfs London, destroying much of the city.