1788
President James Polk coins the term "Manifest Destiny"
1861
1908
The United States Constitution is ratified
Gold is discovered in California, leading to the Gold Rush
1870
1849
Henry Ford's company produces the first Model T automobile
1929
Trial of John Peter Zenger raises the idea of freedom of the press
Stock market crashes, launching the Great Depression
1735
Wright Brothers' first manned, powered flight
1845
Eleven Southern states secede from the United States, beginning the Civil War
1903
The borders of Oregon Territory are set, splitting the land with Britain at the 49th parallel
1846
The 15th Amendment to the Constitution grants all males the right to vote
