A smallpox epidemic wipes out 90% of the Native Americans in Massachusetts Bay
The British government taxes colonists' tea, among other goods
The Supreme Court's decision in Dred Scott case determines that blacks do not have rights as US citizens
1650
Boston Massacre results in the deaths of 5 colonists
1801
1860
The 21st Amendment to the Constitution passes, repealing the 18th and ending Prohibition
1933
1868
Abraham Lincoln becomes president
The French and Indian War ends, tightening British control of the colonies
1763
The Mexican War ends, and the US adds about a third of Mexico's territory to the United States
1619
Slavery is widely recognized in the colonies
1857
1767
1848
Thomas Jefferson becomes the third president of the United States
The 14th Amendment to the Constitution grants equal rights to US citizens
1770
