45 topics · Updated 2026-09-17
At the Constitutional Convention, the Constitution was written by the Founding Fathers. The Constitution was written in 1787.
George Washington is called the 'Father of Our Country' and was the first President of the United States.
The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. The writers were James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay, who used the pen name Publius.
Benjamin Franklin was famous as a U.S. diplomat, the oldest member of the Constitutional Convention, the first Postmaster General of the United States, the writer of 'Poor Richard's Almanac,' and for starting the first free libraries.
Important Civil War events include Fort Sumter, the Emancipation Proclamation, Vicksburg, Gettysburg, Sherman's March, Appomattox, Antietam, and Lincoln's assassination. Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves, preserved the Union, led the U.S. during the Civil War, was the 16th president, and delivered the Gettysburg Address.
The Emancipation Proclamation freed the slaves, specifically slaves in the Confederacy/Confederate states/most Southern states. The Civil War ended slavery. The 14th Amendment makes all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. and subject to its jurisdiction citizens.
The United States bought the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803. Wars fought in the 1800s include the War of 1812, Mexican-American War, Civil War, and Spanish-American War. The Civil War was the war between the North and the South.
All men got the right to vote after the Civil War during Reconstruction, with the 15th Amendment in 1870. Leaders of the women's rights movement in the 1800s include Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Lucretia Mott, and Lucy Stone.
There are five rights or freedoms in the First Amendment: speech, religion, assembly (gather), press (media), and petition the government. These belong to everyone living in the United States. Freedom of speech allows people to say or write what they want; freedom of religion allows practicing any or no religion.
Voting in federal elections is a right and responsibility only for U.S. citizens. Four amendments address who can vote: 26th (citizens 18 and older), 24th (no poll tax), 19th (women can vote), and 15th (any race/male citizen). Currently citizens 18 and older can vote.
Applicants take the Oath of Allegiance to become citizens, promising loyalty to the U.S., to defend and obey the Constitution and laws, and to serve if needed. Ways to become a citizen include naturalization, being born in the U.S. (14th Amendment), and deriving citizenship. Requirements include being 18, a lawful permanent resident, of good moral character, and passing the English and civics tests.
The First Amendment lists five rights or freedoms: speech, religion, assembly, press, and petition. These belong to everyone living in the U.S.
Voting in federal elections is a right and responsibility only for U.S. citizens. Four amendments address who can vote.
Naturalization is one way to become a citizen; birth is the other. Applicants take the Oath of Allegiance making promises of loyalty.
After the Convention, many opposed the Constitution because it lacked a list of rights. The Federalist Papers, 85 essays supporting the Constitution, were written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay, published 1787-1788 under the name 'Publius.'
Everyone living in the U.S. must follow the rule of law, including paying income taxes. Federal income tax forms are due by April 15. Men who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents between 18 and 26 must register for the Selective Service.
Americans can participate in democracy in many ways, such as voting, writing to a newspaper, or publicly giving opinions on issues.
Everyone must follow the rule of law and pay income taxes. Men 18-26 who are citizens or legal residents must register for the Selective Service.
The other amendments in the Bill of Rights list additional rights. The Sixth Amendment lists rights for people accused of breaking the law, including the right to a trial with a jury.
The Civil War was fought between the North and the South from 1861–1865. Slavery was one problem that led to the war. It began after 11 southern states left the U.S. to form the Confederate States of America. The North won when the South surrendered in April 1865.
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President (1861–1865), led the U.S. during the Civil War. He signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed the slaves in most Southern states. A few days after the South surrendered, Lincoln was assassinated (murdered for political reasons).
After the Civil War, enslaved people in Southern states were freed. On June 19, 1865, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were the last to learn they were free; this became the holiday Juneteenth. On December 6, 1865, the 13th Amendment was added to the Constitution, making slavery illegal in the United States.
During the 1800s, southern states depended on growing cotton and other crops using enslaved labor. Slaveowners wanted to expand slavery into new western states and territories. Most northern states passed laws against slavery and opposed its spread west, leading Congress to pass laws defining where slavery was legal.
Frederick Douglass escaped slavery and became an important civil rights leader famous for speeches and books about ending slavery. Susan B. Anthony fought to end slavery and for women's rights, including women's right to vote.
The U.S. fought several wars in the 1900s including both World Wars.
Women gained the vote in 1920; the Great Depression was a major economic crisis.
The U.S. entered Korea and Vietnam to stop communism; the civil rights movement fought discrimination.
The Gulf War freed Kuwait; September 11, 2001 was a major terrorist attack.
The Cold War was against the Soviet Union; Eisenhower was a key figure.
Many American Indian tribes exist; American innovations transformed the world.
Wars fought by the United States in the 1900s include World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the (Persian) Gulf War.
Franklin Roosevelt was President during the Great Depression and World War II.
In World War II, the United States fought Japan, Germany, and Italy (the Axis Powers).
The civil rights movement tried to end racial discrimination in the United States.
Martin Luther King, Jr. fought for civil rights and worked for equality for all Americans.
On September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked the United States.
Woodrow Wilson was President during World War I.
Before he was President, Eisenhower was a general in World War II.
During the Cold War, the main concern of the United States was Communism.
There are many federally recognized American Indian tribes, including Cherokee, Navajo, Sioux, Chippewa, Choctaw, Pueblo, Apache, Iroquois, Creek, and others. Naming one is required.
The Civil War (also called the War between the States) was fought between the North and the South. Problems leading to the Civil War included slavery, economic reasons, and states' rights.
Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves through the Emancipation Proclamation, saved (preserved) the Union, and led the United States during the Civil War. The Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in the Confederacy/Confederate states.
Wars fought by the United States in the 1800s include the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, and the Spanish-American War.
In 1803, the United States bought the Louisiana Territory (Louisiana) from France.
Susan B. Anthony fought for women's rights and civil rights.
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