Colonial Era (1651 - 1764)
Peoples of various nationalities and spurred by different motives pursue separate paths of development in the new land.
Revolutionary Era (1765 - 1782)
The period leading up to and including the revolution against British rule
Constitutional Era (1783 - 1799)
Government in the Early United States - the Continental Congress, Articles of Confederation, the State Constitutions, the Constitutional Convention
Early National Period (1800 - 1829)
Equality, opportunity, and individual autonomy are emphasised as both borders and the dynamic market economy expand.
The Age of Jackson (1830 - 1849)
Religious revival, reform philosophy, and a second American party system all seek to remake the country politically and morally.
Preparing for War (1850 - 1860)
The issue of 'Free Soil' or 'Constitutional Protection' is not settled by compromise. Political disintegration is brought to a head by the Dred Scott case.
The Civil War Era (1861 - 1865)
A nation divided against itself - more than a struggle over slavery or over state's rights, the war redefines the American nation.
Reconstruction (1866 - 1876)
The period during which the southern states of the Confederacy were controlled by Federal government, and social legislation, including the granting of new rights to blacks, was introduced. Dreams of social equality and justice are eventually forsaken for economic and political concerns.
The Gilded Age (1877 - 1899)
America enters an industrial era - this period is marked by depression, Populist revolt, and middle-class reform
Growth and Reform (1900 - 1913)
America becomes a world power, progressivism brings reform at all levels of government - city, state, and federal.
Boom Times (1920 - 1928)
A time of paradox and contradiction. While fear and intolerance (combined with postwar economic adjustments and labour unrest) trouble the nation, prosperity for the few is built on a shaky foundation.
The Great Depression (1929 - 1933)
The severe economic depression of 1929 to 1934. The stock market crash of 1929 is traditionally seen as the starting point.
The New Deal (1934 - 1938)
Attacking the Great Depression with a barrage of programs and agencies, the New Deal does not end the Depression, but it establishes the principle of federal responsibility for the health of the economy - affecting the daily life of all Americans
World War II Era (1939 - 1945)
Period covering the largest and deadliest war in history
Cold War Era (1946 - 1960)
Rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union using propaganda, blockade and airlift, economic pressure, aid to other countries, threats and promises - in short, every device short of actual military conflict.
