Modern Era
Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806): Crossing a Continent
The Corps of Discovery reached the Pacific and returned, mapping the Missouri and Columbia routes and recording hundreds of plants, animals and Native communities.
Region
Americas
Modern Era
Fulton's Clermont (1807): First Commercial Steamboat Service
The voyage launched the first commercially successful steamboat service, opening the age of steam navigation on American rivers.
Modern Era
May Revolution (1810): Argentina's First Step to Independence
Viceroy Cisneros was removed and replaced by the Primera Junta on 25 May 1810, the first self-governing authority of what became Argentina.
Modern Era
Mexican War of Independence (1810-1821): From Dolores to Freedom
Spanish rule in New Spain ended with the Plan of Iguala and the Treaty of Córdoba, and the Mexican Empire was proclaimed independent in September 1821.
Modern Era
Battle of Tippecanoe (1811): Harrison and Tecumseh's Confederacy
Harrison's force repulsed a dawn attack and then burned Prophetstown, damaging Tenskwatawa's prestige but pushing Tecumseh's confederacy towards alliance with Britain.
Modern Era
New Madrid Earthquakes (1811-1812): Shaking the Mississippi
Three very large earthquakes and thousands of aftershocks reshaped the land, created Reelfoot Lake and led to the first US federal disaster relief act in 1815.
Modern Era
Battle of Queenston Heights (1812): The Death of Isaac Brock
British, Canadian militia and Haudenosaunee forces defeated the American invasion and captured over 900 prisoners, but Major General Isaac Brock was killed.
Modern Era
War of 1812: Britain and the United States at War Again
The Treaty of Ghent restored pre-war borders; Canada remained British, the United States gained confidence, and Native nations lost their British ally and much of their land.
Modern Era
Battle of Lake Erie (1813): Perry's Victory in the War of 1812
The entire British squadron surrendered, giving the United States control of Lake Erie and forcing the British to abandon Detroit.
Modern Era
Battle of Baltimore (1814): Fort McHenry and the Anthem
American victory; the British army and fleet withdrew after failing to break Baltimore's defences.
Modern Era
Burning of Washington (1814): When British Troops Torched DC
British forces burned the Capitol, the President's House and other public buildings, then withdrew after about 26 hours in the city.
Modern Era
Battle of New Orleans (1815): Andrew Jackson's Famous Victory
Decisive American victory; the British assault failed with about 2,000 casualties and the expedition withdrew.