1490 – present
US History
Four centuries, from a few hundred settlers on the James River to a world superpower, told through the people who lived it and the events that turned it.
Explore by era
Six eras of American history
1490 – 1769
Colonial America
Jamestown, Plymouth, New Amsterdam and the long road from colonies to a people.
1770 – 1819
Revolution and Founding
Thirteen colonies break with Britain and invent a new kind of government.
1820 – 1879
Expansion and Civil War
A nation grows west, divides over slavery, and fights its bloodiest war.
1880 – 1919
Industry, Immigration and WWI
Railroads, inventors and millions of newcomers make America an industrial power.
1920 – 1945
Depression and World War II
Boom, bust, and a global war fought on two oceans.
1946 – present
Modern America
The Cold War, civil rights, and a changing role in the world.
Meanwhile in Europe
Much of America’s early history was decided in London and Paris. See World History for England, France and Napoleon.