Timeline of the history of the United States (1790–1819)

This timeline outlines significant events in the history of the United States from 1790 to 1819, a period marked by the consolidation of the new nation, expansion westward, political development, and international conflicts.

1790

• January 8: President George Washington delivers the first State of the Union address to Congress in New York City.
• January 14: Alexander Hamilton submits his "Report on Public Credit" to Congress, proposing the federal government assume state debts.
• July 16: The Residence Act is passed, designating a site along the Potomac River for the permanent capital of the United States.
• August 4: The Tariff Act of 1789 goes into effect, imposing duties on imported goods to generate revenue for the federal government and protect domestic industries.
• August 4: President Washington signs the Indian Trade and Intercourse Act, aiming to regulate trade between Native Americans and non-Native Americans.
• December 12: Philadelphia becomes the temporary capital of the United States.

1791

• February 25: President Washington signs a bill chartering the First Bank of the United States, a key component of Hamilton's financial plan.
• March 3: Congress imposes a tax on distilled spirits, leading to the Whiskey Rebellion.
• December 15: The Bill of Rights, comprising the first ten amendments to the Constitution, becomes part of the Constitution upon ratification by Virginia.

1792

• February 20: The Postal Service Act establishes the United States Post Office Department.
• March 16: President Washington signs the Coinage Act, establishing the United States Mint and standardizing American currency.
• November 8: George Washington is re-elected as President of the United States.

1793

• April 22: President Washington issues the Neutrality Proclamation, declaring the United States neutral in the war between France and Great Britain.
• Yellow fever epidemic strikes Philadelphia, then the nation’s capital.

1794

• Whiskey Rebellion: Farmers in western Pennsylvania protest the whiskey tax, leading to federal intervention.
• November 19: The Jay Treaty is signed between the United States and Great Britain, aiming to resolve outstanding issues from the Revolutionary War and prevent war.

1795

• August 3: The Treaty of Greenville is signed, ceding Native American lands in the Northwest Territory to the United States.
• October 27: The Treaty of San Lorenzo (Pinckney's Treaty) is signed with Spain, granting the United States navigation rights on the Mississippi River and establishing the boundary between the United States and Spanish Florida.

1796

• September 19: George Washington's Farewell Address is published, warning against political factions and entangling alliances.
• November: John Adams is elected as the second President of the United States.

1797

• March 4: John Adams is inaugurated as President of the United States.
• The XYZ Affair occurs, leading to a quasi-war with France.

1798

• The Alien and Sedition Acts are passed, restricting immigration and limiting freedom of speech and the press.

1799

• George Washington dies on December 14.

1800

• November: Thomas Jefferson is elected as the third President of the United States.
• The capital of the United States moves to Washington, D.C.

1801

• March 4: Thomas Jefferson is inaugurated as President of the United States.

1803

• The Louisiana Purchase: The United States acquires a vast territory from France, doubling the size of the nation.
• Marbury v. Madison: The Supreme Court establishes the principle of judicial review.

1804

• The Lewis and Clark Expedition begins, exploring the Louisiana Territory.
• Alexander Hamilton is killed in a duel with Aaron Burr.
• Thomas Jefferson is re-elected as President of the United States.
• The 12th Amendment to the Constitution is ratified, revising the procedure for electing the President and Vice President.

1807

• The Embargo Act is passed, restricting American trade with foreign nations.

1808

• James Madison is elected as the fourth President of the United States.

1809

• March 4: James Madison is inaugurated as President of the United States.

1812

• The War of 1812 begins between the United States and Great Britain.
• James Madison is re-elected as President of the United States.

1814

• British forces burn Washington, D.C.
• December 24: The Treaty of Ghent is signed, ending the War of 1812.

1815

• January 8: The Battle of New Orleans is fought, resulting in an American victory (although it occurred after the treaty was signed).

1816

• James Monroe is elected as the fifth President of the United States.

1817

• March 4: James Monroe is inaugurated as President of the United States.

1819

• The Adams-Onís Treaty is signed with Spain, ceding Florida to the United States.
• The Panic of 1819 begins, marking the first major financial crisis in the United States.