The 1800s

What to know

In 1803 the United States bought the Louisiana Territory from France, roughly doubling the size of the country.

The Civil War was fought from 1861 to 1865 between the Union (Northern states) and the Confederacy (Southern states that tried to leave the Union). Abraham Lincoln was President during the war.

In 1863 Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared enslaved people in the rebelling states free. After the war, the 13th Amendment ended slavery throughout the country.

Key facts to remember

• Louisiana Purchase from France: 1803.
• The Civil War was between the Union and the Confederacy.
• Abraham Lincoln led the country during the Civil War.
• The Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863.
• The 13th Amendment ended slavery.

Read the official study materials

This summary is our own and doesn’t replace the official guide. Read “The 1800s” in the USCIS study materials on uscis.gov, then test yourself below. Next topic: Recent American history.