Begin Here
Start with the story
An overview of the era, a chronology of its events, and the Americans who lived through it.
The Era
engraving — the CapitolOverview
An Introduction
What the decades between the War of 1812 and the Civil War were — and why they mattered.
Read the introduction →
print — CharlestonTimeline
A Chronology
The events of the era in order, from the Missouri Compromise to the eve of secession.
Follow the timeline →
portrait — AmericansPeople
The Americans
The presidents, reformers, writers and agitators who shaped the age.
Meet the people →
