| Year |
Developments in Jazz |
Historical Events |
| 1619 |
|
The first Africans are sold into slavery in America. |
| 1817 |
New Orleans city council establishes "Congo Square" as an official site for slave music and dance. |
Harvard Law School is founded, Mississippi becomes a state, and James Monroe is elected President. |
| 1865 |
|
Slavery is abolished in the US by the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution. |
| 1892 |
Pianist Tommy Turpin writes Harlem Rag, the first known ragtime composition. |
The Homestead Strike, one of the most serious labor disputes in US history occurred in Pittsburgh, General Electric Company was founded |
| 1895 |
Pianist Scott Joplin publishes his first two rags. Cornetist Buddy Bolden forms his band. |
Cinema is born. |
| 1896 |
|
Racial segregation is upheld by the Supreme Court. Radio technology is introduced. |
| 1897 |
The first piano rags appear in print. Ragtime grows in popularity. |
First subway in the United States created in Boston; William McKinney is elected President. |
| 1898 |
|
The US goes to war with Spain. |
| 1899 |
Scott Joplin's Maple Leaf Rag is published and sells over 100,000 copies. |
Felix Hoffman patents Aspirin, Spanish rule ends in Cuba
|
