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Reconstruction officially ended after the Compromise of 1877, which pulled federal troops out of the South. This allowed Southern states to enforce racist laws again. It made life way harder for African Americans and set civil rights back a long time. -
The U.S. fought Spain after the explosion of the USS Maine. It only lasted a few months, but the U.S. ended up gaining control of places like Puerto Rico and the Philippines. It showed America was becoming a world power. -
In 1903, the Wright brothers flew the first powered airplane in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. It didn’t go far, but it was the start of aviation. That flight changed how people travel forever. -
World War 1 (1914-1918) was a widespread conflict between major world powers. It started with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and resulted to devastating trench warfare and the death of millions. The war was ended with the Treaty of Versailles which harshly reprimanded Germany which cause tensions that lead into World War 2. -
The 19th Amendment was passed in 1920, giving women the right to vote. It was the result of decades of hard work by suffragists. This was a major step forward for gender equality in the U.S. -
In October 1929, the stock market crashed and started the Great Depression. Tons of people lost their jobs, homes, and savings. It was the worst economic crisis in U.S. history. -
WWII began when Hitler invaded Poland in 1939, and countries like Britain and France declared war on Germany. It lasted six years and became the deadliest war ever. The Holocaust and the use of atomic bombs were major parts of it. -
Japan bombed the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. It killed over 2,000 Americans and shocked the nation. The next day, the U.S. entered WWII. -
This Supreme Court case ruled that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. It ended the “separate but equal” idea. It was a big deal for the Civil Rights Movement. -
Nigeria gained independence from Britain on October 1, 1960. It became a republic in 1963, but has faced challenges like civil war, corruption, and military coups. Despite the struggles, it remains one of Africa’s most influential countries. -
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 made it illegal to discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It helped end segregation in public places. It was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson after years of protest. -
The Berlin Wall, which had divided East and West Germany, was taken down in 1989. It symbolized the end of the Cold War. People from both sides celebrated as Germany started to reunite. -
In 1991, the Soviet Union officially broke apart into 15 separate countries. This ended the Cold War and made the U.S. the world’s only superpower at the time. It was a massive shift in global politics and affected countries all over the world. -
Barack Obama was elected president in 2008. He was the first African American to hold the office. His campaign focused on hope and change, and it inspired a lot of people. -
The Supreme Court ruled in 2015 that same-sex marriage was legal in all 50 states. It was a major win for LGBTQ+ rights. Many people celebrated, while others were still against it. -
The coronavirus outbreak started in late 2019 and spread worldwide. Countries shut down, schools closed, and masks became a thing. It changed daily life for everyone for years. -
After George Floyd was killed by a police officer in 2020, massive protests happened across the U.S. and the world. People demanded justice and police reform. The phrase “Black Lives Matter” became even more widespread. -
Supporters of President Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol to try to stop the 2020 election certification. It was chaotic and violent, and several people died. It shocked the country and led to investigations. -
A gunman opened fire at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, killing 21 people, including 19 kids. It reignited debates about gun laws and school safety. The police response faced heavy criticism. -
In 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The war caused thousands of deaths and created a major refugee crisis. Countries around the world responded with sanctions and support for Ukraine.