1955 – 1975

By SGilreath0409

  • JUL 17, 1955

    Disneyland, the brainchild of Walt Disney, whose father had worked at previous world's fairs and inspired his son to build the iconic Magic Castle and other exhibits opens in Anaheim, California, with the backing of the new television network, ABC. Disneyland California remains today as one of the greatest theme park capitals of the world and some say is second only to his second park built some years later on the other side of the country, Disney World Florida.

  • APR 29, 1957

    The goal of the 1957 Civil Rights Act was to ensure that all Americans could exercise their right to vote. The U.S. Congress approves the first civil rights bill since reconstruction with additional protection of voting rights. This affected the economy because it was another step in the Civil Rights Movement.

  • OCT 4, 1957

    Sputnik was the first artificial Earth satellite. This affected the U.S. economy because there was a new emphasis on science and technology in American schools.

  • AUG 21, 1959

    The United States is growing. Also, Alaska's economy is based on the oil industry. Tourism is the second industry in the state. It brings about a billion dollars to the state economy. Travel and tourism is super important in Hawaii. They have tropical weather and beaches that attract tourists from all over.

  • JAN 1, 1960

    John F. Kennedy’s campaign promised to “Get America moving again” which he referred to as the American economy. He wanted economic growth at an annual 4-6% and unemployment at 4%.
    This showed that the government wanted to move forward and improve the statistics from previous years. He also wanted to cut taxes and pressed for medical help for the elderly.

  • NOV 22, 1963

    President Kennedy Assassination. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated during a car drive.

  • MAR 8, 1965

    The first U.S. ground combat unit of any branch to reach Vietnam was the Third Marine Regiment, Third Marine Division, which began arriving on March 8, 1965.

  • SEP 23, 1966

    Minimum Wage Increases from 1.25 to 1.60 dollars an hour.

  • FEB 21, 1972

    President Richard Nixon visits China, an important step in formally normalizing relations between the United States and China. This helped open trade for the economy.

  • APR 4, 1975

    Bill Gates founded Microsoft, which in time dominated the home computer operating system market.