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World War I
World War I was an international conflict that began on July 28th, 1914 and ended on November 11th,1918. The war pitted the Central Powers—mainly Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Turkey—against the Allies—mainly France, Great Britain, Russia, Italy, Japan, and the United States. Nebraska's economy did well during the war. -
Invention of Kool-Aid
Kool-Aid, the popular powdered drink mix, was developed by Edwin Perkins in Hastings, Nebraska. As a boy working in his family's general store in Hendley, Perkins became interested in a new powdered dessert mix named Jell-O and persuaded his father to carry it in the store. -
The Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression that took place mostly during the 1930s, beginning in the United States. The timing of the Great Depression varied around the world; in most countries, it started in 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s. Nebraskans farmers were already doing poorly in the 1920’s and the 1930’s made things even worse. -
Dust Bowl
The Dust Bowl was the name given to the drought-stricken Southern Plains region of the United States, which suffered severe dust storms during a dry period in the 1930s. As high winds and choking dust swept the region from Texas to Nebraska, people and livestock were killed and crops failed across the entire region. It harshly damaged the economic growth in the great plains. -
The First Session of the Unicameral
In 1934, Nebraska voters enthusiastically endorsed the idea and in 1937 Nebraska became the first and only state to have a unicameral legislature. This gavel opened the first unicameral legislative session on January 5, 1937. -
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World War II
World War II was the biggest and deadliest war in history, involving more than 30 countries. Sparked by the Nazi invasion of Poland, the war dragged on for six bloody years until the Allies defeated Nazi Germany and Japan. Nebraska grew food for the allied troops and ration many goods such as gas, oil, rubber, and steel. -
SAC Is At Offutt Air Force Base
Offutt served over 40 years as the headquarters for the former Strategic Air Command (SAC) and home for its associated ground and aerial command centers for the U.S. in case of nuclear war during the Cold War. The population was 8,901 at the 2000 census. -
UNL Students protest the Vietnam War
Protests during the Vietnam era were not a phenomenon that occurred solely at the University, but the resiliency of UNL students was unique in that it showed their unfaltering resolve. Prior to the draft, students already had begun to protest the war. Campaigns ensued for the “New NU,” a university in which students could learn freely, and discuss topics that were pertinent to the time around them. -
Race Riots In Omaha
Riots erupted after a 19-year-old was shot by a white, off-duty policeman during a burglary. The Omaha World-Herald and local television stations were criticized for blaming African Americans for their deteriorating neighborhoods, which had been redlined. -
Gerald Ford Elected President
Gerald Ford's tenure as the 38th president of the United States began on August 9, 1974, upon the resignation of Richard Nixon from office, and ended on January 20, 1977, a period of 895 days.
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Ford attended the University of Michigan, where he was a member of the school's football team, winning two National Championships.