-
Salem Witch Trials
The Salem Witch Trials represent a dark moment in American history where paranoia and fear overwhelmed justice and morality. It was a chaotic time for citizens and no one was safe from the trials. Women were mainly accused, except in a few rare cases. Many lives were unfairly lost and terror reigned. Later, compensations were made, but no sum of money can fix the mistakes.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/a-brief-history-of-the-salem-witch-trials-175162489/ -
The Boston Massacre
Arguably one of the events that triggered the Revolutionary War, self-proclaimed "patriots" were protesting British soldiers in their city when thrown snowballs resulted in gunshots. The citizens were enraged and that anger contributed to their eventual fight for freedom. It was the first bloodshed of the war and fueled the wrath that the war used. Without it, the war wouldn't have been the same. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-boston-massacre -
War of 1812
Trade and expansion disagreements triggered the war. The British military was too much, thus a peace treaty was quickly constructed. This war disrupted many parts of life for both countries. On land, Native Americans were attacking people more, which the United States blamed on Great Britain. The United States was running out of money, too. It put the US in financial crisis and caused fear in their citizens.
https://www.thoughtco.com/war-of-1812-an-overview-2361373 -
Trail of Tears
This was an event in which the government desperately tried to get Native Americans off their own land. They sent soldiers to enforce it and they were forced to march. It is known as the trail of tears because of how many lives were lost. Lives were claimed via illnesses, starvation, and other factors. The tribe populations were greatly reduced and suddenly, they were left with nothing. https://www.history.com/topics/native-american-history/trail-of-tears#section_3 -
Women's Suffrage Movement
The Women's Suffrage Movement was a movement for women's civil rights, namely the right to vote. Fueled by individuals such as Susan B. Anthony, it gained attention quickly. The impact that it had was profound. As more heard about it, more men and women joined. Their cries for equality were eventually heard and women were granted the right to vote. It changed our country's entire culture.
https://www.history.com/topics/womens-history/the-fight-for-womens-suffrage -
Reconstruction
This was a period after the Civil War in which events like the rise of the Klu Klux Klan and the "black codes" plagued the era. Although slavery was supposed to end, it didn't really stop. Oppression and discrimination ran rampant for years after. It impacted the citizens by telling them that even though they won the war, their fight was not over. Many African American lives were unfairly claimed. https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/reconstruction -
World War I
Known as the "Great War," this was a fight between many nations in alliances. It started with an assassination and grew into something more. The United States refrained from joining until the end and cooperated with both sides, until it was realized that it would not work anymore. Countries felt threatened around the world and joined an alliance. It claimed many lives and caused fear in citizens. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-i/world-war-i-history -
Prohibition
This was a period of time in which the government attempted to restrict alcohol. Criminals such as Al Capone found success in "bootlegging" alcohol and drinking did not stop. Rather, it magnified. It turned from a public activity to an underground one. Speakeasies were prominent in this time period as well. It didn't last for long because it was hard to control. It caused rebellions in citizens.
https://www.history.com/topics/roaring-twenties/prohibition -
World War II
This was another worldwide battle and included 30 countries. World War II is most known for Germany's reign of terror with Adolf Hitler at the helm, with his Nazi party to carry out his deadly wishes. Millions of Jewish people died in Nazi Germany as a result of his laws, concentration camps, and cruelty. It is one of the deadliest and darkest periods and will be remembered as such. It scarred people around the world.
https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii -
First African-American President
Barack Obama was born in Hawaii. He graduated from Columbia University and Harvard Law School and married fellow lawyer, Michelle Robinson. They had two children, Sasha and Malia, and lived in Chicago. In 2009, he became the 44th President of the United States with Joe Biden as his Vice President and served two terms. It inspired people, showing that you can do anything, no matter what color your skin is.
https://www.biography.com/people/barack-obama-12782369
