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The Founding of Jamestown
Jamestown was the first English settlement ever created in the New World. Since the New World was a terrain that the English weren't used to, the people of Jamestown struggled. Many people would die of starvation and disease which is known as today as the "Starving Time." People who lived there included Puritans and Pilgrims who moved to the New World for religious reasons. Jamestown impacted America because it was the first settlement of people in what would eventually become America. -
Hutchinson and Williams Exiled
Anne Hutchinson and Roger Williams were both exiled because they were accused of Heresy. Heresy basically means that you are committing an anti-Christian crime. Both of them were exiled from Massachusetts in 1637. Roger Williams then founded Rhode Island where all beliefs were welcome. Roger Williams impacts America because he was one of the first people who created a civilization where people of all beliefs could be accepted for who they are. -
Molasses Act
The Molasses Act was the tax put upon the colonists where they had to pay taxes on sugar and molasses. The colonists didn't like the Molasses Act because they claimed that the British couldn't make enough sugar and molasses to keep the colonists' needs. The Molasses Act stayed until 1764 where it got replaced by the Sugar Act. This act impacted America because it was the first time where Americans were treated poorly by the British government. -
7 Years War
The Seven Years War was a fight between the Britain and France. The cause of the Seven Years War was mainly because there was land that both the French and the English claimed was theirs. The young British general, George Washington, was the one who sparked the start of the war. Britain ended up winning the war, but started taxing Americans to try and get out of debt. This impacted America because America could've been drastically different today if France had won the War. -
Proclamation of 1763
The Proclamation of 1763 was created at the end of the 7 Years War. It stated that the British would get all land up to the Appalachian Mountains. It also stated that the French were not allowed to have any more land in North America and they had to forfeit all of their previous land to the British. This impacted America because it shows the Independence of Americans because some Americans still left to go West anyways, regardless of what the King said. -
Sugar Act
The Sugar Act(also known as the revenue act) was a tax that the colonists had to pay if they were to buy sugar or molasses from foreign countries. ushistory.org states that colonists had to pay 6 pence per gallon of foreign molasses. The Sugar Act was also the Act that brought up the idea of "No Taxation Without Representation" where if the British were going to tax the colonists, then the colonists wanted a say in Parliament. This impacted America because it was the first signs to Independence. -
Quartering Act
Due to the increase of Colonist protests, Britain sent more soldiers to the colonists to put them back into line. Since the soldiers didn't have any houses of their own in the colonies, the Quartering Act was created. Colonists were forced to house, feed, and take care of the British soldiers. This outraged the colonists because they already didn't like the soldiers and now they had to let them live with them. This impacted America because some people started to think about a Revolution. -
Stamp Act
Created by George Grenville and established in the same year as the Quartering Act, the Stamp Act was an Act where if anyone wanted legal documents, they needed the King's stamp on it, and the King's stamp costed money to get. Some of these legal document included marriage licenses, birth certificates, land deeds. Merchants and Attorneys suffered greatly from this Act because they needed the most documents. This impacted America because this Act brought Americans another step toward Revolution. -
Townshend Acts
The Townshend Act is a set of taxes that were put on various imported goods. The five main goods that the Townshend Act effected was glass, lead, paper, tea, and paint, and all the products had to be imported from Britain. So now, not only did colonists have to pay taxes on foreign goods already, but they now had to pay taxes on goods imported from Britain as well. This Act impacted America because it was yet another reason Americans were going to start a Revolution. -
Boston Massacre
On March 5, 1770, British Soldiers were guarding the Customs House in Boston. Protesters began to show up and taunt the British soldiers. The colonist's taunting slowly got worse and worse. They started to throw snow at the soldiers, and then the snow turned into rocks. A rock struck one of the soldiers, and in the heat of the moment, the soldiers opened fire into the crowd. The impact on America was that it was one of the final straws for Americans and it was another step toward Revolution. -
Boston Tea Party
In the middle of the day at Boston Harbor, new shipments of British Tea arrived. To protest Parliament's tax on tea and Taxation Without Representation, the Sons of Liberty(Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and many others) dressed up as Native Americans and went aboard the British ships and dumped a bunch of tea into the Harbor. More than 92,000 pounds of tea was dropped. This event impacted America because it shows the determination that Americans had back then and that we still have today. -
Intolerable Acts
The Intolerable Acts were passed after the Boston Tea Party. King George was outraged of what happened at Boston Harbor and he had Parliament pass the Intolerable Acts. The Intolerable Acts enforced the Quartering Act on colonists, taxes were raised, assemblies were outlawed, and royal officials who were accused of crimes were sent to England. The worst part however, is that they closed the port of Boston. This was impactful because this truly was the last straw toward the American Revolution. -
First Continental Congress
The first Continental Congress was formed by delegates from 12 of the 13 colonies(Georgia did not participate) because they needed to try and figure out what they were going to do after the Intolerable Acts. Half of them wanted to call for a Revolution, the other half wanted to try and repair their relationship with Britain. They tried to fix their relationship with Britain first, but King George told them no. This impacted America because it shows America unifying for the first time. -
Battle of Lexington and Concord
The Battle of Lexington and Concord is considered the start of the American Revolution. It started by the British finding out that the colonists have been hiding guns and resources in case of revolution, so they went to Concord to try and stop them. The colonists found out however and got their resources out before the British showed up, and the Americans won the battle. This battle was impacted America because it showed America wouldn't go down easily and it shows the heart we still have today. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress was created around a month after the battle of Lexington and Concord. The committee's goal was to start preparing for the war against Britain. They had to establish a Continental Army, they had to create new currency to pay their soldiers, and they had to organize a committee to deal with foreign nations. They also needed someone to lead the Continental Army. This impacted America because it showed that America could work together. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was created by the Congress members of the Continental Congress. Written by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence includes three major American beliefs. The people have rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, all men are created equal, and the people have the duty of protecting those rights. The Declaration of Independence is known as the creation of America. This impacts America because these are the standards we follow everday. -
The French Join the Americans
Benjamin Franklin had been working for months to try and get the French to aid the Americans in the war. The French, before joining, wanted assurance that America would win the war, so they waited. After some key victory battles for America, mainly the Battle of Saratoga, France decided they would help America win the war and sent them troops and ships. France was ready to get payback for their defeat of the 7 Years War. This impacted America because it showed America's first alliance. -
Battle of Yorktown
After being retreated all the way to Yorktown Virginia, George Washington faced off against General Cornwallis. After being surrounded by American and French forces and ships, the British finally surrendered. The Battle of Yorktown was the final battle of the American Revolution. The battle is important because that won battle was the battle that secured America's Independence. This battle impacted America because if we didn't win this battle, we all might've been British right now. -
Treaty of Paris
Though the Battle of Yorktown was the final battle of the American Revolution, the US still had to create a treaty with Britain to officially end the war. The Treaty of Paris recognized the United States as an independent nation and the US was granted all British land in North America from the Atlantic Ocean and Mississippi River, to the Northern parts of British Canada. This impacted America because it was the first time America was recognized as a country. -
Creation of US Government
The first major task for America was that they needed to establish a government. They decided that they were going to need a President that could lead America, and they unanimously selected George Washington. They also decided that the President should have a cabinet of members to help him, this included a Secretary of War, a Secretary of State, and a Secretary of Treasury. They also created a Supreme Court, National Bank, and tariffs to help the government make money. We still have these today. -
Invention of the Cotton Gin
Invented by Eli Whitney, the Cotton Gin was created to make it easier to pick seeds out of cotton. Before the Cotton Gin, it was very difficult to get the seeds out of the cotton, but now it was as easy as the twist of a handle. However, due to the invention of the Cotton Gin, slavery in the South boomed because they were getting cotton at faster rates. This impacted America because it increased the amount of slaves in the country, and slavery(even though it wasn't back then) is bad. -
Jeffersonian Era
When Thomas Jefferson won the Election of 1800, it marked the end of the Federalist Power in the United States, which is why this event is also known as the "Revolution of 1800." Jefferson believed in having peace with all nations, he supported state governments, the preservation of general government, punishment for people who revolt, and equal treatment for all men. He also wanted a well trained militia, freedom of religion, freedom of press, honest payments of debts, and much more. -
Louisiana Purchase
During Jefferson's presidency, he thought that it was important to maintain control of New Orleans and the Mississippi River. Jefferson went to France and originally only wanted New Orleans, but France's leader, Napoleon, wasn't going to sell it unless Jefferson wanted the whole Louisiana territory. Jefferson paid 15 million dollars for the Louisiana territory, that is about 4 cents per acre of land. This impacted America because it helped lead to Westward expansion and new states like Kansas. -
Marbury vs. Madison
James Madison intercepted a letter sent by former president John Adams to John Marbury, granting him a federal judgeship. Madison is told not to deliver it which ends up getting him sued by Marbury. The Court sided with Madison because they deemed the Judiciary Act on Marbury "unconstitutional." This court case was important because it showed that the court could strike anyone down because they claimed the right for Judicial Review. This impacted the US because it showed the Court had power. -
Embargo Act
The Embargo Act was enacted by Thomas Jefferson because France and Britain were both at war and the US was trading with both of them, and to keep bad blood from forming with either country, America stopped trading with both countries as the war was going on. The Embargo Act banned foreign trade for Americans. It was unpopular and destroyed the US economy. It helped shape America because it let us advance to manufacturing and create American goods which helped our economy. -
Causes for the War of 1812
Britain still didn't respect America as a country, and their actions showed that. The first cause of the War of 1812 was that Britain was taking sailors off of American ships and making them work on British ships, which is basically kidnapping. Britain was also supporting the Native Americans that didn't like America by giving them gun training and weapons. The US demanded respect. This impacted America because this war did give us more respect in the world. -
The Battle of New Orleans
Due to the amount of time it took for news to spread in the early 1800s, the Battle of New Orleans took place after the Treaty of Ghent had been signed. Led by General Andrew Jackson, the Americans were set to defend New Orleans from the British. The Americans dominated the British, with the British suffering over 2,000 casualties to Jackson's 71. This battle impacted America because America was seen as the victors of the war is it showed glimpses of the US slowly becoming a world power. -
Election of 1824
In the early 1800s, to win the presidency the President had to win 50% or more of the popular vote. However in 1824, that didn't happen. The election was mainly between John Q. Adams and Andrew Jackson, neither person got 50% so it went to a vote at the House of Representatives. The House was to vote themselves on who should be president, in which Adams won from the corrupt bargain. This impacted America because it showed that there are shady people in office and there are even more people today -
Spoils System
The Spoils System was created by Andrew Jackson. The Spoils System gave loyal people of the President's party government jobs even though most of the time the people weren't qualified to have a government job. However the common people liked it because it gave them the chance to make something of themselves in the world of politics. The Spoils System impacted America because it provided common people with the chance to have a career in politics. -
Tariff of Abominations
The Tariff of Abominations was created by President John Q. Adams. The Tariff of Abominations raised the prices on foreign goods. The North liked this because since they have industrialized they are now making more money because more people are buying American made goods. However the South didn't like it because less people bought their cotton, which was their main source of income. This tariff impacted America because it almost led to secession for the first time. -
Change in Culture Between the North and South
With new inventions of the Railroad, steam engine, etc, The Northern states had focused less off of farming and more on industry and manufacturing. While the North was modernizing and keeping up with the rest of the world, the South was stuck in the past. The South was still in love with cotton and it was the only thing keeping the South's economy up. Eventually, the South would have find different ways to make money. This impacted America because it caused a major problem in unifying the nation -
Invention of the Railroad
The Invention of the Railroad was probably one of the biggest inventions in American History. Before the Railroad, people had to deliver goods through ships, or foot. It made it longer for goods to be delivered and it costed more money to deliver. With the invention of the Railroad, people were able to transport their goods quicker and cheaper, which was a big gamechanger. This impacted America because it was the start of an industrialization period in America that would help us modernize. -
Trail of Tears
Jackson's Indian Removal Plan, also known as the Trail of Tears, was the process of moving Native Americans out of American land and into the West. It was hard for the Natives because the West was often nothing but grassy plains and they were used to living in forests. The Natives had no time to prepare to leave and were closely guarded by the US military. This event impacted the US because it showed the dark side of the US and that there are flaws with every nation. -
Nullification Crisis
The South was still angry about the Tariff of Abominations and claimed that it was unconstitutional because it favored the North. The tariff was reduced in 1832 and was known as the Nullification Ordinance, but the South was still upset. The South nulled the Tariff, which wasn't allowed. South Carolina also threatened to secede, which Jackson said would be treason. However an agreement was soon made. This event impacted America because it was now the second time the South threatened to secede. -
America vs. Mexico
After letting Americans into Texas, Mexico wanted America out because they were overcrowded with Americans. Americans however didn't want to leave. This created a big conflict which led to Americans being killed at The Battle of the Alamo. This made the US angry and we went to war with Mexico. We easily won against the new country and we got new territory, including Texas and California. This impacted America because with our new land, the building of America was almost complete. -
Bleeding Kansas
With the new Popular Sovereignty rule among the states, everyone wanted to try and swing votes to make new states free/slave states. In one instance, Kansas applied for state hood, so many Southerners and Northerners moved to Kansas to try and swing the vote. There were a lot of violent events that happened in Kansas. Families were killed, people were injured, etc. John Brown was a leading activist during that time. This impacted America because it showed how divided we are becoming. -
The Caning of Senator Charles Sumner
Tension were high between the North and the South, everyone was on edge. Both sides were insulting each other, arguing with one another, no one could get along, and it was becoming more and more violent. On May 5, 1856, Senator Charles Sumner was giving a speech regarding to the South and their fraudulent votes at Kansas. Southern Senator Preston Brooks became offended and beat Senator Sumner almost to death with his cane. This event impacted America because it showed we were coming toward war. -
Anaconda Plan
In hopes to win the war quickly, the North devised the Anaconda Plan. The plan was to use ships and surround the South's ports so that they couldn't receive any resources. Then, General Ulysses Grant and General Sherman would make their way down the Mississippi and split the South in two. Then If Richmond could be taken the war would be over. This impacted America because the plan somewhat didn't work because they couldn't win Richmond so it proved the war would be harder than Lincoln thought. -
The Start of the Civil War
With the election of Abraham Lincoln, the South was scared he was going to take away their slaves even though Lincoln repeatedly told them he wasn't going to. South Carolina ended up seceding, and after around 8 months, the whole South except for two states seceded with them. Lincoln was going to use military force to bring the South back to the Union, and with that, the Civil War began. This impacted America because we were now split and we would be in trouble if the Union isn't preserved. -
The Homestead Act
The Homestead Act was created to try and influence American families to move West. Each family who moved West would receive 160 acres of land(80 if your alone) for free. However, you only get to keep the land if you have been living on the land for five years, farm the land, and you were required to improve the property. This impacted America greatly because land=opportunity and it helped expansion in the West and the West started becoming more profitable. -
Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation was created by Abraham Lincoln. The Proclamation freed all the slaves in the South. The Proclamation technically didn't work because since the South wasn't part of the Union, Lincoln couldn't make laws for them, so the slaves technically weren't freed. However once the South would return to the Union the slaves would be freed. The Proclamation impacted America because it was one step closer toward equality for blacks. -
Lincoln's 10% Plan
The first step toward Reconstruction was to get the South back into the Union. Lincoln came up with a 10% Plan to do so. To get back into the Union, 10% of Southern state populations had to swear loyalty to the Union, Confederate leaders had to swear loyalty to the Union, and the Southern states had to outlaw slavery in their constitution. This Plan impacted the United States because even though there are still some hardships, the US was working hard to work through it and become unified again. -
Wade-Davis Bill
Many people believed that Lincoln was being too lenient on the South and that he needed to be more harsh. So Senator Benjamin Wade and Congressman Henry Davis created a new plan. In the plan, 50% of states' populations had to swear loyalty to the Union, and only non-confederates could vote and hold political offices. Lincoln didn't sign the bill, but he was later assassinated. The Wade-Davis Bill could have impacted America because if passed, the Republicans would have been in control forever. -
The Final Virginia Campaign
With the reelection of Abraham Lincoln, he was ready to finally finish this war. He took his best general, Ulysses S. Grant, and ordered him to take Richmond. Lincoln's other generals have failed, but Grant had a plan. Grant basically threw as many of his men he could at the South until they won. Grant was seen as a murderer for this, but it won the North the war. This event impacted America because winning the Civil War brought the Union back together. -
Freedmen's Bureau
When slavery was abolished, blacks needed help starting their new life of freedom. To help, the Freedmen's Bureau was created. The Freedmen's Bureau helped newly freed black people sign work contracts, start schools, secure loans, purchase land, and provide legal aid. The Freedmen's Bureau impacted America because even though the Freedmen's Bureau didn't work out that well, it showed that America was taking steps in the right direction for equality. -
Surrender at Appomattox
When Grant finally caught General Lee, Lee surrendered. Lee's surrendering marked the end of the Civil War. There were over 600,000 American casualties, the most out of any war America has fought. General Lee offered General Grant his sword, but Grant refused, telling him that he has fought valiantly. This event impacts America because it shows that no matter how bad of a fight we are in we still show respect for each other when respect is due. -
Southern Defiance
With Blacks being freed, the South didn't like that at all. In order to try and regain control of blacks, they started passing black codes. The codes were meant to restrict blacks' freedom. Some of these codes restricted blacks from purchasing land, borrowing money, or testify against whites in court. This impacted America in the wrong way because just when it looked like America was taking steps in the right direction toward equality, the black codes took a giant step back. -
Transcontinental Railroad
With the obtainment of new land, Lincoln and the government wanted to expand West. To do this, the government wanted to create a giant Railroad. The project would start in Sacramento and Omaha and they would meet in the middle. It was considered one of the biggest projects in the world. When it was finished, it greatly influenced the immigration in the South. It impacted America greatly because now the West was making them money which helped improve the economy. -
Sharecropping
With Slavery being abolished, Southerners needed to find new employees to work their farms so that they could start making money again. Newly freed blacks had trouble getting money and land, so Southerners created sharecropping. Sharecropping was where in exchange for little money and land, you had to work on the person's farm until you paid off your debt. Southerners would make it to where it was impossible to pay off the debt. America was impacted badly by this because it was basically slavery -
The Dawes Act
To try and get Native Americans to embrace American Culture and a chance to become American, they were offered the Dawes Act. The Dawes Act was basically the same thing as the Homestead Act except it was for Native Americans. Families got 160 acres of free land, but to keep the land they had to live and farm it successfully for 5 years. Many Natives took advantage. This impacted America because Natives were beginning to learn the American way of life and the government was getting tribal lands. -
Muckrakers
Muckrakers(Journalists) were important during the Progressive Era because they shined the light on the problems with America that everyone else was overlooking, and wanted to pretend didn't exsist. Some of these Muckrakers focused on different problems, some focused on child labor, others focused on tenement houses, meat packing companies, etc. Muckrakers impacted America because they showed Americans what needed change in America and by making those changes, they can make America better. -
Big Stick Diplomacy
While in office, Teddy Roosevelt created the idea of Big Stick Diplomacy. Big Stick Diplomacy basically meant that the US would show military preparedness and strength as a war deterrent. The US would also intervene in any European affair if they tried to take over any Central or Northern American nation. Big Stick Diplomacy impacted America because it made America feared and showed that we have a strong military and European countries shouldn't do anything stupid to provoke the US. -
The Wisconsin Plan
The Wisconsin Plan was created by Wisconsin Congressman named Bob LaFollette. The idea of the Wisconsin Plan was to do 5 things, Recall, Referendum, Initiative, Directly elect senators, and use the Australian ballot when voting. This impacted America because it helped eliminate some(not all) corrupt politicians. Other government reforms and reformers included the Pendleton Act, Thomas Nast, and Lincoln Steffans. -
Model T Invented
The Model T was invented by a man named Henry Ford. The Model T was going to make it easier and faster for Americans to travel to wherever they needed to go. Ford also invented the mass production system which made it faster and cheaper to mass-produce Model Ts, making them more affordable for Americans. The Model T impacted America because Americans were now able to travel to places quicker and easier and Americans were eventually able to improve the automobile into even better vehicles. -
Election of 1912
The Election of 1912 featured Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson. Taft was supposed to be Roosevelt's successor, but after disappointing him Roosevelt decided to run against him despite not being selected by the Republican Party. Due to the Republican Party being split, the Democratic candidate, Woodrow Wilson, won the presidency. The Election of 1912 impacted America because it showed future candidates not to split their respective party or else the other party will most likely win the election. -
Dollar Diplomacy
The Dollar Diplomacy was created by President William H. Taft. Taft's idea of creating economic ties was basically just to give money to any country that asked. His hope was that this would garner the US preferential treatment in trade negotiations. This is similar to the Marshall Plan, except countries weren't up in flames and desperately needed money during Taft's Dollar Diplomacy. This impacted America because it allowed the US to gain financial ties to various countries. -
Trench Warfare
Trench Warfare was used by countries during World War 1. Trench warfare made it safer for soldiers to be shot, however it was difficult to make any progress because it was nearly impossible to survive past no man's land. The trench was also usually disgusting. It caused diseases and some soldiers lost their feet due to the gross ground. Trench warfare impacted America because it helped keep our men safe from enemy fire, however, it made the war longer. -
Chemical Warfare
Chemical Warfare was mainly used by Germans during World War 1. The chemicals used could cause soldiers to be poisoned and die. Other chemicals caused soldiers' skin to rash up and it would be very painful. American soldiers had to be able to put their gas masks on very quickly so that they would be protected from the harmful chemicals. Chemical warfare impacted the US because it caused Americans to be more prepared and vigilant, however many Americans died due to Chemical Warfare. -
German U-Boats Sinks US Ships
German U-Boats were the main reason the US joined World War 1. The Germans would use their U-boats and sink enemy ships, or ships with supplies for the enemy. America at the time wasn't in the war but was sending supplies to England, so the Germans sunk US ships. It got to the point where America was angry, and an intercepted letter, was the final straw for Americans and we joined the war. The U-Boats impacted America because if Germany would've left us alone, we might not have joined the war. -
American Industry During WW1
America's industry had to go through big changes fast once we joined World War 1. The government needed industries to start producing military goods. It caused businesses to make a complete 180 on what they usually make. With many men going to war, many blacks and women stepped up and took wartime jobs. WW1 also lifted America out of the economic depression. American Industry impacted America because if it weren't for the people working at home, we probably wouldn't have won the war in Europe. -
Wilson's 14 Points
When Germany agreed to a cease-fire, it was because President Wilson created his 14 Points. Essentially, all Germany had to do was clear the seas of their U-boats, stop their alliances, and have open diplomacy in exchange for not having to pay for wartime damages and they didn't even have to declare defeat. However, France and the UK didn't agree so the 14 Points never happened. The 14 Points impacted America because it showed other countries that we were merciful. -
19th Amendment
The 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote. For years, women have fought for better rights. Women like Alice Paul, who used Hunger Strikes to get the message across, Susan B. Anthony who created the National American Women's Suffrage Association, and many more helped women get the right to vote. The 19th Amendment impacted the United States because it gave women the power to vote and it showed other minority groups that they too can achieve if they believe and put in the work. -
18th Amendment Passed
The 18th Amendment, also known as the "Dry Bill" banned the sale of alcohol in the US. Many Americans hated the new Amendment and immediately started smuggling alcohol. Secret bars were created where people could drink secretly. Many Americans also found creative ways to smuggle alcohol without being caught. This also paved a way for mob bosses to make a lot of money. The Amendment was eventually eliminated. This impacted America because people resorted to crime so that they could drink. -
Treaty of Versailles Signed
The Treaty of Versailles was signed to punish Germany for all the damage they created during WW1. America wanted to let Germany off easy with Wilson's 14 Points but France and the UK insisted that they be punished. The treaty outlined Germany's punishments, which included paying all the war damages, limiting their military, planes, submarines, boats, etc. This impacted America because Germany was angry at the treaty which caused WW2, in which the US ended up getting involved. -
Radio Becomes Popular
The Radio became very popular in the Roaring 20s. Many American households ended up buying a radio. Before the Radio, most Americans probably got their news from the newspaper. But now, Americans were able to get their entertainment and news from the radio. The Radio impacted America because it gave Americans a new form of entertainment and news which would lead to Americans improving and modernizing the radio, which is now in our cars, and other vehicles. -
Flappers Emerge
Flappers emerged in the 1920s because women in America were becoming more rebelliant on gender roles and didn't want to conform to the current gender roles. Women wore slightly shorter dresses, changed their haircuts to shorter cuts, and started drinking and smoking in public. This was considered to be "hot" in the 1920s. This impacted America because it encouraged future generations to rebel against traditional roles and not conform as well. -
Hoovervilles Created
Hoovervilles were very common during America's Great Depression. With many Americans struggling for money and going homeless, Hoovervilles were created. Hoovervilles were usually homes that were made out of the trash that poor Americans would live in. Hoovervilles were named after President Hoover because he was seen as a do-nothing president who didn't help the American people. Hoovervilles impacted America because it showed how Americans all over are constantly struggling and need help. -
Dust Bowl
The Dust Bowl took place in many states in America that were known for farming(Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, etc.). The constant dust that was blowing around caused soil erosion, soil exhaustion, and drought. Food became scarce and many farming families were forced to move to California because of the strong dust winds. The Dust Bowl impacted America because the Dust Bowl caused major food shortages and showed that farming America was struggling just as much as city America. -
The Bonus Army March
The Bonus March took place during the Great Depression. WW1 veterans were promised money at a certain age for their duty in the military, but because many people needed money, they wanted it early. Many veterans marched on Washington for their bonuses but the Senate denied them. Many veterans refused to leave. The army was sent in to remove them. This event impacted America because it showed future Americans that the government needed to take more responsibility for the American people. -
Roosevelt's New Deal
Roosevelt's "New Deal" highlighted his plan to get America out of depression. Essentially, Roosevelt wanted to spend our way out of depression. The New Deal promised programs to get people jobs, focused on "Relief, Recovery, and Reform" and changed the role of the US government. Many agencies and programs were created, and a lot of US money was spent. The New Deal impacted America because it set a standard for the government that part of their job was to help people. -
National Industrial Recovery Act
The National Industrial Recovery Act played a big role in getting Americans better working conditions. Enforced by the president, he allowed laborers to organize, he created fair work and competition codes, and he set new minimum wages, set work hours, and price controls. The National Industrial Recovery Act impacted America because the new labor conditions paved the way toward even better working conditions, bonuses, and salaries today. -
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation(FDIC) played a big role in helping Americans get out of depression. A national bank holiday was announced, meaning that all banks were to be closed and inspected. Only the healthy banks were allowed to be opened, which insured individual bank deposits. The FDIC impacted America because we still use the FDIC today and they look over trillions of US dollars throughout banks spread across America. -
Social Security Act
The Social Security Act was created and signed by President Roosevelt. The Act was supposed to give older Americans an incentive to retire so that younger Americans could start working. The Act would take a percentage of Americans' paychecks. It was based on a shorter lifespan and was intended to supplement income, however, the president wasn't trying to replace income completely. The Social Security Act impacted America because it still exists today, and 97% of older Americans rely on it. -
Works Progress Administration(WPA)
The Works Progress Administration(WPA) was the largest agency created during the Great Depression. It employed over 8 million Americans and spent over 2 billion dollars to fund the building of bridges, reservoirs, irrigation, sewage, and other public works projects. The program paid minimum wage but got many Americans off the unemployment lines. The WPA impacted America because they created many bridges and other structures that we still use today. -
GI Bill of Rights
The GI Bill of Rights was created as the government's way of saying thank you to the soldiers of WW2. Soldiers were offered free schooling, and loans with low interest, which helped soldiers afford other things like houses, appliances, etc. This helped increase America because more people became educated because it was cheaper. It also helped families get to the middle class due to low-interest rates. The GI Bill of Rights impacted America because soldiers today still get to use the bill. -
D-Day
D-Day was planned by America, Canada, and the UK during World War 2. The invasion took place in Normandy, France on the beach. It was the largest seaborne invasion in world history. The bloodiest beach to take was Omaha, which was America's job to take. The US was also responsible for taking Utah. The UK was responsible for Gold and Juno, while Canada had to take Juno. D-Day impacted America because it was a major turning point for WW2 as the allies were able to take back France afterwards. -
America Drops Nuclear Bomb on Japan
After America won the war in Europe, it was now time to focus their attention on Japan, which had previously bombed the US fort of Pearl Harbor. America had just created an atomic bomb and threatened to use it on Japan if they didn't surrender. They didn't. So the US bombed Hiroshima. Japan still didn't surrender so the US bombed Nagasaki, then Japan surrendered. This impacted America because Japan surrendering finally ended World War 2 and America had won, however they suffered lots of losses. -
Soviet Union Refuses to Leave Iran
It could be inferred that the US and Soviets started conflicting before WW2 even ended. One example of this was when America and the Soviets freed Iran from Germany. The US left and told the Soviets to leave Iran as well but the Soviets said they deserved a reward for freeing them and decided to stay and take their oil. This impacted the US because it foreshadowed an eventual war between the United States and the Soviet Union. -
Yalta Conference
The Yalta conference took place after Germany surrendered. America, England, and Russia were to decide what they were going to do with Germany. They agreed that they were going to split up Germany into separate parts that each country was going to control until Germany was trusted enough to run itself again. The city was also divided even though it was in Russia's territory. The Yalta Conference impacted America because it eventually caused conflict between the US and Soviets in the Cold War. -
Levittowns Created
Levittowns were created by a company called "Levitt and Sons." This company found a way to build houses faster and cheaper. This made it cheaper for families to buy houses and more families could move to the suburbs because houses were being built so fast because there were usually only three options. That meant most families' would have the same-looking house. Levitttowns impacted America because they allowed Americans to move out of the cramped city and have more living space. -
Jackie Robinson Breaks Color Barrier
At the height of discrimination and racism, whites wanted nothing to do with African Americans. Neighborhoods were separate, bathrooms were separate, even sports. However, Branch Rickey from the Dodgers wanted to break the color barrier and signed Jackie Robinson because he was the only African American player to not retaliate to racist comments when interviewed. Robinson impacted America by inspiring many people for the need for equality and inspired other sports to break the color barrier. -
Berlin Airlift
With Berlin split in two, America needed a way to get resources to Berlin without going through Soviet territory because if they did a war would spark. The Berlin Airlift was created where the US airdropped supplies to Berlin citizens, and the US told the Soviets that if they shot down any plane, then it would mean war. After a while, the Soviets took down the barricade. This event impacted the US because it showed the Soviets and other countries that the US wouldn't back down when threatened -
Marshall Plan Created
The Marshall Plan was created after WW2 because America wanted to give financial relief to countries that were majorly affected by Germany. The US would donate money to any country that asked for it. Even countries like Germany and the Soviet Union received money, however, the Soviet Union turned down America's offer because they didn't want to seem weak. The Marshall Plan impacted America because it showed other countries we're rich and we are merciful to countries who were doing evil acts. -
Creation of NATO
NATO was created by the US, France, the UK, and other countries. The point of NATO was to create a giant alliance with other democratic countries so that the countries could all protect each other, mainly from the threat of the Soviet Union, which has been invading democratic countries and turning them into communism. This impacted America because more countries would join NATO as years go on, and NATO still works together today and protects each other. -
Korean War
The Korean War took started when South Korea and North Korea fought over whether Korea should be democratic or communist. China helped North Korea surprise an attack on South Korea and some Americans and push them almost all the way out of Korea. America then helped South Korea push North Korea back until eventually the two were split in half to where almost no progress was made by either side. This event impacted America because it showed the tension between communism and democracy. -
McCarthyism During the Cold War
McCarthyism was important in the 1950s because McCarthyism is what caused Americans to feel safer during the Red Scare during the Cold War. McCarthy had a whole list of people who he claimed to be communists. Many Americans got fingers pointed at them about being communist, and some Americans probably weren't actually communist. But at the time it was probably a necessary cause to make Americans feel safe. McCarthyism impacted America because it caused America to have a sense of uniformity. -
Rock n Roll Created
Rock n Roll was first created by black Americans but didn't become popular until artists like Elvis brought it to the white community. Rock n Roll was a mix of blues, pop, and western. Rock n Roll was important to America because it appealed to younger Americans and gave them a way to rebel against their parents because they didn't want to conform as their parents did. Rock n Roll impacted America because it created bands and other artists we listen to today, like the Beetles, Rolling Stones,etc -
Red Scare During Cold War
The Soviet Union taking over Democratic countries and turning them into communism, created a new Red Scare in the US because they didn't like communism and didn't want their democracy taken from them. To make Americans feel safer, the government used the McCarthy system and took down everyone they thought were to be communists. They also made videos telling Americans how to identify communists. The Red Scare impacted America because it caused rifts between Americans who didn't trust each other. -
Brown v. Topeka
Brown v. Topeka was important because it proved that Plessy was wrong and that schools were not "equal." Black schools had worse teachers, old books, and smaller/fewer services. This event impacted America because Brown would end up winning the case and schools would start being integrated. Though it caused major riots among racists, it was a step in the right direction for America because it was one step closer to no more discrimination and equality. -
Space Race
The Space Race was a race between America and the Soviet Union who were both trying to get to space first. The Soviet Union was the first to send Sputnik into orbit, this shocked Americans who thought they would beat the Soviets. It wasn't until four months later that America sent Glenn into orbit and catch up to the Soviets. The Space Race impacted America because they were embarrassed that they lost to the Soviet Union and it was eye-opening to show that the US wasn't the best at everything. -
First Televised Presidential Debate
The first televised presidential debate was between Kennedy and Nixon. Nixon declined TV makeup which made him look sick and he also didn't make eye contact with the TV while Kennedy wore TV makeup and made eye contact with the TV. Kennedy's answers weren't better but he looked more natural on the TV which won him the debate and ultimately the presidency. This event impacted America because now candidates have to make themselves look good on TV on top of having good answers. -
Eisenhower Interstate Highway Act
The Eisenhower Interstate Highway Act was created because Eisenhower wanted to give Americans a way to leave cities quickly in case the Soviet Union decided to bomb America. The highways would be modernized as Eisenhower played on Americans' Cold War fears. This Act would also become the largest public works project in American History. This act impacted America because it made way for many highways to be built in America, many of those Highways we still use and rely on today. -
The Little Rock 9
The Little Rock 9 was when 9 Black students tried going to a white school in Little Rock Arkansas, the Arkansas governor refused to let them into the school. Outraged by this, Eisenhower ordered America's most skilled soldiers to Little Rock to ensure the Little Rock 9 got to enter school. This caused many protests and riots among whites. This event impacted America because it showed that many people still didn't agree with integration and it was going to be an uphill climb to achieve equality. -
Cuba Falls to Communism
During the Cold War, both America and the Soviet Union had nuclear bombs. However, the Soviet Union was too far away to use the bomb on the US, which made us feel somewhat safer. Suddenly, Cuba fell to communism by a man named Fidel Castro. Cuba also started creating nuclear camps where bombs would be fired from, which the US feared because Cuba is very close to the US. Cuba's fall to communism impacted the US because they were very close to the US and could bomb us easily which scared us. -
Television Becomes Popular
Television became very popular partly because of Levittowns and the GI Bill, making housing and education cheaper and making it easier for Americans to be in the middle class and afford other luxuries. Televisions gave Americans a new form of receiving their news, getting entertainment, etc. Television also made way for the first presidential debate. Television impacted America because it shaped the way Americans would think about social class since most Americans were now middle class. -
U-2 Incident
Gary Powers U-2 Plane crashed in Soviet territory. Powers was supposed to commit suicide and that made many Americans turn on Powers. Powers stated that he wasn't able to commit suicide because he was passed out, giving him the inability to fulfill his task. The US however also had a Soviet spy so they decided to trade the Soviet Spy for Gary Powers. This event impacted America because it further caused tension between America and the Soviet Union. -
James Meredith Denied
James Meredith wanted to attend the University of Mississippi. However, he was denied admittance because he was black. Meredith appealed his denial and won because he had the qualifications to get accepted. Students protested against Meredith and 500 US marshals were sent in to make sure Meredith entered the school. This event impacts America because it showed that there were some courts that weren't racist and made fair decisions, which spread hope for equality in America. -
Martin Luther King Goes to Jail
Martin Luther King was protesting in Bombingham Alabama when he was arrested and put in jail. While in Jail, King wrote, "Letter From Birmingham Jail" which became famous and inspired millions of people. The letter outlined the argument that individuals have a moral duty to disobey unfair laws. This event impacted America it inspired Americans to continue fighting for equal rights. -
March on Washington
The March on Washington was the biggest Civil Rights event ever, where close to 400,000 Americans showed up in support. Many people bussed from all over the country to attend the event, and where most people were excited to hear from Martin Luther King. It's also where MLK would make his famous "I Have a Dream" Speech. This event impacted America because it enlightened Americans about the problems of racism and discrimination and it pushed for change. -
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The Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act
The Civil Rights Act of 1964, signed by President Johnson, banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, etc. However, blacks still wanted better rights to vote, which led to Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965 which allowed blacks to vote without needing to take unnecessary tests, intimidation, etc. Americans were split on the idea of these acts. These Acts impacted America because they officially ended discrimination in America.
