-
Jamestown Settled
Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in North America. The initial purpose of the settlement was to explore new resources and sources of money, but those settling there were faced with hardships as they adapted to the new environment. Once adapted though, the discovery of rice, tobacco, and indigo proved beneficial for the settlers. England would begin to encourage more emigration to the north through the Headright system (free land), beginning the major emigration to America. -
Start of Slavery in Jamestown
The slave trade began with Jamestown in 1619. As the use of the triangular trade route and the slave trade grew, it eventually spread to the English colonies, which were using the indentured servant system up until that point. As slavery grew, slaves in the Northern Colonies would work on smaller farms and households, and often were trusted with more responsibility. Slaves in the South would work larger cash crop plantations, with close management but little overall interaction with whites. -
Two Treatises of Government
During the Enlightenment, John Locke first wrote about natural rights of the people in the Two Treatises of Government. He spoke that everyone had the natural rights to life, liberty, and property. These were key ideas build and pondered on during the Enlightenment period As these proclaimed natural rights became more and more well known, they would eventually become the inspiration for the Declaration of Independence stating the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. -
Washington Party Opens fire on French Camp
With tensions over land claims (particularly in the Ohio Valley) raising between the French, English, and Native Americans, it was only time before war broke out. The first shot fired of the French and Indian war was from one in Washington's party when he was a new officer in the military, killing a French officer, securing war between Britain and France. The French and Indian War in the colonies would lead to tensions and war in Europe, becoming known as the 7 Years War. -
Albany Congress Meets
With the continuing French and Indian War within the colonies, a congress met of delegates from the colonies, as well as Ben Franklin. The main topic discussed was that of how to deal as colonies with the war taking place. Ben Franklin then suggests the Albany Plan, which was a plan to unite the 13 colonies and create a more secure defense for them as a unit rather than single colonies. While the congress decided at the time not to unite, this would be the first seedling of unity as an idea. -
Proclamation of 1763
The French and Indian War and the Seven Years War proved rather costly to Britain, leading to a desire to profit more off of the colonies. In an effort to do so, they wanted to raise taxes within and secure the colonies more. The first of new restrictions was the Proclamation of 1763, restricting the colonists from expanding past the Appalachian Mountains. This was one of first things to upset the colonists, who had already felt like they provided in war and were being treated unfairly afterward -
Sugar Act
In an effort to pay off war debts, England greatly increased taxes on the colonies, and began enforcing them more as well. The first tax change actually lowered a tax though through the Sugar Act, in hopes that colonist would stop smuggling sugar to evade the tax. Starting to pay the tax would enable more oppression on the colonists, so they continued to smuggle the sugar that was still taxed. This was one of the first ways the colonists were rebelling, stirred by unfair taxation. -
Quartering Act
The next act placed on the colonists was aimed more towards control and ending statutory neglect. The Quartering Act required that colonists had to provide housing and food to any British soldier that requested it. This particularly pushed the colonists' buttons because they were legally required to let soldiers in, and were then being monitored in their own homes. On top of taxes and new regulations came a loss of privacy, continuing to make them feel like they are unfairly treated. -
Stamp Act
The last of the three acts applied after the Seven Years War was the Stamp Act. The Stamp Act was particularly frustrating in that it taxed the validation of any legal document requiring a stamp. Legal documents that had to be stamped included things like birth/death certificates, marriage licenses, and paperwork for trade. It became a tax for any document, even if it was a required/nonoptional document. Being taxed for essentially anything at that point really pushed colonists into rebellion. -
Boston Massacre
With the addition of taxes and regulations that the colonists weren't used to, tensions began to raise. Boycotts, speeches, and riots took place. One of the most famous riots was the Boston Massacre, where colonists were perceived to be a mob throwing snowballs and stones at the British soldiers. Nothing was serious until someone opened fire on the colonists, killing one, raising anger and more fighting. While not as serious as "massacre" implies, the event was used by Patriots to raise concern. -
Tea Act and the Boston Tea Party
The Boston Massacre only angered colonists more, so it was only inevitable that the Tea Act taxing tea would make things much worse. The Tea Act was almost the last straw as far as taxes go for the colonists, so the Sons of Liberty put together a plan for a large rebellion. The Boston Tea Party took place as groups of male colonists attempted to fight the act by pouring out large amounts of tea off of ships into the harbor. The waste of tea was a great deal of financial harm, followed by rules. -
Coercive Acts
While the Boston Tea Party was a hugely successful act of rebellion, the British weren't going to give up, and got the colonists in line through stricter rules. The Coercive Acts had a number of restrictions attached. The port of Boston was closed, harming the colonial economy. Assemblies were outlawed, and the colonial government and trade were taken control of. The previous acts of quartering and taxes were heightened and enforced. Lastly, royal officials could be tried in England for crimes. -
First Continental Congress
In reaction to the Coercive Acts, the colonies sent delegates to meet in the first continental congress. They were to discuss the colonies' place in the empire, and the recent issues rising between the colonists and British. As a congress, the delegates agreed that they would stay in the Empire if they could get more representation, and if the mainland would have less tax authority. They expressed these concerns and desires in the Olive Branch Petition, sent to King George in hopes of agreement. -
British Attempt at Lexington and Concord
Even with hopes of staying under Britain, patriots continued to prepare for the possibility of war. When British leaders got word of a hidden supply of Patriot weapons in Concord, as well as the presence of John Hancock and Sam Adams in Lexington, they took an attempt at marching to both, capturing Patriot leaders and weapons. Word traveled through spies though, and the weapons were moved and minutemen ready at Lexington. The war officially started with a mysterious shot fired, opening battle. -
Second Continental Congress
A month after the war officially begins, the Second Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia and is lead by John Hancock. Ideas quickly become split between those wanting to reconcile with Britain, and those wanting independence. It became fairly clear which side had to lead though when King George rejected the Olive Branch Petition and declared the colonies in open rebellion. This would encourage and continue the patriot fight in the war and for independence against British rule. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence began being drafted at the Second Continental Congress, and was written mostly by Thomas Jefferson. Following his initial draft, the whole congress was to look over and make appropriate revisions. The declaration of Independence was revolutionary in its statement that all men were equal, and that government existed to serve its citizens. This was unheard of when most governments were monarchies or aristocracies. It was issued officially in 1776, leaving Britain. -
Battle of Saratoga
The Battle at Saratoga was a very significant victory for the Patriots. At the time, alliances were attempting to be negotiated with France, but France expressed that they were hesitant to support the Patriots. They weren’t gaining enough victories in battle for victory in war to seem promising or a good investment for France. With the Battle of Saratoga though, it was seen that the Patriot forces had a chance at victory, and with negotiations of a treaty, pushed France to support. -
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God Sermon
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God was a sermon written and taught by Johnathan Edwards during the Great Awakening period of America. It was one of two religious viewpoints at a time of great religious revival in the area. Edwards essentially taught the idea that God was angry with the humans, and that everyone were sinners that disappointed him. This was contrasting to the other viewpoint, that God was kind and merciful towards the sinking humans. Both viewpoints grew religious focus. -
Battle of Yorktown
The American Revolution ended with the Battle of Yorktown. A plan was devised to essentially corner British forces in the colonies, and was assisted by the French. Patriot armed forces were to surround on land, and help from the French navy left them cornered on the coast, giving them no way out but to surrender. When the plan succeeded, and the British surrendered, many spoke that “the world turned upside down”, in the act of a small militia defeating the worlds largest empire in war. -
Treaty of Paris
Following the surrender of the British and the end of the Revolutionary War, arrangements and negotiations were made for the Treaty of Paris, though it wouldn’t actually be finalized until two years after Yorktown. The Treaty of Paris established that Great Britain recognized the independence of the United States, and no longer held power over the thirteen colonies, ending the Revolutionary War. It also defined the boundaries of the United States, and left it to start as it’s own country. -
The Great Compromise/The Constitution
With the start of the country came the debate over the government. The first major topic was that of the Articles of Confederation, or what was to become the Constitution. For the most part, parties were split between those who wanted a stricter government with more control, and those who wanted more of a balanced government. The Great Compromise was established to finally define the power and balance of things like congress and government. It was more solidification of the Constitution. -
Invention of the Cotton Gin
As the country grew, so did technology and the economy. One major technological invention was that of the cotton gin. A huge benefit in the South, the cotton gin cut down on time it took to harvest cotton, allowing cotton production and sales to skyrocket and push it as more and more of a cash crop. Between the slave trade and the cotton gin, cotton became the main industry of the South, leading to further economic growth and encouraging the slave trade to keep running. -
Adams Becomes President
Following Washington came Adams as president. Adams was a fairly decent president as far as avoiding getting America into wars it didn’t need to, even when the people seemed to want it. A particularly good example was the XYZ affair, during which tensions between French and American diplomats rose, but Adams decided not to actually declare war. The main issues with Adams came at the end of his presidency with the Alien and Sedition Acts, limiting immigrants right to vote to secure his victory. -
Revolution of 1800
The switch from Adams to Jefferson as president became known as the Revolution of 1800. This is because Thomas Jefferson was to end a federalist era of government and begin the Jeffersonian era of government. It was a major change to come as the federalists lost presidential and congressional power, which may have been seen as very beneficial after the rough end of Adams's presidency. Thomas Jefferson being elected in was also a big deal after Adams did what he could to secure reelection. -
Jefferson Becomes President
Jefferson was the first president inaugurated in the official capital city of Washington DC in 1801. His presidency as a whole provided a lot of growth for America, starting with the land gain through the Louisiana Purchase so as not to lose New Orleans. The only problem was Jefferson's question of his constitutional right to acquire land for the country. While that decision was of great benefit, the economy changed with the Embargo Act, placed so as not to side with England or France in war. -
British Capture American Sailors (start of War of 1812)
At a time where Britain can't seem to get along with many countries, they add to American tensions by capturing American sailors for their navy. This is problematic for America, which ends up in war so as to prove themselves more than anything. Americans want to prove that the Revolutionary War wasn't just luck, and gain respect. The problem is America's lack of military readiness for a war, and they end up having to be more defensive while trying to prove themselves, making the war a struggle. -
Battle of New Orleans
Despite the Treaty of Ghent being signed in 1814 to end the War of 1812 (with no actual loser or winner), word doesn't get back fast enough to officially stop the fighting in America. In 1815, battle is fought in New Orleans between British forces and an American troop led by Andrew Jackson. The battle is so successful for the Americans and inflicts such loss to the British that many think that it was the battle that ended the war, and it puts Andrew Jackson in favor of many for "winning" war. -
Tariff of Abominations
Signed in by President John Quincy Adams, the Tariff of 1828 quickly became known as the Tariff of Abominations by those opposed to it. Placing a high tax on foreign goods, the tariff was meant to encourage more purchase of US goods, boosting the economy. This was great for the industrial economy of the North, but harmful as foreign countries stopped purchasing from the agricultural south because the US wasn't buying from them. The South became frustrated, as it was harmful to their economy. -
Jackson Becomes President
Following John Quincy Adams came Andrew Jackson from the War of 1812. Initially well liked for his relatability to the common men of America, Jackson soon made questionable decisions in office. One being the spoils system, hiring on people more for their support than their qualifications. His struggle was the nullification crisis, as southern states attempted to declare the Tariff of 1828 null and void, and secede otherwise. He quickly put them in line though stating it unconstitutional. -
Indian Removal Act
While Jackson and his response to the nullification crisis was impressive control as a President, he became more well-known for his less appreciated act. The Indian Removal Act was an effort to relocate the Native Americans to west of the Mississippi River. While some local tribes went peacefully, many were not so pleased about being moved off of their lands. At the time of the signing it was not considered negative for this Act to exist, but today's society does see the problem now. -
Annexation of Texas
With growing complications due to American inhabitance of the Mexican territory of Texas, Texas decides to declare itself independent. This was not super great for Texas, as it was pretty small compared to Mexico. It wasn't until the Americans offered their support for their brothers in Texas that things started looking decent, and America even offered annexation, allowing Texas into the union. While this did put America in war with Mexico, it simply raised question of Texan border. -
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The Mexican-American War ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This was a major land gain for America, and secured not only the Texan border but additional western territories for America out to California. The gain of this land was a huge deal as it finally stretched America coast to coast, and overall was a very beneficial territory gain for the country. It taught the Americans how to make harsher western conditions profitable, expanding the country's opportunities. -
Seneca Falls Convention
The Seneca Falls Convention was the first meeting held to launch more talk regarding women's rights in America. A rather large convention, it actually had negative impact on the women's suffrage movement as support for women's suffrage from more important figures seemed to waiver. With uncertain support, many women left the convention and decided to drop the women's suffrage movement for a time and focus on the abolition movement. It wasn't until after abolition that women's rights resurfaced. -
Compromise of 1850
With the acquisition of new lands in the west came the controversial question regarding slave vs free states. With the split at the time being fairly even, the Compromise of 1850 seemed to solve the issue of the new states. It declared California a free state, with other territories being up to popular sovereignty. The catch was any slave owner could claim an escaped slave in free states if desired, making benefits apparent for both sides of the slavery debate. -
Invention of the Steam Engine
With the expansion of the United States came the expansion of the economy. To keep a smoothly flowing economy, transportation had to keep improving. One major development was that of the steam engine. With railroads spanning all throughout the main trade cities, steam engines could move goods and people throughout the country much more efficiently, speeding up trade and boosting the economy. Steam had already been used to improve water transportation, so it was only better when applied to land. -
Kansas Nebraska Act
The Kansas Nebraska Act was the first official use of popular sovereignty in the new territories to become states. The problem with popular sovereignty became apparent though when neither side was going to be happy with the other side winning. The debate of slavery vs freedom in Kansas lead to what has become known as Bleeding Kansas, and both pro-slavery and abolitionist parties fought violently throughout the state over the disagreement. -
Dred Scott vs. Sandford
Just preceding the Civil War, the Dred Scott v Sandford case was defining in political views on slavery. Dred Scott was a descendant of slaves, looking to be identified as an American citizen. When taken to the Supreme Court though, it was ruled that American citizenship would not be granted to any African Americans, regardless of freedom or if they were simply descended from slaves and born in America. This raised further issue leading into the civil war. -
South Carolina Secedes
South Carolina decided once again to attempt to secede from the Union as abolitionist v pro-slavery tensions continued to rise. Not the first time that South Carolina attempted to secede, it was not unlikely to happen again. South Carolina's secession was essentially the first real push into war, as they attempted to gather other Southern states into their union, but the government fought for keeping the Union together. It was not long before the Civil War was in full swing between North/South. -
Battle at Antietam and Emancipation
With a rather questionable status as far as the War went due to majority advantages for the North but land advantages for the South, the Battle at Antietam was a major turning point. Considered the deadliest battle in history, the victory of the Northerners proved hope for northern victory, and pushed Lincoln to proclaim emancipation for any confederate slave. This freed slaves of the south, but Northern slaves would not officially be freed until the 13th Amendment at the end of the war. -
Pacific Railway Act
Continuing to improve transportation across the ever-growing United States lead to the Pacific Railway Act. This Act enacted a major project to build a railroad that spanned from the Midwest to the Pacific Coast essentially. There were two companies involved from either end, trying to build as much railroad as possible as land was promised for every length of railroad built. When they met in the middle they were required to stop and meet up, completing the large railroad across the country. -
Homestead Act
Due to increasingly dense populations in the East and not enough population in the West, the Homestead Act was put in place to encourage Americans to move West. The Act promised free land to anyone who moved to the West and farmed to make it economically productive and improved. The hope was to utilize the fertile land in the West as well as spread out the population of the country. The only requirements were to live on, farm, and improve the land, encouraging many to make the move. -
Battle of Gettysburg
The most significant turning point in the Civil War took place with the Battle of Gettysburg. A major victory for the North, the Battle of Gettysburg stopped any pushing Confederate advancement, and continued to push the war more in favor of the North. This battle would also be followed by Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address. With boosted Northern morale, the war would follow Gettysburg until the confederacy finally surrendered at the end of the war. -
Andrew Johnson becomes President
With the death of Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson becomes president and is put in charge of the Reconstruction process. He didn't quite agree with the 10% Reconstruction plan that Lincoln had come up with just before his assassination, but did come up with some similar policies. While he claimed to be stricter on the Southern states to reenter the Union, his parameters had them ready for statehood within just a few months. Disagreements with congress stated otherwise, and he only served one term -
13th Amendment
Following the Civil War was the signing of the 13th Amendment. The thirteenth amendment is known as the amendment to officially end slavery in the whole country. The only complication with the thirteenth amendment was the requirement for Southern states to accept it after having just lost a war they fought against it. Over the reconstruction period though, they would accept it at least so as to gain their statehood back, and continue to go from there as far as their treatment of freed slaves. -
Reconstruction Act
The Reconstruction Act followed the re-statehood of the southern states by essentially dividing them into 5 main districts that were monitored by the Union Army. This became seemingly necessary as even after agreeing to certain regulations for statehood and the abolition of slavery, Southern states continued to attempt to do things their way, which was rather problematic. The Union was sent to monitor the South, and keep them in line to protect the freed slaves from treatment against new laws. -
14th Amendment
The fourteenth amendment was a huge gain for the freed slaves as it officially classified them as US citizens, as well as protected their voting rights. It was the official law revoking political power from former confederate leaders, and required that all citizens be protected by the laws created for them. While this amendment was a great jump for rights of the freed slaves, there was definitely still a lot of improvement needed due to the hesitant and stubborn South to agree to new policies. -
Women's Christian Temperance Union Founded
As women began to view alcohol as a cause of a lot of relationship, economic, and personal issues within America, the temperance movement grew and expanded largely with women. The Women's Christian Temperance Union, along with other organizations, varying independent women and other groups would push for prohibition to end alcohol use in America. Women connected through their numbers and familial influence to make movement, & would finally have success about 45 years later when alcohol is banned -
Battle of Little Bighorn
As the United States attempted to move and reform Native American culture, tensions began to rise again between the whites and the Native Americans. The Battle of Little Bighorn became significant in its representation of Native American power. Native American groups lead by Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull actually defeated American troops, proving strength from the Native Americans. It was also a good hope raising and morale boosting victory as Native Americans fought the American regulations. -
Edison Events the Lightbulb
Though varying forms of the lightbulb had been around for sometime, it was Edison's reinvention of the lightbulb that revolutionized American homes, power, and industry. Edison created a lightbulb that worked via electricity, and marketed that it was possible to connect varying electrical aspects of a home through one connection, creating a safer, long lasting, and cheaper form of light. He was also the first to start using mass production, boosting the industrial economy and production speeds. -
Pendleton Act
After the spoils system seemed to stay present for various presidents after Jackson, it didn't finally come to an end until the signing of the Pendleton Act. After a president was assassinated by someone who felt they earned a government position via the spoils system, laws to were put in place to prevent such thoughts. The Pendleton Act required anyone being hired for a government position to pass a civil service exam, requiring a standard for getting a job and eliminating the Spoils System. -
Haymarket Square Riot
What started as simply a protest of some 1500 workers in Chicago for a shorter workday and better conditions became an event of controversy when things got out of hand. While it was allowed for the group to gather and rally, police responded to break it up when it became unruly and possibly dangerous. As a result, officers opened fire on the crowd when a bomb was thrown towards them, injuring and killing many who were there. Justification of any actions are unclear, but it drove worker anger. -
How the Other Half Lived Published
With industrial work centered mostly around city centers, many families lived in poor quality, extremely small and unsanitary conditions of tenement housing. This was because this was the housing close and affordable for those working poor quality industrial jobs. Muckrakers like Jacob Riis did what they could to change that by publishing works like "How the Other Half Lives", highlighting the poor conditions that may not be known. This would push to change and improve American cities and work. -
Panic of 1893
The Panic of 1893 was an economic depression for America and lead to a shift in the monetary system in the United States due to push for silver backed money instead of just gold backed money. With economic changes came pushes for changes in money, and while many liked the idea of silver backed money, it had many other varying effects. Adding silver backed money lead to great inflation and harm the banks and wealthy, while benefitting the farmers and poor and those in debt. -
Booker T. Washington delivers Atlanta Compromise
Booker T. Washington took a stance in the movement against discrimination and racism that was more about being patient, growing as a community, and gaining respect from the white community in the hope of gaining equality naturally. While this was rather different and viewed as too passive as some, he spoke in the Atlanta Compromise of not being equal for the time being but to educate & grow to the economic and social level of whites over time, representing one side of early civil rights movement -
Plessy v. Ferguson
Plessy v Ferguson settled the legality of Jim Crow laws in essentially stating that while African Americans were free, it was okay to keep the races "Separate but Equal". While not looked at terribly early on, as freedom was still relatively new, when the separation became less equal things became a problem. Many resources given to the African American community to keep them separate from whites were of lower quality, older, or simply unfair. This verdict would stand until the 1960s. -
Explosion of USS Maine
As tensions between the United States and Spanish Cuba seemed to be developing, a mysterious explosion of a US naval ship in the coast of Cuba seemed suspicious and only made things worse. It was believed at the time that based on tensions and the location of the ship that there was sabotage involved, pushing for more violence and eventually to war. The war was short before Spain surrendered, but it was discovered later in time that the explosion was a boiler explosion, and war was unnecessary. -
US Steel Founded
With the US already a leading country in steel due to its high demand as the world modernized and needed it for buildings, inventions, transport etc., the largest single steel company in the US was founded by Andrew Carnegie. US Steel both kept the United States a leader in steel production with a strong economy as well as continued the rise of Carnegie as a businessman, who led well against competitors but also was good to other citizens. This was the start of big business & industry in the US. -
Teddy Roosevelt Becomes President
Upon the assassination of President McKinley, Teddy Roosevelt assumed the presidency despite the country's hesitation about him. He actually provided significant reform for the country and government during his time in office. Most famously, Roosevelt begins ending the existence of "bad trusts", and is known for supporting the side of laborers over industry and improving production quality. He also ensured the preservation of American nature, creating a list of national reserve and parks. -
NAACP Founded
Founded by W.E.B Du Bois, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People would be a leading organization in the civil rights movement until civil rights were won in the 60s. WEB Du Bois thought very differently from Booker T Washington, believing that being passive would only encourage oppression. He encouraged actual action to push for civil rights, and organized the NAACP as an organization of intellectuals that would lead action and collaborate with other organizations. -
Election of 1912
Despite having selected Taft as an adequate successor, disagreements with how he continued reforms pushed Roosevelt to anger against him. As a result, Roosevelt decided to run against him for president in 1912, but because Taft was already the Republican candidate, Roosevelt created and ran for the "Bull Moose Party". But because Roosevelt was still essentially Republican, his and Taft's battle for office led to a split of republican votes, ultimately giving Woodrow Wilson the majority. -
Woodrow Wilson is Elected
A split party in a presidential election historically always ends with neither candidate winning. As such, the split of the republican party in put Woodrow Wilson in as the first Democrat in office in 16 years. He would continue to make reforms and changes, expanding the action of breaking up trusts via the Clayton Act, enacted the 16th Amendment to create the first income tax as well as limited tariffs, & reorganized the nation's banking. Even with party switches, reform continued until WWI -
Zimmerman Telegram
With the Great War having started, America planned to stay neutral and uninvolved but was pulled in as a result of the Zimmerman Telegram. A telegram discovered between a German diplomat and Mexico revealed Germany discussing an alliance with Mexico in the war and in the case of victory, Germany would help take back territory that America acquired from Mexico. Being that this was a blatant plan to create an alliance against the US, the country decided to enter WWI, helping with ally victory. -
Wilson's Fourteen Points
In the early negotiations of how to end the Great War, President Wilson published his Fourteen Points as an option for how to handle Germany and future conflict. Focusing mainly on preventing any other world war, the points listed things such as no secret alliances between nations, better trade relations, establishing the League of Nations to settle disputes before war, etc. It was actually very kind to Germany following the war, agreeing to not place blame on anyone and no reparations paid. -
Treaty of Versailles
Instead of the Fourteen Points, the other Ally nations wanted to see more punishment for Germany, and thus created the Treaty of Versailles that would become the treaty signed to end the war. The treaty not only blamed Germany, but required limits on their military size, the number and type of ships they could have, as well as airplanes. It would require Germany to pay debts for war damages. While it held the nation responsible, it would lead to a depression and growing German resentment. -
19th Amendment Ratified
When the women's suffrage movement picked up speed, it became rather strong and unstoppable. Organizations grew, and women advocated with strategies ranging from rallies and marches to the more radical acts of civil disobedience. After a lengthy & large movement, the 19th Amendment passed and gave women the right to vote they had been fighting for. This finally expanded women's rights after having joined the workforce and growing as a population, and women would continue to be forces of movement -
18th Amendment Ratified
After the long running temperance movement, the 18th Amendment finally banned the production and distribution of alcohol in America. While thought to be a good thing, the prohibition led to the mainstream growth of organized crime, bootlegging, and other overall law breaking in order for Americans to obtain alcohol. Organized crime in particular benefitted by bootlegging and illegal distribution, and Americans would take part. The Amendment didn't last long, ending about 14 years later. -
Immigration Act of 1924
Spurred by fear of communism spread through immigration after WWI and the Russian Revolution, the Immigration Act of 1924 was passed to limit the amount of immigrants allowed in the country. Each nation was limited to 2% of the amount of immigrants from that country in America in 1890, before a significant wave of immigration took place. This unfairly limited the amount of immigration based on a much different time for America as a result of the Red Scare taking place. -
Scopes Monkey Trial
When America was still relatively religious, a teacher named John Scopes was put on trial for teaching evolution in a Tennessee town where it was illegal to do so. It was planned to be put on trial, with the intention of defending his ability to teach evolution. With Scopes defended by Clarence Darrow and prosecution led by William Jennings Bryan, Scopes was charged guilty. While he didn't win or expand his right, the trial was the beginning of a long run debate over evolution in school s. -
KKK March on Washington
After the Great Migration and better treatment that African Americans saw in the north during the Great War, a push for more rights took place in hopes of maintaining the jobs and treatment. This angers those who believe against civil rights for African Americans, and the KKK rises to prominence once again, reaching 5 million members. Fueled by race tensions and the Red Scare, the ever growing Klan shows it's prominence by marching on DC, marking a significant aspect of discrimination history. -
Stock Market Crash
A large reason the country was so prosperous in the 1920's was the large use of credit and buying things "on margin". Many citizens even took out loans or used credit to invest in the stock market in hopes of receiving more back than they borrowed. This was all fine and produced good profits until the sudden crash of the stock market. When debts couldn't be paid back banks lost money, and as banks closed people lost savings. Jobs were lost as profits decreased, leaving America in a large hole. -
Dust Bowl Begins
On top of the economic depression caused by the stock market crash, states in the middle and west United States began experiencing the environmental crisis known as the Dust Bowl, which would further the depression by destroying the agricultural economy. A drought accompanied by strong winds dried out soil, causing it to erode and blow away, destroying the ability to grow crops and maintain fields. As a result food became scarce due to inability to farm, and Americans fell deeper into depression -
FDR Elected
After the seeming failure of President Hoover to take care of the citizens in the depression, FDR was elected upon promising that he would provide relief and reform for the country. This was promising after Hoover did very little to aid, worried that it was unconstitutional for him to take much action. FDR's election not only ended a republican presidency streak, but changed the shape of the government, expanded the role of the president, and began the end of the Great Depression before WWII. -
New Deal Enacted
Having promised "relief, recovery, reform" for the American citizens, FDR enacted the New Deal as a plan to create a large list of programs that provided aid, environmental help, and opened up jobs across the nation. While the constitutionality of these actions was questioned by some, many American's appreciated the effort and aid provided by the New Deal and the agencies created through increased spending. Despite the amount of jobs opened & aid, unemployment was still high, more change needed. -
Court Packing Scandal
Hoover's concern about the constitutionality of government action became justified when not only did critics of the New Deal question it but the Supreme Court did as well. When the Supreme Court decided it unconstitutional, FDR pushed to expand the court to 15 members, allowing him to nominate 6 more that would support him and give the majority needed to pass the New Deal. Even citizens who supported the Deal looked down on this, and it was never made possible, but the New Deal would pass later. -
Executive Order 8802
As America prepped for war, support and work was needed in every industry as men left for war and industries as home ran to support it. To encourage and boost work and strength at home, FDR signed Executive Order 8802, prohibiting discrimination in hiring and requiring companies to hire blacks. This boosted black employment, cooperation within the workplace, as well as strengthened the nation. Getting the nation to get everyone to help work and produce provided economical and home-front strength -
Pearl Harbor
Despite America's attempt to stay neutral in WWII, subtle tensions with Japan that led to the sudden and devastating attack on Pearl Harbor pushed America in. The 5-phase attack was thought to be an easy win of territory for Japan, and they did significant damage, but the result was the involvement of America in the World War. The US declared war on Japan the following day, with allies of Japan declaring war on the US not long after. This led to a shift to all out war, led by American strength. -
Detroit Race Riot
One of the largest and most two-sided race riots, the Detroit Race Riot was the result primarily of rumors spread to both African Americans and whites in the area. It was rumored to the blacks that a white mob had thrown a black woman and her baby over a bridge, meanwhile it was rumored to whites that African Americans had raped and murdered a white woman on the same bridge. This led to either side attacking each other, with blacks killing any person w white skin and equal violence from whites. -
GI Bill of Rights
To appreciate the war effort provided by the American soldiers that fought in WWII, the government passed the GI Bill of Rights, that provided at home benefits such as low interest business and home loans, paid college education, etc. As a result, many found it easier to access quality homes and education rates increased dramatically. This led to more families identifying as the middle class thanks to higher quality jobs and boosted the overall economy, leading to an era of prosperity for the US -
Yalta Conference
At the end of WWII, three of the biggest leaders within the war met to discuss the future of Europe: FDR, Churchill, and Stalin. It was negotiated that there would be a new organization for the nations of the world, Germany would be dismembered and weakened, Russia would go to war with Japan, and discussion of Poland borders. It was very two sided, with FDR and Churchill being allies in disagreeing with Russia on power. Varying plans would be put into place due to disagreements with Stalin. -
Truman Doctrine
With communism on the rise in Europe and the United States rising as a global power, the nation fought hard against communist spread. When Greece and Turkey faced communist revolt, aid was seeked in the US to prevent communist takeover. President Truman requested $400 million and troops to send to aid in the fight against communism in Turkey and Greece. This request and aid given would be one of the first fights America made against communist spread internationally, and the start of the cold war -
Marshall Plan
Having risen from depression before, the US presented the Marshall Plan as a way to help European economies recover after the war. Much of the plan included modernizing industrial equipment, increasing cooperation between European countries, opening up their trades, increasing production, and modernizing transportation. Not only was this largely beneficial for Europe coming out of such a large war but it really showed the growth of America as an influence and power as they structured recovery. -
Operation Vittles
In an interest of complete control of Berlin, Stalin had completely blocked off the Ally-controlled West Berlin, cutting off all supply and railroad access and contact for that side of the city. President Truman didn't give in though, and organized a plan to fly supplies over and airdrop it to West Berlin. For just under a year, American and British Aircrafts made supply flights over the city, with success credited to Truman guaranteeing war if one US plane was shot down, showing US power. -
NATO is Formed
With a continued split of alliances after WWII and continued tensions with the USSR, ten nations signed in the Washington Treaty, creating a formal alliance of free nations that would work together to create collective security amongst them. It was agreed that an attack on one or more country of the organization would be viewed as an attack on all, and they would use a strong alliance to fight together. Starting with just 10 European and North American countries, it would grow overtime to now 30 -
Korean War
With Korea already split between North & South, the rise of communism led to sudden attack from North Korea that pushed South Korean and US troops back. UN forces came together and were led by General Macarthur, who led troops on successful missions that led to significant advancements for UN forces until a stalemate was finally reached between sides. It wasn't until President Eisenhower was elected that 3 years of fighting was ended with an armistice that divided Korea at the 38th to this day. -
Brown v. Board of Education
After quality of the separation became particularly bad, a young black student named Linda Brown would fight the board of education on the Plessy verdict. Represented by Thurgood Marshall, she argued that she walked long distances past a public school to get to her school, which was of lower quality and had old and poor quality materials. Education quality was lower, no transportation, and materials were old. In proving the inequality, Brown got Plessy v. Ferguson overturned, integrating schools -
Elvis Rises to Rock 'n Roll Fame
Like a lot of other modern music styles, Rock 'n Roll stemmed largely from the black communities of America. Combining the blues style with more pop characteristics, it quickly became popular amongst the youth of America who were looking for ways to express themselves. It became popular in white communities more as Elvis Presley rose to fame singing it. While many older generations strongly disliked Elvis and his style of music, the youth would continue to help grow his fame and appreciate it. -
Rosa Parks Refuses Seat
A famous story of the civil rights movement, Rosa Parks led boycotts that changed rights on transportation in just over a year. Having been chosen to rebel against giving up her seat, activists knew she would receive better feedback as an older, tired, working woman. When she was arrested for it, 40,000 other African Americans participated in boycotting the busses until bus companies joined in fighting the Jim Crow laws to get black business back. -
Interstate Highway Act
As the country expanded into suburbs and modernized with the prosperity after the war, Eisenhower passed the Interstate Highway Act to create larger, more connected, and more modern roadways throughout the country. This would create clearer and easier travel through states, encouraged the use of cars, and even benefitted from a military perspective of having an easier time evacuating and being able to use stretches of highway as emergency runways. It provided a further step in modernization. -
Nikita Khrushchev UN Speech
After Stalin's death, it seemed that things would change in the way of Soviet relations when Khrushchev took power. Despite talking down on Stalin's actions and speaking of reform in the USSR and more peace amongst countries, there were inconsistencies. At a UN Speech, he openly stated "We will bury you", targeted to the US. This led to confusion and uncertainty in the stability of the Soviet Union and peace, leading to a decade of subtle tensions and communist fear within America. -
Little Rock 9 Enrolls in School
The Little Rock 9 were the first black students to attempt to attend a white school and begin integration after Plessy was overturned. They faced severe backlash, with threats from white students and parents, protests, and even the Governor of Arkansas ordered the National Guard to keep them out. As a response, President Eisenhower ordered that they be allowed in school, and sent the 101 Airborne Division to escort them into and through school, pushing the government involvement in civil rights. -
Nixon and Kennedy Televised Debate
While not known for any particular scandal or argument in parties like previous elections, the election of 1960 is known for the influence seen by things like television and image of a candidate. At the time, Nixon would've been seen as the more experienced and proper presidential elect, having been a career politician. Kennedy was young and inexperienced. In the first ever televised debate favor swung to Kennedy simply due to the decision to take makeup/prep that showed him as neater and nicer -
Ruby Bridges Attends All White Elementary School
Even after the President's response with the Little Rock 9, there was still large resistance for school integration. Ruby Bridges became the first black girl to attend an all white elementary school, and experienced similar circumstances of threats, protests, and even thrown food. She too received military escort to school, as she was escorted by armed federal marshals to and from school. The government continued to protect the rights given in overturning Plessy, and utilized the military for it -
U2 Incident
The US and the Soviet Union were on somewhat rocky terms, not really enemies but there was tension. When a U-2 spy was sent over the Soviet Union and shot down, relations became somewhat certain. Pilot Gary Powers was captured despite having done what he was supposed to coming down and essentially interrogated on trial. Many believe he broke and told of US intelligence and secrets. Khrushchev used the international incident to cancel a conference of nations in Paris, securing US/USSR tensions. -
Bay of Pigs Invasion
With the power shift in Cuba, the US feared Soviet influence and the spread of communism to a nearby country. As a result, the Eisenhower Administration started planning an invasion of Cuba at the Bay of Pigs, charging the country primarily with Cuban exiles with the help of the American military. Unfortunately, Kennedy took over the presidency and thus inherited and had to put the plan into action. The plan ends up failing, and everyone that was sent in was either killed or captured. -
Freedom Rides
Following the effect of the desegregation of the Montgomery bus system, activists engaged in Freedom Rides through the south to challenge the segregation seen in transportation systems. Organized by the SNCC and CORE, both blacks and whites participated. Unfortunately, they were often met with attacks from mobs and bombings against them, and were not met with the proper protection when Commissioner of Safety Conner purposefully arrived to an attack late. Despite attacks, the rides would continue -
Confirmation of Soviet Missiles in Cuba
At a time when communist fear was already spread across America and tensions were high with the Soviet Union being in Cuba, it was the discovery and confirmation of Soviet missiles in Cuba that finally justified every fear. There was concern of airstrike as well as nuclear missiles, as discovered by American intelligence and the U2 flight over Cuba. This left the plan of action as two options: either strike on Cuba and start war with the USSR or a naval blockade of Cuba. -
Cuba Quarantine Proclamation
Between two plans of action regarding the Cuban Missile Crisis, Kennedy selected the naval blockade of Cuba, and ordered the Cuba Quarantine Proclamation. This would use the US navy to block the Soviet Union from sending ships into Cuba with missiles and other supplies. While a risky action, it was considerably safer than risking nuclear war. After only one ship needing taken down in October, Khrushchev gave in and agreed to remove the Soviet missiles from Cuba given the US wouldn't invade. -
Civil Rights March on Washington
At the height of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's, the SCLC, NAACP, CORE, and SNCC all organize a large march on Washington DC for civil rights. Being the largest organizations for civil rights in America, the march was large and attendance ranged from all over the country. With over 250,000 participants, people were bussed in from all over the country and large names in the Civil Rights movement attended and spoke. This is where MLK Jr. gave his famous "I have a Dream" speech. -
Civil Rights Act
Following the assassination of President Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson took on the government leadership as the civil rights movement came closer to success. It was President Johnson who would sign in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which would make it illegal to discriminate based on race, color, religion, or national origin. Although racism would still continue within some individuals, it was officially prohibited to limit the rights of citizens based on their race or ethnicity, a huge goal met. -
Voting Rights Act
Not much after signing the Civil Rights Act, President Johnson also signs in the Voting Rights Act of 1965, protecting the right to vote and freedom to do so safely of all American citizens. The Act banned any discrimination in local, state, and national polling places for elections, as well as literacy tests, physical violence, and intimidation. This not only protected every African American citizen's right to vote but their ability to do it safely, rounding out the civil rights movements goals
