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Proclamation of 1763
Great Britain passes the proclamation of 1763 after the French and Indian War. The proclamation forbade colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains but was largely ignored by colonists who saw it as a hindrance to their expansion. The proclamation symbolized the end of benign neglect, a period before the war in which Britain had loosened the reins on the colonies, allowing them to largely run themselves. This grated on the nerves of colonists who had gotten used to freedom. -
Sugar Act of 1764
The Sugar Act was passed by Parliament as a way to raise money for the British government and to regulate trade in the colonies. The act taxed sugar and molasses imported from non-British sources. The act was meant to reduce smuggling in the colonies and was actually beneficial as it reduced the tax from its predecessor, the Molasses Act of 1733, but was seen by the colonists as “paying for their own subjugation” at the hand of the British. As a result, the colonists continued to smuggle sugar. -
The Stamp Act
The British government passes The Stamp Act, requiring colonists to purchase special stamps for legal documents, newspapers, and other printed materials (diplomas, licenses, etc.). The act was extremely unpopular in the colonies, even more so among the wealthy, seeing as they were disproportionately affected. These influential people, including John Hancock, Patrick Henry, and Samuel Adams, formed the Sons of Liberty and were able to incite boycotts of taxed goods, protests, and even violence. -
Quartering Act of 1765
Parliament passes The Quartering Act. This required the American colonies to provide food, lodging, and supplies to British soldiers stationed in the colonies. This act was met with widespread resistance in the colonies, as many colonists saw it as an infringement on their rights and a violation of their property. This act was among several measures taken by the British government to assert their authority over the colonies, and it contributed to the growing tensions between them and Britain. -
The Townshend Acts
The British government passes The Townshend Act, a series of taxes on the colonies. These taxes were levied on goods, such as glass, lead, paint, paper, and tea. The act was met with backlash from the colonies, as many colonists saw it as a violation of their rights. This resistance included boycotts of taxed goods, protests, and even violence. While eventually repealed, the tensions the acts helped to create between the colonies and Britain ultimately contributed to the American Revolution. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre ends in the death of 5 people and stirs tensions between colonists and the British. The incident began as a street altercation between a few soldiers and some civilians, but quickly escalated into a full-blown riot when civilians started throwing rocks at soldiers. The incident came as anti-British sentiment was on the rise and was seen as an example of the oppressive nature of British rule. The Boston Massacre fanned the flames of outrage that led to the American Revolution. -
Boston Tea Part
The Boston Tea Party takes place as a political protest in response to the Tea Act of 1773, which had imposed a tax on tea imported to the colonies. A group of colonists known as the sons of liberty boarded British ships and threw $1.8 million worth of tea overboard in protest of the tax. This was a key event leading up to the American Revolution and helped to solidify the colonists' determination to fight for their rights and freedoms, agitating the political climate and escalating tensions. -
Coercive Acts
Parliament passes The Coercive Acts, aka the Intolerable Acts in response to the Boston Tea Party to punish the colonies. The Acts closed the port of Boston until the destroyed tea was paid for, outlawed assemblies giving the British direct control of colonies, and allowed royal officials accused of a crime to be tried in England often leading biased trials. These Acts were seen as a violation of the colonists' rights and freedoms and were a major factor in the lead-up to the Revolutionary War. -
First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress, a meeting of delegates from each colonies, takes place. Within the congress there were two sides: the radicals, who wanted independence, and the conservatives, who wanted peace with Britain. During this they wrote the Olive Branch Petition, in which they agreed to stop violence and protesting if they were given representation in parliament and taxes were limited. This marked the first time that the colonies came together to collectively assert their rights. -
Lexington and Concord
The Battles of Lexington and Concord mark the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. In an attempt to end a revolution before it even began, British soldiers were sent to seize arms and arrest colonial leaders in Lexington and Concord but were seen by colonial spies, who gathered militiamen to stop them. After the infamous “shot heard ‘round the world,” a skirmish at Lexington and resistance in Concord caused the British many casualties, inspiring more colonists to join the patriot cause. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress is called in the aftermath of the Battles of Lexington and Concord and serves as the temporary national government of the colonies during the war. It was called after the Olive Branch petition was rejected and oversaw the formation of the Continental Army, printed paper money to finance the war effort, and created a foreign relations committee. It made key decisions that shaped the course of the war and ultimately led to the colonies' victory over Great Britain. -
Common Sense
Thomas Paine publishes the pamphlet "Common Sense", arguing for independence from Great Britain. The pamphlet was widely read and influenced many colonists to support the revolutionary cause. It was important in convincing people to support independence and ultimately helped pave the way for the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Paine, a very influential writer, also published “American Crisis” during the revolutionary war, which helped boost morale during the winter at Valley Forge. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is signed and declares the 13 colonies' independence from Great Britain. It was written primarily by Thomas Jefferson and grievances and key principles on which the new nation was founded. It served as a statement of purpose for the revolutionary cause and provided a justification for the colonies' separation from Great Britain. Its values of liberty and equality have also had a lasting influence on the world, many other countries modeling it in the future. -
Crossing of the Deleware
General George Washington and his Continental Army cross the Delaware River on Christmas. The crossing caught the British by surprise and helped to turn the tide of the war in favor of the Americans. After crossing the river, the Continental Army attacked and defeated a Hessian garrison at Trenton, New Jersey. While it wasn’t a major strategic victory, the victory at Trenton was a good morale boost for the Continental Army, helping to keep the rebellion alive during a critical time in the war. -
Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga becomes a major turning point in the Revolutionary War. The American forces were able to defeat the British army in two separate battles, leveling the playing field between the two. The colonial victory gave Benjamin Franklin, who was in France at the time, the leverage to convince France to formally enter the conflict on the side of the Americans. The French alliance was crucial to the American victory, as it provided military and financial support to the revolutionaries. -
Battle of Yorktown
The Battle of Yorktown is the last battle of the American Revolutionary War. It was fought between the American forces, led by Washington, and the British army, led by Cornwallis. The Americans, aided by the French navy, were able to defeat the British, ending the war. The victory at Yorktown marked the end of the American Revolution and the beginning of the US as an independent nation. The colonists had won the war despite significant disadvantages, serving as an example for many other nations. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris is signed, officially ending the American Revolutionary War. The treaty recognized the independence of the United States and established the country's borders as all land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mississippi River, including the Northwest territory. The treaty marked the end of British rule and the beginning of the US as a nation, allowing them to begin building its own government and institutions. It also marked the end of British colonization in North America. -
Shays' Rebelion
Shays' Rebellion, a series of protests and uprisings, highlights the weakness of the Articles of Confederation. It was led by Daniel Shays, a veteran of the war, and a group of farmers and debtors who were upset with the state's economic policies and high levels of debt. The federal government was not able to stop this because it lacked the ability to do so under the articles of confederation. The rebellion was eventually stopped, but revealed the flaws of having a weak central government. -
Constitutional Convention
The Constitutional Convention drafts a new constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation. At the convention, the delegates debated the structure of the government. There were two major sides: the federalists who wanted a strong central government, and the anti-federalists who wanted stronger state governments. The end result was a compromise that outlined a strong central government with a bill or rights to protect individual freedoms. This is still our governing document to this day. -
Washington's innauguration
The Constitutional Convention drafts a new constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation. At the convention, the delegates debated the structure of the government. There were two major sides: the federalists who wanted a strong central government, and the anti-federalists who wanted stronger state governments. The end result was a compromise that outlined a strong central government with a bill or rights to protect individual freedoms. This is still our governing document to this day. -
Federal Judiciary Act of 1789
The Federal Judiciary Act establishes the federal court system and creates the Supreme Court. It also established district courts and circuit courts, which were designed to handle cases involving federal law. While this Act established the judicial branch as a branch of government, it did not have much power until the case of Murbury v. Madison, which established the process of judicial review, which allowed the supreme court to deem laws as unconstitutional and strike them down. -
Invention of the Cotton Gin
The cotton gin is invented by Eli Whitney as part of a broader technological revolution. After the embargo of 1807 stopped foreign trade, domestic production increased. The revolution saw a rise in manufacturing (Textile Industry), communication (US Postal System & Telegraph Lines) and transportation (e.g. canals, railroads), putting the US in position ready for trade, growth, and urbanization. New waves of immigration dramatically increased the population, causing increased westward expansion. -
Adam's innaguration
John Adams becomes the second president of the US. During his presidency, Adams established a navy, but also faced many challenges, including tensions with France, which led to the XYZ affair, and domestic opposition to his policies, which caused him to sign the Alien and Sedition Acts, which attempted to suppress political opposition. These acts blatantly violated the 1st amendment and were wildly unpopular, leading Adams to lose the next election, bringing an end to the federalist era. -
Jefferson's Inauguration/Revolution of 1800
Thomas Jefferson’s inauguration marks the first peaceful transfer of power from one political ideology to another in the US and establishes the precedent of a peaceful transfer of power following an election. This change, known as the revolution of 1800, proved to the world that it was possible to peacefully resolve conflicts through the democratic process. The election also marked the beginning of the era of Jeffersonian democracy, which emphasized individual liberty and limited government. -
Luisiana Purchase
Thomas Jefferson makes The Louisiana Purchase, a land deal between the United States and France in which the US acquired the Louisiana Territory, to secure permanent access to the Mississippi after the Pinckney Treaty. The purchase doubled the size of the US but was a difficult decision for Jefferson, a strict constructionist, because the constitution did not spell out a process for acquiring new land. After making the purchase, Jefferson commissioned Lewis and Clark to explore the area. -
Embargo of 1807
The Embargo of 1807 is implemented by Jefferson and prohibits all foreign trade. While designed as a way for the U.S. to remain neutral in the Napoleonic Wars between Britain and France, it disrupted trade and led to widespread economic failure. However, the lack of foreign manufactured goods sparked the rapid rise of American Industry and domestic manufacturing to fill the demand for these products. This contradicted Jefferson's vision of an agrarian America that consisted mostly of farmers. -
The Battle of New Orleans
The Battle of New Orleans is won by American forces led by General Andrew Jackson during the War of 1812 and boosts American morale, cementing Jackson's reputation as a military hero. The war was caused by a variety of factors (e.g. the impressment of American sailors), and had a lasting impact on the US, as it strengthened national identity and cemented the country as a major player on the global stage. The war also marked the end of the Native American resistance from the Ohio River Valley. -
Missouri Compromise
The Missouri Compromise is passed in and admits Missouri to the Union as a slave state and Maine as a free state. It also prohibited slavery in the rest of the Louisiana Purchase north of the 36°30' latitude, except for Missouri. This compromise was an attempt to balance the interests of Northern and Southern states and avoid a potential war over the issue of slavery. However, it ultimately failed to resolve the issue and contributed to the growing tensions between the North and South. -
The Corrupt Bargain
The corrupt bargain, a deal made between John Q. Adams and Henry Clay, occurs. After no candidate won a majority of votes in the presidential election, the winner was decided by the House of Representatives. Clay, the Speaker of the House, supported Adams, who then won the presidency. In return, Adams appointed Clay Secretary of State, leading to rumors of a corrupt bargain between them, fueling the development of political parties and the bitter rivalry between the Adams and Jackson factions. -
The Tariff of 1828
The Tariff of 1828, aka the Tariff of Abominations, was passed by the US Congress to protect American industries from foreign competition. The controversial action sparked outrage in the South, where it was seen as benefiting Northern manufacturers at the expense of Southern planters. The tariff was a major factor in the growing sectional tensions between the North and South, and also contributed to the development of political parties and the rise of Andrew Jackson as a national figure. -
Presidential Election of 1828
The presidential election of 1828 marks the beginning of the Second Party System. The election pitted John Quincy Adams against Andrew Jackson, a popular military hero. The election saw both candidates holding rallies, parades, leveling accusations of corruption against each other, and even using the media in new biased ways in the first modern political campaign, with Jackson ultimately winning. The election marked the beginning of a two-party system dominated by the Democrats and the Whigs. -
Jackson's inauguration/The spoils system
Andrew Jackson becomes president and implements the spoils system, in which he replaced many people in the executive branch with yes-men upon his election rather than qualified people, leading to an ineffective executive branch. He called this rotation in office. He also vetoed the recharter of the Second Bank of the United States as part of his Bank War. This led to inflation and a recession known as the Panic of 1838. His presidency marked the beginning of the modern Democratic Party. -
Indian Removal Act
The Indian Removal Act is passed by Congress, authorizing the President to negotiate with Native American tribes in the southeastern United States for their removal to lands west of the Mississippi River. The Act was implemented by President Andrew Jackson, and resulted in the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans, including the Cherokee, Muscogee, Seminole, Chickasaw, and Choctaw nations, known as the "Trail of Tears." The Act had devastating impacts on Native American communities. -
The Liberator is published
The Liberator, an abolitionist newspaper run by William Lloyd Garrison, is published as part of the growing abolition movement, a social and political campaign to end the practice of slavery. It began in the late 18th century and gained momentum in the early 19th century, fueled in part by the Second Great Awakening, a religious revival movement that took place in the United States in the early 19th century. This movement contributed to the growth of democracy and individualism in the US. -
Compromise tariff
The compromise tariff marks the end of the nullification crisis, a conflict between the federal government and South Carolina in the 1830s. South Carolina believed that the Tariff of 1828 was unfairly harmful to the state's economy, so they declared that they had the right to nullify these federal tariffs within their own borders. They also threatened to secede. The crisis was eventually resolved through negotiations, but it highlighted the tension between states and the federal government. -
The Alamo
The Alamo is besieged by Mexican forces, and all the defenders, including Davy Crockett and James Bowie, were killed. The Mexican Government had imposed bans on slavery, increased taxes, and planted soldiers in Texas causing tensions to rise with white settlers. The battle and its aftermath became an important symbol of Texan independence. The Texan war for independence eventually led to their annexation by the US. -
The treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo
The treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo ends the Mexican-American War. The war was sparked by a dispute over the border between Texas, which had recently been annexed by the US, and Mexico. Many believe the war to have been orchestrated by President Polk to expand the US. The war resulted in a victory for the US, and as a result, Mexico ceded a large portion of its territory (5 states) to the US, making the US a bicoastal nation. The treaty also confirmed the border of Texas as the Rio Grande River. -
Seneca Falls Convention
Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, and other leading feminist organize and hold the Seneca Falls Convention. This was the first women's rights convention in the US. The convention was both men and women, and it resulted in the "Declaration of Sentiments," which outlined a list of grievances and demands for women's rights, including the right to vote. The Seneca Falls Convention was pivotal in the women's suffrage movement, and, like abolition, was in part due to the Second Great Awakening. -
Compromise of 1850
Congress passes The Compromise of 1850 in an attempt to address the issue of slavery and the growing tensions between North and South. It admitted California as a free state, established popular sovereignty, banned the slave trade in the Washington DC, and included the Fugitive Slave Act, which required the return of runaway slaves to their owners. While the compromise temporarily defused tensions between the North and South, it ultimately failed to resolve the issue of slavery. -
Sacking if Lawrence, Kansas (Bleeding Kansas)
Border ruffians lay siege to the town of Lawrence, Kansas. Because Kansas was using popular sovereignty, which allowed voters in the territory to determine whether to allow slavery, there was an influx of pro- and anti-slavery settlers into Kansas, resulting in violence as both sides fought for control of the territory. This period known as “Bleeding Kansas” was a precursor to the Civil War and played a significant role in escalating tensions between the North and South on the issue of slavery. -
Bombing of fort Sumter
The bombing of Fort Sumter becomes the first attack of the American Civil War. After the South had seceded, Lincoln sent a convoy of food and supplies to Fort Sumter, a Union-held fort, in South Carolina. Confederate blocked the convoy, thinking it contained weapons, and bombed the fort preemptively, marking the beginning of the Civil War and the first Union loss. The war would go on to last 4 years, take hundreds of thousands of lives, and dramatically alter the political climate of the US. -
Homestead Act of 1862
The Homestead Act of 1862 grants 160 acres of public land to any person, including freed slaves, who is willing to cultivate and improve the land. The act was designed to encourage western expansion and to promote the settlement and development of the western US. The act allowed people to claim land by living on it, building a home, and cultivating the land for a period of five years. The act succeeded in making the west more productive and reducing overcrowding in cities due to immigration. -
Pacific Railway Act of 1862
The Pacific Railway Act of 1862 authorizes the construction of a transcontinental railroad in the US. It provided government land grants and loans to two railroad companies, the Union Pacific Railroad and the Central Pacific Railroad, to build a railroad that would connect the East Coast with the West Coast, and specified that the railroad must be completed within ten years. The railroad was completed in 1869, and boosted the economy, helping trade between the East and the West Coasts flourish. -
Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation is issued by President Abraham Lincoln, declaring that all slaves in the Confederate states were free. While did not immediately free any slaves, as it only applied to areas in open rebellion and thus outside the Union’s control, it helped to shift the focus of the war from preserving the Union to abolishing slavery, encouraging African Americans to join the fight against the Confederacy while also discouraging European nations from supporting the confederacy. -
Battle of Vicksburg
The Battle of Vicksburg is fought. The Union army, led by General Ulysses S. Grant besieged the city and forced its surrender, effectively splitting the Confederacy in two, completing the Anaconda Plan to surround the South and devastate them economically. The Union victory was a major turning point in the war and gave the North control of the Mississippi River, a vital transportation and trade route. The victory allowed the North to wage “total war” or war on the South’s ability to wage war. -
Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg marks a turning point in the Civil War. It was a Union victory, with General George Meade defeating Confederate General Robert E. Lee's army. The battle resulted in over 50,000 casualties and was one of the bloodiest in American history. It also effectively ended the Confederate invasion of the North. President Lincoln would later give the Gettysburg Address in which he paid tribute to the soldiers who had fallen at Gettysburg and called for the preservation of the Union -
Lincoln's 10% Plan is Announced
Lincoln announces the terms of his 10% reconstruction plan, a proposal that allowed a state to be readmitted to the Union once 10% of its population had sworn loyalty to the US and agreed to obey the Emancipation Proclamation. The plan was seen as lenient, as it allowed Southern states to rejoin the Union without any significant punishment. Reconstruction continued to be heavily controversial, especially after Lincoln’s death, in the hands of Andrew Johnson, who lacked his political prowess. -
The Battle of Appomattox Court House
The Battle of Appomattox Court House marks the final battle and Union victory in the Civil War. The battle was fought between Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s and Union General Ulysses S. Grant’s armies. After a series of defeats, Lee's army was surrounded, without food or supplies, by Union forces at Appomattox Court house and was forced to surrender to Grant, effectively ending the Civil War. The battle was the end of four years of a bloody war and the beginning of the Reconstruction era. -
14th Amendment is ratified
The 14th Amendment is ratified, granting citizenship to everyone born or naturalized in the United States, including former slaves. It provided equal protection under the law to all citizens and helped equal treatment for African Americans, combatting discriminatory “black codes” used by Southern States to perpetuate some semblance of slavery, leading to violence against blacks. While Johnson originally tried to veto the amendment, public opinion had sung against him and it passed anyway. -
US purchases Alaska
Buying Alaska represented the growth of America's commercial empire as well as US imperialism. At the time, the acquisition was met with skepticism and criticism from the American public and politicians, who saw Alaska as a barren and useless land. However, it opened up new opportunities for natural resource exploitation and territorial expansion. It also marked a shift towards a more aggressive and expansionist foreign policy, as the US sought to establish itself as a major global power. -
Civil Rights Act of 1875
The Civil Rights Act aimed to ban discrimination on the basis of race in public accommodations, such as hotels and transportation. The law was a response to the discrimination and violence blacks faced in the Reconstruction era and represented a significant milestone in the fight for equal rights. However, the law faced significant opposition and was ultimately largely unenforced. The act served as a precursor to later civil rights legislation, which had more widespread and lasting impact. -
Tuskeegee Institute founded
Despite victories in the Civil War, African Americans were still suffering injustices and discrimination. Out of this struggle, new leaders emerged to empower blacks, including Booker T. Washington, who believed that equality would only come with patience. He urged blacks to temporarily accept certain injustices, while focusing on elevating themselves through developing trades. Thus, he founded the Tuskeegee Institute, a trade school to give blacks a place to develop their skills. -
Pendleton Act
The spoils system, loved by politicians but hated by the people, had created an ideological split in the republican party between the stalwarts (the far-right in favor of maintaining the status quo) and the mugwumps (the left-leaning who wanted to do away with the system). Eventually an angry party member who felt entitled to a job assassinated then-president Garfield, leading to the Pendleton Act, which required federal job seekers to pass a civil service exam, ending the spoils system. -
Dawes Act
The Dawes Act of 1887 is passed. The act attempted to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream white culture by breaking up tribal lands and issuing individual land grants to Natives. The act gave Natives plots of land, which they could cultivate as private property. The act also established the process for selling any remaining tribal lands to non-Natives. The Dawes Act resulted in the loss of millions of acres of tribal land and disrupted traditional Native cultures and ways of life. -
Hull House
As part of the broader social reform movements of the late 1890s and 1910s, Jane Adams found the Hull House. This was a settlement house, aimed at helping immigrants assimilate into American life easier. This time period in particular had seen a massive wave of immigrants, who often arrived with little to no money. They often settled in and were sheltered by ethnic enclaves. They were also exploited by political machines. Settlement houses were an effort to help them adjust to life in America. -
How the other Half Lives is published.
Jacob Riis, a photojournalist, publishes How the Other Half Lives, exposing the terrible living conditions of the poor in New York City. It inspired other social activists and journalists, called muckrakers, to investigate and report on the struggles of marginalized communities. These muckrakers were crucial to bringing about significant social reform and often tackled issues that society had ignored. The were crusaders who fought for change. -
Pullman Strike
The Pullman Strike of 1894 was a nationwide railroad strike against the Pullman Palace Car Company's wage cuts and working conditions. The federal government intervened with military force, and the strike ended in failure. After being mistreated for decades, workers began to organize and push back against terrible conditions set forth by wealthy robber barons. Organizations such as the Knights of Labor and the American federation of labor worked on behalf of workers to create better conditions. -
Plessy v Ferguson
Plessy v Ferguson was a monumental case that set the precedent for "separate but equal," a concept used to perpetuate racist Jim Crow laws and discrimination. The case involved Homer Plessy, an African American man who refused to give up his seat in a "whites-only" railroad car and was arrested. The decision in the case upheld the legality of segregation, claiming that white facilities could legally discriminate, so long as their white counterparts were equal, which often times they were not. -
The de Lome Letter
The de Lome letter, a letter written by a Spanish ambassador, is intercepted by the US and published by newspapers. It criticized President McKinley and his attempts at creating peace in Cuba, which had wanted independence from Spain. The letter played a major role in starting the Spanish-American War, and was dramatically played up by media. While the letter was derogatory, the rise of yellow-journalism undoubtedly blew the outrage of the American people out of proportion. -
USS Maine explodes in Havana Harbor.
The US had anchored the Maine in Havana Harbor to protect US citizens and economic interest in Cuba, so when it mysteriously blew up, killing 280 American sailors, they blamed the Spanish and prepared to go to war. The war lasted only four months, and was a massive success for the US. It marked a turning point in US foreign policy and the country's emergence as a global power. The war also helped Teddy Roosevelt rise to prominence, turning him into a national hero at the battle of San Juan Hill. -
The Gospel of Wealth is published
Andrew Carnegie publishes The Gospel of Wealth, which detailed his beliefs on the responsibility of the rich. Carnegie was among a group of the richest men in America, often referred to as either robber barons or captains of industry due to their often shady, underhanded, but also innovative and creative business tactics. These men profited from the rise of industries such as steel, oil, and railroads in America, becoming extremely wealthy and turning the country into an economic super power. -
The Jungle published
Although originally meant to highlight the poor working conditions, The Jungle, by Upton Sinclair, highlighted abuses in the meat packing industry. This garnered national attention, even making its way to then president Teddy Roosevelt, which led to the signing of the Meat Inspection Act and the pure food and drug act, a precursor to the modern FDA. The novel helped fuel the Progressive Movement, inspiring reform aimed at improving working conditions, safety standards, and consumer protections. -
Henry Ford introduces the Model T
By introducing the Model T, Ford made cars more affordable and standard for Americans. This led to the rise of suburbs and a national highway system. The resulting boom in the auto-industry sent ripples throughout the US economy, boosting industries such as steel, glass, oil, rubber, construction etc. Cars dramatically shifted the cultural landscape of America, impacting even seemingly-unrelated things such as entertainment and vacations, representing a greater rise in consumer culture. -
NAACP is founded
To further empower African Americans, W. E. DuBois founds the NAACP. Unlike Booker T. Washington, DuBois did not believe in accepting any form of discrimination, claiming that is would only cement and perpetuate white oppression. Instead, Dubois believed in developing what he called the talented tenth. Dubois believed that elevating the top ten percent of students would elevate the entire community. Since its founding, the NCAAP became an integral organization to civil rights. -
Zimmerman Telegram
While Europe was caught up in war, America had decided to stay neutral and not enter the fighting, until the interception of the Zimmerman Telegram. Sent by Germany, it promised Mexico all the land they had lost in the Mexican American War if they attacked the US. This, in combination with the Germans breaking their promise to not sink unarmed ships like the Lusitania, pulled America in WWI. The war was pitched as the "War to end all wars" to the American people to gain their support. -
Creel Committee
The Creel Committee, also known as the Committee on Public Information, was established to shape public opinion of WWI and promote support for the war effort. The agency was led by journalist George Creel and employed a variety of tactics, including propaganda, advertising, speeches, and censorship. The Creel Committee's efforts were instrumental in rallying support for the war and shaping public opinion, paving the way for later government efforts to shape public opinion. -
Selective Services Act
Due to a lack of soldiers and enlistees, the US passed the Selective Service Act, which authorized the federal government to draft men into military service for World War I. They needed to rapidly expand the military in order to provide the support that Europeans needed. In order to make sure that the additional influx of troops would not be wasted, the US demanded that no servicemen would be sent into battle until 1 million soldiers were amasses on European soil. -
War Industries Board is founded
The War Industries Board (WIB) was established during WWI to mobilize the country's industrial production for the war effort. The agency implemented a variety of measures, including price controls, production quotas, and labor regulations, to ensure that the military had the resources it needed to fight the war. However, the WIB also faced criticism for its centralized control over the economy and the resulting limitations on individual liberties and competition. -
Sedition Act of 1918
During WWI, personal freedoms were restricted in the name of national security. The Sedition Act made it illegal to criticize the US government, flag, or military. It followed the Espionage Act of 1917, which also prohibited disloyal speech. The laws were passed in response to concerns about dissent and anti-war sentiment and were used to suppress free speech and limit political opposition. Imprisoning over 2000 people, the law was incredibly controversial, many arguing it to be unconstitutional -
18th Ammendment
The temperance movement results in 18th Amendment, prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol. Fueled by concerns about the negative impacts of alcohol abuse, particularly on women and children, temperance advocates, including groups such as the Women's Christian Temperance Union and the Anti-Saloon League, employed a variety of tactics, including public lectures, petitions, lobbying efforts, and even violent attacks on bars all to eliminate the consumption of alcohol. -
Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles officially ends World War I. The treaty imposed significant reparations on Germany, limited the size of their military, and assigned them all the blame for causing the war. The treaty also established the League of Nations, an international organization designed to promote cooperation and prevent future wars. However, the treaty faced criticism, with many who believed that the reparations were too harsh. The treaty played a significant role in helping to cause WWII. -
Harlem Renaissance
The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement that took place in Harlem, a predominantly black neighborhood of New York City. The movement was characterized by an explosion of black art, literature, music, and more. It represented a major shift in American culture and was a significant milestone in the fight for civil rights and racial equality. The movement gave a platform for African American artists, writers, and intellectuals to express themselves and challenge prevailing stereotypes. -
19th Amendment
The 19th Amendment is ratified, granting women the right to vote, representing a significant milestone in the struggle for gender equality. The battle was a long one, dating back to the Seneca falls convention and aided by leaders like Alice Paul, and organizations such as National American Women's Suffrage Association. Employing a variety of tactics ranging from civil disobedience to peaceful marches, women were met with varying levels of opposition, including opposing organizations. -
Immigration Act of 1924
The Immigration Act of 1924 established quotas on the number of immigrants allowed into the United States. This was caused in large part by the Red Scare of the '20s, which had fueled anti-immigration sentiments. The law was designed to limit the influx of immigrants from southern and eastern Europe, as well as from Asia and was a significant shift in US immigration policy and marked a turning point in the country's relationship with immigrants and race relations. -
Sacco and Vanzetti
Sacco and Vanzetti were two Italian-American anarchists who were arrested and convicted for murder during a robbery. The case quickly became a national debate, with many arguing that the two men were innocent and had been convicted based on their political beliefs rather than actual evidence. Despite significant public pressure and appeals, Sacco and Vanzetti were ultimately executed in 1927. The case perfectly illustrates the paranoia caused by the Red Scare and highlights the danger of fear. -
Valentine's Day Massacre
The Valentine's Day Massacre was a notorious gangland murder in Chicago, where seven members of the North Side Gang were gunned down by rivals from the South Side Gang, led by Al Capone. The massacre highlighted the prevalence of organized crime in light of prohibition. During this time, bootlegging and speakeasies flourished, as did gang violence. This particular incident made clear the ineffectiveness of prohibition, and how it most likely did more damage than good. -
Stock Market Crash of 1929
The market crashes leading to the Great Depression. The crash was caused by a combination of factors the rise of instalment buying, buying on margin, large amounts of personal debt, and unsustainable market growth. The crash had far-reaching consequences: it halted production, which led to massive unemployment, which led to poverty and a mistrust of banks as an institution. The effects of the great depression and how it shaped society and its relation to government are still felt to this day. -
The Dust Bowl
The Dust Bowl was the #1 ecological disaster of the 20th century, and devastated farmers and the agricultural economy of the Great Planes. It was caused by a combination of drought, poor farming practices, and high winds, all of which led to massive dust storms. The consequences were devastating to a population already hit hard by the great depression: food becomes more scarce, and many families forced to abandon farms. The dust bowl highlighted the importance of the maintaining the environment. -
Bonus Army March
The Bonus Army march was a gathering of thousands of World War I veterans who came to Washington, D.C. to demand early payment of the bonus promised to them by the government in light of the economic devastation caused by the great depression. President Hoover ordered the military to disperse the protesters. This sparked immense backlash, adding to the image of him being a do-nothing president. Shanty-towns of homeless people were dubbed "Hoovervilles" and his popularity plummeted. -
FDR is elected into Office
Franklin Roosevelt was nearly guaranteed to win the election of 1932, as he was going up against Hoover who had suffered most of the blame for the Great Depression. FDR promised to do things differently from his predecessor, who, in the minds of the people, did far too little. Roosevelt’s first 100 days of office were the busiest of any prior president, decisively increasing government spending and creating many new programs, expanding federal power. This made him beloved by the people. -
Federal Emergency Relief Act
To address the great depression, FDR introduced a bundle of legislation called The New Deal, centered around the three Rs: Relief, Recovery, & Reform. The Federal Emergency Relief Act provided federal funds to states for operating relief programs. The New Deal marked a significant expansion of the federal government's role in the economy. It employed Keynesian economics (spending our way out of depression), spending billions and becoming the nation's largest employer. -
Social Security Act
The Social Security Act established a national system of pensions and unemployment insurance, as well as a range of welfare programs for the elderly, disabled, and disadvantaged. It provided critical support to millions of Americans during the Great Depression and beyond. It also gave people the motivation to retire. The program marked a shift in the American Government's role in supporting the people. -
Court Packing Scandal
FDR's New Deal was not perfect; many critics argued that it was an abuse of federal power and it was leading to alarming amounts of debt. The Court Packing Scandal arose when FDR proposed a plan to expand the Supreme Court, after they had ruled many of the New Deal provisions to be unconstitutional. This would bias the court in favor of Roosevelt, ensuring that he would go unopposed. This sparked intense backlash from the American people, and ultimately led to the decline of the New Deal era. -
FDR signs Executive Order 8802
Executive Order 8802 prohibited racial discrimination in defense industries during World War II. It was the first federal action to promote equal opportunity and prohibit employment discrimination in the United States. The order paved the way for the desegregation of the US military and played a critical role in the Civil Rights Movement. It also helped set the stage for later federal anti-discrimination laws, marking what could be considered as the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement. -
Bombing of Pearl Harbor
The United States had tired to remain neutral in WWII, but had little choice but to join the war when Japan bombed the naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, destroying much of the Pacific fleet. The attack outraged the American people and prompted the US to declare war on Japan. The attack also led to a significant shift in the US economy, as the country mobilized for war. This brought about the end of the Great Depression as industry started up to support the war effort. -
Japanese internment/Executive Order 9066
During World War II, over 120,000 Japanese Americans, two-thirds of whom were US citizens, were forcibly removed from their homes and placed in internment camps by the US government. This policy was rationalized under the pretext of national security concerns and fear of espionage by Japanese Americans. The internment of Japanese Americans is widely criticized as a violation of their civil liberties and constitutional rights, and demonstrates the dangers of acting out of fear and paranoia. -
D-Day
After the US joined the war, fighting happened in two theatres: European and Japanese/Pacific. D-Day marked the beginning of the end of fighting in the European theatre. Thousands of Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy in what was the largest seaborne invasion in history. The success of the operation marked a major turning point in the war and helped pave the way for Allied victory in Europe. -
The GI Bill
The GI Bill provided financial assistance with education, housing, and employment to millions of returning WWII veterans and helped to address the post-war economic and social challenges faced by veterans and their families. It played a significant role in creating the American middle class by providing access to higher education and home ownership for many veterans. The bill also contributed to the growth of the US economy by stimulating demand for housing, consumer goods, and higher education. -
Potsdam Conference
The Potsdam Conference was a meeting among the leaders of the Allied powers at the end of WWII. The conference took place in Potsdam, Germany, and was attended by Winston Churchill, Harry Truman, and Joseph Stalin. The conference was aimed at determining the post-war borders of Germany and Europe, establishing a new political order, and determining how to handle post-war reconstruction. It was a critical moment in the early Cold War period and exhibited tensions between the US and the USSR. -
The Marshall Plan
The Marshall Plan was developed to aid the reconstruction of Western Europe after WWII. It offered financial and technical assistance to European countries that agreed to cooperate with one another and with the United States. This was a significant component of U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War, as it helped to prevent the spread of communism in Western Europe by improving the economic and political stability of the region. -
Brown V. Board of Education
Brown v. Board of Education overturned the Plessy v. Ferguson decision, which had upheld the constitutionality of "separate but equal" segregation laws, stating that anything separate was inherently unequal. The ruling marked a major turning point in the civil rights movement laid the foundation for future civil rights advancements. The case was a pivotal moment in American history, symbolizing the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice. -
Start of Vietnam "War"
The Vietnam War a part of the strategy of containment and was fought between North and South Vietnam, with the US aiding South Vietnam. The war was extremely brutal and costly, resulting in mass death of both American and Vietnamese lives, sparking massive anti-war sentiments in the US. Images from the war were frequently sent home and published in media, further perpetuating backlash. The war ultimately ended in failure as Vietnam immediately fell to communism once the US pulled out -
Rosa Parks starts the Montgomery Bus Boycott
Rosa Parks, a leader in the NAACP, refused to give up her seat to a white person on a bus. Her subsequent arrest led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a year-long protest against segregation on public transportation. This brought national attention to the civil rights movement and resulted in a Supreme Court ruling that segregation on public transportation was unconstitutional. This inspired future civil rights protests, paving the way for other important legal victories in the movement. -
The Eisenhower Interstate Highway & Defense Act
The Eisenhower Interstate Highway and Defense Act authorized the construction of the national interstate highway system. The system encouraged economic growth, created jobs, and transformed transportation in the United States. The interstate system also facilitated the growth of suburbs and tourism, but contributed to urban sprawl. It was also designed to facilitate military transportation and evacuation in case of emergency or war, and played a role in the Cold War era national defense strategy -
Election of 1960
The election of 1960 was one of the closest in history, with John F. Kennedy narrowly defeating the more experienced Richard Nixon. It marked a generational shift in American politics. Kennedy's youth, charisma, and screen-presence helped him win over voters, as did his campaign's use of new media techniques, such as televised debates. The election also had a lasting impact on American politics, paving the way for modern presidential campaigning. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
In the midst of the cold war, the US discovered that the USSR was installing nuclear missile sites in Cuba, which was within firing range of the US. JFK responded with a naval blockade of Cuba, demanding the removal of the missiles. After a tense standoff that brought the world close to nuclear war, the Soviet Union agreed to remove the missiles. This situation, known as the Cuban Missile Crisis, caused mass panic and hysteria and forever altered the course of the Cold War. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was signed into law by Lyndon B. Johnson and was designed to address racial segregation and discrimination that had persisted in the United States for generations. It also had a substantial impact on the greater struggle for civil rights, helping to inspire and empower both activists and ordinary citizens in the fight for equal rights and social justice. -
March on Washington
The March on Washington the climax of the civil rights movement of the 60s. It was organized by a group of civil rights organizations to demand racial equality and an end to segregation and discrimination. It was here MLK delivered his famous "I Have a Dream," speech which called for an end to racism and for racial harmony among all Americans. The march is considered a turning point in the civil rights movement and was a major factor in the passage of the legislation that came after it. -
Moon Landing
By landing a man on the moon, the US officially "wins" the space race against Russia, which had started with the launch of Russian Space satellite Sputnik. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to step onto the moon. The moon landing was a significant achievement for the United States in the Cold War space race against the Soviet Union and demonstrated the country's technological and scientific capabilities, assuaging fears of Russian technology. -
Watergate Scandal
The Watergate scandal was a political scandal that involved a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarter in Washington, D.C. The burglars were connected to President Richard Nixon's re-election campaign, and the scandal eventually led to Nixon's resignation. The scandal had a lasting impact on American politics, leading to increased scrutiny of political campaigns and the role of the media in holding elected officials accountable.