-
The Jamestown Settlement became the first permanent English settlement in North America. The colony was a private journey and settlement that was organized by the Virginia Company of London. It hoped for strong gain and support for London investors. It was immediately surrounded by attacks from Algonquian natives, internal political disagreement, and growing disease/famine. However, the colony was a successful starting point for the English settlers. It had future success in tobacco production. -
The document was created by the male passengers on the Mayflower Compact. The colonists needed a patent to settle there as they decided to remain where they landed in New England. The Separatists signed a contract with the Virginia Company to establish a colony near the Hudson River bringing the colonists together. It was a very important document as it was the first self-governing document that was made by the people. Religious freedom, the right to law, and economic liberty were introduced. -
They increased colonial revenue, taxing goods that went to and from British colonies. The acts were an economic cause of the American Revolution due to the effect on trade. Salutary neglect and mercantilism encouraged them. Parliament hoped to help the British Empire by restricting colonial trade to England and decreasing the need for foreign goods. It provided colonial jobs such as dockworking and shipbuilding. The 1651 Act led to the Anglo-Dutch War highlighting trade conflict between the two. -
Bacon's Rebellion was the final major uprising of white indentured servants and enslaved blacks in colonial Virginia. Nathanial Bacon, infuriated with Indians and General Berkeley, ended up burning down Jameston. Economic depression alongside conflict with natives were leading causes of this. Land issues were a problem with this and the ongoing Metacom's War, also known as King Philip's War. The war led to intensification of slavery, social separation, and economic effects with tax reductions. -
In the 1st Great Awakening, people questioned the nature of power and rights as well as where they come from. John Locke, a philosopher, wrote about the idea of natural rights in his famous book. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of property were the main ideas, It placed sovereignty in the hands of the people, rather than government control. It also spoke on social contract and religious toleration. The Declaration of Independence included similar ideas as well. This shaped political philosophy. -
The Salem Witch Trials were prosecutions of many innocent people that got accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts. They were caused by family feuds, church politics, and a group of young girls that said they were possessed by the devil and accused several innocent women of witchcraft. Many little girls were wrongfully accused. A result of this included changes in court procedures including cross-examination of accusers, rights to legal representation, and innocence till proven guilty. -
The Stono Rebellion was the largest slave uprising in the 13 colonies. SC was close to Spanish-led Florida; slaves wanted to try to escape and gain freedom. A malaria epidemic in SC was a reason for the revolt. It revealed tensions that continued in slave states in the following century. Forced labor & poor treatment showed the brutal system of slavery and the early stages. The Negro Act of 1740, a harsher slave code by SC, and a prohibition of slave import were a result of the failed rebellion. -
The Albany Congress was led by Benjamin Franklin in New York and hoped to secure the support of the Iroquois in fighting for the French and form a colonial alliance. A proposed Albany Plan of Union to place the North American colonies under a more centralized government was failed but the Albany Congress proved to be an overall success. It established an early colonial confederation that was a big part of the British victory in the French and Indian War. The plan led to the American Revolution. -
The Treaty of 1763 put an end to the Seven Years War. The French lost the war and were forced to give up all their land claims in North America. Spain was given control of all of the land West of the Mississippi River while Britain received the eastern land. The Indians continued to attack colonial outposts in the West. North America was now opened up for Western expansion and trade was affected greatly. Many acts like the Sugar, Stamp, Tea, and Declaratory were passed to help with postwar debt. -
This was a street fight between the patriot mob and the British soldiers. The Parliament's passing of the Townshend Acts & Quartering Act, and British troops being stationed in Boston caused this massacre. Angry colonists also disagreed with taxation policies as they cried "No taxation without representation." The colonists hauled snowballs and stones while the British fired shots back. This was a leading cause of the American Revolution, united the colonies, and increased the boycott of goods. -
The Coercive/Intolerable Acts were laws passed after the Boston Tea Party that punished Boston. These led to public dismay and the creation of the First Continental Congress to discuss and unify an approach to the British. The laws made colonists furious as they took away self-governance and other rights. The Port Bill was an example where they closed the city's harbor. The Government Act denied town meetings and the Justice Act let British officials get away with unjust things in the colonies. -
These battles included the famous "shot heard around the world" and marked the start of the American Revolution. The British marched into Lexington and Concord intending to end the possibility of a rebellion by seizing colonial weapons. Adams and Hancock had fled but Paul Revere had been spying meaning that all of the resources had been moved already. The militiamen raised the alarm and they forced the British to retreat back to Boston. The Second Continental Congress was formed following this. -
The colonies sent the Olive Branch Petition to the King during the 2nd Continental Congress. It stated that the colonies will return to being citizens of Britain and stop all resistance only if the colonies get all their rights back. It is sent out because although the colonies want freedom, many of the delegates feel as if they don't have a chance. The King is mad that the colonists try to negotiate with him and rejects the petition. The colonies declare independence following this rejection. -
Paine's Common Sense was a pamphlet advocating independence from Great Britain. After losing lots of lives at the Battles of Lexington and Concord, starting the Revolutionary War, Paine argued that America's cause should not just be arguing against taxation but also a demand for independence. It helped attract public support for the revolution, gave a new passion, and promoted the idea of American exceptionalism. This helped lead to the Declaration of Independence which made America independent. -
The Battle of Saratoga was a crucial turning point in the Revolutionary War and was a much-needed victory for the Continental Army. The Hessians and British regulars fought against the Continental Army. General John Burgoyne wanted to invade New England from Canada wanting to isolate NE from the rest of the US. It was very important as it lifted patriot morale, gave stronger hope for independence, and helped secure foreign support from France, the Spanish, and Dutch to increase winning chances. -
After the Declaration of Independence, being free from Britain, the Articles of Confederation were issued as a starting document that established functions of the national government. It gave each state 1 vote, allowed war, and treaties with foreign nations. Weaknesses included no judiciary or chief justice, no power to tax or enforce laws, no government military force, and no regulation of commerce. The early struggles indicated the need for future changes like a stronger federal government. -
At the Battle of Yorktown, Washington decided to trap Cornwallis as a way of forcing a British defeat. It resulted in a major American win and led to a British surrender ending the war. A change of government is now ensured for America with this win. This was significant as it made America an official country and made other colonies around the world realize that they could also fight for their freedom. The French had their Revolution a couple of years following the American victory proving it. -
The rebellion included armed protests by farmers in Massachusetts against a debt crisis and property tax collection practices. It occurred at the end of the Revolutionary War and the (Shaysites) led by Daniel Shays were outraged with the state government. This uprising highlighted the weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation. Shays had fought in Bunker Hill as well and was influential. This event led to a stronger national government and was followed up with the Constitutional Convention. -
During the convention in Philadelphia, bigger states preferred representation based on population, and small states voted for it to be equal. This led to the Great Compromise in which both sides got what they wanted for the government. The Articles of Confederation only had one legislature making the federal government weak, leading to this new change. Now, there were 2 houses, the Senate, upper, and the House, lower. Our government is structured the same way even today showing its importance. -
Washington became the first-ever president of the US. Washington was the commander of the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War and was the perfect man for this. In his inaugural address, he stressed the need for a strong Constitution and promised the public good. He also signed the bill passing Madison's Bill of Rights shortly after. He is the only one to be unanimously chosen. When in office, He signed many acts, established the first national bank, and set up his own cabinet of members. -
The Market Revolution brought many inventions with this being one of the most important. The cotton gin made it easier to separate cotton fibers from their seeds making it way less time-consuming and quicker. This was a massive boost for the economy as cotton's value increased. However, it had a negative effect on slavery as it increased the demand for slaves again. Cotton became more profitable and the need for enslaved labor grew. McCormick's mower reaper and steamboat invention followed it. -
This was the first test of this new Constitution. The tax angered people greatly because it put a tax on whiskey, a common drink used in order to gain revenue. The farmers and distillers who were most affected created a violent protest in western Pennsylvania in response. They created havoc leading to Washington stepping in to help stop it. The newly developed Constitution allowed him to develop an army to help with it. Washington put an end to it as the Constitution passed its first obstacle. -
These resolutions were written by Henry Clay and Jefferson. It stated that if the government did something against the Constitution and against the States, the states have every right to mark it as void. These were mainly written in response to Adams Alien and Sedition Acts which were completely unconstitutional. Other reasons included the SC nullification crisis and the Civil War. If the states begin to nullify any law that they don't like, then the country would not remain a country anymore. -
This Supreme Court case was a decision that allowed for the first time that federal courts had the power to overturn an act of Congress if believed to have violated the Constitution. This principle of Judicial Review declared power to void acts. Marbury sued Madison in response to not being served his commission for justice of the peace for Washington DC. Marbury insisted the court issue a writ of mandamus to deliver the commission which they didn't. This case strengthened the federal judiciary. -
The US purchased 828,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi for $15 mil, doubling its size, and encouraging westward movement. French economic difficulties, the coming war with GB, failure to put down the Haitian slave revolution, alongside naval blockade were reasons for Napoleon's offer. Jefferson wanted the Port of New Orleans for shipping crops to market and for free usage of the Mississippi. The Pinckney's Treaty fixed the southern boundary and helped the US before this purchase. -
The Embargo might have been a surprise fluke from Jefferson. Great Britain and France were at war and Jefferson realized that the US had trading relations with both countries so remaining neutral would be beneficial leading to a strict ban on trade. The few positives were allowing domestic manufacturing, trade, and entrepreneurship to grow. Regardless of the exclusive efforts, It led to widespread smuggling and a devastating drop in American exports being a leading cause of the War of 1812. -
The British marched against New Orleans, hoping that by capturing the city they could separate Lousiana from the rest of the United States. The Battle of New Orleans was the last major battle of the War of 1812 and it was a Union victory. This American victory boosted pride and created the Star Spangled Banner. Andrew Jackson became a popular American hero. The victory ratified the Treaty of Ghent, ending the war and forcing the British to recognize US claims to Louisiana and West Florida. -
The Compromise drew a line from the east to the west along the 36th parallel dividing the nation into complete halves. The states and territories below the line would be slave states and the ones above would be free states. It enhanced slavery issues by dividing the country more. However, it helped maintain congressional balance in the Senate and admitted Missouri as slave, and Maine as free in an attempt to resolve the slave issue. Monroe's compromise sparked debate and led to a future change. -
The Monroe Doctrine warned European nations that the US would no longer tolerate further colonization or puppet monarchs, and protected the Western hemisphere from being colonized. Following the Napoleonic Wars, the US was worried about European colonization and nationalism. The doctrine laid the groundwork for US expansionist and interventionist practices to come. It also said that the US would not get involved in European affairs. This doctrine would help set disputes between the two nations. -
The Tariff of 1828 hoped to protect northern and western agricultural products from competition with foreign imports. The blockade of Europe led British manufacturers to offer goods in America at low prices that manufacturers could not put up with. This tariff raised taxes on foreign goods. The North liked it as it would benefit industrial states while the South argued that it would lead to an effect on the Southern economy. This was ongoing during the SC nullification crisis. (Calhoun/Jackson) -
Jackson issued this act ct which authorized the president to grant lands west of the Mississippi in exchange for Indian lands within existing state borders. Jackson had fully disregarded John Marshal's rulings in Cherokee Nation vs. GA which stated that the Natives were a domestic dependant nation and that Jackson could not do this. This led to the Trail of Tears as Jackson carried it on anyways. This move by Jackson represented the complete discrimination of the Natives and the greed for land. -
This rebellion involved the killing of 55-65 white people in Virginia making it the deadliest slave revolt in US history. Turner was a spiritual leader whose goal was to dismantle slavery as a whole and save AA's from this harsh life. Afterwards, the Virginia legislature thought about ending slavery but instead imposed additional, harsher restrictions on enslaved and free African Americans. Southern whites hardened pro-slavery attitudes and they prohibited the education and assembly of slaves. -
The Panic of 1837 was a financial crisis followed by a depression. Most of the banks in the nation closed down and unemployment rates reached an all-time high. A lot of it was also caused by President Jackson's economic policies. Jackson created the Specie Circular, the spoils system, and refused to renew the charter of the Second National Bank. The value of American currency depreciated. Westward expansion slowed and voters turned on the Democratic Party as the gov. didn't assist the public. -
The treaty ended the Mexican-American War. Mexico had to give 55% of its territory which became future US states. The treaty also halved the size of Mexico and doubled the size of the US. The US gained resource-filled lands full of minerals, natural resources, and gold. The Rio Grande became the border and Texas was annexed. Mexican citizens got displaced into US territory. The future Gadsen Purchase and this treaty extended US boundaries west to the Pacific Ocean being a cause of the Civil War. -
This was the first women's rights convention and was a great starting point for the women's suffrage movement. Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton were two abolitionists and leaders of this movement. It brought women together to discuss the future of the women's suffrage movement and create plans and action methods. Stanton created the Declaration of Sentiments, fighting for rights. Many other groups like the AESA followed this and fought hard for eventual rights like voting to be granted. -
Sectional disagreements over slavery and decisions over the newly acquired lands from the Mexican-American War were the leading causes of the Compromise of 1850. It said that California would enter as a free state, the slave trade would be outlawed in the capital, enacted the fugitive slave law, defined a new Texas-New Mexico boundary, and let popular sovereignty decide the outcome of a state. However, this compromise arose many arguments and slavery tensions continued leading to the Civil War. -
The Kansas-Nebraska Act repealed the Missouri Compromise by letting the states of Kansas and Nebraska decide whether they would be free or slave states based on popular sovereignty. It also led to Bleeding Kansas where pro-slavery and antislavery activists flooded into territories to affect the vote which eventually resulted in a fraudulent election and extreme violence. This was controversial as it raised the fear that slavery could exist where it was supposedly banned. (cause of Civil War) -
In this case, Scott sued his master trying to gain freedom, arguing that he is no longer a slave as they had moved into a free state. The court ruled against Scott in this valid argument saying that no black has rights that white people have to respect. This ruling led to extreme tensions among abolitionists and members of free states as it proved that slavery could go on anywhere. The Missouri Compromise got declared unconstitutional and slavery remained a key topic leading into the Civil War. -
The election of 1860 involved 4 candidates but it was mainly Lincoln vs. Douglas. The prior Lincoln-Douglas debates affected the course of this election. The Democratic Party split over the issue of slavery which gave Lincoln a strong edge. Slavery, tariffs, land, and railroads were among the main discussions. Following Lincoln's win, many states seceded following South Carolina as they feared the potential outcome. These results pushed the nation into the Civil War leaving Lincoln in trouble. -
The Union was overconfident believing that the Civil War would be a short and easy war because of the many advantages the North had over the South. However, the South was more prepared and defeated the Union in this battle. The North began to realize that the war might not be as easy as they thought and this was a wake-up call. McClellan received backlash for being too timid and not showing aggression. This marked the start of a long rotation between generals and a longer war than expected. -
The Homestead Act helped in developing the west and stimulating economic growth. It granted 160 acres of free land in the West to anybody that wanted it with the only catch being that they had to farm the land for at least 5 years, live on it, and improve the land by adding some value. This was even available to African Americans and women lasting for a long while. The growth in transcontinental railroads also led to the Pacific Railway Act which was then followed by the Morrill Land Grant Act. -
Abraham Lincoln had no early intention of abolishing slavery in the Civil War but with the South's noncompliance, he realized that he could end slavery and unite the nation. The Emancipation Proclamation outlawed slavery in all Confederate states and was issued after the victory at the Battle of Antietam. It told the South that if they joined back they could keep their slaves. However, nobody complied with it. The South wouldn't get much European support now as cotton production would decrease. -
The Gettysburg Address was a speech delivered by Lincoln in which he said that Americans should honor those who fell in battle and keep fighting until they achieve total victory. He also mentioned the union's cause is worth fighting for and that all men are created equal. This address came after the Battle of Gettysburg, a Union victory, and a major turning point in the Civil War. The battle had the largest number of casualties of the entire war and it proved that General Lee could be defeated. -
The 13th Amendment was significant as it officially abolished slavery in the United States. This happened in midst of the Civil War and changed the outcome of things. Blacks now had new freedoms to work and live more freely than before. Despite the amendment, many still treated blacks opposingly. The 14th amendment granted all naturalized US citizens to be given equal protection of the law. Continuing the push for black rights, the 15th amendment granted African American men the right to vote. -
Lee was trying to get to Appomattox because it had supplies for the Confederacy. However, Grant split his army in 2 with one fighting Lee's army, while the other goes to the courthouse to take the supplies. This strategy forced Lee to surrender at Appomattox. Despite the surrender, the 2 respected each other a lot. This event ended the Civil War, a deadly war. Lincoln now had to come up with a plan for Reconstruction following his second inaugural. Getting the country together was the next step. -
Industrial growth led to extreme wealth for some people and monopolies in businesses(steel&oil). Workers worked in horrendous conditions in these companies. Low wages, unsanitary conditions, and detrimental work hours were among the problems. This led to the formation of labor unions. The unions focused on getting better rights for workers along with other necessary benefits. The National Labor Union was the start. These were followed by lots of controversy and riots as more continued to form. -
This Act was crucial in getting the Confederates back into the Union but it also affected them. The act stripped the Southern states of their political power and divided them into five military districts that were placed under the command of the Union army. A Southern state had to ratify the 14th amendment and create a state constitution that guaranteed all men the right to vote, even blacks, in order to rejoin. This was followed by Johnson's impeachment due to poor decisions and racist actions. -
Custer and his troops pursued the Sioux nation. The Natives began to believe that they had angered their gods by rejecting traditional life. Custer was overconfident and this was the worst US army loss in the Plains Indians War. The battle was termed as heroic and the US started sending out more military and becoming more aggressive in its approach to taking out resistant Indians. Indian Wars continued and hatred of Natives continued. "Custer's Last Stand" was Custer's downfall as he died. -
The Dawes Act was like the Homestead Act but it was for Natives. Natives were expected to farm on these lands and improve the property given to them. Citizens thought this act was a generous move in which Natives could get free land and the opportunity to be successful in the US. This was the exact opposite as this destroyed cultural ties and took away native lands. The government took over 90 million acres of tribal land. This was followed by Native Americanization and showed strong hatred. -
The US citizens felt threatened by the Natives practicing the Ghost Dance and ended up attacking them. In fear, Natives headed for the safety of the Pine Ridge reservation where they were instructed to lay down their weapons. This was the fall of Sitting Bull as after a shot was fired, a massacre broke out. Natives lost all of their cultural lands and this showed the discrimination that they faced. This put an end to the Ghost Dance and cultural assimilation. (happening during Manifest Destiny) -
The USS Maine suddenly exploded and sank in Havana harbor, Cuba killing most to all of the crew. No cause has ever been found but suggested causes range from Spanish Espionage to an undetected fire in one of the coal bunkers. Many people in the United States blamed Spain even though they were not the reason behind it. The relationship between Spain and the U.S. became so strained that they could no longer discuss the situation. By the end of April, the Spanish-American War had begun. -
Coal miners, during a harsh winter, go on strike but the owners refuse to negotiate. Knowing that the strike would lead to a decrease in coal and thus a major crisis in the cities, Roosevelt demands that the owners negotiate or the military will take control of the mine. This signifies a huge abuse of power by Roosevelt and sets a precedent that the government has the ability to take over private businesses. This also is the first time that the government chooses labor over business. -
Upton Sinclair was a socialist who tried to diss capitalism by writing about the harsh conditions in which immigrants worked. In it, he writes about the abuses and horrid conditions in the meatpacking industry. The description was so gruesome people pushed for reform in the industry as America ran on meat. It led President Roosevelt to pass the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act to help regulate the food industry and make sure that the food put out to the public was safe. -
Robert Lafollette, a Wisconsin Congressman believes that the government is super corrupt and is too large to pass laws fast enough to result in change. He puts forward the plan which gives the people more voice in their local governments and allows for better cooperation between the government and its people. It makes way for recall, referendum, and initiative. It also allows for the people to directly elect their senators and the usage of an Australian ballot to secure privacy while voting. -
The economy of the 1920s was booming tremendously with new inventions. Low unemployment, low-priced goods, and wages were rising. It allowed the middle class to buy luxury items for status. The Model T, first released at the price of $850, fell to the price of $280 as a result of the economy & Ford's new assembly line. But as people were buying cars, fridges, etc., they were buying on credit. This accounted for many being in debt and ultimately banks collapsing, leading to the Great Depression. -
The Clayton Antitrust Act prohibits price discrimination. This is the act of selling the same product to different buyers and charging different prices based on who is purchasing the goods. It attempts to prohibit certain actions that lead to anti-competitiveness. It prohibits stock acquisition of competing corporations. It was passed in an attempt to strengthen the Sherman Antitrust Act. One outcome of the Clayton Antitrust Act was that strikes, peaceful picketing, and boycotts became legal. -
A telegram, sent to Mexico from Germany, is intercepted. It states how Germany promises Mexico its lands back from the Mexico Succession if Mexico fights the US. The US takes this as an act of war and eventually declares war on Germany. This wasn't the only reason though. The US had also suffered through Germany's use of unrestricted submarine warfare and had economic ties with GB. The note was just the last straw. The US helps end the war really quickly as it ended 2 years after the US joined. -
After World War I, there was a massive wave of immigrants coming into the US. Nativism played a huge role in this. The fear of immigrants and the radical ideas that these immigrants brought with them scared Americans. So, Congress passed this act which limited the num. of immigrants who can come to the US to only 2% of the num. of people from that country in the US in the 1890 census. This was an unfair way of treating the immigrants and it went against America's "The Land of Immigrants" motto. -
The Smoot-Hawley Act increased tariffs on foreign imports to the U.S. by about 20%. About 25 countries responded by increasing their own tariffs on American goods. Global trade plummeted, contributing to the ill effects of the Great Depression. It taxed the banks heavily and took all the cash. Laissez-faire politics caused the banks to liquidate all their cash in an effort to save the stock market. People rushed to the banks and withdrew all their money in a panic after the stock market crashed. -
The Stock Market crash was a result of mass speculation in the stock market. It was one of the leading causes of the Great Depression along with installment buying, buying stocks on margin, etc. Under President Hoover, the public suffered. Hoover refused to give financial aid and feared that spending money would only put us deeper into the depression. Mostly seen as a do-nothing president, Hoover was hated by the public. The country saw 25% unemployment. This led to FDR's easy victory later on.
-
After WWII, veterans were promised a bonus as a reward for serving. This would be given once they reached a certain age. But, during the depression, everyone was doing badly money wise so the veterans wanted to receive their bonus early. They marched onto DC but were run out of there by troops under President Hoover. This sparked a lot of rage within the public as Hoover attacked the people that protected us. This drove down Hoover's reputation even more allowing for FDR to swiftly gain power. -
The Election was a steamroll by FDR due to Hoover's horrible reputation as a "do nothing President". FDR won his campaign by focusing on his Relief, Recovery, and Reform program. He wanted to create an enormous debt thinking that it would get the US out of depression. This would all be highlighted through FDR's New Deal which focused on getting the US out of the Depression. But, FDR's New Deal was also controversial as it brought upon a new role in the government, expanding its role greatly. -
As part of the New Deal, the NRA passed the fair works and Competition codes that could be changed, approved, and enforced by the President. The right saw this as a major abuse of power as it isn't the president's job to make legislation. However, the act did just that and it also favored unions. Its most controversial part was that it set work hours, minimum wage, and price controls. Setting price controls for the market was bad and it moved us toward a more socialist economy. Many were mad. -
As part of FDR's New Deal, the FDIC declared a national bank holiday in which all banks were closed and inspected. This was to make sure that only healthy banks were sourced to the public in an attempt to make sure banks didn't shut down and lose the people their money. It insured individual bank deposits. It was praised by the left as the President this time was actually doing something but it infuriated conservatives as this was a massive extension of the fed. power and it was dangerous. -
In order to get young people back into work as they were dispirited, FDR began to pass a number of job programs. The biggest one was the WPA. It employed 8 million people and had a $2 billion fund. The worker's main job was to build infrastructure throughout the country such as bridges, schools, and playgrounds. It paid minimum wage too. It was best known for pulling people out of soup lines and giving them a purpose. Though it was a tedious job, it lifted the spirits of the country greatly. -
Starting with the SSA, the New Deal goes into a transformation. It goes from being focused on the economic side of the country, to helping the people directly. It was a safety net for all Americans as the gov. paid you after you were 65+/retired. It was used as an incentive for old people to retire and let young people have jobs. But, it made the people more reliant on the gov. People started to use it as a source of income and one can see the result as people are more reliant on the gov. now. -
The Neutrality Act of 1935 was an attempt by Congress to keep Americans out of the war. For the most part, it tried to isolate America from the world and thus the war. It forbade the United States from selling weapons to nations involved in the war and denied American citizens from traveling on ships of these nations. This also meant that America didn't take in as many immigrants. This especially hurt the Jewish people as they were trying to escape Germany as the conflict there began to rise. -
The Executive Orders passed by FDR were of two polar opposites. Order 8802 banned discriminatory practices while hiring employees in Federal agencies as well as all unions and companies engaged in war-related work. This was a huge step in the right direction when it came to dealing with equality and desegregation. FDR's Executive Order as well as his liberal agenda would inspire the likes of Kennedy and Johnson to pass similar Civil Rights legislations to create an equal society in America. -
The attack on Pearl Harbor brought the US into World War II. The Japanese surprise attacked and killed many soldiers and civilians. After this, FDR gave his " This date will live in infamy" speech urging Congress to declare war on Japan and thus the Axis Powers. Congress did swiftly. But, FDR also passed Executive Order 9066 which put the Japanese into internment camps and clearly violated their rights. The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike by the Japanese upon the US. -
The War Powers Act was an American emergency law that increased Federal power during World War II. It was a strong increase in federal power that frightened many strict constructionists and others who did not like seeing the government getting bigger and using the war as an excuse to gain more power over the people. It gave Roosevelt the power to reorganize the executive branch, federal agencies, and government corporations. It was put into effect following the attack on Pearl Harbor. -
After proving to the World that America was indeed a superpower with a force to be reckoned with, the American veterans were treated to the GI Bill of Rights as a thank-you for their service. The Bill of Rights paid for college/trade school. It gave low-interest home loans and provided low-interest business loans. It was transformational for education as well as the economy as many successful businesses came out of this opportunity. This appreciation wasn't really there from the gov. after WWI. -
Potsdam, unlike the YALTA Conference, involved Winston Churchill, Harry Truman, and Joseph Stalin. They decided how to deal with Germany and Japan after World War II. There was tension though, between the US and the USSR. Democracy vs. Communism was the main conflict between the two. This tension would also be followed into the Cold War as the US and the USSR tried to contain/spread communism through the use of proxy wars, lending money, and also supporting countries that have similar ideals. -
Towards the end of world war II, Japan was refusing to surrender even though its allies Germany and Italy already had. It was a sense of national pride for them. The US wanted absolute revenge for the events at Pearl Harbor and decided that the nuclear bombardment of Japan was the best option for getting them to surrender while also making sure not a ton of lives were lost in the process. President Truman orders the bombings and Japan surrendered. This solidifies the US as a real global power. -
The US Secretary of State George Marshall made an economic plan in order to rebuild Europe's economy. The Plan provided economic assistance to almost every country in Europe by providing foreign aid worth over $13 billion. There were two primary reasons for this plan. One, it would help open up markets in Europe allowing for the US to continue trading successfully in Europe. It also allowed for the US to show the world the benefits of capitalism and prove that it was better than communism. -
Truman uses planes to bring in supplies and resources to West Berlin. After the blockade, Truman was still not going to back out. The airlift went on for 8 months and Truman stated that if one plane was shot down, there would be war. This proved that the US was going to do everything possible to contain communism and that capitalism could indeed support another country with resources, something that communism cannot. Thus, invalidating Putin's whole idea that capitalism was an inferior method. -
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization consisted of ten Western European countries, the US, and Canada. They signed the Washington Treaty to create NATO. NATO was created to create a collective security system, trade, and diplomacy. An armed attack on one country would be an armed attack on all countries. NATO became such a powerful force that Stalin created the Warsaw Pact, an alliance of communist nations. Its purpose was to secure peace in Europe and counter the threats posed by the USSR. -
1949 saw the establishment of two German nations which were East and West Germany. East was ruled by the USSR while the West was independent while being watched over by the US. The city of Berlin was also split into the East and West though it was completely in the East. The Westside of Berlin was considered an "Island of democracy in a sea of Communism". The US delivered supplies through trains and trucks Stalin didn't like this and so he created a blockade further intensifying the Cold War. -
With nobody to lead Korea after WWII, the North took on a communist approach while the South took on a capitalist approach. The North was supported by Russia and China while the South was supported by the US. The North sneak attacked the South and took over much of its land. The US intervenes and takes back that land. As the US gets closer to China, the Chinese attacked and bring the border back to normal. It is mostly a stalemate so Eisenhower decided to go to Korea and sign an Armistice. -
Plessy v. Fergurson determined that schools could be separate but equal. But this was not the case. They weren't equal. Black schools had out-of-date books, and low-level teachers, and had smaller and fewer resources. All the core black reform groups focused on battling this chose Linda Brown as their plaintiff for the case. They used her story to convince the Supreme Court that schools weren't equal and thus overturning Plessy. This was huge towards equality as schools were finally integrated. -
During and after World War II, the Red Scare had taken much control of peoples lives. Senator McCarthy agitates the public even more by starting a campaign against alleged communists in the US government and other institutions. It led to people distrusting each other, ratting people out, and the country turning on itself. It also led to mass conformity as anyone who was even a bit out of the norm was considered a Communist. It involved the political repression of left-wing individuals and hate. -
The Space Race added extra tension to the Cold War between the US and USSR. Russia launched Sputnik, the first satellite into space. Russia also sent the first man into space. It was during this, that JFK challenged NASA to send a man to the moon before the Soviet Union. NASA achieves this challenge. The Space race brought a lot of tension into the Cold War with all of the competition. Whoever won would be glorified in history and it proves what is better. Communism or Capitalism was the topic. -
The Vietnam War was a controversial war that was fought on the basis of containing communism. North Vietnam had taken on a communist approach and the South had taken on a capitalist approach. The communist North scared the United States as its leader thought of South Vietnam as his country and wanted to take it over. Communist Nations such as Russia also supported the North side. As conflicts began to rise, the US eventually declares war and the Vietnam War is fought. Though we later pull out. -
The highway interstate act was used to update and modernize America's roadways. It connected the country. Many businessmen saw this as an opportunity to send goods faster from all over the country. It took time to convince the public but Eisenhower did this by playing on Cold War fears. He said that it would serve as an emergency runaway in case the country was bombed. Overall, the act made business transactions easier and helped connect the country just like the Transcontinental Railroad. -
Plessy has been struck down but integration was still being blocked by local and state gov. in the South. By law, blacks could go to white public school but didn't out of fear. The NCAAP gets 9 students to agree to go the high school, but they are blocked by the Arkansas National Guard. There is lots of protests. In the end, Eisenhower orders the school open and ordered troops to get Little Rock 9 into school. This was the first time a school had been integrated and it was huge for the movement -
The revolution in Cuba overthrows the gov. Fidel Castro becomes the premier and soon later the communist dictator of Cuba. Many Cubans fled to the US. Fearing that communism would spread, Eisenhower authorized CIA Plan to overthrow Castro using Cuban exiles living in the US. (Bay of Pigs). Eisenhower isn't President anymore though and the job is passed to JFK. JFK scales the attack back to minimize US involvement and the plan fails. It leads to communism staying in Cuba and later crisis. -
Television played an important role in this election. Nixon, a politician with a proven record was going up against Kennedy, a young unproven politician. There was an issue of Catholicism as no catholic President had been elected. It was also the first televised presidential debate. JFK won because he looked and spoke better on camera. JFK winning ushered in an era of liberal politics inspired by FDR that focused on Civil Rights and equality. This was also followed by LBJ after JFK's death. -
James Meredith applies and is denied admittance to the Uni. of Mississippi. It is because of his skin color. He appeals the decision all the way to the Supreme Court and wins. This is huge as he would be the first black person to go to a white college. The governor of Miss. tries to block his entrance similar to Little Rock 9. Eventually, JFK sends US marshals to keep peace and enforce the ruling. JFK was also the first President to advocate for Civil Rights and his rulings support it as well. -
The Russians were installing nuclear missile launchpads in Cuba aimed at the US. The US later finds out that there is a ship from Russia containing missiles. This would be dangerous as Cuba is right next door to the US and is Communist. JFK has three options. He can do nothing, order airstrikes on missile sites and risk war, or he can do a naval blockade. He chooses the third option and it works. This is so important as it contains communism and protects the US from an attack that could happen. -
Tons of school kids stage a school walkout to participate in a march in downtown Birmingham. Many are arrested, only to be set free and repeat the process again the next day. Bull O Connor stops the march and orders the use of fire hoses and dogs to attack the protesters. The March is televised and caused JFK to publicly support the civil rights movement and push for civil rights legislation. Despite being arrested, they kept repeating the protests over and over again following their releases. -
In the summer of 1963, well known high-level representative of the NAACP in Mississippi was on a crusade to register black voters. He was Medgar Evers. Evers was later murdered outside his house sending shockwaves through the black community. Though his killers were found, they received no punishment at all. This was a very devastating incident. The black community responded with lots of protests and mourned his death. Medgar fought against Jim Crow laws and protested segregation in education. -
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference plans a march and rally in Washington D.C. with the support of the NCAAP, SNCC, and CORE. Over 250,000 people attend this march and come from all over the country. This is the place where MLK delivers his "I Have A Dream" speech. This speech has a great impact as JFK pushes for civil rights legislation and the very next year, LBJ signed into law the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, or origin. -
Johnson introduced the Office of Economic Opportunity and the Economic Opportunity Act to Congress. Johnson wanted to address the underprivileged members of the U.S. by creating a Job Corps. He also asked for local and state gov. to develop work training programs. The program provided for many underprivileged people to get jobs and get into the workforce. This highlighted Johnson's War on Poverty promise in which he wanted to build a better society by keeping the unemployment rate near zero. -
When Johnson took office, many elderly and underprivileged people did not have healthcare. Once President, he signed the Medicare and Medicaid Act. Johnson was a New Dealer and thought a lot like FDR. One could compare this Act with FDR's SSA which focused on helping the elderly and underprivileged. Medicare helped to provide coverage for hospital and physician visits for the elderly and Medicaid helped cover healthcare costs for those suffering from poverty + receive assistance from the gov. -
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 came about due to unfair polling practices which denied blacks the right to vote based on literacy tests, fees, etc. Though the Civil Rights Act was a step in the right direction, the black community wanted nothing more but to have a voice in their country. Signed by LBJ, the act banned discrimination in local, state, and national elections and polling places. It also banned literacy tests, intimidation, and physical violence at polling stations, helping blacks. -
The assassinations of prominent and influential public figures Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy brought the country to a standstill. MLK was shot in his balcony while Kennedy was killed during one of his speeches. Riots broke out, in support of MLK, in the black community as three of its big supporters were killed in a matter of years. One would think that the deaths of these leaders would bring the civil rights movement to a stop, but LBJ helped to continue its progress. -
This was a revolutionary moment both for America and the world to see a man on the moon, but in the context of the Cold War as well. JFK had given NASA a challenge in 1961 to land a man on the moon before the decade was out. Russia had already beaten the US by getting the first man into space. Getting a man on the moon was a thing of national pride. It also played well in terms of the Cold War as the US used this achievement to prove to the world that capitalism was better than communism. -
Though he was a conservative, Nixon pushed for many big government environmental laws. It was opposite of what the party stood for as Conservatives did not want a big government meddling with the people's daily lives. Before the EPA, the country had no central authority overseeing the protection of the environment. The EPA gave the country just that and it now writes and enforces rules governing the environment. Some could say that the types of acts Nixon passed were a continuation of LBJ. -
The Watergate scandal ruined the people's trust in the government. Nixon's team members secretly fled Nixon's rival's room at the Watergate Hotel to get information. Even though they were going to win. Nixon apparently didn't know about it at first, but when he found out, he lied and tried to cover it up. He later resigned as he knew he would be impeached on the basis of perjury and abuse of power. Nixon's scandal remains a scar on his presidency and America's decreasing trust in the government -
Roe vs. Wade was very monumental and controversial. It deemed it so that the Constitution allowed women to have abortions without any excessive force from the government. Democrats thought that Roe v. Wade allowed women to have greater freedoms in their lives and allowed them to be independent. On the other hand, conservatives believed that for women to have abortions was a decline in America's traditional values of having many babies and starting families. This case has an impact today too. -
Reagan implemented "Reaganomics", which involved economic deregulation and cuts in both taxes and government spending during a period of stagflation. He escalated an arms race and transitioned Cold War policy away from détente with the Soviet Union. This was an act signed in by Reagan in 1981, which included tax and budget reductions. It was put in place to reduce taxes and stimulate the economy. Over the course of three years, there was a 25% reduction in marginal tax rates for individuals.