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As Christopher Columbus crossed the Atlantic to bring diseases, crops, people, and animals to the New World, it became known as the Columbian Exchange. While both continents benefitted from introducing new foods and technology, they were also introduced to deadly diseases they had no immunity to such as smallpox and tuberculosis. This exchange also contributed to the usage of African slaves in the New World. -
The Virginia Company established an English colony in Jamestown, Virginia to generate new wealth for Britain. While their first few years were filled with drought, violence, and disease, they were able to become the first permanent settlement by growing cash crops such as tobacco and bringing women. Indentured servitude was also introduced in Jamestown as labor was needed and many did not have the money to go to the Americas. The Head Right System was also used to insure people came here. -
Plymouth Colony was founded by Separatists to escape religious persecution and break away from the Anglican Church. They arrived in the New World riding the ship, the Mayflower, and the Mayflower Compact is a document the settlers on board signed. This document was the very first representation of self-government in the New World and the First Thanksgiving was held in Plymouth along with the Wampanoags to celebrate harvest and blessings. -
Roger Williams advocated for religious freedom and the separation of the church and the state, which led to his banishment from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He then founded his own state along with Anne Hutchinson, Rhode Island, which focused on religious tolerance and diversity. This was the first colony to have religious freedom and the separation of the church and the state. -
The Toleration Act of 1649 was created in Maryland by Cecil Calvert and this ensured religious freedom to Christain Settlers and made blasphemy a crime. However, Catholics still faced discrimination and anyone who did not believe in Jesus was sentenced to death. -
This act was created by Parliament which was led by Oliver Cromwell. The Navigation Act of 1651 was mainly targeted at the Dutch and required all trade between England to be carried in colonial and English vessels. They restricted trade by the colonies to England only and their goal was to become more independent of foreign goods and weaken the influence of the Dutch on the markets. This later led to the Anglo-Dutch War, a conflict between the Netherlands and England. -
As Governor William Berkeley refused to move Native Americans out of Virginia, Nathaniel Bacon led an armed rebellion along with indentured servants and enslaved blacks. This was the first instance that both black and whites united to rebel against the government and this led to the government increasing the slave trade and the loss of rights and land for Native Americans. This also led to institutionalized racism in the United States. -
In Salem, Massachusetts, family feuds, economic conflict, and political division were increasing and as ministers feared a threat to their power and control, women began to be accused of witchcraft. 150 people were charged with witchcraft and the trials only stopped when the governor's wife was accused. This event contributed to protection in court through legal representation and cross-examination and this is also led to the Great Awakening. -
Stono's Rebellion was a major slave uprising that occurred in South Carolina. As the slaves led by Jemmy broke into stores and armed themselves, they forced slaves to join their rebellion and killed people in their way. This scared the white population and the slaves were executed or sold off to the West Indies. This also led to the Negro Act of 1740, which aimed to prevent any rebellions by imposing strict freedom for slaves and giving them better work conditions. -
During the Great Awakening, the New Light focused on new ideas and a connection between god and self, while the old light embraced traditional church ways. Jonathan Edwards, one of the fathers of the Great Awakening, focused on wrath and judgment on God. As he terrified listeners with his sermons, such as "Sinners in the Hands of an Angy God", he contributed to a deeper connection between religion. During this time, charity organizations, new churches, and universities were created. -
After the French and Indian War, Britain, France, and Spain signed the Treaty of Paris to formally ended it. The French agreed to give all land they owned in mainland North America to the British and Spain. Although this ended the conflict between Britain and France, this would spark a new conflict between Britain and their colonies as Britain ended the generational salutary neglect the colonies had practiced and imposed harsh laws. -
Britain decided to impose direct taxes on the colonies to replenish their wealth after the war. This act put taxes on all paper products, including birth certificates, contracts, and death certificates. This angered all of the colonists, especially the politically active such as newspapers and lawyers. Although the colonies were not thinking of leaving Britain at this moment, this act contributed majorly to the American Revolution and was repealed along with the passing of the Declaratory Act. -
As the British found out where the colonies were stocking their weapons and where John Hancock and Samuel Adams were staying, they decide to try and end the war before it started. However, their plan failed and they found themselves surrounded by militiamen. The first shot fired is known as the "Shot heard round the world" and the militia was able to kill a third of the British troops. This battle is known as the beginning of the American Revolution. -
Common Sense, a revolutionary pamphlet, was written by Thomas Paine in the vernacular, which made it accessible to everyone. This pamphlet used propaganda and logic to persuade readers to support independence from Britain and take action. It also led to the creation of the Declaration of Independence later in the year and -
The Articles of Confederation was adopted in 1777 and is known as the first form of government. Due to the leaders of the colonies being afraid of the federal government having too much power, they made the articles lenient and focused mostly on state power. Shay's Rebellion expressed flaws in the articles when Daniel Shay led a mob of angry farmers after the revolution. They violently attacked government buildings but the government did not have an army to put down the riot. -
Because of the land claimed in the American Revolution, the government created the Northwest Ordinance, which organized territory, created a government for the northwest, and allowed territories to become states. They also tried gradually outlawing slavery, which led to sectional tension between the North and South as each had different ideas regarding slavery. This would also be an expense to the Native Americans who lived in the west. -
After a dispute between Northern and Southern delegates over representation in the House of Representatives, the 3/5ths compromise was created, counting every three slaves out of five. Because the South had a large slave population, this would give the South more political power and influence over issues in the future. -
George Washington became the first president of the United States and created precedents. Along with each president only having two terms, the inaugural address was presented. This speech mentions the preservation of liberty and a republican government. George Washington's decision in having departments would later lead to the Whiskey Rebellion as many were angered by Hamilton's Plan on excise taxes. -
As profitable crops that were grown by slaves such as rice and tobacco were decreasing, slavery began to decline and some slaveholders even released some of their slaves. However, the cotton gin, invented by Eli Whitney revolutionized the mass production of cotton. Although it was believed that this invention would reduce slave labor in the south due to its efficiency, it increased the demand for slave labor as cotton was extremely profitable. -
As Washington retires and John Adams becomes president, he tries resolving the issue of France attacking American ships and Adams decided to send diplomats to France to repair relations. However, the French ask for a bribe of 250,000 dollars before a negotiation, which enraged both the diplomats and citizens. Because Adams did not want a war against France, he secretly negotiated for peace, which was an unpopular move. He becomes desperate for power and creates the Alien and Sedition Acts. -
This election is known as the "Revolution of 1800" as Adam stepped down as president without any bloodshed and Jefferson was inaugurated. The Election of 1800 was the first peaceful transition of power between different political parties because Adams was a Federalist and Jefferson was a Democratic-Republic. However, to keep some Federalist power in the government, Adams filled the Judicial branch with Federalists and this would later lead to the court case, Marbury v. Madison. -
During Washington's presidency, he was able to get access to the Mississippi River through Pickney's Treaty. However, Jefferson knew this was a temporary solution and sent James Monroe to buy New Orleans for three million dollars. Napoleon was not interested unless they bought the Louisiana Territory. Jefferson was a strict constructionist and did not know if he had the authority to purchase it. However, he purchased it and was able to double the size of the US and expand the nation. -
While Britain and France were at war, Jefferson imposed the Embargo Act because he did not want the US to be at war. This act would impose an embargo on all foreign trade. He believed that this would convince the two countries to respect America's decision on neutrality. This destroyed the US economy as they relied on foreign trade. This was also unpopular among the citizens. However, it was able to encourage American manufacturing and strengthen the economy more than Hamilton's plan. -
The War of 1812 started due to the British Navy impressing American sailors. During the Battle of New Orleans, Andrew Jackson was able to inflict major casualties on the British as he came up with the idea to build a false high ground. Andrew Jackson is associated with winning the War of 1812, however, the Treaty of Ghent ended the war. The end of this war stops the impressment, and native violence, boosts the morale of the Americans, and imicreases respect. -
As the debate on slavery grew throughout the North and South, and new territories were being admitted as States, Henry Clay decides to create the Missouri Compromise, which admitted Maine as a non-slave state and Missouri as a slave state. It also created the law that all states above the 36 30' latitude line would have slavery outlawed. Although this settled the debate temporarily, this would also contribute to the sectional conflict that led to the Civil War. -
After the US worried that European countries would try to colonize other territories in the Americas, President James Monroe established the Monroe Doctrine, which was aimed that Europe and stated they would not tolerate any colonization. This would assert the United State's power in the Americas and demonstrates wanting to be free from European intervention. -
During the Election of 1824, many believed Andrew Jackson would become president as he had teh most electoral and popular votes. However, due to the 12th Amendment, the Speaker of the House would determine the president. After Henry Clay dropped out of the election because he was the Speaker of the House, Adams and Clay privately met up and Adams became president. Andrew Jackson supporters called this the Corrupt Bargain and this campaign leads to Jackson's victory in 1828. -
As railroads were built in America, they became a necessity as it was able to connect farm towns and port cities. This major industry also aided in the growth of steel and iron production and helped westward expansion by making it more efficient and safer. This would create more economic opportunities and tie the country. -
During John Quincy Adam's presidency, he decided to impose the Tariff of Abominations, which put a tariff on foreign goods. This was a similar act to Jefferson's Embargo Act. Adams hoped to increase business for the North through this. However, this only benefited the North and would hurt the South because it would hurt their economy and Southerners would have to buy European products. As the South became more hostile toward the North, this would contribute to the Civil War -
Andrew Jackson believed in the removal of Native Americans and during his presidency, he would sign the Indian Removal Act, which allowed him to remove the natives from certain parts of the United States and move them elsewhere. As many natives refused to move to the land reserved for them, the U.S. Army would enforce the law by making thousands of natives travel by foot on a path. This path would be known as the Trail of Tears and would kill thousands of natives through disease and hunger. -
As Mexico encouraged both those from Mexico and America to move to Texas, many white settlers took this opportunity. However, Texas saw a growing population of white Americans who were using slavery and Mexico decided to abolish slavery and enforce laws. This angered the white settlers and would lead to the Americans rebelling and gaining independence from Mexico. This directly leads to the Mexican-American War. -
Brook Farm was a utopian community that was founded by George and Sophia Riley, who were both transcendentalists. They were inspired by Charles Fourier and Fourierism and an experiment of communal living. However, this project would only last a few years due to financial problems and disputes. This project is significant because it reflects the literary figures and views of the 19th century. -
During the 19th century, abolition, women's suffrage, and temperance were important topics discussed. The Seneca Falls Convention would mark the moment women's suffrage would become a movement as the Declaration of Sentiments was created along with more than a hundred signatures. This was the first step in creating an equal society regarding gender and giving women the right to vote. -
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo would end the Mexican-American War. This treaty was one-sided because Americans wanted more land but did not want to gain the crime and non-white people that lived in Mexico. Therefore, the treaty would ask Mexico to recognize Texas as part of the U.S., agree on the border the U.S. favored, and gain the Mexican Session, which would extend the boundary to the Pacific Ocean. -
After the Mexican Session, tension was still growing between the North and South over the issue of slavery. Henry Clay was known as the "Great Compromiser" and would create the Compromise of 1850, which would admit California as a free state, allow Utah to choose whether to be a free or slave state, define the border between Texas and Mexico, and created the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. This would not ease the tension, however, and would sow the seeds of the Civil War. -
This novel was written by Harriet Beecher Stowe and would address the harsh conditions of slavery and the perspective of an enslaved person. The novel sold thousands of copies and would sway readers to consider abolishing slavery and influence the start of the Civil War. Even Abraham Lincoln would express his astonishment at this novel and would later lead to weakening of the British's sympathy towards the Confederacy in the Civil War. -
Stephen Douglas created the Kansas-Nebraska Act as Nebraska wanted to be a slave state but was above the line created by the Missouri Compromise. This Act would repeal the Missouri Compromise and introduce popular sovereignty into whether a state would be a free or slave state. However, this would later lead to Bleeding Kansas as northerners and southerners would campaign and move to Kansas so they could vote. People from Missouri would set courthouses on fire and sabotage the voting for Kansas. -
Angry over Bleeding Kansas, John Brown would lead a massacre at cabins in Kansas for revenge. He would find pro-slave families, force them at gunpoint, and hack them to death. However, he was not found after this massacre. He is also known for the raid on Harpers Ferry, in which he would be caught and killed. John Brown is known as a martyr for the abolitionist cause and the Pottawatomie Massacre would not only have major property damage but would intensify the debate on slavery. -
After the Missouri Compromise was created, Dred Scott, a slave connected to a person in the military and stationed in Wisconsin decided to sue his owner for his freedom as they were in a free state. However, Roger Taney would state that whites aren't bound to respect blacks, therefore can not be free. This decision would bring panic into the North as it proved that slavery can exist in the North, even with the Missouri Compromise and that there is no free state. -
As Lincoln becomes president and the South begins fearing the abolition of slavery, South Carolina becomes the first to secede from the United States. This would lead to the attack on Fort Sumner and start the Civil War as many other southern states begin to secede. -
Because the government wanted to get use out of the west, they decide to create the Homestead Act during the Civil War. This act would provide any adult citizen that had not gone against the government 160 acres of land. They would have to farm and live on this land for five years. This would accelerate settlement in the west but would affect the natives as they were pushed into reservations. -
During the Reconstruction Era, Lincoln creates the Ten Percent Plan, which would guarantee the protection of their property, except for their slaves, and would readmit the southern states as long as ten percent of the citizens swore an oath to the Union. This plan was created because Lincoln did not want feelings of animosity. However, many felt that his plan was too lenient and would create the Wade-Davis Bill, which was more strict. Lincoln would later be assassinated by John Wilkes Booth. -
The Gettysburg Battle is known as the turning point of the war as it was the bloodiest battle. However, the Union, led by Robert E. Lee would be victorious and allow Lincoln to address his Gettysburg Address, which would give meaning to the soldiers and their sacrifices for the Civil War. In addition, he would create a national cemetery in Gettysburg for those who died. This speech would address that this war was about equality and freedom, rather than saving the Union. -
As Lincoln created the Emancipation Proclamation, this only applied to seceded states and depended on the Union's victory. However, the 13th amendment would officially abolish slavery in the United States. This was a major victory for African Americans who were trapped in slavery but would lead to another problem. Because they were starting off from scratch, many would resort to sharecropping, which would trap them in a cycle of debt. Organizations were also created to support former slaves. -
After the Civil War, the South did not want African Americans to have the same equality as whites. They created the Black Codes to restrict the freed blacks' lives and were created to replace the control they had over slaves. This would force freed blacks to continue working on plantations with low wages and would damage the efforts the Reconstruction tried to make. -
After a long history of racism and inequality, the 15th amendment gave African Americans the right to vote. Although this was a huge victory for blacks, this would only solve racial inequality. The amendment would not include women and they would be unable to vote until 1920. However, this was a stepping stone for equality and inclusivity, something the organizations for abolition were seeking. -
Jay Cooke and Company was a company located in New York City and had invested in railroads as they were a new invention. However, when they started seeing problems, the company went bankrupt and many began demanding their money. This would lead to the Panic of 1873, which leads to the Great Depression. This would also bring the Reconstruction Era to an end and increase unemployment. -
After a temperance speaker, Dr. Dio Lewis lectured on abstinence in Hillsboro, Ohio, it sparked the founding of The Women's Christian Temperance Union. This was the largest influential woman's group aimed at banning alcohol as they saw the detrimental effects of alcohol consumption. They supported the 18th Amendment, which banned the consumption of alcohol and would lead to speakeasies and illegal alcohol consumption nationwide for even a drop of alcohol. -
When settlers discovered gold in Native American territory and broke a treaty, Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull would lead an attack against the U.S. Army and would be victorious. This would create a bad perspective of natives to settlers and the government would increase their effort to gain control of the natives. In addition, they would use battles as an excuse to not follow treaties and try to keep them on reserved land. This is known as the beginning of the end of the Indian Wars. -
As the Homestead Act seemed to be successful in moving settlers west, the government decided to create a law that would break up the reserved land for Native Americans and give them in smaller pieces to each native that applied for land. Although this sounded like a good plan on paper, this would break away from the traditions and culture of the natives and would sell land that was not claimed by native Americans to non-Native Americans. -
As assimilation was killing the traditions and culture of Native Americans, many developed the Ghost Dance to invent a new tradition. However, Sitting Bull would be killed for embracing Ghost Dancing and two weeks later, U.S. troops would kill hundreds of Lakota Indians in South Dakota. This would be called the Wounded Knee Massacre and it marked an end to the Indian Wars and resistance to assimilation. -
After Homer A. Plessy bought a first-class ticket for a train, boarded it, and was denied entry because of his race, he decided to take this to the Supreme Court. However, the courts would change history as they sided with the railroad station, creating the idea of "separate but equal", which upheld the Jim Crow laws and would spark legal segregation in the United States for the next fifty years. This would lead to segregated restaurants, schools, bathrooms, and water fountains. -
During William McKinley's presidency, Enrique Dupuy de Lome, the Spanish Ambassador criticized the president by calling him weak and only concerned with being favored by the people by sending a letter to Don Jose Canelejas, who was the foreign minister of Spain. This letter would be released and it's publication would help fuel animosity among the Americans as they prepared for the war for independence in Cuba. -
On September 14, 1901, President McKinley would be assassinated by Leon Czolgosz, an anarchist during his appearance in Buffalo, New York. This would create the Secret Service, which would allow for better protection and security as McKinley had a laid-back approach to security before. In addition, Theodore Roosevelt, Vice President of McKinley and helped McKinley win the majority of votes was seen as one that Republicans believed was too "out of control" would be sworn into the presidency. -
The Coal Strike of 1902 was a major strike that was acted on by miners who sought improved wages, shorter days, and better working conditions. This strike would receive extensive media coverage and would lead to the intervention of Theodore Roosevelt, threatening militaries to take over the mines if not resolved as it was a threat to public health and safety. This would lead to increased public awareness for the need of labor reforms and would pave the way to future labor reforms. -
During President Theodore Roosevelt's presidency, he would build the Panama Canal as a shorter and safer route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This canal would facilitate the transportation of raw material, manufactured goods, and energy resources, enabling efficient trade. This canal would also symbolize the United State's economic power and technological advancements. However, this would also have detrimental effects to the environment and society. -
Lochner v. New York was a Supreme Court case that challenged the New York Bakeshop Act, which prohibited the number of hours bakery employees could work. After Joseph Lochner was charged for allowing his employee to work longer hours than what the law allowed, the Supreme Court decided that the Bakeshop Act was a violation of the liberty of contract. This would lead to many state laws that sought laws to protect workers being struck down as it violated the fourteenth amendment. -
"The Jungle" written by Upton Sinclair, a muckraker, would aim to shed a light on the harsh working conditions and exploitation of immigrant workers in the meatpacking industry and to advocate for labor reforms. This would generate public outrage and demand for better working conditions. It would also lead to the Pure Food and Drugs Act of 1906, which aimed to improve food safety standards. This book also contributed to the rise of progressivism, which worked for social and politic reforms. -
Inadequate safety measures, locked exit doors, an overcrowded workspace, and flammable materials would lead to a devastating fire that resulted in the loss of 123 lives. This would draw attention to the unsafe and exploitive labor practices and would lead to awareness and increased activism for workers' rights. Labor laws were also created to protect workers, including fire safety regulations, building codes, and workers' compensation laws. -
Henry Ford would introduce the assembly line, which was a mass manufacturing technique that allowed for continuous flow of production that aimed to increase productivity and reduce costs. This would be first implemented on the Model T and would revolutionize manufacturing in other industries as well. This innovation would also decrease the need for skilled labor, increased the number of jobs, and contributed to the American economy by making goods affordable and accessible to consumers. -
The Universal Negro Improvement Association was founded by Marcus Garvey in response to systemic racism, discrimination, and oppression faced by African Americans to uplift Black people and foster pride and unity. This organization would advocate for Pan-Africanism and cultural pride as they advocated for celebration of African history, culture, and achievements. It would also provide a platform for African American leadership and empowerment as they challenged the status quo. -
During World War I, Congress would pass the Espionage Act in order to regulate and control dissent. This would allow for the prevention of the spread of anti-war sentiments and prompted the fear of socialist and radical movements. This act would grant the federal government the ability to prosecute those that were deemed detrimental to the war efforts and would later lead to the Sedition Act of 1918, which further restricted civil liberties. -
As many were concerned with the social, moral, and health concerns of alcoholic beverages, they began advocating for prohibition. This amendment would prohibit the manufacturing, sale, and transportation of alcohol. This would demonstrate a major shift in the US public policies as it would mark the first time that the government had attempted to ban the production of a widely consumed product. This would lead to organized crime, corruption, and violence such as bootlegging and speakeasies. -
The Treaty of Versailles was a peace treaty that was signed in France, ending World War I. It would address the consequences of the war and assign blame to the Central Powers, specifically Germany. This treaty would lead to new territories such as Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia being created, and the establishment of the League of Nations, which would aim to prevent future conflicts. However, this harsh treatment of Germany and instability in Europe would lead to World War II. -
Jazz was a music genre that emerged in the 19th century in African American communities. Jazz would begin to rise as cultural and musical fusion would occur among African Americans after the Great Migration and the rise of the Harlem Renaissance, which was marked by a burst of creativity within the African American community in terms of art, music, and literature. This genre of music would influence other genres such as rock and roll and hip-hop -
The 19th Amendment would grant women the right to vote after the women's suffrage movement. Activists such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cody Stanton would tirelessly campaign for the right to vote. This would be a significant milestone in the United States because it recognized women's ability to participate in politics and shatter the myth of a woman's inferiority. This would also increase political engagement by women and challenge traditional gender roles. -
This controversial case would involve two immigrants, Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, who were arrested, charged, and later executed for the murder and robbery of a paymaster. They were known to be anarchists and critics of the government during the Red Scare era where there was a widespread fear of radical ideologies and would lead to allegations of police misconduct and a biased judge and jury. This would symbolize social injustice and the role of political beliefs in the justice system. -
F. Scott Fitzgerald was an author of "The Great Gatsby" during the Lost Generation, which described a group of American writers who came of age during the aftermath of World War I. Many young Americans who had served in the war were disillusioned and questioned the traditional values and social norms. This novel would portray emptiness and moral decay, while exploring the themes of the American Dream and the pursuit of happiness. -
This took place after there was growing tension between the teaching of science and religion. Charles Darwin's theory of evolution would challenge traditional religious beliefs about the origin of species and humans. This would lead to several states to pass laws that prohibited the teaching of evolution in public schools. After Scopes broke this law, his trial would help establish legal basis for teaching evolution in public schools and the importance of the separation of church and state. -
After inflated stock prices, excessive expansion of credit, and economic imbalances, the stock market would crash. This crash would be known as "Black Tuesday" as it marked the beginning of the Great Depression. Black Tuesday would shatter the confidence of investors and would result in severe widespread unemployment and bank failures. However, this would also lead to a series of financial reforms such as the Securities Act of 1933 which aimed to regulate markets and restore confidence. -
The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act would be enacted in response to economic challenges faced during the Great Depression. It aimed to protect domestic industries from competition by raising tariffs on imported goods. However, this would lead to retaliatory action by other countries that imposed their own tariffs on American goods, reduced international trade, increased costs for American consumers, and damage to diplomatic relations. It serves as an example for the effects of protectionist policies. -
The Bonus Expeditionary Force was a group of WWI veterans who demanded early payment of bonuses that were promised to them for their service after frustrated with the economic hardships of the Great Depression. During their peaceful protests, the Hoover Administration would view this protest as a potential threat and the military would be ordered to evict the army and their camps. This would lead to hundreds of injuries and deaths and damage Hoover's popularity, leading to FDR taking office. -
The Social Security Act, signed into law by FDR as a part of the New Deal, would establish a comprehensive system of social welfare programs to financially support the elderly, disabled, and unemployed in response to the Great Depression. This would create a social safety net an a shift in the role of the federal government in providing welfare to its citizens. This act would also lead to programs such as the Unemployment Insurance program and Aid to Dependent Children. -
As African Americans faced discrimination and limited opportunities in defense industries and the work force, FDR would sign Executive Order 8802, which prohibited discrimination in defense contracts to ensure that minority groups were given equal opportunities in employment. This order would be seen a victory for the civil rights movement and a step towards desegregation of the military and the Fair Employment Practices Committee being established. -
As the US imposed economic sanctions, including an embargo on oil and steel in response to Japan's invasion of China, Japan would launch a surprise attack on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor. This would mark the turning point in WWII as the US joined the allied powers and ended isolationism, setting a stage for the US to become a global power. This would spur mobilization efforts to support the war and lead to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which led to Japan's surrender in 1945. -
The Double V Campaign was a social and political movement with the goal of achieving victory over fascism abroad and victory over racism at home. This was initiated by African Americans during WWII who were challenged with racial discrimination and inequality. This campaign would provide a platform to advocate for civil rights and increased awareness among the general public. This would also shape the Civil Rights Movement, which ultimately led to the end of desegregation and Jim Crow laws. -
As Allied forces planned an assault on Nazi-occupied Europe, D-day would play a major role in liberating Europe from Nazi occupation and later the defeat of Germany. This would relieve pressure on the Eastern Fronts and serve as a turning point in the war as they liberated France. It would also symbolize cooperation of the Allied Forces, working together to defeat Germany. Although thousands were killed and wounded, it forced Germany to fight a two-front war and paved the way for a victory. -
The G.I. Bill, also known as the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, would be passed after World War II to the millions of veterans as a way to aid their transition to civilian life. This would provide funding for college tuition, trade schools, and apprenticeships, low-cost mortgages for homeownership, job placement services, and helped narrow the gap between racial and socioeconomic groups. This would also expand access to higher education and shaped the American Dream of prosperity. -
This was signed by President Truman during the Cold War in response to threat of Soviet expansionism and the spread of communism. This would formalize the policy of containment, which aimed to prevent the spread of communism and the US' duty to intervene in international affairs to protect interests. This would also affect our foreign policies in the Korean and Vietnam War. In addition, foreign aid programs such as the Marshall Plan would provide assistance to European countries. -
The Hollywood Ten were a group of film professionals that were cited for contempt during a period of anti-communism in the US during the Cold War. Because of the widespread fear of communism during the McCarthy era, the government began conducting investigations to find anyone associated with the Communist Party. This would mark a turning point for the anti-communist campaign led by Joseph McCarthy and many were blacklisted. This also led to self-censorship and the abuse of power by the HUAC. -
During the Cold War, the Soviet Union would create a blockade in attempt to force West Berlin into submission of communism. The US would decide to use an airlift to provide supplies such as food, fuels and medicine to West Berlin to demonstrate determination of the allies. This would demonstrate the technological capabilities of the US and escalate tension between the Soviet Union and US. This would also be a catalyst for the formation of NATO. -
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, created during the Cold War due to the escalating tensions between the allies and the Soviet Union, would lead to a formation of collective alliances. In order to maintain stability in Europe and protect our interests, the US would play a critical role in the establishment of NATO. NATO's defense provision states that once a member is attacked, it is considered an attack against all members. This would also foster a stronger partnership with Europe. -
North Korea, adopting the communist system, would invade South Korea, a capitalist system with the support of the Soviet Union and China, sparking the Korean War after their divergent political ideologies lead to tension. This would be the first major military conflict between the US and Soviet Union as the US began providing military and economic support to South Korea. Millions were injured and killed and the countries still have instability over the Korean Peninsula. -
This Supreme Court Case, which arose during the civil rights movement, would be led by Thurgood Marshall, a member of the NAACP. They devised a legal strategy to challenge segregation by arguing that it violated the Fourteenth Amendment. This would overturn the "separate but equal" doctrine created by Plessy v. Ferguson and set a legal precedent beyond public schools. This would also highlight the role of the judiciary in protecting civil rights. -
Rosa Park, a Black woman, would be arrested for refusing to give her seat up to a White person on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. This would spark outrage among the Black community, leading to a bus boycott where African Americans stopped taking buses. This would be marked as the first major civil rights protest in the civil rights era and empowered African Americans to stand up against segregation and discrimination. As a result, buses in Montgomery were desegregated and would raise awareness. -
During Dwight D. Eisenhower's presidency, he would sign into law the Interstate Highway Act, which created a network of highways that spanned across the nation. After the Soviet Union successfully tested nuclear weapons, Eisenhower believed that this highway system would be critical to enable the transportation of troops and equipment. This act would provide funding for the construction of highways and facilitate the movement of goods and services throughout the nation. -
During the Cold War, the US discovered that the Soviet Union had secretly placed a number of nuclear missiles in Cuba, which was led by Fidel Castro. The US saw this as a direct threat to national security and this would bring the world to the brink of a nuclear war. This would strain the already tense relationship between the two countries and caused widespread panic and anxiety.This demonstrated the dangers of nuclear weapons and the importance of diplomacy and peaceful resolution. -
Lee Harvey Oswald, a lone gunman, would fire three shots from the sixth floor at a depository where he worked. This would lead to JFK's assassination. His assassination would lead to Lyndon B. Johnson, his Vice President, to take his place as he pursued his own foreign and domestic policies. Numerous conspiracy theories circulate as to why JFK was assassinated and would evoke widespread shock and grief as he represented a vision of change. -
The Great Society, created by President Lyndon B. Johnson, would address poverty, inequality, and social injustice faced in the US. He also saw this as an opportunity to build upon FDR's New Deal and create a modern version of it. The Great Society played a critical role in advancing civil rights as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 would prohibit discrimination, introduced programs such as the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, and made healthcare accessible to the elderly and poor. -
This legislation would aim to protect and enforce voting rights for Blacks and minority groups that were denied the right to vote. This was part of the Great Society, enacted by Lyndon B. Johnson and would prohibit racial discrimination in voting practices, such as literacy tests. This would increase the voter registration and turnout among African Americans and paved the way for greater political participation among African Americans. -
The My Lai Massacre was a mass killing of hundreds of unarmed South Vietnamese civilians by the US Army during the Vietnam War. This was caused by inadequate leaders, lack of proper training, and stress experienced by US soldiers. While many innocent lives were lost, this massacre led to outrage and shock around the world as many condemned the US military and government. This would also expose the brutal misconduct of US soldiers and led to investigations and trials for those involved. -
Martin Luther King Jr, a civil rights leader, would be shot and killed by James Earl Ray. This assassination was motivated by racism and prejudice against MLK's activism. This would lead to widespread outrage, protests, and civil unrest in the country and many mourned his death deeply. Despite his death, MLK's legacy and vision of a just and equitable society continue to inspire generations of activists and leaders who work towards achieving civil rights, equality, and social justice. -
The Environmental Protection Agency would be created by Richard Nixon as the US faced serious environmental issues such as air and water pollution. This led to growing public concern about the environmental degradation and its potential health and ecological impacts and a demand for government intervention and regulations to protect the environment. The EPA would bring together different federal agencies such as the Clean Air Act and still enforces regulations to protect human health. -
Five individuals would be arrested for breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington D.C. It would be revealed that they were attempting to wiretap and gather information on Nixon's political opponents. This would reveal abuse of power by the Nixon Administration and lead to the resignation of President Nixon after his impeachment. This would also lead to legal reforms to increase accountability of government activities and Ford's presidency. -
During Jimmy Carter's presidency, he would plan the framework for peace between Egypt and Israel, two countries that have been in war for decades. This would lead to the signing of the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty, which marked the first time an Arab country recognized and made peace with Israel. The US would act as a mediator and would provide a framework for addressing key issues in Israeli-Arab conflicts, such as the territorial disputes. This would serve as a landmark event in Arab countries. -
A nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania would have a partial nuclear meltdown after a series of equipment malfunctions and operator errors. As a significant amount of radioactive gases were released in the environment, increased cancer risks, specifically thyroid cancer, and adverse effects on pregnancies were seen. This would lead to regulations and policies concerning nuclear power and the importance of safety measures and better communication between operators and regulators. -
After Ronald Reagan's victory in the 1980 US presidential election, he would immediately be able to come into agreements with the Iranians about the hostage crisis that Jimmy Carter was unable to solve. He would shift towards conservative policies, such as tax cuts and increased military spending to stimulate economic growth and defeating communism. He would also emphasize "Reaganomics", which focused on deregulation. He would resurge conservatism in the nation and transform the party. -
The Iran-Contra Affair was a political scandal during the Reagan administration that involved the illegal sale of arms to Iran and the use of the proceeds to fund anti-Sandinista rebels in Nicaragua. Reagan wanted to secure the release of American hostages held in Lebanon by terrorists. Therefore, he tries to improve relations with Iran through these illegal sales. This would lead to criminal charges officials, damage to the US reputation, and question about the balance in the government. -
During Reagan's presidency, he saw that the Soviet Union was actively competing with the US in order to keep up with military spendings. This would lead to him increasing the military spendings until they were unable to keep up with the economic competition. The end of the Cold War would lead to the collapse of the Soviet Union and ultimately reduced the number of nuclear weapons. It would also spread democracy and capitalism around the world in areas of Europe. -
The 9/11 attacks were a series of terrorist attacks carried out by Al-Qaeda against the US. This group sought to establish an Islamic state and resisted Western influence. They believed that by carrying these attacks, they would instill fear and advance their biological agenda. This attack led to the death of 3,000 people and cause billions of dollars worth of economic damage. This also led to security measures and increased suspicion towards people of Middle Eastern descent in the US.