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1492
The Columbian Exchange
After Columbus's voyage and the founding of the 'Americas', trade between the Western and Eastern hemispheres ensued. Animals, crops, and materials were exchanged mainly between The Americas, Europe, and Africa. While the Columbian Exchange led to rises in populations and agricultural affairs, it also brought new diseases to both the Western and Eastern hemispheres that killed hundreds. -
1501
South Atlantic System
The South Atlantic System was a trading system primarily between The Colonies, Britain, and Africa. The most common trading items were sugar, tobacco, and slaves. The trading of slaves led to the establishment of more plantations in the colonies. -
Tobacco Colonies
Production of Tobacco in the Colonies began to skyrocket. Tobacco did not grow in the conditions England was in, so the market for it was competitive. These tobacco farms helped the economy in the Colonies and kickstarted the development of it. -
Establishment of Plantations in the Colonies
Through the effects of the South Atlantic System, plantations began to shape the economy in the colonies. Slave plantations started to play a prominent role in agriculture and trading. The bigger plantations were, the more mistreatment and abuse pursued as they weren't seen as equals by the slightest. -
Navigation Acts
As the idea of mercantilism grew in the colonies, it also supported the economy in Britain. Naturally; Britain wanted to take advantage of this so they imposed the Navigation Acts. The Navigation Acts set restrictions to the colonies on what they import, what they export, and who they trade with. These strict rules benefited Britain because it reduced the dependency on imported foreign goods, which boosted their self sufficiency, but wounded the colonies and their economy. 1651-1660. -
Indian Wars
As the Colonists continued claiming more and more land, they were intruding upon the Natives who originally inhabited it. These feuds over land would often break out into bloody wars between The Colonies and Britain vs the Natives. This set up tension between the two groups that would last for decades. -
Bacon's Rebellion
Bacon's Rebellion was an important moment in the history of the colonies because it marked one of the first major revolts against authority. A large group of people were unhappy with the strict rules Britain was putting the colonies under, such as The Navigation Acts, and the tension between their land and Native land was tense, causing them to push harder and harder for more land. This rebellion led by Nathaniel Bacon resulted in the burning of Jamestown. -
The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment was a period in The Colonies where values such as liberty, equality, and natural law were reevaluated. The most prominent figure of this period was John Locke, who was an inspirational speaker at the time. The Enlightenment posed many questions and also reconstructed the idea of government and religion; though the idea of separating Church from State was not widely accepted. -
The Great Awakening
The Great Awakening was a period in which religion was revived. Jonathan Edwards was the most prominent inspirational speaker of this period, and through his speeches religion was perceived through a more personal perspective. Many people took into account morality, personal sin, and redemption. -
The Continental Army
The Continental Army was The colony's first attempt at a military. George Washington was the general of it, and although they were determined, the army was extremely untrained. They initially stood no chance against British troops and would have to lose many battles until they finally begun gaining agency. -
Battle of Bunkerhill
The Battle of Bunkerhill was an important point in the Revolutionary war because the Continental proved they could hold their own against the British. Although it was a British victory, it made Britain recognize the Continental Army as a threat and not a simple rebellion. This would change the discourse of the Revolutionary War and arise further tension and more extreme battles. -
Patriots vs Loyalists
The Patriots and Loyalists were two social groups that formed in the Colonies during the Revolutionary war. The Patriots were supporters of the Colonies' independence and wanted to separate from Britain. Loyalists were against the Revolutionary War and believed the Colonies should stay loyal to Britain rather than try to be independent. -
Battle of Saratoga
The battle of Saratoga was a major turning point for the Continental Army and one of the first victories they had in the Revolutionary War. This victory boosted morale of the Continental Army and proved to France that the Colonies were capable of winning the war. After many losses, the Continental Army began to have faith that they could truly win their independence. -
Battle of Yorktown
The battle of Yorktown was the final battle of the Revolutionary War. The Continental Army and the French Army had cornered the British Army in Yorktown, making it impossible for escape. This led to the surrender of the British Army and the final victory for the Continental Army -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris was a peace signing between the Colonies and Britain. This peace treaty would end the Revolution war and recognize the Colonies as their own independent country; America. The treaty also established borders between America and what would soon to be known as Canada (North America). -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation was America's first attempt at creating a government. It was an extremely messy document that did more harm than good; It took away the right to tax, the right to declare war, and made for an extremely weak central government. The Articles of Confederation was mostly influenced by the paranoia America suffered after the abuse of Britain. -
Shay's Rebellion
Shay's Rebellion was a result of farmers suffering extreme debt after the Revolutionary war. This rebellion was unique because it displayed the power of the American Military as they forced the rebellion to disperse. Shay's Rebellion proved that the Articles of Confederation was too weak and did not support the new nation and all of it's needs. -
The New Jersey, Connecticut, and Virginia Plan
The New Jersey Plan favored State ran governments. The Virginia Plan favored a strong National government. The Great Compromise was an agreement that was formed by the result of the New Jersey Plan and the Virginia Plan and allowed for each state to have representation by basing it off of the population of the state. This allowed for every state to have an equal say in the House of Representatives. -
The Second Great Awakening
The Second Great Awakening was much like the first, it inspired and changed the course of religion in America. The most prominent speaker was Charles Finney, and his speeches gave way for new religious values in America and the conversion of Christianity to many Americans. The Second Great Awakening also inspired Americans to expand their lands further. -
Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey Rebellion was a result of what citizens of America felt were 'unfair taxation'. The taxation of whiskey led to rebellions and uproar. This event displayed the government's power over the United States. Although it wasn't well received, it tested the new government's capabilities. -
The first bank of the United States
The first bank of America, established by Alexander Hamilton, was the nation's first privately owned bank. This bank was important because it helped the United States economy. It allowed more businesses to open up, allowed America to develop it's own currency, and allowed America to pay off its debts from the Revolutionary War. -
Federalists vs Antifederalists
The key differences in Federalists and Anti-federalists was their views on the government. Federalists favored a strong national government, while Anti-Federalists were afraid that a strong central government would lead to corruption and tyranny; much like Britain. The Federalists responded by what's known as the 'Federalists Papers' which were 85 essays on why the U.S Constitution should be ratified. -
The Alien and Sedition Acts
The Alien and Sedition Acts were controversial because they took away the freedom of speech by taking away the right to criticize the government. It changed the residency requirements from 5 to 14 years, and allowed for the deportment and arrest of those who did not qualify to be a citizen. -
Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana purchase was the purchasing of territory from France for $15 million dollars. President Thomas Jefferson had originally wanted just New Orleans, but Monroe negotiated the Louisiana Purchase with Napoleon of France. This doubled the size of America significantly. -
Embargo Act
The Embargo Act was an act that closed all trading ports in America and restricted trading with Britain. This was meant to showcase America's self sufficiency, but only damaged America's economy significantly. It did promote American manufacturing, but at a hefty price of a falling economy. -
War of 1812
The war of 1812 was a war between America and Britain. It occurred over rising tension from Britain abducting American sailors, feuds over trade, and tension over expansion. The war lasted three years. -
Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent was a peace treaty between America and Britain after the war of 1812. The war ended on a draw, and both countries reestablished their bonds with one another. While it ended the war, America and Britain did not gain anything significant from it other than peace. -
Market Revolution
The Market Revolution was major to America's economy because it brought wages, classes, and factory jobs. Jobs in factories were becoming the norm and it made the economy skyrocket because of American manufacturing. As workers were paid for their hours, a social class had begun to become prevalent; the middle class. -
Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine was a document made to prevent European and other influences from forming colonies in the West. This Doctrine was upheld with the help of Britain, but Britain used it to their own advantages. The Monroe Doctrine was very rarely followed and often was broken multiple times throughout its ruling. -
Tariff of Abominations
The Tariff of Abominations (1828) was a tax raised on importing manufacturers to stop foreign competition. It would further secure American manufacturers by heavily taxing imports from foreign manufacturers. It was referred to as the Tariff of Abominations by the South because they suffered at the North's expense. -
Indian Removal Act
The Indian Removal Act was a signed law by president Jackson that recollected Natives from their land. They were forced out of their homelands and moved west to the Mississippi River. Many did not want to go and refused recollection, which led into the Trail of Tears. -
Abolitionism
Abolitionism was a movement that spiked in the 1830 and called for the end of slavery and the equal rights of people of color. The abolishment of slavery would take decades to achieve, and even then people of color were not seen as equals. The abolitionism movement was brought to light by the woman's suffrage movements that also preached equality. -
Trail of Tears
The Trail of Tears was the forceful removal of around 100,000 Natives belonging to different tribes. They were forced to walk 800 miles and many passed away from starvation or harsh weather conditions. The Trail of Tears was permitted by the United States government and changed the way Natives lived forever in America. -
Spoils System
The Spoils System was a controversial system made by Andrew Jackson. It gave government jobs to those who supported and voted for him. The Spoils System resulted in strong following in political support and parties, but people who weren't fit for such important positions were often given them regardless; all because they supported Jackson. -
The Compromise Tariff
The Compromise Tariff was proposed after the backlash of The Tariff of Abominations. It would lower the tax rates until it reached 20%. Although citizens were still unhappy about the tariff, they accepted it and helped tame the tension in the South.. for now. -
Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution was an era of invention for the United States. The Industrial Revolution furthered the American economy and also furthered manufacturing and jobs. There were negative effects however; like the creation of the cotton gin by Eli Whitney revived slavery at an alarming rate. -
Schism of 1840
At an abolitionist meeting called the American Anti-Slave Society, members questioned women's right to participate in the society as a man would. Woman delegates weren't allowed seats and were not allowed to speak at the event. Figures for women's suffrage like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton argued that all women should have a say in the society. -
Manifest Destiny
Manifesting Destiny was an idea American settlers had to expand westward. It arose from America being able to trade from the west coast to the east coast. Manifest Destiny unfortunately led to sectional tensions over what states should allow slavery. -
Mexican American War
The Mexican American war began over tensions at the Texas border, it was officially started when Mexican soldiers shot American soldiers on what was considered American ground. Americans won the war and Mexico ceded 55% of its land to America. This amount of land caused the Manifest Destiny movement to grow even bigger. -
Seneca Falls Convention
Seneca Falls was the first women's right convention in the US. The directors were Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. They argued and fought for the rights of women and drafted a paper about it called The Declaration of Sentiments. This soon led to the 19th amendment in the later 19th century. -
Americanization
Americanization was the putting of Native children into American boarding schools with the intent to make them into a model Christian. Native children would be taken from their tribe and put into boarding schools far away where they'd be forced to learn English, study Christianity, and behave like an American. This led to tribe culture dying out as the newer generation was not there to spread their culture or stories. -
The Goldrush
The Gold rush occurred in California when Gold was found at Sutter's mill. The economy in California skyrocketed; however, the effects of the Gold Rush on the environment were horrible. It left the land and mines completely destroyed, and poisoned the water all aroud. -
Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter was the first attack by the Confederate (South) army that started the Civil War. Shots were fire at the federal fort in South Carolina because they did not want to tolerate it blocking their port. This split the North and South into two sides; the Union and the Confederates. -
The Anaconda Plan
The Anaconda Plan, or Scott's plan, was a plan to wrap around the South and block their ports. This plan worked and destroyed the Confederates economy, making it much difficult to fight and giving the Union an advantage. The South was cut off from all trade and their economy suffered severely as a consequence of their ports being taken over. -
Emancipation Proclamation
President Abraham Lincoln released the Emancipation Proclamation which states all enslaved slaves be freed. The Emancipation Proclamation was limited in extreme ways, for it applied only to states that had seceded from the Union. This brought abolitionism into the Civil War and gave the Union another reason to fight on for. -
Gettysburg and Vicksburg
Gettysburg and Vicksburg were two wars that happened back to back. Gettysburg was a three day, extremely bloody battle, that was a Union victory. A day after Gettysburg, Vickburg took place. Vicksburg was a major victory for the Union because it gave the Union control of the Mississippi River, fully fulfilling the Anaconda plan. -
Transcontinental Railroad
The Transcontinental Railroad was a project launched and constructed throughout 1863-1869. It was a railroad that stretched through Omaha to Sacramento. This Transcontinental Railroad connected the states throughout America and allowed for better trading, better construction, and easier manufacturing. -
Surrender at Appomattox
The Surrender at Appomattox was the surrender of the Confederates and all the states that were Confederate. The Union Government agreed not to prosecute the Confederates as long as they surrendered fully and agreed not to attack once more. This surrender brought both the North and the South together once more as America, but this would not end the tensions. -
The beginning of Reconstruction
Reconstruction in America was complicated to approach. Both the North and the South wanted completely different ideals and beliefs, which is why things like the ten-percent plan, which forced 10% of ex-confederates to take an oath of loyalty in order to establish their new government, was so badly received. Unfortunately, Abraham Lincoln was assassinated before we could ever see a broader extent of his plans for reconstruction. -
Civil Rights Act of 1875
The Civil Rights Act of 1875 was a step forward in the right direction. This act guaranteed people of color the access of schools, churches, and public transportation. Unfortunately, this act was not well received in the South. The South accommodations were always lesser for people of color and there was a clear separation of class between the white people and the people of color. After a struggle for the North to make the South abide to their views and ideals; America turned to other problems. -
Anti-trust laws
The Anti-trust acts, or the Sherman acts, were laws that affected businesses and markets. It prevented businesses from merging with others in order to form monopolies. This made it so businesses couldn't become tyrannic. This also helped it so businesses couldn't manipulate prices and the market. -
The U.S.S Maine sinks
The U.S.S Maine was an American naval ship that had exploded in Spanish territory. Though this was reported as the Spanish sinking the ship, it was later proven it had actually just exploded on it's own due to an error in design. This would spark off Spanish propaganda. The U.S would soon enter battle with Spain. -
The De Lôme letter
The De Lôme letter was a letter from Spain intercepted from America. After the U.S, Spain, and Cuba had a meeting to sort out their tensions-- they came to an agreement. In this letter, Spain has total disregard for said meeting and says they won't obey it. They make a mockery of president McKinley which further fuels American frustration. -
Spanish American war
The Spanish-American war started in 1898. It was the U.S and Cuba against Spanish forces. After a short battle, the U.S quickly won and granted Cuba their independence. The U.S was gifted Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. -
Theodore Roosevelt becomes president
In 1902, Theodore Roosevelt becomes president. He was a republican who held office outstandingly well and is considered to be one of the best. He's known for his relief programs and expanding the Navy. Roosevelt's presidency ended in 1909. -
war world 1
America entered war world 1 in 1917 after the Zimmerman telegram was intercepted. this brought fear of Germany into Americans eyes and caused a rise of Nazi and communism suspicion. this war would result in an armistice, punishing Germany. this would leave the door open to what would soon be war world two. -
the Zimmerman telegram
the Zimmerman telegram was intercepted by america in 1917. the message by Germany to mexico was that if mexico joined the war against America they would get back Texas, Arizona, and new Mexico. this brought America into immediate action as civilians began to favor war upon being threatened. this declared America at war and active in war world one. -
treaty of versailles
the allied forces came to an armistice after war world one and signed the treaty of versailles, forcing germany into signing it despite promising them a peaceful agreement. this upset the united states as we were aware of the sabotage the allied powers put on germany. the united states did not sign the treaty of versailles because it put all the blame directly on germany. this foreshadowed the start of war world two. -
The red scare
The red scare was the fear of untrustworthy immigrants entering into the U.S. During this time, immigration of Europeans began to skyrocket-- and American citizens had little to no tolerance for them. Many believed they were loyal to their dictators back at home, and others feared they were trying to bring communism to America. Communism directly contrasted the american democracy so a lot of people were suspicious. -
Flappers
Flappers began around 1910's and 1920's. They were known for their short dresses, bobbed hair, and total disruption of social norms. Flappers challenged sexist stereotypes and created a new era. Many flappers engaged in what were considered "men" activities. -
Sacco and Vanzetti executed
Zacco and Vanzetti was a popular case because it highlighted the racism and unrighteousness in politics at the time. They were two Italian immigrants charged with murder and robbery after being found near the scene-- but no evidence pointed towards them. They were sentenced to death and it caused an outcry. Many believed they were innocent and targeted just because of the discrimination and assumptions about immigrants in America at the time. -
The Great Depression
The Great Depression started in 1929 and ended at War world 2. It was mostly due to consumerism cultural and the heavy spending of the 20's centuries. Many americans were in debts that they could not pay at all. this caused the stock market to crash and for America to enter into the depression era. -
Adolf hitler
Adolf hitler was the prominent dictator of nazi Germany, peaking in 1933. he was a strong speaker who easily swayed angry, poverty stricken, German civilians. Hitler brought up a German Nazi army and began slowly testing the waters in the versailles treaty. this soon led to Germany invading Czechoslovakia. -
the holocaust
the holocaust started with Germany making concentration camps for Jews to be in, and soon slaughtered, tortured, and experimented on. the germans believed in superiority so much to the extent that about six million Jews were killed. the holocaust outlines the atrocities Germany committed during war times and the consequences that followed. while many Americans were unaware of the holocaust-- some were exposed to it, being utterly horrified. -
attack on pearl harbor
the attack on pearl harbor accord when Japan bombed the naval vessels in America that were stationed at a port called pearl harbor. this attack was unprovoked, though japan had a one sided tension with America because of their refusal to let them hoard oil. this made Japan mad, but they also believed if they did it slowly and sneakily-- they could take down America. Japan didn't make an outright attack because they were afraid of the right Americans had to bare arms. -
Japanese internment camps
the Japanese internment camps happened amidst war world two due to the tensions between Japan and America. America put many Japanese Americans into camps that were very poorly kept-- under racist fear of them. many of the newer Japanese American generations decided to join the fighting cause for America despite being in these camps because they saw it as their only way to prove themselves. many were let go from the camps after the ordeal, but by that time they had lost everything. -
executive order 8802
executive order 8802 was issued by president Roosevelte. it read that businesses could not discriminate within the workplace and hire on a basis of race. this was a step forward towards equality, especially during the desperate measures of war world two. though this didn't do much to fight racism and it still continued-- it was a start. there was protests over this order, but it was ultimately here to stay. -
bombing of Nagasaki and hiroshima
after dealing with Germany and the axis powers, America turned their heads to Japan. after much debate and testing under the Manhattan project, it was signed off to use two nuclear bombs on Japan, targeting Nagasaki and hiroshima. America really wasn't sure of what this would do to Japan as this would be the first official atomic bomb launched-- but soon regretted their decisions once they realized the destruction and devastation caused. this cause Japan to surrender, ending war world two. -
united nations
the united nations was created as a way to maintain peace between the major countries. this organization was created mainly because of anxiety from war world one and two, not wanting it to happen again. nations came to the agreement of the UN. this provided security and backing to ensure a full blown nuclear war wont happen, or a war in any situation. -
d-day
d-day was a planned attack including America, Canada, France, attacked Germany from the beaches of Normandy. this was a long awaited and carefully executed battle. it pushed Germany back and was very successful. this lead to Hitler's surrender and death. -
the Yalta conference
the Yalta conference was held between the big three of war world two; fdr, Stalin, and Churchill. they discussed what to do with Germany after the war and how they'd approach it. while this conference brought potential red flags in the way they perceived things, they spent it debating how to make sure this wont happen again. this conference would spark small tension between Russia and America as Russia felt suspicious of America and britains intentions. -
the cold war
the cold war began as tensions between the USSR and America. after the Truman doctrine, this tensions boiled over and eventually resulted in a war. this would send America into a havoc as the home front was well defended, but the citizens were suffering from fear and anxiety everyday. as more Russian spies were exposed to be in America, more innocent people were accused of communism. it would end in 1989 with Russia withdrawing forces after an agreement with the us. -
the Truman doctrine
the Truman doctrine was a foreign policy made to push back on anything the ussr tried to do. it promised protection of any democratic nations. it directly fought against communism and the spread of it by securing ties and offering broad protection. this angered stalin-- forcing his hand to target America. -
nato established
nato was established as a way to protect smaller countries and provide them with security (bigger countries did join too like Britain and Canada). this upset Stalin because he was invading smaller countries in europe and forcing them to succumb to communism. nato still stands today, though it is not as effective as it once was because many nations don't put much into it. it's still seen as an important organization with many ties that assures wars not to happen. -
the Hollywood 10
the Hollywood 10 were a group of writers from Hollywood that were accused of communism. they were accused on the bases that they were manipulating the movies and tv networks and slowly sprinkling in communism themes. they were soon tried and completely blacklisted-- ruining their lives and jobs. this highlighted the hysteria that Americans were in due to fear. -
the second red scare
the second red scare was prominent between the 1940s and the 1950's. many Americans were scared of Russian power, and so accusations of communism were being swung out every second. many were blacklisted or lost their job because they were accused of being communist. it was broadcasted court cases that would Garner a lot of attention and only increase anxiety on who you can trust-- as there were exposed and executed spies. -
civil rights movement
there isn't a specific date to where the civil rights movement should start or end, but it begun in around the 1950's and until today, it hasn't ended. the fight for equality became more and more demanded as African Americans felt they deserved to be respected in a nation they fought hard for. this would result in many police brutalities and public hate crimes. soon the civil rights movement would pick up. -
thurgood marshall
thurgood marshall was a black activist, lawyer, and a juge. he was most prominent in 1954, during Linda v board of education. marshall is most known for this case as he's the biggest contributor to the fact plessy v ferguson was overturned. marshall soon went on to become the first black justice of the supreme court. -
Warsaw pact
the Warsaw pact was the soviets union attempt to combat nato in a way. it involved ties with other communistic countries. this brought unity to the communism armies. the Warsaw pact wouldn't last long or do much though, and eventually crumbled. -
Vietnam war
the Vietnam war was south Vietnam and America versus north communist Vietnam. though America's government lied about the conditions of the war, it was a bloody and unjust one. America failed to prevent the spread of communism into Vietnam and the south eventually fell. this made Americans not eager for war as they saw videos of what it was really like. -
space race
the space race was a race between Russia and America to see who could get into space first. it started in 1955 and lasted until 1975. Russia was the first to get a satellite in space, and America was the first to land on the moon. Russians consider that they won while Americans think they won instead. -
Martin Luther king
prominent during 1955, martin Luther king was the most prominent civil rights activists. he gave soulful speeches and remained in peaceful protests. though he was eventually jailed for his protests, he eventually gave his infamous 'i have a dream' speech. he would soon become the face of the civil rights movement. -
Malcolm x
Malcolm x was a prominent civil rights speaker in the 1950s. though he was just as influential as king, he had a different approach. Malcolm x didn't believe in fully peaceful protesting. he believed that if you were wronged, you have the right to rebel. -
Rosa parks
Rosa parks was most famous for her standing up against oppression. though many don't know, this was a planned stunt to bring awareness to the extent of racism there is in segregation. Rosa parks refused to give up her bus seat, and upon confrontation-- was arrested on the scene. this brought an outcry and eventual boycott. -
Montgomery bus boycott
the Montgomery bus boycott happened shortly after rosa parks was arrested. this boycott was lead by mostly African americans, who made up a majority of the bus riders. they refused to ride the buses-- causing for the bus business to crash. this caused for segregation to end in buses, the boycott ending successfully. -
brown v board of education
the brown v board of education was a case that fought for a change that supported the civil rights movement. thurgood marshall argued it was unconstitutional that black students had to walk great distances past many white schools just to get to their lesser, run down, school. this brought attention to the conditions of segregated black areas and how they were significantly lesser than their white counterparts. this case overturned plessy v ferguson. -
Emmett till
Emmett till was a young boy who travelled from the north to the south to visit some family. he was rumored to have been seen whistling at a white women, which lead to him being targeted, hunt down, and murdered. his body soon turned up in a lake, and the murderers were tried but proven innocent despite the evidence on them. later on, the murderers confessed and flaunted their killing-- causing an uproar. -
Linda brown
linda brown was a young African American who was used to represent the case Linda v board of education. they purposely chose a little girl to use as she was innocent and brought to light the effects of racism and hatred-- that the idea that a person could grow so hateful that they despised a little kid trying to get to school. Linda went on to become an activists. she was one of the key points to the civil rights movement and the fight to end segregation. -
Nikita Khrushchev becomes leader of russia
after Stalin's passing, nikita kruschev became the leader of Russia. many believed this was a turning point in the civil war because Nikita apologized for stalins crimes. Nikita Khrushchev ended up being just as horrible as Stalin, in full support of the ussr and Soviet union. this brought a new wave of calamity. -
beatniks
the beatniks were a hippie like generation. they were bold and experimented with sex, poetry, drugs, and fashions. there are books publishes about and by the beatniks. it was considered a social movement and an awakening of a new era. -
women enter college and workforce
after war world two, woman began becoming more and more common in work and colleges. higher education was typically sought after-- although many women wouldnt finish their entire years because they'd find love. women's jobs became more broad and a girl working was becoming more socially acceptable. this would set a new standard for the 60s. -
jfk vs nixon
John f kennedy vs nixon was the first presidential debate to be broadcasted on TV. Nixon was winning the election seemingly, as he had a more heartfelt upbringing and was a stronger public speaker. John f Kennedy ending up ultimately winning because he appeared better and more 'presidential' while on TV, during the debate. this would mark one of the rarer times in history when people voted for a president based upon looks. -
freedom riders
the freedom riders were a group of mixed college students who participated in a social experiment. they would take a bus touring throughout different countries across America to see if segregation and equal rights was really as enforced as they made it seem. these rides would ultimately end in disaster when the group made their way in Birmingham Alabama. their bus was bombed, surrounded by hoards of racists protesters, and they were beat and injured brutally. -
the Cuban missile crisis
the Cuban missile crisis was the closest the world has ever been to to a full blown nuclear war. American intellect picked up on nuclear missiles by Russia stationed in Cuba pointing at America. this sent America into a havoc, and it was decided to impose a blockade-- meaning Russia could not access the missile sight. this ultimately led to an agreement by Russia and America to cease the cold war if America let Russia continue their operations in Cuba. -
16th Street Baptist church bombing
the 16th Street Baptist church bombing occured in birmingham Alabama. it was a racially motivated bombing that destroyed a church where civil rights activists and choirs would often meet up. this spread on the news and shocked many americans. bombing a religious building was an outrageous, disgusting, act. -
the civil rights act
the civil rights act was finally what the movements were fighting so hard for. this prohibited and made illegal any sort of segregation or discrimination based on the color of a persons skin. many police were corrupt and didn't enforce it, most states refused to accept it or impose it. many believe this isn't the end-- and the fight for civil rights and equality is very much ongoing in our current years. -
voting rights act
the voting rights act was a major movement because it banned literacy tests. many African Americans who applied for voting rights were always failed because literacy tests were rigged against them-- imposing impossible questions each time they applied. this allowed for anyone to vote, no matter the intellectual level or skin color. it was greatly celebrated and their rights no longer depend on a piece of paper. -
the black panther party
the black panther party was a political party formed by college students. its goal was to promote black national pride. it hosted many programs and sought for representation of African Americans. this party was soon brought to an end as it slowly dissolved. -
vietnamization
vietnamization was the slow withdraw of American forces from the southern Vietnam battlefront. the public viewed it as a wasteful, unwinnable, battle. the public disapproval, the lies, and the lives loss for seemingly no exact cause, brought the withdraw of troops from Vietnam. this ultimately led to Vietnam crumbling and falling to communism. -
the Watergate scandal
the Watergate scandal occured during Nixon's presidency. Nixon's men were found breaking into the Democratic hq in the Watergate complex to steal information. Nixon denied having a hand in this, but he had already been involved in some corrupt attitudes and events. releasing tapes that were heavily edited, refusing to tell anything, and denying constantly, led him to be guilty. however; gerold Ford pardoned Nixon in 1974.