-
Jamestown, Virginia was the first settlement in the Colonial America. Originally, Jamestown began with only 104 people living in the settlement, but that population dwindled due to disease, famine, and violence in the settlement. Settlers were also unprepared for the harsh winter. Settlers were unaware of what would give an advantage to combat the cold. The settlers were welcomed to the new land by disease, resulting in the settlers having little to no immunity against these diseases. -
The Mayflower Compact was a contract signed by settlers on board the Mayflower to establish form and function within the settlement's government. The purpose of this was to make sure any decision that would be made would be for the greater good of the colony. This allowed for the colonists to be united as one. The people on board the Mayflower used this contract to create a society where they would all work together to progress and build for a better future. Faith was a unifying factor for them. -
The Great Awakening was a period in which religious ideas swept through into the colonies. After settling into colonies, people began to feel religion was becoming dry and distant. Colonial preachers felt people should be more focused on their inner self and becoming close with God to reach salvation. Due to this new spirituality, ideas such as equality and the right to challenge authority emerged. These ideas paved the wave for colonists to start thinking about democracy and independence. -
Great Britain and France both laid claims on the Upper Ohio River Valley area, causing conflict that stretched for 7 years. The French had Native American alliances, while Great Britain had the colonists' help. Great Britain ended up winning the war, which led to the end of the constant "war" between them and the French that stretched since the late 17th century. This war result gave colonists the perception that they were a major help for the British military, which was not the reality. -
The Treaty of Paris officially marked the end of the Seven Years War. The treaty gave Great Britain take control of French lands in North America. France had a secret arrangement with Spain before the 1763 Treaty that gave Spain the land west of the Mississippi River. The land that Britain received was the land east of the Mississippi. This new land allowed for the transportation of resources to the colonies. The river area unlocked fur for the colonists and Native tribes to trade with. -
The Proclamation of 1763 poked at the colonists. The Proclamation disallowed colonists from going part the Appalachian Mountains. The colonists were unimpressed with this, as they had the perception that they were a major reason in why the land and war was won. This Proclamation ended the Salutary Neglect that allowed the colonies to govern themselves with minimal British involvement. Colonists chose to obey this, but it created an idea of democracy in the back of their minds. -
Great Britain placed an increased tax on sugar and molasses on the colonies. Parliament imposed this initially because they thought it would encourage English business. The colonists were unhappy with this, resulting in sugar and molasses being smuggled. Due to colonists becoming smugglers, the treasury wasn't getting enough money. The Sugar Act was passed and lowered taxes on sugars in order to reduce smuggling and support business. George Grenville made sure this act was strictly enforced. -
The Stamp Act enforced a direct tax for revenue. This placed a tax on newspapers, diplomas, and legal documents that required an official seal. This tax affected almost all colonists, especially publishers and lawyers. Colonists were unimpressed with Great Britain and protested that there should be "No Taxation Without Representation" in the Parliament. This act and British troops still in the colonies were factors that inspired more radical ideas and thoughts about colonial resistance. -
The Townshend Acts were acts that placed taxes on any material that was needed to build houses and also taxed goods that were imported by the colonies. The Townshend Acts only rose tension between the colonies and Great Britain. The colonists saw this act solely as a way for Great Britain to abuse power on the colonists. This marked the birth of colonial responses, such as the Sons of Liberty, which was organized by Samuel Adams. To combat the responses, Britain sent even more troops to Boston. -
Colonists, in reaction to the British, gathered outside the Old State House in Boston as a way of protest. The colonists threw snowballs and rocks at the soldiers stationed there. A shot was fired by a soldier, which resulted in 5 colonists being killed, considered the first deaths of the Revolution. A painting was released and perception trumped reality, causing colonists to believe that the colonists who died were innocent, but in reality they were the ones who started the skirmish that night. -
The Boston Tea Party was a protest towards the still standing tea tax. Members of the Sons of Liberty, disguised as Native Americans, boarded the British ships that were carrying crates of tea and dumped them into the Boston Harbor. Around 92,000 pounds of tea was dumped, which the East India Company reported $10K damage, today's value would be $1.7 million. The British started to realize that colonist were starting to resist. This caused tensions between the British and colonists to skyrocket. -
The Coercive Acts, known as Intolerable Acts, were a set of acts passed by Britain that seemed to combat the colonial resistance. The Port of Boston was closed. The Quartering Act made colonists required to quarter any British soldier at any time. This was a way for the British to spy on the more influential colonists. If royal officials were accused of a crime, they were tried in England, so they were not punished. These Acts allowed Britain to take control over the colonial government. -
The First Continental Congress was held with 12 out of 13 delegates from the colonies (Georgia did not show.) In this meeting, the delegates discussed how to combat the Coercive Acts and what will become of America's future under Great Britain's aggression. The Congress created a Declaration of Rights and Grievances. The Congress said they would still be loyal to the Empire but they would cease exports to Britain if Parliament did not comply with the grievances stated by the colonists. -
Colonists used Concord to store weapons for potential war. Due to British spies, information about Concord and Sam Adams & John Hancock were in Lexington were leaked to Great Britain. Colonial spies raised the alarm that the Redcoats were coming. By the time British soldiers reached Lexington, Sam and John had escaped. A shot was fired in Lexington, marking the start of a battle. The British reached Concord where they were surrounded by 1,500 militiamen. This marked the start of the Revolution. -
The Second Continental Congress took place in Philadelphia, right after the events at Lexington & Concord. All of the colonies sent delegates this time. The Second Continental Congress was presided by John Hancock. The colonists were furious due to King George's verdict of "Blows must decide whether they are to be subject to this country or independent." The Congress established a Continental Army, appointing George Washington as the Commander-in-Chief of the army. -
The Battle of Bunker Hill marked the start of a turning point in the war for the US. The Continental Army were losing hope and patriotic dedication prior to this battle, as they were pushed onto the backfoot by the British. This all started to change. By the end of this battle, Great Britain won Bunker Hill but British troops were severely damaged by the Continental Army. Even though the Continental Army lost this battle, the colonial soldiers all found a new sense of belief of winning the war. -
"Common Sense" was a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine. This pamphlet was used as a major propaganda piece, as it was written in vernacular (the common language.) Thomas Paine used logic and emotions to shape his ideas. Due to the way he expressed his thoughts, he was able to give his readers a great sense and feeling of patriotism. He donated the proceedings of "Common Sense" to the Continental Army and also served for them. -
The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4th, 1776 but it was not signed until August 2nd, 1776. The document declared the colonies have separated from Great Britain. All men who were present during the signing were aware that they were committing treason of the highest level against Great Britain. The men present were considering this as signing their death warrant. The first signature was of John Hancock, the presider of the Congress. This unofficially founded the USA. -
The Articles of Confederation was adopted and served as the first form of a central government for the US. The Articles mirrored the trauma of USA. The First Article created the name as USA. The Articles addressed that there would be no standing army, reflecting the Quartering Act. There would be no taxing authority, as well. The document made it so that the majority of the power resided within states. This doc was untested, so the Fathers did not recognize flaws. -
The Battle of Saratoga served as a major turning point of the war. The Continental Army used their knowledge of the land, which gave them the upper hand over Great Britain. The Continental Army was able to win this battle, which gave them a great morale boost. They were starting to believe that the war is definitely winnable. This news of American victory reached Ben Franklin, who was in France, he relayed this news to the French. The French was then ready to support America against Britain. -
This battle was a showdown between Britain's best general and Continental Army's best. Cornwallis vs Washington. Due to France sending troops and navy to the Continental Army, the British were outnumbered. The French Navy had also defeated the British Navy. Cornwallis was unware of this, so when he was retreating to Yorktown to bait Washington, Cornwallis found himself surrounded by French Navy and Continental Army. Cornwallis was forced to surrender. This ended the major battles in the war. -
The Treaty of Paris officially ended the Revolutionary War. This document allowed for the official creation and recognition of the United States of America. The USA is granted all British lands between the Atlantic Ocean and Mississippi River and north to British Columbia. The USA and France continued their alliances by forming an alliance of perpetual friendship. The USA was now separate from Great Britain and became independent. -
Alexander Hamilton, the Secretary of the Treasury, formulated an economical plan to provide a platform and build for the future of America. His plan was greatly influenced by his belief that the federal government should be stronger than the state governments. His plan consisted of paying off war debt to have the trust of other nations, raising revenues through taxes and tariffs, and creating a national bank. The national bank served as a federal money storage and issued paper currency. -
The Bill of Rights created the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution. The Bill was created to give people some sort of freedom and to prevent the federal government from having too much power, like Great Britain. The Bill of Rights ensured rights to the people. This guaranteed civil rights such as freedom of speech, religion, choice of quartering a soldier, and the right to own weapons. The Bill of Rights still did not appeal to everyone involved. -
These Acts were put in place in order to prepare for the possibility of war against France. The Alien Act allowed the president to deport any "alien" or anyone who was considered dangerous. This put more restrictions on any foreigner and placed limitations on freedom of speech. The Sedition Act made it illegal for newspapers to print any material that was critical or against the president. Naturalization Act increased the time requirement for any person to be eligible for citizenship. -
Thomas Jefferson won the election of 1800 against John Adams. Jefferson's victory became known as the "Revolution of 1800". After 12 years of Federalist control, achieving the strengthening of the central government, establishment of a sound financial system, the industry beginning to grow, and avoiding war with Britain and France. The Federalist and Adams' power had ended. Jefferson differed from Adams, as Jefferson was less industrial focused when compared to John Adams. -
In an attempt for the Federalists to hold onto the judicial branch, Adams, on his last day in office, fills all federal courts with loyal Federalists, known as the Midnight Judges. James Madison, Jefferson's cabinet member, finds the letter that gave John Marbury judgeship. Jefferson orders Madison not to give the letter, so Marbury sues in order to become judge. The Supreme Court sides with Madison and declared part of the Judiciary Act "unconstitutional," marking the birth of Judicial Review. -
The Louisiana Purchase was a deal between US and France. Jefferson worried that the US could lose control of New Orleans and access to the Mississippi River, so he sends James Monroe to negotiate the purchase of New Orleans for $3 million. Napoleon Bonaparte wasn't interested unless US bought the whole land. Jefferson puts aside his own values for what he believed was best for the country and buys the whole land for $15 million. The size of America was instantly doubled with this land. -
The British Navy attacked American sailors and captured them and their cargo in the open ocean. This was impressment by the British Navy. The British captains seized and recruited the captured sailors by force. America was infuriated by this, as they wanted to expand trade and their navy but was unable to do so due to British capturing sailors. The British were also supporting Native American resistance against the US by providing weapons. These actions made the War of 1812 inevitable. -
The American forces, led by General Andrew Jackson, were a multicultural motley band of experienced soldiers and warriors. The British, in theory, was expected to easily overwhelm this poorly organized American army. Jackson's men were able to use the land to their advantage, yet again. The British army becomes virtually mauled by American forces hiding behind earthworks and cannons. The British suffered 2,042 casualties compared to America's 71 casualties. Info of this victory was delayed. -
The Compromise was passed by Monroe. Missouri wanted to join the Union as a slave state. This divided whoever was present into Pro Slavery and Anti Slavery factions in Congress. Henry Clay proposed that Missouri could be admitted as a slave state into the Union, but also admitting Maine as a free state into Union. This Compromise also banned slavery from lands included from Louisiana Purchase. From that point onwards, states could only join union as pairs in order to maintain balance. -
The Tariff of 1828 was approved by John Quincy Adams. It was passed to support developing domestic industries. This tariff made sure agricultural products in the north would be protected from international competition. While this benefitted the North, the South were unhappy. The resulting tax on foreign imports raised the daily costs in the South, as a large amount of income in the South was based on exporting southern goods, like cotton. This Tariff of 1828 made Adams' election loss inevitable. -
Andrew Jackson was elected as president. Jackson was someone who people considered fought for the "common man." Most of Jackson's actions were based on benefitting the "common man." Jackson believed states should have the power to manage the bank, so he transferred all the money to state banks. This transferring of money was influenced by his belief that the national bank held too much power over the economy. Jackson was also able to pay off the national debt, the only time in US history. -
Signed by Andrew Jackson, this Act stated that Native Americans were to be moved out into the western lands in exchange for their more fertile farmlands. This forced the relocation of over 45,000 Natives, allowing for white settlements to take over the lands. Not all Native tribes allowed this to happen, resulting in them being forced by the US military to be forced out of their own lands. While the Natives were leaving their homes, 4,000 Natives died, becoming known as the Trail of Tears. -
The Panic of 1837 was a financial crisis that led to an economic depression. This crisis was caused by rapid economic growth & inflation, the lack of a national bank, and the decreasing cotton prices. Before this crisis, economy was prosperous, but as the money supply increased due to the US becoming attractive for foreign investors, state banks were unable to keep up. The cotton prices fell due to supply being greater than demand as India and Egypt were able to unlock cotton production. -
Texas was an empty Mexican wasteland that did not have any law and order. Americans were welcomed into the Texas territory only if they became renounced US citizenship and becoming a citizen of Mexican. As more Americans came in, law and order was brought. Over time, this territory was the topic in conflict between Mexico and America. America was able to overwhelm Mexico and allowed for the annexation of the Republic of Texas into the United States, declaring Texas independence from Mexico. -
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was very one sided, which stated the Texas border was the Rio Grande river. The United States were also granted the lands that made up the Mexican Cession. This Mexican Cession included California, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. President James K Polk's idea of sending a small group of soldiers into the territory, creating an excuse for war against Mexico to get their land, played into his favor. Shortly after, gold was discovered in Cession. -
The Compromise of 1850 was proposed by Henry Clay, yet again saving the nation. This was caused by the new states and territories joining, without classification as a free or slave state. The Compromise of 1850 included California entering the union as a free state, Washington, D.C abolishing the slave trade, the enactment of strict fugitive slave laws nationwide, and made it so that if any territory applied for statehood, Popular Sovereignty would decide whether they were a free or slave state. -
The Kansas-Nebraska Act repealed the Missouri Compromise, as it created two new territories, allowing for popular sovereignty. In the Missouri Compromise, it was stated that slavery was to be excluded from the land gained from the Louisiana Purchase (except Missouri.) This act allowed for the determination of these territories as a free state or slave state using Popular Sovereignty. This act sparked the flame for national division. Following this act came the birth of the Republican Party. -
The Dred Scott v Sanford case was a fight for freedom by a slave named Dred Scott. His owner was a member of the army. Dred Scott and his owner moved to Illinois, a free state. Since he was being moved from a slave state to a free state, he should have been automatically freed, but that was not the case. The court decided he would stay as a slave, this ruling went against the definition of a free state. Despite abolitionist support for Dred Scott, abolitionists became afraid of the future. -
The South develops an irrational fear of Lincoln. This fear leads to South Carolina seceding. The country divides into 2: the United States and the Confederate States. The Confederate Army wanted the Union army to leave Fort Sumter (in South Carolina.) Lincoln sends a convoy to send resources to Fort Sumter for the Union, just in case. The Confederate Army takes action before the convoy arrival. Charleston, South Carolina attacks Fort Sumter, marking the start of the Civil War. -
The Homestead Act of 1862 was signed into law by Lincoln. This Act addressed the questions of "How does the west become productive" and "how do the people get spread throughout America". Since the West had very few settlements and less productivity. The Act accelerated western growth by offering 160 acres of land in the west to whoever claimed it. The conditions of acquiring land was you had to farm it for 5 years, live on it, and improve the land. The lower class appealed to this the most. -
The Pacific Railway Act of 1862 established the first transcontinental railway system in America. This Act offered incentives provided by the government to assist “men of talent, men of character, men who are willing to invest” to build this transcontinental railway system. The incentive was land. Lincoln hired 2 companies, without them knowing, to build this railway. Lincoln created competition between them, this competition allowed for a much quicker construction, getting it done in 1871. -
The Battle of Antietam was the single bloodiest day in American military history. General Robert E. Lee, of the Confederate Army, want to shift the focus of fighting away from the South and into Union territory. He believed if he pushed into Union territory and had victories, it could lead to the capture of the capital. His forces and McClellan's, the Union, clash and have major assaults throughout the day. Due to McClellan's forces not pushing, Lee was able to retreat. 22,717 casualties. -
Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared as of January 1, 1863, all enslaved people in the Confederate states "shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free." This called for slavery to be abolished in the South. This did not address the enslaved people in the border states that were loyal to the Union. The Emancipation Proclamation redefined the Civil War and Lincoln's views. The war shifted from a struggle to unify the nation to being a war focused on the ending of slavery -
In an attempt to move away from his rotating roulette of unpromising generals, Lincoln appoints Ulysses S. Grant as General of the Union. Grant was a warlord and did whatever it took the win battles. Lincoln makes it clear that Vicksburg was key. Grant orders an immediate assault on the Confederates. Assault after assault, the Union picked off Confederate numbers, outlasting them. 4,900 Union casualties to 32363 South casualties marked the difference, beginning a turning point in the war. -
After many defensive victories, Robert E. Lee pushed into the north once again in hopes of forcing a Union defeat. General Meade of the Union was ordered to keep his army between Lee and the capital. Meade was prepared to defend the capital, but he also pursues Lee. Fighting goes on for 3 days. On the third day, to make an attacking force, Pickett's Charge occurs. This strategy backfired on the Confederates, losing one-third of its men. General Lee is forced to retreat with a demoralized army. -
Lincoln felt that the nation could only be unified if there were no feelings of animosity. Lincoln proposed the Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction. This pardoned Confederate Leaders if they agreed to the Emancipation and swore an oath to the Union and Constitution. This also allowed for any Confederate state to be readmitted to the Union if at least 10% of its voters had sworn loyalty to the Union. States were also tasked with forming new state constitutions that outlawed slavery. -
Ulysses Grant stomped victory after victory against Robert Lee. Lee was left with no other options other than retreating to a supply train in Farmville, Virginia, and to join with the rest of the Confederate Army in NC. This was Lee's final act. Grant knew what Lee was trying to do. Grant splits the Union army in half, one pursues Lee, while the other gets to the Appomattox before Lee does. Lee becomes surrounded by the Union. Lee surrenders, marking the beginning of the end of the Civil War. -
Two railroad companies had been payed to lay track across the country. When they finally met in the middle, which happened much faster than expected due to am incentive, America got much "smaller". Resources from all over the country became accessible, people could move much more efficiently, and most importantly, the United States could ship out of both the West and East coasts now. The transcontinental railroad was the greatest achievement for the country's future at the time. -
The Dawes Act was the Homestead Act but for the Native Americans, as it offered 160 acres of land in the West to each Native family, and 80 acres of land for each individual. Many Natives took advantage of this. Whites believed this to be a generous act by the US government. This Act caused humanitarian groups to emerge and help Natives, speeding assimilation. These lands were reservation lands, so the unused lands were sold to whites. This acted as an attack on Native culture and their land. -
The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 was the first federal law in the United States to prohibit trusts and monopolies. The law was intended to prevent businesses from creating monopolies or trusts that would restrict competition and harm consumers. It empowered the federal government to investigate and prosecute any illegal trade or business activities. This Act broke some of the largest and most powerful monopolies in American history, including Standard Oil and AT&T. -
Ghost Dance was a religious movement among Native Americans living on reservations. Combining traditional beliefs with Christianity, adherents believed that a proper lifestyle and ceremonial dances would restore the days before white settlement. A group of Lakota on the Pine Ridge Reservation was practicing the dance, and the US Army attacked them because they misinterpreted the movement. An estimated 150-300 innocent people were slaughtered in a tragic and needless show of violence. -
Plessy v. Ferguson was a landmark US Supreme Court case that upheld the constitutionality of "separate but equal" segregation laws. This involved a Louisiana law that required "equal but separate" railway accommodations for white and black passengers. Homer Plessy, who was 7/8 white and 1/8 black, was arrested for refusing to move to a "colored" car. The Supreme Court upheld the segregation law, stating as long as they were separate, they were equal, so it did not violate the 14th Amendment. -
During the Spain and Cuba conflict, US government officials received a stolen letter sent by the Spanish minister. He called President William McKinley a “would-be politician” and admitted that Spain had no intentions of honoring a deal with the US aimed at humanitarian relief for the Cuban people. Yellow journalists who received a copy generated public support for a war against Spain. The US had previously wanted to negotiate a peaceful solution but was now more driven to go to war. -
The signing of the Treaty of Paris with representatives of Spain ended the Spanish-American War. The treaty finally gave independence to Cuba and forced Spain to give up the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico, which the US gained. During the war, the US also annexed Hawaii as a state. Other effects of the war included the enlargement and modernization of the US Navy, the expansion of open markets and trade opportunities, and the US becoming a world power. -
As immigrants arrived to take advantage of economic opportunities, they needed to live near their jobs and in affordable housing. Cramped and dangerous tenement buildings presented appalling living conditions, but for many urban poor families and immigrants, they were the only option. The activism of Progressive Era reformers led to the creation of this law, which mandated indoor toilets, interior courtyards, and fire escapes for new tenement buildings. -
President William McKinley was assassinated by Leon Czolgosz, an anarchist, in Buffalo, New York. This created the Secret Service, which allowed for better protection and security as President McKinley had a loose approach to security. In addition, Theodore Roosevelt, McKinley's Vice President, had helped McKinley win the majority of votes which was seen as one that Republicans believed was too "out of control," was then sworn into the presidency. -
The strike saw over 140,000 coal miners walk off the job to protest poor working conditions and low wages, causing a coal shortage that threatened the nation's economy. President Theodore Roosevelt intervened and established a commission to investigate grievances and improve working conditions. The strike demonstrated the growing power of organized labor, set a precedent for government intervention in labor disputes, and paved the way for workplace safety regulations and fair labor practices. -
The act aimed to prevent the sale of mislabeled, adulterated, or unsafe food and drugs. It established the FDA, which was empowered to inspect and regulate the production and labeling of food and drugs. It was a response to a growing public concern about the safety and quality of products in the marketplace. Its passage led to the creation of safety standards for food and drugs, and paved the way for future consumer protection laws. -
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded on February 12, 1909, in New York City by a group of black and white activists, including W. E. B. Du Bois and Ida B. Wells. The organization was formed to fight for civil rights for African Americans, particularly to end segregation and discrimination in education, employment, housing, and voting. The NAACP played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement. -
Woodrow Wilson was elected as the 28th President of the United States in 1912. He ran on a platform of progressive reform, defeating incumbent Republican President William Howard Taft and former President Theodore Roosevelt. As President, Wilson enacted progressive reforms and played a key role in World War I, as well as in the formation of the League of Nations. His election marked a turning point in American political history towards a more interventionist government. -
The canal transformed global trade and US foreign policy. The US began building the canal in 1904, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Isthmus of Panama. Despite challenges such as deadly tropical diseases and labor disputes, the canal was completed in 1914, enhancing America's position as a world power and reshaping global commerce. The project also had a profound impact on the politics of the region, including US relations with Panama and other Latin American countries. -
Law that authorizes the government to get young men into military service in times of war.It was first enacted in 1917 during World War I and has been amended several times since. The Selective ServiceSystem maintains a database of potential draftees and is responsible for conducting the draft if it is ever implemented. While the draft has not been used since the Vietnam War, men in the United States between the ages of 18 and 25 are still required by law to register with the Selective Service. -
Made it a crime to use "disloyal, profane, scurrilous, or abusive language" about the government, flag, or military during World War I. The act was aimed at suppressing criticism of the war effort, and was used to prosecute socialists, pacifists, and other anti-war activists. The law was controversial for violating the First Amendment right to free speech. It was repealed in 1920, but its legacy has had a lasting impact on civil liberties and government censorship in the United States. -
This outlined President Wilson's vision for a post-World War I world. It called for a new international order based on principles such as free trade, open diplomacy, disarmament, and self-determination of nations. The speech was widely praised but many of Wilson's proposals were not included in the Treaty of Versailles. Nonetheless, the speech remains a significant moment in world history as a call for international cooperation and a blueprint for global peace. -
The 18th Amendment, also known as the Prohibition Amendment, was passed in 1919 and prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States. Despite the goal of reducing crime and promoting morality, the prohibition of alcohol led to the rise of organized crime and speakeasies. The amendment was eventually repealed in 1933 with the ratification of the 21st Amendment, which ended Prohibition and restored the legal sale and consumption of alcohol in the US. -
The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granted women the right to vote and was ratified on August 18, 1920. The amendment followed decades of campaigning, protests, and lobbying by women's suffrage advocates. Its ratification marked a major milestone in the struggle for women's rights and gender equality in the United States. Women's Equality Day is celebrated annually on August 26 to commemorate the adoption of the 19th Amendment. -
This marked the end of World War I and had a significant impact on American history. President Wilson played a key role in the negotiations, advocating for his 14 Points plan for peace. The treaty imposed harsh penalties on Germany and redrew the map of Europe, leading to resentment in the region. The treaty's legacy shaped American foreign policy in the 20th century, including the country's role in World War II. -
Sacco and Vanzetti were two Italian immigrants and anarchists who were tried and convicted of murder in Massachusetts in 1921. The trial and subsequent appeals were marked by controversy, with many believing that the two men were convicted based on their political beliefs rather than evidence of guilt. Despite numerous appeals, they were executed in 1927. The case has become a symbol of injustice and the abuse of government power with some arguing that the two men were victims of prejudice -
This was a highly publicized legal battle in which a teacher was prosecuted for teaching evolution in violation of state law. The trial became a national case between science and religion. The verdict found John Scopes guilty, but the trial sparked a national conversation about science education and religious freedom. The trial highlighted the tension between science and religion and the ongoing debate over the role of education in shaping public attitudes towards controversial topics. -
The Dust Bowl was a significant event in American history as it was a severe environmental disaster that affected the Great Plains during the 1930s. It was caused by a combination of drought and poor farming practices, which led to massive soil erosion and dust storms. The Dust Bowl forced many farmers to migrate to California in search of work and contributed to the economic and social hardships of the Great Depression. -
The election of FDR in 1932 was significant for America as it marked a turning point in American politics, shifting towards progressive policies and a more active role for the federal government. His New Deal reforms provided relief to those affected by the Great Depression, including social welfare programs, government regulation of the economy, and public works projects. FDR's presidency laid the foundation for modern social welfare programs and government intervention in the economy. -
The Banking Act of 1933 was a response to the financial crisis of the Great Depression. The act separated commercial and investment banking, establishing the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to insure bank deposits and restore public confidence in the banking system. The act also restricted banks from engaging in risky activities, such as securities trading. The Act had a significant impact on American finance, shaping the banking industry and protecting consumers for decades. -
The New Deal was a series of programs and reforms introduced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression. In 1934, the New Deal had been in effect for two years and was continuing to expand. It included public works projects, social welfare programs, and regulations on the financial sector. Notable programs introduced in 1934 included the National Housing Act and the Securities Exchange Act, which created the Securities and Exchange Commission. -
Adolf Hitler became chancellor of Germany in 1933, marking the beginning of the Nazi regime. Hitler and his party had gained power through a combination of propaganda, violence, and political maneuvering. Once in power, the Nazis quickly consolidated their control over the government, media, and military. Hitler's rise to power had a profound impact on world history, leading to the devastation of World War II and the Holocaust. -
This Act, signed by FDR, created a national retirement and pension program, as well as unemployment insurance. Funded by payroll taxes, the program provided a safety net for retirees, the disabled, and othersThe Social Security system has been expanded over the years and remains a critical component of the American social safety net. The law was a major achievement of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal and reflected a growing recognition of the importance of social welfare programs. -
The Neutrality Act of 1935 was a US law designed to keep the country out of future wars. It banned the sale of weapons and other war materials to nations at war and prohibited US citizens from traveling on belligerent ships. The act reflected a desire among many Americans to avoid getting involved in foreign conflicts but ultimately limited the US ability to respond to growing tensions in Europe and Asia. -
In the early morning hours of Dec. 7, Japan, an Axis power that was allied with Germany, launched a surprise attack on the US naval base Pearl Harbor. The unprovoked aggression came from anger at US aid to Britain, an Allied country, and pressure to Japan to stop expanding its military force in the Pacific. The attack killed 2,335 servicemen and destroyed 188 aircraft and 4 battleships. The next day, FDR gave his Day of Infamy speech and Congress declared war on Japan, entering WWII. -
D-Day, or the Normandy landings, was a crucial military operation that took place on June 6, 1944 during World War II. The Allied forces, led by the United States, Great Britain, and Canada, launched a massive invasion of German-occupied France, landing over 150,000 troops on the beaches of Normandy. Despite heavy casualties, the Allies were able to secure a foothold in Europe, which ultimately led to the defeat of Germany. -
This was a way for the government to thank World War II veterans for their service in the war, providing benefits. It paid for their college education, making it more accessible and expected. It also gave them low-interest home loans, which helped them pay for their homes after the war. Low-interest business loans and unemployment compensation were also provided, financially supporting them. The bill made education more accessible and helped build America's middle class. -
The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were two of the most significant events in American history. On August 6 and 9, 1945, the United States dropped atomic bombs on these Japanese cities, killing tens of thousands of civilians and effectively ending World War II. The bombings also marked the beginning of the nuclear age, with the US being the only country to have used nuclear weapons in war. -
The Red Scare was a period of intense fear in the US, fueled by the perceived threat of communism and radicalism. The First Red Scare occurred after WWI and the Second Red Scare occurred after WWII, led by Senator Joseph McCarthy. The Red Scare led to government investigations, arrests, and blacklisting of suspected communists and their sympathizers. -
The doctrine provided assistance to countries threatened by communism and was motivated by the fear of Soviet expansionism after World War II. Was first applied in Greece and Turkey, providing military and economic aid to these countries to resist Soviet. It established a precedent for US foreign policy during the Cold War, leading to a series of interventions and aid programs aimed at containing the spread of communism around the world. The Doctrine was a significant shift in US foreign policy -
Housing developments that were designed to meet the growing demand for affordable housing for returning World War II veterans and their families. The developments were known for their uniformity, with virtually identical houses and landscaping. The creation of Levittowns contributed to the growth of the suburbs and the emergence of the middle class, but also reinforced racial segregation and discrimination in housing. -
Post-war Europe was full of strife and economic hardship. US officials feared that the West would turn to communism to provide relief from the turmoil. To combat this, the Marshall Plan delegated billions of dollars in foreign aid to help Europe rebuild its factories, infrastructure, buildings, transport, etc. Aid was offered to Eastern Bloc countries but rejected under Stalin's influence. Domestically, the plan was controversial, but it was invaluable to reconstruction in Europe. -
This was a SC case that struck down racial segregation in public schools. It was brought by a group of African American parents who argued that segregated schools violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. In a unanimous decision, the Court ruled that "separate but equal" was inherently unequal and violated the Constitution. The ruling paved the way for the desegregation of schools and other public spaces, and is widely regarded as a major victory in the Civil Rights Movement. -
Was signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower and authorized the construction of a vast network of interstate highways throughout the United States. The primary purpose of the highways was to facilitate the movement of military personnel and equipment in the event of a national emergency. However, the highways also had a profound impact on American society and the economy, enabling greater mobility and travel, the growth of suburbs, and the expansion of the trucking industry. -
The Bay of Pigs Invasion was a failed attempt by the United States to overthrow the government of Cuban leader Fidel Castro in 1961. The plan was to train and arm Cuban exiles to launch a surprise attack on the island, but the invasion was poorly executed and easily defeated by Cuban forces. This event damaged the reputation of the U.S. government and highlighted the dangers of covert actions in foreign affairs. -
The Cuban Missile Crisis was a tense, 13-day political and military standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union over the installation of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba. The crisis is significant for American history because it was the closest the world ever came to nuclear war. The successful resolution of the crisis also bolstered President Kennedy's standing and demonstrated the importance of diplomacy and negotiation in international affairs. -
JFK was assassinated while riding in an open car during a parade in Dallas, Texas. Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested and charged with the murder, but was himself shot and killed two days later by nightclub owner Jack Ruby. The assassination shocked the nation and had a profound impact on American history, fueling conspiracy theories and contributing to a loss of trust in government institutions.The event also marked the end of the idealism and optimism of the early 1960s, and created social unrest -
This law ended segregation in public places, expanded voting rights protections, and established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to enforce the law. The act was the culmination of decades of activism and struggle by the Civil Rights Movement, and represented a major victory for advocates of racial and social justice. It also had a profound impact on American society and helped to pave the way for further advancements in civil rights and equality. -
The Great Society was a series of social reforms and programs launched by President Lyndon B. Johnson. It aimed to eliminate poverty in the United States by providing greater access to healthcare, education, and housing. It included programs such as Medicare and Medicaid and the creation of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. It represented a significant expansion of the federal government's role in domestic affairs and marked a turning point in American social policy. -
On July 20, 1969, American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin became the first humans to set foot on the Moon as part of the Apollo 11 mission. The Moon landing was a historic moment in space exploration and technology, and it symbolized American scientific and technological superiority during the Cold War. Armstrong's famous quote, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," remains an iconic moment in history. -
This involved the Nixon administration's attempt to cover up its involvement in the break-in and wiretapping at the Watergate complex in Washington, DC It led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974, and resulted in criminal charges for numerous members of his administration. It had a profound impact on American politics and led to increased scrutiny of government institutions. It also reinforced the importance of a free and independent press in holding those in power accountable. -
Was betweenEgypt and Israel, brokered by President Jimmy Carter, that made peace between the 2. Were signed after weeks of negotiations at Camp David. It included a framework for peace in the Middle East, the establishment of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Israel, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Sinai Peninsula. The Accords had a significant impact on American foreign policy, and on the whole region, helped to pave the way for further peace negotiations in the Middle East. -
The Iran hostage crisis was a diplomatic standoff between the United States and Iran that lasted from 1979 to 1981. Fifty-two American diplomats and citizens were held hostage by Iranian militants after the U.S. embassy in Tehran was seized. The hostages were released after 444 days of captivity, following negotiations and the signing of the Algiers Accords. The crisis severely damaged relations between the U.S. and Iran, and is widely seen as a turning point in Iranian history. -
Primarily caused by human error and mechanical failure, resulting meltdown of a reactor at the power plant in PA. It was the a serious nuclear accident in U.S. history and had a significant impact on public perception of nuclear power. Although there were no immediate deaths or injuries, the incident raised concerns about the safety of nuclear power plants and led to increased regulation and safety measures in the industry. The cleanup of the site took nearly 15 years and cost over $1 billion. -
The Scandal involved secret arms sales to Iran by the Reagan administration, using the proceeds to fund anti-communist rebels in Nicaragua, despite a U.S. arms embargo. The sale of arms to Iran was a violation of U.S. law, and the diversion of funds to the Nicaraguan Contras was a violation of a Congressional ban. The scandal led to several high-ranking officials being convicted or pleading guilty to charges -
The 9/11 terrorist attacks resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths and were carried out by 19 hijackers associated with the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda. The attacks led to a global "war on terror," the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq, and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security. The attacks also had a profound impact on American society, with increased surveillance and security measures, changes in air travel protocols, and heightened fear of future attacks.