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The Navigation Act of 1651
At the start of the colonization of the Americas, New England colonies traded frequently with Dutch and French merchants. To combat this, Britain passed this act that required that all goods be carried on ships owned by English or colonial merchants which supported a "mercantilist economy" and increased the national wealth by forcing the colonies to trade with the mother country. This idea of mercantilism will continue to be the precedent in coming years. -
Treaty of Paris of 1763
The 1763 Treaty of Paris marked the end of the French and Indian war. The war was caused by disputed land claims in the east and the middle of continent between France and Britain. In the end, Britain won land claims in North America, so wanting more, they attacked French territories in the Caribbean. The impact of the war left Great Britain broke, forcing Parliament to heavily tax the colonies which in turn set the ground work for the Revolutionary War. -
Declaratory Act of 1766
Because of the poor financial state Britain was in at the time, they taxed the colonists with the Sugar & Stamp Acts. However, the Stamp Act, which taxed all papers, received severe backlash from the colonists forcing Britain to repeal the Sugar & Stamp Acts. To reassert Parliament's authority, the Declaratory Act was passed. Asserting Britain's power to place any taxes, and putting an end to salutary neglect. This obviously infuriated people further fueling the fire of revolution. -
Townshend Act of 1767
William Pitt, an important official in Parliament, fell chronically ill, Charles Townshend was left in command. Unlike Pitt, Townshend had no sympathy towards the colonies, and imposed the Townshend Acts which placed taxes on products such as tea, glass, lead paper, and so on. Although some revenue was directed toward American military expenses, most of the money was for imperial officers. -
Boston Massacre
Stationed at a Boston port, 9 redcoats fired into a crowd, killing 5 colonists. Despite soldier exoneration, the incident became a tragic massacre, fueling anti-imperial sentiment. Crispus Attucks, an African American, was hailed as the "first black martyr." Simultaneously, Lord North repealed most Townshend duties but retained a tea tax. -
Boston Tea Party
In 1773, the Boston Tea Party became a breaking point of the colonists as this was the culmination of the strong dislike of the harsh taxes in place. Hijacking ships, and dressed up as Native Americans, colonists poured about 342 chests of tea into the Boston harbor. This event also set the stage for the American Revolution -
Coercive Acts
In retaliation to the colonists' defiance in the Boston Tea Party, Kin George III passed the Coercive Acts, also known as the Intolerable Acts. This act closed the Boston Harbor for any trading causing a severe economic decline in the Boston area. The act also annulled the colony's charter, prohibited most town meetings, mandated new barracks for British troops, and allowed trails for capital crimes to be transferred to other colonies or Britain. This then led to the First Continental Congress. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
Hearing that there was a huge warehouse of colonist military supplies, a column of British soldiers were sent out to seize them. On their way, they were met with 70 colonial militiamen. As both sides stood there, the "shot heard 'round the world" was fired, it marked the first battle of the American Revolutionary War. -
Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" was published 1776
During trying times of the American Revolutionary War, the colonial military was at an all-time high of desertion rates. To promote morality among the troops, Thomas Paine wrote "Common Sense" to hype the troops up and to persevere their battle for freedom. Ideologies in the book and the era were foundations for principles for a future new country. -
The Declaration of Independence 1776
Finally fed up with tyrannical government of Great Britain, a congregation was made to write the Declaration of Independence which was consisted of a proclamation of inherent rights and grievances against British rule and laid out the foundation for a new nation. By asserting principles of liberty, equality, and self-governance, it inspired a united front in the fight for independence. The document also helped shape the Constitution that would later be written. -
Articles of Confederation
During the Revolutionary War, the United States had to come up with a new form of government. Influenced by the tyrannical government of Great Britain, they made the Articles of Confederation extremely state-powered. However this was not successful as the country was in debt and with the federal government not having the power to levy taxes and the states refusing to pay off their share of the debt, it led to an economic disaster. -
Battle of Yorktown
Supported by the French army and navy, Washington's forces defeated Lord Charles Cornwallis' veteran army who dug in at Yorktown, Virginia. Victory at Yorktown led directly to the peace negotiations that ended the war in 1783 and officially gave the United States its independence. It proved to be the last battle of the Revolutionary War. -
Constitutional Convention
After Shay's Rebellion challenged the federal power of the Articles of Confederation, multiple delegates called for reform. The Philadelphia Convention brought an opportunity to rewrite the laws of the country. The Great Compromise was also made during this convention combining two major plans into one creating the House and the Senate. After other negotiations of slavery and national authority were held, more ratification debates were held. Eventually, the Constitution was ratified. -
Bill of Rights Ratified
As part of the Great Compromise, the Bill of Rights was required to be in the Constitution. These first ten amendments stated the natural rights of the citiznes. These amendments are known to guard the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people. This included freedom of speech, religion, assembly, the right to a trial by jury, and more. These guaranteed rights eased the fears of the Antifederalists who were scared of a strong federal government. -
Whiskey Rebellion
With the country in debt after the war, Alexander Hamilton's new economic policies were quite aggressive and sparked a domestic insurgency. Taxes on corn whiskey drove down demand which made western Pennsylvanian farmers mount the Whiskey Rebellion. In response, George Washington raised a militia force of 12,000 troops to take down the rebllion. This demonstrate growing divides between the Federalists and Antifederalists -
Naturalization, Alien , and Sedition Acts
Annoyed by the constant criticism of the Anti-Federalists, John Adams & other Federalists passed the Naturalization, Alien, & Sedition Acts. The Naturalization Act required a lengthened residency requirement for American citizenship. The Alien Act authorized the deportation of foreigners. The Sedition Act prohibited the publication of insults on any members of the government. These laws were nullified by Virginia & Kentucky. John Adams's popularity also decreased significantly. -
Marbury v. Madison
As John Adams was exiting office, he appointed William Marbury as one of the last judges, known as the midnight judges. When James Madison rejected to deliver the commission to William Marbury, a case was called. In the end there was a unanimous decision to vote against Marbury. However, what was more important is the precedent that this case set, and how it established the power of judicial review for the U.S. Supreme Court. -
Louisiana Purchase
Dealing with multiple wars in the French empire, Napoleon Bonaparte needed some money and after capturing Spanish lands, and cut off the United States access to New Orleans, Jefferson sent Robert Livingston with an offer to buy New Orleans. However, Napoleon counteroffered by selling the entire Louisiana purchase for 15 million dollars. This challenged Jefferson's strict interpretation of the Constitution, but in the end, he accepted the offer, in turn doubling the size of the new country. -
Embargo Act of 1807
While Europe was dealing with multiple internal conflicts, Thomas Jefferson wanted to keep the United States in a state of neutrality. The Embargo Act of 1807 was used to protect American interests by prohibiting trade with foreign nations. However, this not only hurt the nation, but also strained relations with Great Britain which also led to the War of 1812. This act shows the challenges of implementing effective economic measures, as this was only a stumble in a growing nation. -
Burning of the White House
During the War of 1812, British troops were able to infiltrate the capital of the United States and burned down the White House. This moment is symbolic, however, as it showcases the vulnerability of the new nation, but strengthened American resolve. This was quite the pivotal moment as it also further shaped American identity. -
Missouri Compromise
As slavery was becoming a more prominent issue in the states, when Missouri was wanting to be admitted into the country, this raised the debate of whether or not Missouri should be admitted as a slave or free state. The Missouri Compromise of 1820 allowed Missouri to be a slave state, but also allow Maine to become a free state. Essentially creating a balance in the number of free and slave states. This compromise also shows the rising tensions about slavery and how it slowly divides the nation. -
Monroe Doctrine
John Quincy Adams, the son of John Adams, was quite the successful secretary of state underneath President Monroe. To promote unity among the western hemisphere, Quincy Adams convinced President Monroe to pass the Monroe Doctrine which stated that the western hemisphere was no longer subject to further colonization. As a compromise, Monroe stated that the United States would not be involved in European affairs as well. This doctrine displayed the international influence that America had gained. -
Indian Removal Act of 1830
With Andrew Jackson wanting to settle the land out west, the president and Congress decided to pass the Indian Removal Act. This act displaced thousands of Indians west of the Mississippi and caused the infamous Trail of Tears. It also cleared southeastern U.S. for white settlement, but made tensions between the two groups even worse which contributed to a long-lasting legacy of injustice and cultural genocide among Native Americans. -
The Battle of Alamo
The Alamo was a military fort run by Texan rebels who were quickly surrounded by a small Mexican army of 1,500 soldiers led by General Santa Anna. The Texans, despite being outnumbered, refused to back down, displaying the true American spirit for freedom and did not give up until all of them fought to the death. This resulted in all 200 men dying and was a turning point for the Texas Revolution. The Battle of Alamo still influences us today as the phrase "Remember the Alamo" is still popular. -
Panic of 1837
The Panic of 1837 was caused by a sharp reduction in the English capital and credit flow. As this one of the first major depressions of the United State's history, it made the American economy and workers' movements into disarray. The sudden deprivation of British funds also caused planters, merchants, and canal corporations to withdraw gold to pay foreign debts. The fall of cotton prices and drain of specie were also reasons for the panic. -
Trail of Tears
Although the Indian Removal Act was passed in 1830, there were still thousands of Indians who had still not relocated. After negotiations between a minority CHerokee faction, the Treaty of Echota was passed, in which the Cherokees would resettle in indian territory. President Van Buren then ordered General Scott to enforce this treaty by rounding up 14000 Cherokees and forced them to march 1,200 miles. As many died on the journey, this became known as the Trail of Tears. -
Manifest Destiny
With multiple land claims up for grabs in the west, many American citizens saw it as their God-given right to expand westward. Another factor was to "civilize" the Native Americans & Mexicans in the west. This also helped motivate the U.S. whenever it had the opportunity to take more land westward, such as the annexation of Texas, the Mexican Cession, and more. Although at the time Manifest Destiny was seen as righteous, we now see it as the movement that led to the downfall of Native American. -
Wilmot Proviso
The Wilmot Proviso was aimed towards banning slavery in territories acquired from Mexico. However, this was not well-received as it intensified sectional tensions between the North and South. Although it was never passed, it shaped the debates to come over the expansion of slavery and the inevitable trajectory towards Civil War. -
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
After supporting the annexation of Texas, the United States found themselves in the Mexican-American war. After pressuring the capital of Mexico, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed which consisted of Mexico giving California. This was quite significant as this allowed the United States to become a country that spanned from coast to coast as well as owning the land where the California Gold Rush occurred. -
The Seneca Falls Convention
As the abolitionist movement gained traction in the United States, so did the women's suffrage movement. The Seneca Falls Convention marked the beginning of women's rights movement. At this Convention multiple prominent feminists attended such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and 300 other people. The main cause for the take off of this movement can be traced back to the Second Great Awakening just like the abolitionist and temperance movements. -
Compromise of 1850
A dispute arose over whether California would permit slavery, risking national division. In response, Henry Clay and allies made the Compromise of 1850. This compromise included the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, California's admission as a free state, fixing Texas-New Mexico boundary dispute, stopping of the slave trade in the District of Columbia, and organization of the remaining territories—Utah and New Mexico—with the principle of popular sovereignty to determine their stance on slavery. -
Kansas Nebraska Act
The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 repealed the Missouri Compromise and allowed popular sovereignty to determine the slavery status in territories. This intensified sectional tensions and caused violence such as the "Bleeding Kansas" incident while contributing to the falling apart of North-South relations. -
Dred Scott Decision
The Dred Scott case was a one of the most significant cases in United States history as it ruled that African Americans could not be American citizens and therefore did not have the standing to bring suit in fedral court. The case arose from a lawsuit brought by Dred Scott, a slave who had been taken by his owners to live in free states. Scott's argument was that since he was in a free state, he should be considered a free man. The court ruled against it and became extremely controversial. -
Election of Abraham Lincoln
With rising sectional tensions, the Democratic Party split into Northern and Southern factions, nominating Stephen Douglas and john C. Breckinridge. The Constitutional Union Party chose John Bell. Abraham Lincoln was the Republican nominee. Being antislavery, as soon as Abraham Lincoln was elected, the South felt slavery was threatened and South Carolina eventually seceded. -
Battle of Fort Sumter
The Battle of Fort Sumter represented the culmination of the rising sectional tensions that have been occurring for the past multiple decades. This battle marked the official beginning of the American Civil War. On April 12, 1861, forces from the Confederate States of America attacked the United States military garrison at Fort Sumter, South Carolina. Less than two days later, the fort surrendered. No one was killed. -
Homestead Act of 1862
The Homestead Act of 1862 was passed to encourage settlement & development of western lands, to spur the economy & to act as a pressure valve for overcrowded eastern cities. The requirements were the owner had to move to and live on the land for at least 5 years, you must use the land for agricultural use, and you must improve the land. Although this sped the settlement of the west, it came with greater pressures and conflicts with the Native American tribes. -
Emancipation Proclamation
During the American Civil War, Abraham Lincoln passed the Emancipation Proclamation, and declared enslaved individuals in Confederate held territories free. While its immediate impact was limited, it shifted the Civil War's focus, from a unifying mission towards a more abolitionist-focused mindset. This was essentially a precursor for the 13th Amendment. -
Battle of Vicksburg
The Battle of Vicksburg is considered a pivotal moment in the American Civil War. Despite the North being the favorite to win the bloody war, the conflict was prolonged due to the Norths' incapability to effectively finish the South off. The Battle of Vicksburg opened the way for the North to seize control of the entire Mississippi River, cutting the Confederacy in half. This effectively made all Confederate states west of the Mississippi useless in the war effort. -
The Gettysburg Address
The Gettysburg address is significant in the course of the American Civil War as this marked a shift in focus for the Union. At the beginning of the war, President Lincoln was focused on providing unity for the country, but after the prolonged conflict, the shift has gone towards ending slavery by conquering the South. -
Sand Creek Massacre
Although Cheyenne and the United States government made deals in where the safety of the Cheyenne were guaranteed, this was violated on November 29, 1864. While all the warriors were outside of their camps, John M. Chivington's Colorado militia attacked and killed more than a hundred peaceful children and women Cheyenne. This further intensified tense relations with the settlers and Native Americans. -
The 13th Amendment
The 13th Amendment was the official piece of legislature that outlawed slavery and involuntary servitude except as a punishment for a crime. This Amendment was to become one of three Amendments that followed immediately after the Civil War in the Reconstruction Era. As this was a step in the right direction, the United States still had to deal with the problem of assimilating the Southern States back into the Union. -
Reconstruction Act of 1867
Following the Civil War, a plan was desperately needed to readmit the Southern states. The Reconstruction Act achieved this by dividing the South into 5 military districts led by U.S. generals. Reentry was based off granting voting rights to freedmen and restricting ex-Confederates. Generals oversaw state constitutional conventions to ensure the process. -
14th Amendment
In ensuring Southern protection for freed individuals, Congress passed the 14th Amendment, increasing civil rights. Some key sections are: 1st, prioritizing national over state citizenship, safeguarding privileges; and 5th, signaling reduced representation for areas pulling voting discrimination stunts. This was the second of three amendments in the Reconstruction era and displays the progress that the Republicans are trying to achieve. -
15th Amendment
In the last part of the Reconstruction era, they made a new legislature called the 15th Amendment. This amendment said that all men, no matter their race or if they used to be slaves, could vote. But there were some problems – they started asking for money (poll tax) and tricky reading tests. These reading tests were unfair, especially because of the Grandfather clause. Still, every state, even the ones causing problems, agreed to this new amendment as it was mandated. -
Transcontinental Railroad Completed
The building of the Transcontinental Railroad started with the Pacific Railway Act of 1862. This act incentivized the Union Pacific Railway Company and the Central Pacific Railway Company to work faster as each of them were trying to build as many miles as possible. Another condition was that if the railroad wasn't completed by 1872, the railway companies would be forced to cede back all land grants. This actually led to the railroad being completed in 1869, 3 years ahead of schedule. -
Yellowstone National Park
People were worried that the West would be developed too much. So, in 1872, they decided to keep a big area in Wyoming called Yellowstone Valley as a special place for everyone to enjoy – the first national park in the United States. The park consisted of multiple natural geysers that captivated tourists from around the world. The army looked after it at first, and it also helped more people travel by train to see it. -
The Great Railroad Strike of 1877
As America became more industrial, workers started joining together to stand up for their rights. In 1873, there was a big strike across the country against the powerful railroad companies. They were cutting workers' pay a lot. This strike made people more aware of workers' rights, and books like "Progress and Poverty" (1879) explained how these struggles hurt workers. Because of this, the U.S. created the National Guard to keep order at home, not just in other countries. -
Thomas Edison's Light Bulb
Edison's light bulb, invented in 1879, revolutionized daily life by providing a reliable and accessible source of artificial light. It transformed work patterns, extended productive hours, and enhanced safety. The widespread adoption of electric lighting marked a crucial step in modernizing societies, influencing technology, and shaping the way people live and work. -
The Pendleton Act
Andrew Jackson brought in the spoils system, where friends and allies got government jobs, even if they didn't know much about the job. When President James Garfield got shot by Charles Guiteau, people thought it was because he didn't get a job he wanted. This led to the Pendleton Act, creating a nonpartisan Civil Service Commission to fill federal jobs through exams, trying to fix the system. -
Dawes Severalty Act
Annoyed by the exotic cultures of the Native Americans, the United States passed the Dawes Severalty Act to assimilate Indians and steal land from them. Reservations were divided into homesteads which divided the millenial long tribe relations that these cultures had. 160 acres were given out for each family and 80 acres for each individual. The law completely wiped away the Native American culture and can be considered a cultural genocide. -
Plessy v. Ferguson
Plessy v. Ferguson strengthened racial segregation in public accommodations and services throughout the United States and ensured its continuation for more than half a century by giving it constitutional sanction. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled the infamous "separate but equal" rule that wouldn't be challenged until Brown v. Board. -
Declaration of War Against Spain
Up until this point of Cuban's fight for independence, the United States had been closely monitoring political developments in Cuba due to extensive economic ties. The main reason why this event is so important is because of Yellow Journalism, a type of journalism that shaped public opinion and influenced the general population on how to perceive this war. This form of information would often be over-exaggerated to rile people up so newspapers could sell more, now a common tactic in modern day. -
Annexation of Hawaii
Throughout the 19th century, the U.S. was interested in Hawaii because of its location between North America and Asia. With multiple connections already established such as fishing and whaling, the United States annexed the islands by supporting an uprising against Queen Liliuokalani. Hawaii would soon serve as a crucial location in the Pacific Ocean during World War II and beneficial for transportation of goods as well. Hawaii would then become the 50th state in 1959. -
Wright Brothers' First Flight
The Wright Brothers, Wilbur and Orville Wright, had flown the first airplane in Kill Devil Hills near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina for 12 seconds, 120 feet in the air, and at a top speed of 6.8 miles per hour. This moment marks a dramatic step in invention and innovation as there were multiple new technologies coming out during this time period. The impact of their works can still be seen today as without their pioneering, our fastest mode of transportation we have would not have been possible. -
Construction of the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is an engineering feat that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the narrow Isthmus of Panama. After the failed attempt of the French, the U.S. took over and purchased the French assets in canal zone for $40 million in 1902 after supporting pro-American separationists to become an independent country allowing smooth construction of the canal. This canal provides the U.S. with crucial access to international commerce and allows a strong geopolitical influence. -
Roosevelt Corollary
The Roosevelt Corollary was a foreign policy statement by Theodore Roosevelt in 1904-05 that asserted the right of the U.S. to intervene in the affairs of Latin America countries in cases of chronic wrongdoing or foreign aggression. This was an influential addition to the famous Monroe Doctrine and allowed the U.S. to be involved in countries such as the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Venezuela, Argentina, and more. The Corollary allowed the U.S. to gain a greater amount of influence. -
"The Jungle" was published
"The Jungle" is a novel written by muckracker Upton Sinclair. The original purpose of the book was used to push a socialist agenda, however, because of the vivid images described in the novel, its popularity skyrocketed. Tales of the horrors seen in the meat-packing industry such as hundreds of rats being minced and sometimes even humans as well led to Theodore Roosevelt passing the Meat Inspection Act promptly which led to significant sanitation reforms and eventually the FDA. -
San Francisco Earthquake of 1906
The Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 was a major earthquake and fire that destroyed some 28,000 buildings and killed more than 3,000 people. The earthquake struck San Francisco, California on Apirl 18, 1906, at 5:13 a.m. and was estimated at close to 8.0 on the Richter scale and destroyed more than 80% of the city. The shaking was felt from Los Angeles in the South to Coos Bay, Oregon, in the north. Nearly 500 blocks were destroyed because of fires. -
The Pure Food and Drug Act
The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 was a consumer protection law that banned the sale, manufacture, or transportation of adulterated or mislabeled food and drug products. It also required the labeling of active ingredients in drugs and the inspection of meat products. The law led to the creation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1927 and the U.S. Bureau of Chemistry. Journalists known as muckrakers exposed the horrible conditions of drug and food-processing industries. -
NAACP is Founded
In 1908, a bloody race riot broke out in Springfield, Illinois. Appalled by white mob violence in Abraham Lincoln's hometown, New York City Settlement Worker Mary White Ovington assembled a group of sympathetic progressives to formulate a response. The conference led to the formation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909. Most of the leaders of the Niagara movement soon followed, with W.E. B. Du Bois becoming editor of the NAACP journal The Crisis. -
Mann Act
By the early 20th century, sex was heavily commercialized, and many women became prostitutes due to low-wage jobs, financial desperation, abandonment, and abuse. Cities responded by establishing vice commissions to close brothels, while progressive activists launched campaigns against prostitution. This culminated in the passage of the Mann Act, which prohibited the transportation of prostitutes across state lines. -
The Federal Reserve System Act
In order to remedy the lack of a central bank, Woodrow Wilson changed the financial system during his presidency. Since private banks operated as central banks at the time, their failure would have raised the possibility of a systemic collapse. Wilson passed the Federal Reserve Act, designating the Federal Reserve as the American central bank, in an effort to lessen this. The Federal Reserve is in charge of controlling the money supply and making sure the American monetary system is stable. -
Zimmerman Telegram
President Woodrow Wilson wanted to remain neutral and was against the onset of World War I. Newspapers released a dispatch that the German foreign secretary intercepted to Mexico a few weeks after Mexico severed diplomatic ties with Germany over unrestricted submarine warfare. Germany persuaded Mexico to join the central powers with the promise that they would receive land from the US in what is known as the Zimmerman Telegram. On April 6, 1917, the US declared war in retaliation. -
Fourteen Points Speech
Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen points was a pivotal address delivered to outline his vision for a stable, long-lasting peace in Europe, the Americas, and the rest of the World War I. Main contentions of his speech were the removal of armaments, removal of economic barriers, the prohibition of secrete alliances, open diplomacies, and more ways to eliminate the causes of World War I. Despite Wilson's efforts, many of the Fourteen Points were not implemented, but the League of Nations was created. -
Sedition Act of 1918
Though the war produced a new generation of deeply patriotic Americans, there was some speculation about it. The Sedition Act of 1918 was approved by Congress and is seen as a tragic violation of constitutional liberties. The measure forbade any words or deeds that would strengthen U.S. resistance or further the objectives of its enemies. Both this regulation and the Committee on Public Information's propaganda about the U.S. war effort helped to stifle American criticism. -
18th Amendment Ratified
The 18th Amendment prohibited "the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquor...". The states ratified it on January 16, 1919. The movement to ban alcohol, known as the Temperance Movement, began in America in the early 19th century. On October 28, 1919, Congress passed the Volstead Act implementing the 18th Amendment. The Volstead Act made sure the amendment was enforced. This ban ended with ratifying the 21st Amendment on December 5, 1933, which repealed the 18th Amendment. -
The Treaty of Versailles
After the end of World War I, there was a consensus that Germany was the one responsible for the War. However, before implementing punishments for Germany, Wilson drafted his 14 points which dissipated the blame away from Germany. This diplomatic resolution was ignored by the other countries and the other countries placed harsh restrictions on Germany such as paying $33 billion in reparations, which would inevitably lead to WWII. -
Palmer Raids Begin
The bombings created by followers of an Italian anarchist heavily drove the Red Scare to popularity. The Red Scare was anticommunist hysteria that swept the US after the World Wars. One of the bombings took place outside of the townhouse of Attorney General A. Palmer. Palmer thereon swore to find and jail every last conspirator, leading to the Palmer Raids. The Palmer Raids were a series of raids on radical organizations. Federal agents arrested 6000 people and denied them legal counsel. -
19th Amendment Ratified
The 19th Amendment was a pivotal moment that declared the prohibition of the U.S. and its states from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States based on sex. This amendment was the culmination of decades-long movement for women's suffrage in the U.S., both at the state and national levels. The first women's suffrage amendment was introduced in Congress in 1878, but did not pass the House until 1919. This amendment would later allow minorities to gain their right to vote as well. -
Teapot Dome Scandal
The Teapot Dome scandal was a bribery scandal involving the administration of United States President Warren G. Harding from 1921 to 1923. It involved the secret leasing of federal oil reserves by the secretary of the interior, Albert Bacon Fall, to private oil companies at low rates without competitive bidding. The scandal was the most serious scandal in the country’s history prior to the Watergate affair and became synonymous with corruption. -
National Origins Act
After the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 prohibited Chinese immigration, nativists sought to lower European immigration as well in the 1920s. That which was passed was the National Origins Act. It restricted annual immigration from outside the US to no more than 2 percent of the total population of that nation. It did, however, deliberately create a quota system using backdated census data from 1890. The regions of southern and eastern Europe were most affected and saw less immigration. -
Stock Market Crash
Although the 1920s seemed an era of good time labeled as the "Roaring 20s", it quickly ended with the Great Depression. The event that triggered the Great Depression was the massive stock market crash. Easy credit has fueled years of excessive stock speculation that makes the value of traded companies much higher than they actually are. In a series of declines from October 25th to November 13th, 1929, the stock market lost about 40% of its value, more than the total cost of World War I. -
Bonus Army March
The Bonus Army March was an act of protest by WWI veterans to demand the payment of their promised bonuses earlier than noted in the WW Adjusted Compensation Act. The incentives, however, weren't supposed to be paid until 1945. It took place during the Great Depression in Washington, D.C. in May. A total of 20000 camped out in the city, but was soon met with a violent confrontation ordered by President Hoover with military, tear gas, and tanks to remove them. -
Franklin D. Roosevelt Inaugurated
Franklin D Roosevelt came like a knight in shining armor to help the economy. After a do-nothing president, Roosevelt forever changed the responsibility of the government because of his proactive administration and new executive orders and legislation part of his New Deal, the government from this point forward would always be expected to solve the problems in the country no matter how hard. This presidency would become a controversial one because of how dependent citizens are on the government. -
Works Progress Administration
The creation of this administration was one of bigger projects in the Second New Deal under Roosevelt's presidency. WPA undertook public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads. It played a crucial role in building public infrastructure. In total, WPA built over 620,000 miles of roads and more than 10,000 bridges, along with airports and housing. This administration allowed many unemployed and uneducated citizens to find a job after a period of not finding work. -
Social Security Act
Another major New Deal program was the Social Security Act that created the Social Security program and insurance against unemployment in the United States. It was signed into law by President Roosevelt and established benefits for elderly, unemployed, and disadvantaged Americans based on lifetime payroll tax contributions. This helped alleviate poverty, provide security, and promote the well-being of Americans and even plays a crucial role in the lives of millions of Americans today. -
The Bombing of Pearl Harbor
On December 7th, 1941, the Japanese military launched a surprise attack on the naval base of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This act was in retaliation because of a misunderstanding of intentions of a tariff made by the U.S.. Over 2,400 Americans died and had a significant damage to the U.S. Navy. This marked the entry of the U.S. into WWII, and the government put in place a number of policies including higher military spending, rationing of necessities, and internment of Japanese Americans. -
War Powers Act of 1941
President Franklin D. Roosevelt was granted broad authority to conduct military activities during a conflict under War Powers Act of 1941. The act, passed in reaction to the U.S. entering World War II, gave the President the power to declare war and to enact other measures necessary to carry out the war effort. The president was also given responsibility over all aspects of the country's business and economy related to the war effort under the War Powers Act. After the war, the act was canceled. -
D-Day Invasion
D-Day, also known as the Normandy invasion, was the largest military push every made in history with more than 156,000 American, British, and Canadian troops storming approximately 50 miles of fiercely defended Normandy beaches. This offense marked the beginning of the end of WWII as the Nazis were fighting a two-front war at this point. The U.S., Britain, and France on the West, and the Soviet army in the East. D-day remains a testament to courage, sacrifice, and the determination for freedom. -
Servicemen's Readjustment Act (G.I.)
The G.I. Bill was passed to provide WWII veterans with financial aid for house ownership, training, and higher education. The bill also had unemployment benefits and low-interest loans for the perks mentioned above. Millions of soldiers were able to attend college because of the bill and would instill that same necessity to attend colleges to their children as well. The bill was regarded as a historic piece of legislation and effects of it can be seen in American culture and economy today. -
Korematsu v. United States
This landmark court case upheld the internment of Japanese Americans from the West Coast Military Area during World War II. On December 18, 1944, a divided Supreme Court ruled, in a 6-3 decision, that the detention was a "military necessity" not based on race. This decision upheld the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII. In 1983, a pro bono legal team presented new evidence and re-opened the case and was able to overturn the decision. -
Yalta Conference
Towards the end of WWII, President FDR, PM Winston Churchill, and Premier Joseph Stalin met at the Yalta Conference at a resort off the Baltic Sea. This conference was to discuss their post-war objectives and how to reorganize Europe. The leaders discussed topics such as creating the UN, future of Eastern Europe, and the split of Germany. This Conference also marked the first initial tension between the United States and the Soviet Union as this would foreshadow their conflicts in the Cold War. -
The Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Robert J. Oppenheimer's Manhattan Project led to the development of the atomic weapon. On August 6 and August 9, the atomic bombs "Little Boy" and "Fat Man" were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The conclusion of WWII and up to 226,000 deaths as a result of airstrikes led to Japan's surrender on August 15, 1945. The use of atomic bombs was regarded as a sign of US military power and technical superiority, notwithstanding debates regarding their morality. -
Truman Doctrine
.In order to help countries under communist threat, President Truman announced the Truman Doctrine, which provided military/economic support. Truman Stated the U.S. had a responsibility to prevent communism from spreading. The doctrine provided assistance to countries threatened by radical communists, such as Greece and Turkey. The concept supported US foreign policy during the Cold War. These proxy conflicts were made possible by the ideology that established the US as a global power. -
Loyalty Security Program
Executive Order 9835 was passed in reaction to the rising fears of communistic subversives in the country among federal employees. McCarthyism was evident in the program, which was a response to the possibility of communist infiltration. Those identified as being communist were often ostracized from society and persecuted. Multiple innocent people were falsely accused of being disloyal and a common way of proving their loyalty was to rat others out. There's still controversy of its consequences. -
Marshall Plan
The Marshall Plan was initiated to help Western Europe's economy recover from WWII. In order to assist European countries in rebuilding their infrastructure, the US provided more than $12 billion in aid to 16 different countries. The Marshall Plan made clear one of the most important components of US foreign policy aimed at impeding the rise of communism. By promoting economic expansion and stability in Western Europe, the policy helped fortify the continent's defenses against Soviet expansion. -
Executive Order 9981
Executive Order 9981 was a major step forward for the Civil Rights Movement as this was the legislation that approved the desegregation of the Armed Forces. It's predecessor, Executive Order 8802, allowed the integration of military federal offices and the government couldn't discriminate based on race. EO 9981 led to the re-integration of the services during the Korean War and marked a significant step toward a more inclusive and just military, fostering equality and dismantling racial barriers -
Founding of NATO
NATO was established as a military alliance between the U.S., Canada, and the countries of Western Europe. NATO was founded following World War II to provide security against the possibility of Soviet expansion into Europe. The alliance provided a framework for cooperative military planning and coordination amongst its member countries and built a defense system wherein an attack on one would be deemed an attack on all. The Warsaw Pact was established in 1955 as a response by the Soviet Union. -
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a case decided by the US Supreme Court, declared school segregation to be unconstitutional. The case was started by African American parents in Topeka, Kansas, who said that their children were not receiving equal chances because of the racial segregation of schools. The Supreme Court's ruling invalidated the "separate but equal" doctrine, which had been established in the Plessy v. Ferguson case of 1896 and had allowed for racial segregation. -
Rosa Parks Refusal
On December 1st of 1955, Rosa Parks was asked to give up her front seat to a white person. Refusing, Rosa Parks was arrested and a subsequent fine. Her act of civil disobedience sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott in Alabama that lasted for almost a year. her courageous stand inspired others and galvanized the fight against racial segregation. The successful boycott, organized by Martin Luther King Jr., followed her historic act. Rosa Parks' refusal to comply was a catalyst for civil rights. -
Interstate Highway Act
After being inspired by Germany's easy access highway, President Eisenhower wanted the United States to build one as well. With Cold War tensions rising, Eisenhower saw this as a necessity because the highways could be used in many ways. This massive project boosted the U.S. economy and strengthened their infrastructure. The development of suburbia led to a boom in the automobile industry as well. This Act continues to be a significant component of everyday lives. -
Integration of the Little Rock Nine
After the desegregation of schools as decided in Brown v. Board, many schools had still not re-integrated because of the hostile behaviors whites implemented to prevent colored people integrating. In Little Rock specifically, there were 9 high school students who were the first to integrate and on the way to school they were treated horribly. To protect them, they were given personal military guards even in the classroom. This was a brave stride towards a more inclusive society. -
The National Defense Education Act of 1958
During the Space Race, tensions were high between the USSR and U.S. With USSR having the first object to orbit the world (Sputnik), the U.S. felt that they were falling behind in science and technology and passed this at. The act granted financing and scholarships. it was viewed as a substantial educational investment and a crucial part of the U.S. reaction to the Soviet Union's lead in the Space Race. The act influenced U.S. education for many years to come. -
Greensboro Sit-ins
A major event in the Civil Rights movement were the Greensboro sit-ins. In 1960, four young colored college students sat in at a segregated Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina. These people would soon be dubbed the Greensboro Four. It was during this time where feelings were rising because this was after the Freedom Rides and the brutal mutilation of Emmett Till. These brave four were inspired by nonviolent protests and set an example for more acts similar. -
Bay of Pigs Invasion
The United States was worrying about Cuba because of the communist leader Fidel Castro. With many pro-American Cuban nationalist figures fleeing, the U.S. promised to provide them with adequate training and supplies to restore Cuba to a non-communist country. However, as they were approaching the shore, all American forces retreated and left the small Cuban militia to fend for themselves. This ended as a disaster as these soldiers were humiliated and it made the U.S. look bad. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
The Cuban Missile Crisis marks the climax of the Cold War as this was the closest the world was to the threat of nuclear warfare. A reconnaissance drone from the U.S. spotted intermediate-ranged missiles stocked and ready across Cuba and was extremely worried. This led to tense negotiations between U.S. and USSR before tensions calmed down and Cuba removed their missiles while the United States removed their from Turkey. The crisis served as a turning point in the Cold War. -
Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech
On this monumental day, there were hundreds of thousands of people showing up to the Washington Monument to participate in this large protest for equality of civil rights. During the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Dr. King eloquently ex pressed his vision for a racially equal and harmonious America. This speech would soon become a symbol of the Civil Rights movement's goals and aspiration and showcased the power of peaceful protest and collective action. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
The Civil Rights Act of 1964, a landmark piece of legislation, outlawed discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Discrimination was prohibited by law in public spaces, schools, and the workplace. A major victory for the Civil Rights Movement, the measure helped African Americans in the US enjoy greater equality and opportunities. The SNCC, CORE, SCLC, and other organizations provided assistance that made the act feasible. -
Voting Rights Act of 1965
While the Civil Rights Act was a huge success, it didn't have the necessary strength to enforce it and many colored people were being denied their right to vote. To combat this issue, Lyndon B. Johnson passed the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that forced states to not implement any obstacles such as literacy tests. This legislation also had some teeth. If a state was found to be hindering the voting rights of individuals through obstacles, that state could no longer be represented in Congress. -
Medicare and Medicaid Act
Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Medicare and Medicaid Act, also known as the Social Security Amendments of 1965, into law. This was a major piece of legislation in his administration's view of "Great Society". Medicare was funded through a tax on employees' earnings matched by contributions from employers. This act addressed the healthcare needs of an aging population and improved access to medical services for seniors and a big step towards ensuring Americans having access to quality healthcare. -
Stonewall Riots
The Stonewall riots were a series of violent confrontations that began on June 28, 1969, between police and gay rights activists outside the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in the Greenwich Village section of New York City. The riots publicized the persecution of LGBTQ community and gave rise to the gay rights movement in the United States and other countries. The riots were an important turning point for the gay rights movement in the United States and helped pave the way to liberation. -
Apollo 11 Moon Landing
The Apollo 11 Moon Landing represents a major historical feat in all of human history. With the United States being the first to send a human to the moon, the country had finally caught up to the Soviet Union and declared victory in the Space Race. This event contributed to advancements in fields including computer technology, materials science, and aerospace engineering as well as inspiring a new generation of scientists, engineers, and astronauts. -
Watergate Scandal Trials
The Watergate scandal is by far the most scandalous situation any U.S. president has been in. At the Watergate complex, where the Democratic National Committee's headquarters were, it was broken into by people in Nixon's administration. Although Nixon initially denied nay participation, evidence has since come to light connecting him to the cover-up. With Nixon hiding the fact that he was in the cover-up made it more suspicious and eventually led to his impeachment and resignation. -
Camp David Accords
The Camp David Accords were a historic peace accord that Egypt and Israel signed in 1978. President Jimmy Carter served as the mediator during the discussions, which took place at Camp David in Maryland, US. The basis for peace between the two nations was laid out in the agreement, which was signed by the Egyptian president and Israeli PM. President Carter was hailed for his involvement in achieving the Camp David Accords as a success. The accords were viewed as a sign of optimism for peace.