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Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in the new world. Settlers came mostly for the money, not necessarily for religious purposes. The discovery of tobacco allows Virginia to grow and flourish, along with rice and indigo. While settling the area, individuals were challenged with the starving time, harvesting the land, discovering unknown terrain, and fighting off natives and unwanted visitors. -
The Headright system was put into place by the English government. It entailed that previous settlers in the new world would receive 100 acres of land. New settlers, who paid their way, would receive 50 acres of land. This system contributed to the success of Virginia as well as encouraged families to migrate and settle new areas in the new world. However, it did also create indentured servents. -
The steam engine was first invented by Thomas Savery and James Watt. The pump raises water from mines by suction produced by condensing steam. In about 1712 another Englishman, Thomas Newcomen developed a more efficient steam engine with a piston separating the condensing steam from the water. This allows us to power our mechanical equipment using steam. The Steam Engine will soon be used in 1787 to power steamboats which will create the U.S. first highways. -
The Enlightenment was an era during the years of 1715-1789. During this time period, people began to question the nature of power and rights as well as where they came from. Significant figures such as John Locke and Montesquieu helped contribute to this idea during this time period. -
The Great Awakening was an era during the years 1730-1740. It was a spiritual re-awakening in the American colonies. It placed a greater emphasis on individual religious experiences and the personal relationship with God. Speakers during the time were Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, who had very differing opinions when it came to having a personal relationship with God. -
Benjamin Franklin creates the Albany Congress after the 7 years war had begun. As French troops began invading colonies, congress declared that you either join or die. The colonies were still separate, at the time, and they knew they could not fight the French alone. In the end, the colonies didn't band together. However, this becomes the first time we see the colonies discussing the possibility of uniting.
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After the 7 years war had ended, there was much dispute over who contributed to the war the most. Since Britain had claimed the French territory in the Appalachian mountains, many settlers wanted to take the opportunity to move into the newly gained land. The Proclamation Line prohibited American colonists from settling on lands acquired from the French following the French and Indian War. -
The Sugar Act was a tax passed by the British government to help pay for the Seven Years War. It taxed sugar and decreased taxes on molasses in British colonies in America and the West Indies. This restricted smuggling. It was also a use of mercantilism. -
Due to colonists repeatedly disobeying the King's demands, British troops are sent to the colonies in order to keep the colonist in line. The King passes the Quartering Act, which states that colonists must provide housing and supplies for British soldiers when asked. This placed many colonists in a difficult position both with their privacy and financially. This was such an uproar from this proclamation that we listed it in the U.S. Constitution. -
The Boston Massacre was a deadly riot that resulted in the death of five men. As tension began to grow, a patriot mob attacked British loyalists, which resulted in the British guards firing into the crowd of patriots. The five men that lost their lives were used as martyrs for liberty. This event helped spark the colonists' desire for American Independence. -
After the Tea Act had been put into place, Samuel Adams, leader of the Sons of Liberty, organizes a patriotic riot. The Sons of Liberty "disguised" themselves as Native American's and ransacked a British ship carrying tea. They proceeded to dump the chests of tea into the water losing about $1,700,000 in today's money. -
The Coercive Acts of 1774, known as the Intolerable Acts in the American colonies, were a series of four laws passed by the British Parliament to punish the colony of Massachusetts Bay for the Boston Tea Party and other patriotic riots. The act closed ports in Boston enacted high taxes, the quartering act is enforced, outlawed assemblies, royal officials accused of a crime would be tried in England, and trade and commerce were heavily regulated.
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The First Continental Congress was composed of delegates from each colony, besides Georgia. Delegates agreed that they would remain a part of the British Empire provided that concessions be made for representation and limited taxes. They attempted diplomacy first with the Olive Branch Petition, which was struck down by King George III. -
With tensions rising, colonists began storing rifles and other war gear in the town of Concord, which had been leaked to British soldiers. On their way to burn down the town of Concord, British soldiers were spotted by colonial spies and alerted the colonies. When British troops arrive in Lexington, they are met with 70 militiamen. A shot was then fired, but no one knows which side shot first. This marked that the revolution had officially begun.
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After intense fighting in and around Boston and before independence had been declared, Thomas Pain writes Common Sense. Common Sense is a brilliant propaganda piece that lays out a passionate case for independence. Pain also wrote in a common language that everyone could understand. All the money made off Common Sense was donated to the Continental Army. Thomas Pain himself also joins the army to help fight for independence. -
The Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson along with a series of editors, was the first formal statement by a nation's people asserting their own right to choose. The Declaration stated the colonies' break from Great Britain, which guaranteed war for the colonies and Britain. Not only was this a remarkable landmark for the colonies, but also the other nations that felt they too were being suppressed. It had tremendous outside influence, like in the French Revolution.
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The Battle of Saratoga marked the turning point in the American Revolution. John Burgoyne, a British general, and his troops plan to head South to meet up with the other troops to face the continental army. However, before they could even reach their destination, the continental army surrounded Burgoyne and forced him to surrender. This marked the first time an army had forced a British troop into surrendering. Levels the playing field as we gain their supplies and a relationship with France. -
General Cornwallis headed towards the coast of Yorktown for the winter with the protection of the royal navy. His greatest downfall, however, was communication. When he arrived in Yorktown, the French navy had destroyed the British fleet. Cornwallis surrendered, therefore, ending the major fighting in the Revolutionary war. This last major land battle of the American Revolution led to negotiations for peace with the British and the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783. -
With newly gained freedom from British oppression, they now had to develop a new governing system. The Continental Congress creates the Articles of Confederation, the first governing document, however, it's not very good. It contained no executive branch, no standing army, and allowed the states to tax, but not on a federal level. The document definitely leaned more anti-federalist, but both sides realized that we needed a new governing document.
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The Treaty of Paris officially ends the American Revolution. The newly created United States of America are granted all British lands between the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River, doubling the size of the new nation and paving the way for westward expansion. -
the Northwest Ordinance established the western states, outlined the process for admitting a new state to the Union, and guaranteed that newly created states would be equal to the original thirteen states. Slavery was also outlawed in these areas. Paves the way for future expansion. -
After the Revolutionary War, many farmers were in deep debt. Those who couldn't pay lost their farms and were put in jail. Angry farmers in MA, begin to rebel under the leadership of Robert Shay. They took over courthouses, and wealthy Bostonians called for government action to be taken. However, with no executive branch, they were unable to take action. Although Shay's Rebellion failed, it shed light on the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. -
The Cotton Gin was invented by Eli Whitney. The machine helped separate the cotton seeds from the fibers. What once would take 10 hours to produce a pound of cotton, can now produce 50 pounds in one day. This invention makes cotton profitable and changes the course of the South. The unintended side effect was unfortunately slavery. After the cotton gin is released, there is also an increase in slavery. -
Alexander Hamilton's plan to assume states' debts and create a national bank stirred up much tension between loose and strict constructionists, it also included a tax on whiskey. Companies could pay a large sum of money and produce as much whiskey as they wished, whereas small farmers had to pay a tax per produce. Pennsylvania farmers refused to pay the tax until the American army enforces it. This upholds the power of the new federal government and the Constitution. -
The treaty was an important diplomatic success for the United States. It resolved territorial disputes between the two countries and granted American ships the right to free navigation of the Mississippi River as well as duty-free transport through the port of New Orleans. However, it's easy to sign a document, not as easy to uphold. (Just like America did not uphold their end in the French Revolution. -
A series of laws known collectively as the Alien and Sedition Acts were passed by the Federalist Congress and signed into law by President Adams. The Alien Acts allowed the president to deport any alien considered "dangerous". The Sedition Acts made it illegal for newspapers to print any material that is critical of the president or congress. Therefore, making it more difficult to criticize Adams before he re-ran for office. -
Democratic-Republican Thomas Jefferson defeated Federalist John Adams. With the election of Thomas Jefferson into the presidency, the federalist rein is over. This election was also known as the Revolution of 1800 because there was a peaceful transfer of power from Adams to Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson, in his anti-federalist ways, didn't demolish previous policies. -
A member of Jefferson's cabinet finds the letter granting John Marbury a federal judgeship. The Supreme Court sides with Madison and refuses to grant Marbury the position. In doing so, the Supreme Court claims the right of Judicial review/the right to declare laws unconstitutional and strike them down. -
Jefferson worries that the U.S. could lose control of New Orleans and access to the Mississippi River. He sends James Monroe to negotiate the purchase of New Orleans for $3 million, however, Napoleon won't sell it unless they purchase all of Louisiana. Jefferson (strict const.) noticed that the Constitution doesn't mention the acquisition of new land as power. He puts his beliefs aside and does what he believes is best for the country. The purchase doubles the size of the country. -
With Great Britain and France at war again, President Jefferson remains neutral in order to preserve the trading relationships. He imposes an embargo on all foreign trade. Much backlash from merchants and traders, as well as the business community. The Act does damage the economy, however, it creates a large increase in domestic manufacturing.
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After the Embargo Act of 1807 prevented America from interfering with foreign affairs, British ships begin taking American sailors and forcing them to work on their ships. The British army also supports the native Americans and provides them with weapons to attack U.S. citizens. The U.S. wants to prove to Britain that they didn't just get lucky with the Revolution and that the U.S. demands respect from the world. America is forced to fight a defensive war. -
The Treaty of Ghent was signed by British and American representatives at Ghent, Belgium, ending the War of 1812. By terms of the treaty, all conquered territory was to be returned, and commissions were planned to settle the boundary of the United States and Canada. The war was considered status quo ante Bellum (its a draw)
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Communication was a downfall for the war. The Battle of New Orleans took place AFTER the Treaty of Ghent was signed. Andrew Jackson recruits pioneers and pirates to fight the battle. The British-trained army is virtually mauled by American forces hiding behind earthworks and cannons. 2,042 British casualties vs. 71 American casualties. Andrew Jackson will be associated with winning the war. People assume this battle is what is responsible for ending the war. -
The Second Great Awakening occurred during 1820-1840. It primarily focused on free will and had amazing preachers such as Charles Finney and Lyman Beecher. The church is seen as a vehicle of change where people could express their thoughts on topics like alcohol, abolition, and women's rights. Many works of the time pointed to the condition of your soul. -
After taking office, Jackson fired many government employees. Critics accused him of rewarding Democrats instead of choosing qualified men. Jackson felt that ordinary American men could fill government jobs, not just the wealthy. The Spoils system was the practice of rewarding supporters with government jobs. Would later be one of the causes of President Garfield's death.
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The Indian Removal Act was signed into law by President Andrew Jackson, authorizing the president to grant lands west of the Mississippi in exchange for Indian lands within existing state borders. A few tribes went peacefully, but many resisted the relocation policy. Would eventually lead to the Trail of Tears, which was carried out by Van Buren, however, the groundwork was laid out by Jackson. -
Samuel Morse invents the telegraph with morse code. It allows messages to be sent through a wire, which spreads throughout the country. It links the U.S., not only commercial communication but also facilitates personal correspondence. The invention would, later on, help us in war and help create foreign relationships. -
This treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the war between the United States and Mexico. By its terms, Mexico ceded 55 percent of its territory, including parts of present-day Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah, to the United States. The U.S. is now connected with the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and their trading scope has just been widened.
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Abraham Lincoln (Republican) was pitted against Stephen Douglass (Democrat) at the presidential election. Debate topics dealt with slavery, secession, and States' rights. With Republicans on board with Lincoln and the Democratic party split, Lincoln wins the election. South Carolina secedes from the United States, sending the nation into a Civil War.
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The Homestead Act was an incentive to move people from the densely populated North, out to the unestablished West. It offered a free 160-acre plot to any head of household. Whoever took the property must live on the land, improve it in some way shape, or form, and farm on it for five years. The movement out west caused tension and disruption between new settlers and the Native Americans. Many Natives were slaughtered and were forced off of their sacred grounds into reservations.
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The Morrill Land Grant Act provided grants of land to states to finance the establishment of colleges specializing in agriculture and the mechanical arts. It was named after its sponsor, Justin Smith Morrill. Most colleges that were created with the land grant are known as big ten schools. This grant helps to educate the nation and make education more accessible. -
Published by Abraham Lincoln, after the Battle of Antietam, the proclamation declared that all persons held as slaves, within the rebellious states, shall be freed. However, it only freed slaves in the South. Slave owners could also regain the right to own slaves if they rejoined the Union. -
Ulysses S. Grant's Army of Tennessee converged on Vicksburg on the Mississippi River, in hopes of trapping a Confederate army under Gen. John Pemberton. The Union occupation of the town was critical to control of the strategic river. This battle sealed in the use of the Anaconda Plan as it divided the Souths' communication and supples. This battle is also what wins Grant his position as General-in-Chief of the Union armies. -
General Robert E. Lee wanted to truly push the Union army. He wanted to threaten Northern cities, weaken their appetite for war, and, especially, win a major battle on Northern soil and strengthen the peace movement in the North. As many as 51,000 soldiers from both armies were killed, wounded, captured, or missing in the three-day battle, President Lincoln used the dedication ceremony for Gettysburg's Soldiers National Cemetery to honor the fallen Union soldiers in his Gettysburg Address.
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From November 15th until December 21st, 1864, Union General William T. Sherman led soldiers on a 285-mile march from Atlanta to Savannah Georgia. Along their march, they captured Atlanta and pried them of their resources like railroads, food, guns, etc. Everywhere they went they left a trail of flames and no resources for a confederate army to see. The deprivation of resources is what helped push General Lee into surrendering to the Union, resulting in at the end of the Civil War. -
After the fall of the Confederacy, the reconstruction era focused on uniting the U.S. as well as newly freedmen. With the lynching of African American's and the discrimination of immigrants, Congress passes the Fourteenth Amendment, overruling President Johnson, which states that if you're born on U.S. soil or have lived in the country for a certain time, you're a citizen with all rights that must be protected. If a state where to refuses one's rights, they lose voting representation. -
On May 10, 1869, the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads meet in Promontory, Utah, and drive a ceremonial last spike into a rail line that connects their railroads. This made transcontinental railroad travel possible for the first time in U.S. history, which is why it was known as the iron spine of the nation. Soon, more railroads would branch off of it and create a safer and quicker way to travel across the nation. Known as the economic powerhouse, since we can trade with any continent.
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The Pendleton Act, also known as the Merit System, was put into place in regards to the Spoils System after President Garfield's assassination. The Act required most federal job seekers to pass a civil service exam to ensure that the people who received government jobs were qualified for them. Puts an end to the Spoils System.
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The Dawes Act was somewhat like the Homestead Act, but for Native Americans. The same rules applied as the Homestead Act, however, whatever land the Natives didn't take would eventually get put on the market for other white settlers. It took the land from the reservations, which kept getting smaller and smaller. Encouraged the Indian Wars and eventually, certain religious and traditional practices would be outlawed. -
With the growth of big businesses, many were left to work in poor conditions in the cities as well as receive poor income. A group named the Mukrakers was determined to shine the light on issues that society had ignored. Jacob Riis was a photographer that brought the horrors of tenement houses to life. He publishes, "How The Other Half Lives" which stimulated the first significant New York legislation to end poor conditions in tenement housing. This work went on to lead many changes and reforms. -
Many businesses were becoming monopolies, and consumers began to feel that they were paying high prices on essential goods from competing companies. The Sherman Anti-Trust Act prohibits activities that restrict interstate commerce and competition in the marketplace. This was heavily used by Theodore Roosevelt and his successor William Howard Taft. They broke up the bad trusts but allowed good trusts to continue. This helped reduced economic competition. -
The Plessy V. Ferguson Supreme Court case stemmed from an incident in which an African American train passenger, Homer Plessy, refused to sit in a car for Black people. This court case established the legality of "separate but equal" as well as making the Jim Crow laws legal. It influenced segregation in the United States as restaurants, hotels, schools, and even bathrooms became segregated.
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After the de Lome Letter and been published and blown up in yellow journalism, President McKinley sends the brand new USS Maine battleship to peacefully sit in the Havana harbor to protect the U.S. citizens and the economic interest in Cuba. While peacefully anchored, the ship explodes killing 260 American sailors. Everyone believes the Spanish are responsible, without investigation. McKinley asks Congress for a loan to "prepare for war" with the Spanish, kicking off the Spanish-American War. -
The Rough Riders, a troop of cowboys and western settlers, were led by Roosevelt. They arrived in Cuba in time to take part in the Battle of San Juan Hill. The victory allowed the United States to begin a siege of Cuba, which led to Spanish surrender and the end of the Spanish-American War. The end of the war resulted in the growth of the U.S. Navy, markets from all over are accessible to the U.S., and the U.S. is finally recognized as a world power.
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The Panama Canal was essential for the United States because it connected the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean, which saved sailors about an 8,000-mile journey. President Teddy Roosevelt offered a treaty asking for rights to the Panama Canal Zone. It was rejected by the government of Columbia, so Roosevelt instead encouraged and supported Panama's revolt against Columbia, which succeeded, in order to gain control of the Canal as payment. This helped save more time sailing and helped with trade.
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Russia and Japan were on the brink of full-out war. Russia had suffered severe defeats and Japan was in financial difficulties. The combination of these losses and the economic cost of financing the war led both countries to seek an end to the war. This led Roosevelt to invite both Japan and Russia to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the war. The treaty is signed, therefore, preventing the start of WWI. The signing of this treaty also wins Teddy Roosevelt the Nobel Peace Prize. -
Upton Sinclair originally wrote, "The Jungle" in support of socialist ideals. However, due to its appalling descriptions of the unsanitary workplace, it shined a light on abuses and conditions in the meat-packing industry. This novel had such an impact, it lead to Teddy Roosevelt passing the Meat and Inspector Act as well as the Pure Food and Drug Act (now the FDA). This helped create a much safer market for consumers.
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Henry Ford introduced the Model T in 1908 for $850. He then went on to create the assembly line and was able to reduce the time it takes to produce the car from twelve hours to nighty minutes. This reduced the cost of the car to $280, making it more affordable to everyone. Ford also offered his employees better wages and shorter hours. The boom in the automobile industry causes the expansion of other industries, national highways, etc. -
With the sinking of the Lusitania by unrestricted submarine warfare and the interception of the Zimmerman telegram, America is pulled into WWI. However, the United States was extremely unprepared both in numbers of people and weapons. President Wilson passes the Selective Services Act, which requires men 21-30 to register for a draft. Over 4.5 million men volunteer or are drafted into service providing more soldiers as well as creating more jobs on the homefront. -
Fearing that anti-war speeches and street pamphlets would undermine the war effort, President Woodrow Wilson and Congress passed two laws, the Espionage Act of 1917 and the Sedition Act of 1918. This prohibited any speech critical of the United States democracy or war. This act would normally be demolished by the public for going against freedom of speech. However, since the country was at a time of total war, Americans were more lenient in order to help those fighting overseas.
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There had been strikes previously in production factories due to harsh working environments and long hours. The National War Labor Board prevents strikes that would disrupt production in war industries. It established an eight-hour workday, time-and-a-half pay for overtime, and endorsed equal pay for women. This led many to work in wartime production. It helped establish the workday hours and conditions that are much safer and less harsh, which can be seen to be carried on in the present day. -
After endless fighting, Germany agreed to an armistice believing a treaty would be based on President Wilson's Fourteen Points. However, Great Britain and France suffered heavily through the war and wanted Germany to be punished. Germany had no other choice but to sign. Germany had to acknowledge and accept full blame for the war as well as pay reparations for damages. This plummeted the German economy into the ground. This treaty would later become the main influence for the start of WWII. -
For many years, alcohol had been viewed as the "devil's brew" as many believed it was the root of all evil. The 18th Amendment is finally passed through Congress, causing the outlawing of manufacturing, selling, distribution, or importation of alcohol nationwide. However, this law was not followed by many. It caused a breakout of organized crime to pop up as well as speakeasies, bootleggers, and NASCAR. The amendment was later repealed in 1933 due to its ineffectiveness. -
With the rise of the KKK racial tension began growing quickly. The black community is established in the North where it saw the flourishing of black artistic expression, journalists, poets, musicians, etc. It helped create pride in being black as well as help those seeking economic and creative opportunities. The Harlem Renaissance also introduces Jazz to the rest of the world, which defines the 1920s.
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Women have been fighting for the right to vote to date all the way back to Seneca Falls. They formed organizations, such as the National American Women Suffrage Association (NAWSA), to help fight for the right to vote. Women had played a big role at home during WWI and believed they deserved to vote. The passing 19th amendment gave women the right to vote, which opened the door to about 26 million women, making it the single largest expansion of voting rights in United States history.
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After the Great War, the nation was filled with patriotism. However, anyone who stood against American values was ostracized and feared. The first Red Scare helped create these anti-immigrant feelings. The Immigration Act of 1924 limited the number of immigrants allowed entry into the United States through a national origins quota. The quota only allowed two percent of the total number of people of each nationality in the United States as of the 1890 national census. -
The mixture of religion, science, and public schools caused outrage among the parents of schoolchildren in Dayton Tennessee. There had been a ban on teaching evolution. However, a science teacher, John Scopes, taught it anyway. Scopes was put on trial and was found guilty. However, it did heighten tensions and sparked debates that persist even today. -
The 1920s had been a time of wealth and prosperity for a large portion of society. One crack in the foundation was buying on credit. Many individuals owned stocks and had bought credit. On October 29th, 1929, a frenzy broke out on Wall Street, just days before stock prices had plunged to desperate levels. Investors were willing to sell their shares for pennies on the dollar or were simply holding on to the worthless certificates. This plummeted the U.S. into the Great Depression.
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The Great Depression caused unemployment to skyrocket through the roof nationally. President FDR created the Civilian Conservation Corporation as a part of his New Deal programs to aid in recovery. The CCC allowed single men between the ages of 18 and 25 to enlist in work programs to improve America's public lands, forests, and parks. This provided jobs to those in need to help them get back into the workforce as well as improve the roads and other public areas creating a better place to live.
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When bank customers came to the banks to withdraw their assets, they were turned away because of a shortage of cash and credit. Congress passed the Emergency Banking Relief Act which provided for the reopening of the banks as soon as examiners had found them to be financially secure. If a bank had proven to be unhealthy, they were shut down never to be reopened again. This helped ensure individuals' bank deposits.
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The Great Depression caused many Americans to lose work time and save money for retirement at a later age. The Social Security Act created a social insurance program designed to pay retired workers age 65 or older a continuing income after retirement. It also gave the incentive to retire, therefore, opening more jobs up for younger Americans. This act is still in place today but is getting less popular as the lifespan of the public extends. -
Some of President Roosevelt's New Deal plans began to be challenged for the constitutionality of parts of FRD's legislation. After the Supreme Court declared 22 different provisions of the New Deal unconstitutional, FDR threatens to expand the Supreme Court to 15 members. This would mean that he would nominate 6 new members for the Supreme Court of The United States. The case became known as the "Court Packing Scandal" for its danger to the stability of the Supreme Court.
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During the Cold War, anyone who agreed with or sympathized with communist were ostracized from society. HUAC was created, in part of the Red Scare, to investigate alleged disloyal and rebel activity on the part of citizens, employees, and organizations suspected of having Communist ties. Citizens suspected of having ties to the communist party would be tried in a court of law, like the Hollywood 10. This also sparked Joseph McCarthy and his trials. -
For ongoing years, Germany had been "crossing the lines" put into place by the Treaty of Versailles, but no one pushed for consequences against Hitler. British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain holds the Munich Conference where he meets with Hitler. Chamberlain agrees to give in to Hitler's demands. In exchange, Germany had to stop aggressive action. This conference was ultimately unsuccessful due to Chamberlain's lack of sternness. This led Winston Churchill to become the new Prime Minister.
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The United States demanded that Japan withdraw from China and Indochina. This, along with the U.S. Embargo Act against Japan, rose great tension between the two countries. Japan believed that attacking the U.S. would provide an easy win plus territory with abundant land and resources. On December 7, 1941, Japan sprung a surprise attack on the naval base at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii. This attack forced the U.S. to join WWII as they allied with Britain.
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The task of fighting on a global scale dramatically increased the power of the federal government. Shifting from civilian to military production, raising an army, and assembling the necessary workforce required a massive expansion in government authority. When Congress passed the War Powers Act, it gave President Roosevelt unprecedented control over all aspects of the war effort. This marked the beginning of executive authority.
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Racial discrimination in the workplace and hiring process had troubled many African Americans. Executive Order 8802 was signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to prohibit racial discrimination in the national defense industry. It was the first federal action, though not a law, to promote equal opportunity and prohibit employment discrimination in the United States. This helped established the Fair Employment Practices Commission to enforce the new policy.
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During WWII, the U.S. began to work on creating a secret weapon. When Harry Truman assumed the presidency, he learned for the first time about the top-secret Manhattan Project, which was then on the verge of testing the new atomic bomb. This project created the bombs used in the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which ended WWII. Even though global war came to an end, the early signs of the coming Cold War were apparent with this new nuclear weapon.
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The discrimination that black soldiers experienced in the military was put into a case study that drew connections between the United States' treatment of blacks to Nazi Germany's treatment of Jews. They compared Georgia to Germany finding similarities. The Double V campaign was a slogan championed by The Pittsburgh Courier, then the largest black newspaper in the United States, that promoted efforts toward democracy for civilian defense workers and for African Americans in the military
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The draft, during WWII, caused many young men to lose valuable developmental and education years of their lives. The government decided to pass the G.I. Bill of Rights as a way to say thank you to the soldiers and veterans. The bill paid for education for either college or trade school, provided low business loans, gave low-interest home loans and provided free health care for veterans. This helped install the importance of education in many families and helped boost the economy.
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Allies spent 18 months planning and training for D-Day. Most troops were fresh and new to the military. D-Day became the largest seaborne invasion in history and was the turning point in WWII. 156,000 troops were on Higgins boats, which were very light and held 30+ men, as they crossed the English Channel. Paratroopers landed behind enemy lines to secure bridges and roads along with a pre-drawn bombardment of Nazi guns. Within 7 days allies controlled 80 miles of the coast.
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During the Cold War, many eastern European countries were fighting communism. As more and more countries fell behind the iron curtain, President Truman wanted to send aid in some way, shape, or form. This led Truman to ask Congress for $400 million in aid for countries fighting against communism, like Turkey and Greece. This established to the rest of the world that the United States would provide assistance to democratic nations that were under communist threats. -
European countries suffered many attacks that left their towns unrecognizable. The USSR's strategy was to "help" the hopeless countries only to leave them under communist rule. George C. Marshall helped President Truman develop the Marshall Plan, which was a U.S.-sponsored program designed to rehabilitate the economies of western and southern European countries in order to create stable conditions where democratic institutions could survive in the aftermath of World War II. -
The USSR grew angry as the U.S. continued to bring aid into Berlin. They claimed that the Americans were spying, however, they were mainly upset that democracy was more successful than communism. The USSR imposed a blockade on railways, road, and canal traffic leading to West Berlin from the allied German zone. Stalin tried to starve the city into submission. This cut western sectors of Berlin off from access to electricity, as well as food, coal, and other crucial supplies. -
President Truman wanted to keep his promise to the citizens in Berlin after the installation of the Berlin Blockade. American airlifts would be used to keep the city supplied with goods. President Truman made it very clear to Stalin that if even one cargo plane was shot down it would mean war between the United States and the USSR. The USSR ended the Berlin Blockade in May of 1949, bringing victory to the Berlin Airlift.
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After WWII, the United States, Britain, France, and Russia divided Germany. The American, British, and French zones had the western side of Germany, while the Soviet zone had the eastern side of Germany. The Western side was the Federal Republic of Germany, while the Eastern side was the German Democratic Republic. The split, with the following of the Berlin Wall, shows how communism negatively impacts a country as the west thrives with American support, and the East dies with Soviet support. -
The end of World War II, mixed with the Soviet's communist influence, left nations at risk of attack. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also known as NATO, was created by the United States, Canada, and several Western European nations to provide collective security against the Soviet Union. NATO was the first peacetime military alliance the United States entered outside of the Western Hemisphere. This helps protect countries within NATO that may face threats from outside forces.
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The Plessy v. Ferguson case had determined that schools could be separate as long as they were equal, however, the white and black schools were not even near equal. Colored schools had out-of-date and low-level textbooks, little materials, and less qualified teachers/staff. This led Thurgood Marshall to represent Linda Brown in her Supreme Court case that helped overturn the ruling of Plessy v. Ferguson. This ruling helps desegregate schools, however, it caused a major backlash in the South.
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With great tension rising with nuclear weapons, Dwight D. Eisenhower wanted to have safer roads and a better way to evacuate cities in the event of an attack. The Eisenhower Interstate Highway Act is the largest public works project in history and is still being worked on to this day. It updated and modernized America's roadways and helped connect the country. It also plays a big part in state and city economies as it is essential to have the interstate run through your city/town. -
The destruction in Hiroshima and Nagasaki displayed to the rest of the world how powerful nuclear weapons can be. ICBM's are nuclear carrying missiles with ranges over 5,000 miles. This now meant that no place on earth was safe from nuclear destruction. When the USSR was the first to successfully launch an ICBM, it sent the country into an even further scare. These fears of such helped contribute to conformity and McCarthyism. This launched the United States further into the Cold War. -
If ICBMs weren't enough to frighten the public, the USSR launches Sputnik. This marks the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth. Many were left concerned if this could result in war in space, or if it could be used for spying. It also left many to question if the United States was falling behind academically and scientifically. In January of 1958, the U.S. was able to achieve orbit as they successfully launched an object into space. This resulted in the start of the space race. -
After the launch of the Sputnik, many Americans became alarmed that the United States was falling behind in science and technology. President Eisenhower persuaded Congress to appropriate additional money for college scholarships and university research. The National Defense Education Act gave millions of dollars to American universities, helping institutions like Berkley, Stanford, and MIT become leading research centers in the world.
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By the 1960s, there were 46 million homes in America with a television. Television was the new way individuals received their news and entertainment. It held great influence in the public eye, as seen in the Election of 1960 in the first televised presidential debate. Richard Nixon, a politician with a proven track record, ran against John F. Kennedy, a young unproven politician. The ability to view the candidates is what led the public to elect JFK as President of the United States in 1906.
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Organizations fighting for Civil Rights oftentimes did not involve the youth. This was to protect their future and their children, as they didn't want to see children hurt. Inspired by the achievement with sit-ins, Ella Baker helped organize the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) to plan and organize civil rights protest activities throughout the South. It gave young black students an opportunity to be actively involved in the civil rights movement. They did become more radical. -
The Cuban Revolution had been getting closer and closer to falling to communism. President Eisenhower had authorized a plan with the CIA to overthrow Fidel Castro. After John F. Kennedy's election, he inherited Eisenhower's plan, however, he doesn't follow through. This caused the failure of the invasion at the Bay of Pigs. All Cuban exiles were either killed or captured by Casto's army. This led to the blockade plan to keep Cuba from receiving ICBMs from the USSR and falling to communism.
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For years the black community had been fighting for civil rights by organizing groups, participating in sit-ins, and peacefully protesting. The SCLC planned a march and rally in Washington D.C. with support from the NAACP, SNCC, and CORE. This brought together over 250,000 people to advocate for the civil and economic rights of African Americans. This is also where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. This helped pave the way for the Civil Rights Act.
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African Americans have participated in rallies, organizations, and have even given up their lives fighting for their future. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act into law, which prohibited discrimination in public places, provided for the integration of schools and other public facilities, and made employment discrimination illegal. This was the most sweeping civil rights legislation since the Reconstruction Era and still continues to resonate in America.
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During Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency, he had his Great Society. One of the main focal aspects was poverty. This Led President Johnson to sign the Economic Opportunity Act into law, which established a variety of social programs aimed at facilitating education, health, employment, and general welfare for impoverished Americans. This act dropped the poverty rate dramatically allowing more Americans to have more opportunities.
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Even though the Civil Rights Act of 1964 had been signed to end discrimination, African Americans still faced discrimination while voting. Blacks would often be asked certain questions that no white person would be asked. The Voting Rights Act was signed into law by President Johnson, which bans discrimination in local, state, and national elections. It banned literacy tests, intimidation, and physical violence. If found guilty it would result in a disqualification of the state/local election.
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During the Vietnam war, President Johnson launched Operation Rolling Thunder, which was a massive air bombardment of North Vietnam. The targets were directly chosen by the president. These were regular full-scale bombing attacks against Vietnam to destroy roads, railways, and bases in North Vietnam as well as the Ho Chi Minh trail which was the supply route from North Vietnam to South Vietnam. This, along with the whole Vietnam War, was strongly disliked by the American public.
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The Watergate Scandal was a major political scandal that occurred in the U.S. following a break-in by 5 men at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C. President Richard Nixon's administration attempted to cover up its involvement. The scandal led to the discovery of multiple cases of abuse of power by members of the Nixon administration. This resulted in Nixon's resignation.
