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Thirteenth Amendment
The day the Thirteenth Amendment was ratified. Abolished slavery within the United States. This freed thousands of African Americans. -
Fourteenth Amendment
The day the Fourteenth Amendment was ratified. Declares all people born in the United States are US citizens. This gave citizenship to African Americans, even if they were formally enslaved. -
Fifteenth Amendment
The day the Fifteenth Amendment was ratified. Prevents denying a citizen the right to vote on the basis of race. This allowed African Americans to have a say in their government. -
Great Railroad Strike of 1877
Workers went on a strike, due to working conditions, that lasted 45 days. Though it did not directly change anything at the time, it laid the foundations for Labor Unions to later develop and prosper. -
Spanish-American War
The start of the war against Spain over control of Cuba. The first press driven war through use of yellow journalism. -
Pure Food and Drug Act
The day that President Theodore Roosevelt signed this act into law. Required labels on all food and drugs that stated exactly what it was made of. -
World War I
The day that the United States declared war on Germany and joined in the First World War. On November 11th, 1918, the war was officially over for America. -
Influenza Epidemic
A flu epidemic that ravaged the country at the tail end of WWI, and lingered for months after. It killed thousands of healthy, middle aged Americans, many of whom were parents, causing an increase in starvation and malnourishment among children. -
Nineteenth Amendment
The day the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified. Prevents denying a citizen the right to vote on the basis of sex. This allowed women to have a say in their government. -
Sheppard-Towner Act
The day that President Harding signed this act into law. Formally known as the Promotion of the Welfare of Hygiene of Maternity and Infancy Act, it was the first major federal healthcare program. Educated Americans on the importance of improved healthcare and social conditions for women and children. -
Great Depression
Black Thursday. The first day of panic selling, which led to the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and the beginning of the Great Depression. -
Dust Bowl
Major drought events that lasted throughout the decade of the 1930s caused by severe soil erosion due to improper practice by farmers. -
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
The day that the FDIC was established. Ensures private bank deposits. -
Social Security Act
The day that President Franklin Roosevelt signed this act into law. It establishes a safety net that provides assistance to elderly individuals or people who are unemployed, and has since been expanded upon. -
Surplus Commodities Program
Part of FDR’s Second New Deal. Provides food for low income families. -
Fair Labor Standards Act
The day that President Franklin Roosevelt signed this act into law. Established a minimum wage, 40 hour work week and overtime pay, and restricted child labor. -
World War II
The day the United States joined in WWII, following the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese one day prior. On September 2nd, 1945, the war was officially over in America, following the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki causing Japan to surrender. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
The day that President Lyndon Johnson signed this act into law. Prevents discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. -
Voting Rights Act of 1965
The day that President Lyndon Johnson signed this act into law. Prohibits racial discrimination in voting. -
Civil Rights Act of 1968
The day that President Lyndon Johnson signed this act into law. Also known as the Fair Housing Act. Prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, national origin, or religion.