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Arrival of Columbus and the Beginning of Colonization
Christopher Columbus’s arrival marked the beginning of European colonization in the
Americas. It led to the exploitation and decimation of Indigenous populations through disease, war,
and forced labor. The cultural and societal structures established during colonization laid the
groundwork for systemic inequalities still present today (Zinn Education Project, n.d.). -
Declaration of Independence The Declaration asserted the colonies' freedom from British rule and introduced ideals such
as liberty and justice. However, these principles were initially limited to white, land-owning men. This paradox would fuel future social and civil rights movements (Connerly, Holmes, Tamang,
2024). -
Indian Removal Act
The Indian Removal Act authorized the forced relocation of Indigenous tribes, leading to
the Trail of Tears. This violent displacement decimated tribal communities and disrupted
traditional cultural education systems (Zinn Education Project, n.d.). -
Emancipation Proclamation
President Lincoln's proclamation declared all enslaved people in Confederate states free. While it didn’t immediately free everyone, it reframed the Civil War as a fight for human freedom, influencing cultural and legal change (National Archives, n.d.). -
Reconstruction Amendments
The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments abolished slavery, granted citizenship, and extended
voting rights to Black men. These changes signaled a shift in federal policy, though many states
quickly enacted laws to undermine them (Zinn Education Project, n.d.). -
Pullman Strike
The Pullman Strike became a national labor issue when federal troops intervened. It
spotlighted worker exploitation and catalyzed the labor rights movement, influencing future
protections such as child labor laws and public education reform (Connerly et al., 2024). -
Founding of the NAACP
The NAACP formed in response to escalating racial violence. It became a cornerstone in
the civil rights movement and continues to advocate for educational access and racial equity (Zinn Education Project, n.d.). -
Great Migration Begins
Millions of African Americans migrated from the rural South to urban areas in the North, seeking better jobs and escaping racial violence. This shifted urban culture and education systems, leading to the Harlem Renaissance and new cultural representation (Connerly et al., 2024). -
New Deal Programs
The New Deal addressed economic collapse with policies that created jobs and improved
public infrastructure, including schools. It expanded government involvement in welfare and
education, particularly through the WPA and CCC (Zinn Education Project, n.d.). -
Brown v. Board of Education
The Supreme Court ruled segregation in public schools unconstitutional. This decision
overturned Plessy v. Ferguson and spurred the desegregation movement, forever altering the
educational landscape (National Archives, n.d.). -
March on Washington
Led by civil rights leaders, the March on Washington was a call for jobs and freedom. Dr.
King’s "I Have a Dream" speech rallied national support for civil rights legislation, influencing
both social norms and school curricula (Connerly et al., 2024). -
Americans with Disabilities Act
The ADA outlawed discrimination against individuals with disabilities in schools,
workplaces, and public spaces. It paved the way for inclusive education and equitable access for -
Sparked by the death of Trayvon Martin, BLM is a movement to end systemic racism and
police violence. It has influenced public education by encouraging culturally responsive teaching
and anti-racist curriculum reform (Connerly et al., 2024).