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James Watt Patented The Improved Steam Engine (Industrial Revolution)
I chose the date James Watt submitted his patent, "New Invented Method of Lessening the Consumption of Steam and Fuel in Fire Engines," because his improved steam engine quickly became the dominant design in trains and ships, both of which were essential to the Industrial Revolution. The reliability and power the steam engine provided forever changed American production, marketing, and travel. Wright's early airplane used steam power. The steam engine is preserved in museums like in the picture. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord (Revolutionary War)
I chose the battles of Lexington and Concord because they were the first major conflicts between British and American forces and are remembered as the beginning of the Revolutionary War. The American Revolution changed the world. It would lead not only to the creation of what would become one of the most powerful nations on earth, it also blazed the way for many other countries to fight for their independence. -
The United States Constitution Ratified By New Hampshire
I chose the date New Hampshire ratified the Constution because it was the day the required 9 states passed it and the Constitution was officially established. The Constitution outlines the structure of the three branches of our government, how individual states interact legally with each other, and how to change the Constitution. The amendments, specifically the Bill of Rights, protect the freedoms and rights of American citizens. -
The Battle of Gettysburg (Civil War)
The Battle of Gettysburg was the costliest and most important battle of the Civil War, destroying 50,000 American lives and marking the beginning of the end for the Confederates with a humiliating and demoralizing defeat. The Civil War is remembered as the war where democracy was challenged, families divided, and slavery eradicated. It also lead to the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments, made Abraham Lincoln one of the most highly esteemed US presidents, and resulted in 600,000 American deaths. -
The Titanic Sank
I chose the sinking of the RMS Titanic because the destruction of this supposedly invincible passenger liner affected the lives of the 2,226 passengers and staff who drowded in the North Atlantic Ocean and their friends and relatives, and continues to be a fascination to the world. The Titanic is remembered by countless websites, movies, yearly informational talks, newspaper articles, speeches, fiction and non-fiction books, cultural references and more. -
Ratification of the 19th Amendment (Women's Suffrage)
I chose the ratification of the 19th Amendment because it was the date the efforts of Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Alice Paul, Lucy Stone, Maud Younger, and hundreds of picketing women paid off. The victory of finally having the legal right to vote inspired women to push for equal job opportunity, equal pay, and other civil rights. -
Black Thursday Stock Market Crash (Great Depression)
I chose Black Thursday, the day the stock market crashed, because it began the worst economic depression in US history. Poverty and despair affected all Americans as banks and businesses failed. The affects of the Great Depression are evident in the continued frugality of the older generations and the lasting results of Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal on infrastructure, banking and business regulations, banking reforms, and employment. -
Pearl Harbor (World War II)
I chose Pearl Harbor because it was the event that caused the United States to join World War II. The US might never have offered anything more than aid to the Allies but for the destruction of 19 U.S. warships, 200 aircraft, 2,300 American lives, and the false promises of peace from Japan. World War II would claim the lives of 405,000 American lives. -
"Little Boy" dropped on Hiroshima (Manhattan Project)
I chose the date the first atomic bomb was dropped on Japan because "Little Boy" and "Fat Man" ended World War II by forcing the Japanese to surrender, and began a new age of atomic weaponry that has not ended. Since the existence of the first atomic bomb was revealed to the world the United States has been engaged in struggles to prevent other countries from developing and using atomic weapons against us or other countries. -
Truman Doctorine (Cold War)
Although the bad feelings behind the Cold War were already deeply rooted before 1947, I chose President Harry S Truman's speech to Congress declaring an anti-communist policy because it marked the undeniable presence of conflict and the beginning of US military efforts to stop Communism, known as the Cold War. The Cold War is remembered as a cultural and political battle, a time when many were fired, blacklisted, or arrested on false claims and suspicions of being communist sympathizers. -
Beginning of the Vietnam War
I chose the Vietnam War because it was the first televised war, and seeing firsthand how the reporter's stories and the government's report did not agree caused many to question and mistrust the government. The affects of the war included many lives lost, substantial war debts, laws limiting the power of the executive branch, a decrease of public faith in the government and the realization that the US is not invincible. -
Rosa Park's Civil Disobedience (Civil Rights)
I chose Rosa Park's rebellion because her refusal to give up her seat became the inspiration for the Montgomery Bus Boycott and is remembered as the beginning of the civil rights movement. Rosa Parks' rebellion made her a figurehead for the civil rights movement, a hero almost as well know as Martin Luther King Jr. Bus segregation was declared unconstitutional as a direct consequence of her bravery. -
Jim Brown Drafted
I chose this event because Jim Brown being drafted No.6 overall in the 1957 draft changed the landscape of the NFL. Jim Brown was the greatest football player to ever live and lead the Clevland Browns to an NFL Championship. -
Jerry West Drafted
I chose this event because Jerry West, also known as "Mr. Clutch" is the greatest basketball player of all time. West was a 14 time all star and once averaged almost 50 points per game in a playoff series which is an NBA record. -
JFK Assassination
I chose the JFK Assassination because it was a shocking and traumatic experience for many Americans as Kennedy was killed at a critical point in the Cold War, just after the Cuban Missile Crisis. The government's reaction to Kennedy's death made many people distrustful of them, and it is unclear to this day whether or not the government was completely forthcoming to the public. The JFK assassination serves as a reminder that the government is not above suspicion. -
First Man on the Moon (Space Race)
I chose the date of the first man on the moon because even though Russia won the space into race with Sputnik, America was the first and only nation to land a man on the moon. Millions of people have been affected by Commander Neil Armstrong's first steps on the moon and the event is immortalized in both fiction and nonfiction movies, books, documentaries, articles, cartoons, and on many websites. Landing the first man on the moon is a source of great pride and achievement for Americans. -
Invention of ARPANET (Internet Age)
I chose the invention of ARPANET because it was the predecessor to the modern-day internet. The internet has completely changed how Americans meet and interact, from buying products and conducting business to committing crimes and dating. The full impact of the internet on the world may never fully be realized. -
September 11th
I chose to include 9/11 because the attack on the world trade center shocked Americans and is remembered as the day nearly 3,000 people died and the skyline of America was forever changed. Since 9/11 the Department of Homeland Security and the terror alert system have been created, the Patriot Act passed, new security measures completely changed airport security, general suspicion for Muslims and those from the Middle East has become commonplace, and America continues to feel the affects. -
Jordan Norwood Signed
I chose this event because Jordan Norwood was signed as an undrafted free agent to the Cleveland Browns. Jordan Norwood is now the Browns fastest down field threat for new quarterback Brandon Weeden. Jordan Norwood is changing the Browns outlook on just having slower, bigger receivers to getting faster, more elusive receivers. -
Jason Kipnis MLB Debut
I chose this event because Jason Kipnis is the Cleveland Indians 2nd basemen. Jason Kipnis has been known as "The Savior" for saving the Indians offense. Kipnis is changing the "prototypical" 2nd basemen, unlike most who play his position Kipnis can hit for power and leads the team in home runs so far this season.
