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G.I Bill
The G.I Bill, also known as the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 was passed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on June 22, 1944, a few days after D-Day. The act would provide veterans of the Second World War with low interest rates on houses, mortgages, funds for college education, business loans, and unemployment insurance. This federal aid would help the WW2 veterans adjust to civilian life. "A man fought for their country would find a place in it when they returned" Still in place now. -
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Cold War
Early cold war 1946-1963. -
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1950's
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Iron Curtain
The term 'Iron Curtain' was used metaphorically as the boundary division of Europe, between the East and West side of Europe.This boundary set by the Soviet Union was made to separate the West and any non communist areas from the east communist side. On March 5, 1946 former Prime Minister Winston Churchill delivered a famous speech "From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the continent". -
2nd Red Scare
After World War 2, the Second Red Scare came to be in 1947 until 1957. The United States believed that we were losing the Cold War. Americans were overwhelmed by the growing threat of communism. Many became paranoid that ANYONE could be a communist spy. The HUAC was created to catch nazi spies, former/ current communist as well as celebrities were targeted. To make matters worse, Joseph McCarthy, a Wisconsin senator claimed in 1950 that he had a list of communists (McCarthyism) -
Truman Doctrine
The Truman Doctrine was first announced on March 12, 1947 an american foreign policy to stop the spread of Soviets' communism. This happened after Greece and Turkey were threatened and pressured by Soviet communist ideas, so American takes over in fear and worry of communism spreading. The Truman Doctrine, would be the first in a series of containment moves by the United States, it would provide political, military, and economic aid to countries fighting communism -
Marshall Plan
The Marshall Plan also known as the European Recovery plan was proposed by General George Marshall, and went into effect on June 3, 1948. The plan is a program in which the United States would loan large amounts of economic aid (13 billion dollars) to rebuild Western Europe's economy after it was left in ruins because of World War 2. The Marshall plan successfully " [restored] the confidence of the European people in the economic future of their own countries and of European as a whole" -
Berlin Airlift
Stalin did not like Capitalism in Germany, he wanted the West to give quit the city of Berlin. In response, on June 24, 1948 Stalin ordered the Berlin Blockade. Soviet forces blockaded rail, road and water access to Berlin. The blockade threatened the west with starvation. Beginning on June 26, 1948 the United States and Britain began to supply West Berlin with air shipments of food and supplies. The shipments ended May 12, 1949 lasting almost a year until Stalin gave up and reopened the border. -
Fair Deal
President Harry Truman announces A Fair Deal on January 5, 1949 in his State of the Union Address, " expect from our government a fair deal" He adds on to the New deal. In his address he goes over his plans, over topics like health insurance " we need [...] a system of prepaid medical insurance which will enable every American to afford good medical care", minimum wage "minimum wage fixed by law should be raised to at least 75 cents an hour" for the "health of our economy", amongst other topics -
Beat Generation
The Beat Generation or Beat movement arose in the 1950's. It was a literary movement that included artist, novelist, and poems. They rejected american materialism and culture. It inspired a culture of nonconformity, rejecting home ownership, careers and marriage, they were all for individual freedom and pleasure (drugs, sex). They were named the 'Beatnicks' or 'Beats', they had a hip style and vocabulary that they took from African American communities, using terms like "dig it" and "man". -
Rock n Roll
Rock n Roll is a genre of music that was introduced in the late 1940s and early 1950s. This genre was claimed and credited by whites but it was really a mixture of Gospel, Rhythm and Blues and other African American music styles. Whites would rip off songs, like the first rock and roll song, Rocket 88 by Ike turner. R&R became very popular amongst teenagers and many parents weren't pleased with the vulgarity and indecency of the music, claiming it affected their kids attitude wrongly. -
Korean War
After World War 2 Korea was divided ending China's rule over Korea. North Korea was under the Soviets ruling. South Korea was backed by the U.S. The 38th parallel was the boundary line. The Korean war began on June 25, 1950 when North Korea People Army stormed across the 38th parallel, taking Seoul, driving the Allies to the edge of Korea. Then in Sept 1950 Mcarthur's troop push them back to Yalu River. BUT Chinese surprise attack the US, pushing the allies back to the 38th parallel in July 1953 -
Ike Turner
Ike Wister Turner Jr was born on November 5, 1931 in Clarksdale, MS. Izear Turner or as many known him "Ike Turner" was a talent scout, record producer and songwriter. Ike Turner is credited to have made the first Rock n Roll song " Rocket 88" recorded on March 3/5 1951, which white artist tried to rip off by making their own version/covers, like Bill Haley. Tragically he struggled with drug addiction and died of an accidental cocaine overdose in December 12, 2007. -
Bill Haley & His Comets
Bill Haley and His Comets (also known as Bill Haley and His Saddleman) were an American Rock and Roll group created in 1952. His group became known after the release of his hit single "Rock Around the Clock" topping the charts for eight weeks in 1955. In the 1950's rock and roll was disliked by many parents because of the obscene lyrics. He later said "We put country & western together with Rhythm and Blues, and that was rock". The Group performed until Bill's death in 1981 at age 51. -
Julius and Ethel Rosenberg
Julius Rosenberg born on May 12, 1918 joined the Army Signal Corps in 1940 where he worked on radar equipment. Ethel Rosenberg born on Sept 28, 1915, married Julius Rosenberg in 1939. The couple was convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage on March 29, 1951, for giving atomic bomb secrets to Soviets. The jury found both guilty and were sentenced to death. Both claimed they were innocent until June 19, 1953 when they were executed through the electrical chair. -
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Civil Rights
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Brown v. Board of Education
From 1896 to 1954 the US practiced the "Separate but Equal" racial segregation laws in public places like schools, meaning 'only-white schools and colored schools' were created. This was challenged in 1951, when little girl Oliver Brown in Topeka, Kansas was not allowed to attend a public school nearby because she was not white. The NAACP filed a lawsuit and in 1952 the SCOTUS viewed the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. On May 17, 1954 the SCOTUS ruled segregated schools unconstitutional. -
Earl Warren Court
Earl Warren was the 30th Governor of California and later became the 14th Chief Justice of the United States. During his time serving as Chief Justice important decisions were made, including segregation policies in schools (Brown v. Board of Edu.), anti-miscegenation laws unconstitutional (Loving v. Virginia), free counsel for the accused (Gideon v. Wainwright), the right to remain silent when arrested(MIranda v. Arizona) & the right to privacy concerning contraception(Griswold v. Connecticut) -
Television
After World War 2 Television was slowly making itself into American households. By 1955, 75% of americans owned black and white tv's. With the introducement of Tv's new entertainment arose as well as news. Sit-com shows like "I Love Lucy" and "Father Knows Best" were Americans favorites and they portrayed the 'ideal' family, obedience and work. Not only did it change the American life but also changed politics. Politicians used the TV's power: Nixon and Kennedy's debates were aired. -
Polio Vaccine
Polio or poliomyelitis is a virus that may cause paralysis and is easily preventable by the Polio Vaccine. The virus can invade an infected person's brain, destroying nerve cells in the spinal cord. In 1952, 60,000 kids were affected by Polio, debilitating and paralyzing them. The virus mainly affected children but, even former President FDR was affected by it. On March 26, 1953 medical researcher Dr. Jonas Salk announces through radio that he has successfully tested a vaccine against polio -
Emmett Till
Emmett Louis Till a 14 year old boy from Chicago, IL traveled to Money, MS in 1955. On August 24, 1955 Emmett went into Bryant's Grocery & Meat Market store & supposedly whistled to Carolyn Bryant, the store owners wife. Four days later Roy and Milan Bryant kidnapped Emmett and took him to a nearby shed where they beat and tortured him later to take him to a river where he was fatally shot and sunk down with a cotton gin machine. Three days later, his body was found in Tallahatchie River. -
Montgomery Bus Boycott
On Dec 1,1955 Rosa Parks rides in the black section of a Montgomery, Alabama bus when a white man demands her to give up her seat to him. Rosa Parks refuses and is arrested and found guilty for violating segregation laws. Black protesters refused to ride busses any longer and began the Montgomery Bus Boycott on Dec 5,1955. The bus boycott continues for a year leaving the bus company at bankruptcy. On Nov 13, 1956 the SCOTUS rules segregation on Alabama busses unconstitutional. -
Elvis Presley
Elvis Aaron Presley was an American Rock and Roll singer, born poor On January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, MS. Elvis Presley is widely known as the King of Rock because he made Rock and Roll a phenomenon in the 1950's, he adopted rhythm and blues and created his own suggestive dance style (Elvis the Pelvis) on stage swooning many fans. Elvis made appearances in shows like the Ed Sullivan Show. He had his first nationwide breakthrough with RCA single "Heartbreak Hotel". Sadly he died Aug 16, 1977. -
Little Rock 9
In 1957 the NAACP chose 9 black students to enroll in Central High School at Little Rock, Arkansas. Their attempt to slowly integrate was challenged when segregationist Governor of Arkansas Orval Faubus, refuses to let the kids in by stationing the Arkansas National Guard outside the high school. Soon, President Eisenhower gets involved, putting the AR National Guard under federal control & sending 1k troops from the 101st airborne. The 9 students are escorted for the rest of the school year. -
Space Race
The Space Race was a competition between the United States and the Soviet Union for dominance in space. The Space Race began in October 4,1957 when the Soviet Union successfully launched Sputnik, the first ever orbiting satellite to space. Sputnik I is the size of a basketball with a beeping radio signal. This Soviet accomplishment made Americans fearful of falling technologically behind. In 1958 the US opened NASA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration with new American scientists. -
Sit-Ins
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) was Martin Luther King Jr's civil rights organization that wanted to desegregate all of Birmingham. A method they used to grab the medias attention were 'sit-ins'. Most of the members who participated in these sit-ins were young. Sit-ins are a form of protest in which demonstrators occupy a place, refusing to leave until their demands are met. Sit-ins would force businesses to close down until they were forcibly removed and arrested. -
Counterculture
Young men and women, mostly students were part of this Counterculture or New Left in the 1960s. They had different ways of thinking, taking on discrimination, poverty and being against the Vietnam War. Members of The Student Democratic Society, (SDS) would protest at colleges. The Counterculture seceded from the Beat Generation (1950s), they rejected middle class values, marriage, and materialism. Hippies came out of this new left, they were all about peace and exploring their innerselves. -
Period: to
1960's
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Albert Sabin
Albert Bruce Sabin was an American-Polish researcher born on August 26, 1906 in Bialystok, Poland. Albert is best known for developing an oral vaccine for Poliomyelitis virus in 1960 replacing Salk's injectable Vaccine. In 1952 the worst Polio epidemic burst, affecting 58,000 people and killing 3,000. Sabin's oral vaccine used live virus and was easily administered (sugar cube or syrup), free of dangerous viruses and it was effective over a long period of time. -
New Frontier
The New Frontier was the nickname for President John F. Kennedy's domestic policy agenda. The term the 'New Frontier' was used in his acceptance speech in 1960. "[...] the New Frontier of which i speak is not a set of promises- it is a set of challenges. It sums up not what i intend to offer the American people, but what i intend to ask of them" With his New deal he wanted domestic changes in discrimination, to raise minimum wage, cut business taxes and spur interest in the space race. -
Peace Corps
Peace Corps was founded in Washington D.C on March 1, 1961 by president John F. Kennedy. Kennedy pointed out that the Soviet Union "had hundreds of men and women, scientist, physicist, teachers, engineers, doctors and nurses [...]" The Peace Corps program was made to help young college graduates working in poor communities by assigning humanitarian projects. The program promoted voluntary service by Americans in foreign countries to help them improve their infrastructure, health etc. -
Freedom Rides
Attempting to challenge southern resistance to the SCOTUS decision to overturn segregated buses, whites and blacks would ride buses together to the deep south. They wanted a violent clash to force the government to take action. On May 14, 1961 a bus heading to Anniston, AL was attacked by an angry mob of 200 white people including kkk members. The mob slashed its tires, set it on fire and violently beat the riders. Incidents like this occur in AL and MS but the police would look the other way -
Cuban Missile Crisis
The Cuban Missile Crisis was an important event in the Cold War. Cuban Leader Castro wanted protection so the Soviet Union sent troops and medium range ICBM'S (intercontinental ballistic missile). In October 1962, two US spy planes found and photographed missile sites in Cuba. President Kennedy found it unacceptable. Instead of invading Cuba, President Kennedy ordered a naval blockade to stop shipments from the Soviets. The crisis lasted 13 days closely leading to a nuclear war. -
Birmingham March
The Birmingham Campaign was a movement that occured in April-May 1963 led by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in attempt to bring attention to the social injustices towards the black community and to see their attempts to desegregate public places in Birmingham,AL. Their attempts consisted of sit ins and marches. On April 12 the leader of the campaign, MLK Jr was arrested for violating the anti-protest state injunction. In his time locked up he wrote his 'Letter from Birmingham Jail -
Birmingham Bombing
On a Sunday morning September 15, 1963 the youth group was attending 16th Street Baptist Church when a bomb was hurled inside. The atrocious act was racially motivated. Four young girls were killed and found beneath the rubble at the basement : Addie Mae Collins(14), Cynthia Wesley(14), Carole Robertson(14) and 11 year old Denise Mcnair. White supremacist, Ku Klax Klan members were responsible for the attack and immediately suspected but they weren't put on trail until after 2000. -
Assassination of JFK
On November 22,1963 President John F. Kennedy flew to Love Airfield in Dallas. He travelled through downtown Dallas with an open motorcade which put him in Maximum exposure. The route that they were taking was publicized days prior & many were lined in the streets. The Car was turning off to Main Street at Dealey Plaza passing the Texas School Depository when 5 shots were fired, 2 striking President JFK. He was rushed to Parkland Hospital where he was pronounced dead within an hr. -
Ascendancy of Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson was VP to President John F. Kennedy until Kennedy's assassination in November 22, 1963, when he took over as successor as President. Upon taking office he aims to create a 'Great Society' and pushes through more legislation, going beyond the New Deal. Then on January 20, 1965 Lyndon B. Johnson began his first elected term as president. During his presidency he passed the Voting Rights act and Civil rights act but was badly inherited the Vietnam War which he couldn't control -
Lee Harvey Oswald
On November 22, 1963 President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. Five shots were fired and 2 of them struck him. The supposedly only shooter was Lee Harvey Oswald. Harvey was an ex-marine, communist and communist sympathizer who was defected to U.S.S.R for a period of time but later returned to the U.S with special permission. Oswald claimed that he was a patsy. While being transferred to a county jail on November 24, 1963 Lee was shoot and murdered by Jack Ruby. -
Warren Commision
President Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. A week after his assassination on November 29, 1963 his successor President Lyndon B Johnson established a commision to investigate Kennedy's assassination by Executive Order 11130 'The Presidents Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy' or unofficially known as the Warren Commission. He appointed seven men: leader Earl Warren, Richard Russel, John Cooper, Hale Boggs, Gerald Ford, Allen Dulles, and John Mccloy. -
Great Society
The 'Great Society' was a domestic program set up by 36th President Lyndon B. Johnson that created federally sponsored social welfare programs. He mentioned his vision in his speech at University of Michigan " The Great Society [...] demands an end to poverty and racial injustice..." and later covers his plans to improve education "the Great Society is in the classrooms", he also wants a better standard of living and beautification "today we must act to prevent an ugly america". -
Freedom Summer
Freedom Summer was a volunteer voter registration campaign that began in the Summer of 1964. Many whites head to Mississippi in attempts to register as many rural blacks to vote. On June 21 two white volunter men (Michael Schwerner & Andrew Goodman) along with one African American (James Chaney) go investigate a Klan burning. On their way back, they are arrested for speeding. After being released they all go missing and their bodies are found 6 wks later with a shot in their head by the Klan -
Daisy Girl Ad
The Daisy Girl or Peace Girl Advertisement was aired on Television during the 1964 Presidential Elections by Lyndon B. Johnson's campaign. It was a controversial political advertisement. The ad was aimed and as a response to Goldwater's (presidential candidate) NATO comments on how he has commanders authority to use nuclear weapons. In the advertisement it shows little Monique plucking petals and suddenly looking at the catastrophe of a detonated nuclear bomb. -
Death of MLK
Martin Luther King Jr. a minister, travelled to Memphis, Tennessee to give a speech at a church. He stayed at the Lorraine Motel where he was a frequent customer. On April 4, 1968 Martin Luther King Jr was shot while he was talking to someone, James Earl Ray was the gun man. MLK played a major role in the civil rights movement from 1954 until his death. That is why after his assassination, blacks protesters rioted throughout the country, 100 cities were affected. -
Silent Majority's
As President Richard Nixon entered office, the Vietnam war was still being fought, his politics were dividing the nation. Nixon wanted to end the war in Vietnam with "peace with honor". The anti-war movement grew larger as many felt that there was no purpose or end to the war. On November, 3 1969 he asks the "Great Silent Majority of fellow Americans" (middle Americans) for their solidarity on the Vietnam War effort and to gather support for the policies that so many of them disliked. -
Decline of the industrial west
The Rustbelt is a region in the midwestern US that had a declining industrialization, economic failure and population loss. Steel mills and factories began closing and were abandoned left to rust thus the term Rust Belt. Many Americans lost their jobs, houses and cars. People followed their dreams to the successful south where companies relocated. The south was looked with more optimism, they had air conditioning, cheap labor and the oil industry as well as technology industry was rising. -
Period: to
1970's
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Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an organization of the United Sates federal government that was created for environmental protection and it sets air and water pollution standards. The EPA was founded by Richard Nixon in December 2, 1970. The EPA dealt with the hazardous waste found in Love Canal. In 1978 two kids were ill and chemical dumps in Niagara Falls were to blamed for. Toxic chemicals from Hooker Chemical Co. were resurfacing in Love Canal affecting their neighborhood. -
Watergate
Five men were caught wiretapping the Watergate office complex of the Democratic of National Committee. The Senate &Justice Department launched investigations into Nixon, finding out about his taping system & demanding him to hand them over. Nixon refused claiming he had "Executive privilege". Soon a court order for the tapes appear, but he releases an edited version. SCOTUS then rules that he can't withhold information. The real tapes are released Aug 5, 1974 incriminating Nixon to scandal. -
Roe v. Wade
Many states outlawed abortion and some only allowed it to save the life of the mother. A 21 year old women Norma McCorvey "Jane Roe" didn't want to have her baby. McCorvey sues Texas on 1971 for right to privacy. On 1971 the SCOTUS agrees to hear the case and on January 22, 1973 the SCOTUS rules that outlawing abortion is unconstitutional, 46 states were affected with this landmark decision. The decision to end the pregnancy during the 1st trimester was between the mother and her doctor. -
OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries)
The Arab-dominated OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) embargoed the U.S for aiding and supporting Israel. The embargo prompted a serious energy crisis in the US and other nations dependent on foreign oil. In the late 1970's OPEC raised prices on oil by 50%. Gas lines grew longer, speed limits dropped to 55 mph, and the lifting of gas pricing contributed to the crisis. But then Nixon succeeded in convincing Israel to give up some territory therefore ending the embargo. -
Nixon's Resignation
During Nixon's administration, he was found involved in the illicit activities, the Watergate Scandal, where five men were caught wiretapping the Watergate complex. After multiple attempts on trying to cover himself, he was found guilty. His involvement affected his public image. Americans were now very distrustful of public officials. Knowing that impeachment was certain, Nixon resigns from office on August 8, 1974. The 37th president is the first president to resign from office. -
Camp David Accords
President Carter succeeded in making peace between Israel and Egypt, following the twelve days of intensive negotiation at President Carter's Camp David retreat. The peace agreement formally ended the 30 years of war and hostility between the 2 nations. On September 17, 1978 The Camp David Accords was signed by Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin. The treaty called for Israel to withdraw from Sinai Peninsula, Gaza, and for them to stop settling in West Bank. -
Three-Mile Island
The Three-Mile Island incident occurred on March 28, 1979 at Three-Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station, Pennsylvania. A cooling malfunction cause the nuclear power plant Unit 2 (TMI-2) to partially melt down. Nuclear radioactive gases leaked out into nearby neighborhoods threatening an explosion, causing it to be the worst commercial nuclear accident in history. The citizens in Three-Mile Island began worrying about nuclear power and shooked their trust in American technology. -
Iran Hostage Crisis
The Shah of Iran was a brutal dictator and an anti-communist very unpopular in Iran but was a friend of great interest to the United States because he was our major oil supplier. After Shah was ousted from Iran the US gave him amnesty. This angered protesters so much that on November 4, 1979 a mob attacked the US embassy in Tehran and took 52 Americans hostage refusing to release them until Shah return to pay for his crimes. The hostages were finally released after 444 days in captivity. -
A.I.D.S Crisis
A.I.D.S, short for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is caused by HIV and it intervenes with the body's ability to fight off infections. In the early 1980s it made its way into the United States and the country didn't know what it was. In June 1981 the first report of 'Slim Disease' (AIDS) came out. People began getting sick and dying. AIDS affected thousands of homosexuals, specifically gay men. But it began spreading to heterosexual community through blood transfusions. -
Sam Walton's Just-In-Time Inventory
Samuel M. Walton was an American businessman best known for founding a chain of stores, Walmart and Sam's Club that provided with with a large variety of products and low prices. Sam Walton pioneered the "Just-In-Time" inventory process, products would arrive at the precise time needed. The method would reduce the need for large storage in the store. Computers would track the inventory and whenever they were nearly out of a product they'd send a truck with the products. "Save money, Live Better" -
Period: to
1980's
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Election of 1980
Ronald Reagan (Republican) was running against Jimmy Carter (Democratic) . Ronald Reagan was the former governor of California and former actor in the 40s and 50s. Jimmy Carter was our 39th president seeking renomination, during his administration the US had gone through a bad economy and he unsuccessfully dealt with the the Iran Hostage Crisis which brought him down. In November 1980 Reagan defeats Carter with a large margin 489 electoral votes to 49 electoral votes. -
Sandra Day O'Connor
Sandra O' Connor was born on March 26, 1930 in El Paso, Texas. Sandra was an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, but what makes her famous was that she was the FIRST woman justice to serve on the nation's highest court. At first she was moderate, sided w/ conservatives of the court but later on sided with liberals. Sandra O' Connor was appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981 and served from that year until 2006, when she retired to take care of her ill husband. -
Reaganomics
The term Reaganomics was used to describe President Ronald Reagan's economic policies. Reaganomics was the decrease of social spendings, reduction of government regulation on domestic markets, massively increase defense spending aka military spending and the widespread reduction of taxes. The idea was that reduction in corporation taxes would stimulate economic growth. In 1981 Reagan mentioned that "Only by reducing the growth of government [...] can increase the growth of the economy" -
MTV
The Life in the 1980's began modernizing. Entertainment grew, no longer were only news broadcasted on Tv's. In 1981 TV began showing around the clock MTV, music videos and other then-modern musical content. MTV first aired in August 1, 1981 with the words " Ladies and gentleman, rock and roll" , they played a footage of the launch of Apollo 11. The first music video played was "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles. MTV now is an American cable and satellite television channel. -
Strategic Defensive Initiative
SDI short for Strategic Defensive Initiative was a missile shield defense system that was intended to protect the US from Soviet missile attacks. The idea was proposed by Ronald Reagan on March 23, 1983. The development of technology to intercept enemy nuclear missiles was called Star Wars because they were satellites with lasers. SDI failed for the US but Reagan intended to give Soviets the same technology in hopes that they would go bankrupt because of the expensive resources in developing it. -
Reagan Doctrine
The Reagan Doctrine was part of President Ronald Reagan's foreign policy. His policy was not only to contain communism but to get rid of it. The Doctrine took an anti-communist approach, Reagan believed that the United states had the moral obligation to support anti communist 'freedom fighters". In his State of the Union Address speech Reagan mentioned that "Support for freedom fighters is self defense" . With the Doctrine he would support Contras in Nicaragua fighting a communist group. -
Iran Contra
During Reagan's second presidential term, Communists Sandinistas overthrew pro-american dictator in Nicaragua in 1979. So President Ronald Reagan began secretly supplying the Contras which was a rebel group against the Sandinistas. Even after Congress finds out, his administration continues to illegally support and supply the Contras. They sold weapons to Iran in exchange for American hostages. But in 1986 a plane crashes revealing the weapons almost bringing down Ronald Reagan's presidency. -
Challenger Explosion
America wanted to reach to the final frontier. The Space Shuttle was a new space technological advancement in the 1980's. It would be more efficient, economical and reusable. On January 28th, 1986 NASA launched the 'Challenger' space shuttle. The crew of the Challenger shuttle would represent the cross section of modern america, different races, backgrounds and careers. A teacher Christa McAuliffe would be the first civilian in space. Tragically 73 seconds after take off the Challenger explodes -
Fall of the Berlin Wall
After World War 2 Berlin was divided. Khrushchev wanted the allies out of Berlin so he ordered the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961. On Aug 13, 1961 the border between east and west berlin was closed. Barbed wire and armed guards were used, soon fortified by concrete. Thousands of families were cut off from each other and thousands of east berliners lost their jobs in the west. The wall stood until Nov 9 1989, when citizens were finally allowed to cross the border. -
The Balkans Crisis
Yugoslavia was made up of 6 republics: Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, Montenegro and Macedonia. During Mid 1990s, Yugoslavia broke up after the fall of communism. There were a series of ethnic conflicts and wars of independence. Civil war broke out between Croatia, Serbia (Christian) and Bosnia(Muslims). Serbians forces murder thousands Muslim Bosnians. NATO air strikes Bosnia Serbs, they begin bombing sites to stop genocide which shows the US commitment to human rights. -
Technology
The 1990's was an era of great technological advancements. Personal computers became affordable for millions, thus causing the computer industry to flourish. Then the internet was introduced to the public, though the internet has been around since the 1960s in military bases. By 1994 there were approx. 6 million users by 2001 there were approx. 130 million. People could communicate through video camera, emails and AOL. These accomplishments changed Americans business and lifestyles. -
Period: to
1990'S
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Persian Gulf War/ 1st Iraq War
In early Aug 1990, Iraq leader Saddam Hussein sends more than a hundred thousand Iraqi troops to the border with Kuwait, invading them. Saddam blames Kuwait for the cheap oil that is hurting Iraq. The United Nations security council authorized the use of force against Iraq. On January 16,1991 the United States joins the battle with a U.S Air led offensive, Operation Desert Storm. In the 1st phase US bombs important Iraqi installations, in the 2nd phase Ground troops defeat iraq troops in 4 days -
Rodney King Incident
Rodney King was born on April 12, 1965 in Sacramento, California. He was an African-American taxi driver who was brutally beaten by the Los Angeles Police. A videotape was released of four L.A officers savagely beating him during his arrest in March 3, 1991. They were charged with assault with a deadly weapon and excessive use of force. A white jury acquitted the police officers in April 1992, angering citizens and setting off the 'L.A Riots of 1992'. 63 lives were taken during the protests. -
Election of 1992
In the Election of 1992 there were three major candidates: Incumbent President George H.W Bush (Republican), William "Bill" Jefferson (Democrat), and Josh Perot (Independent). Bill Clinton was the Governor of Arkansas with a charismatic personality. President Bush was popular because of the Persian Gulf War. Josh Perot was successful Texas businessman. The Independent third party took away votes from President Bush, thus helping Bill Clinton win the election with 43% of the votes. -
World Trade Center Attack 1993
At 9:18 AM PST on February 26, 1993 the World Trade Center located in New York City was the center of a terrorist attack. The Two perpetrators: Ramzi Yousef and Eyad Ismoil drove a yellow van and parked in the public parking garage beneath the World Trade Center. Yousef lit the fuses of a bomb causing an explosion that created a hole. The explosion killed six people, and left more than 1,000 injured. The terrorist attack frighten many Americans of future attacks.It foreshadowed 9/11 -
North American Free Trade Agreement
The North American Free Trade or NAFTA came into force on January 1, 1994. NAFTA is an agreement negotiated among Canada, Mexico and the United States. It created a trilateral trade bloc in North America. With the purpose of removing trade barriers for the exchange of goods and services, as well as eliminating tariffs and duties between the countries. Rules are put in for several agricultural and technological industries. This agreement has its cons, Americans lose many jobs because of it. -
Don't Ask Don't Tell
Dont Ask, Dont Tell (DADT) policy was passed during Clinton's presidency on February 28, 1994. During his inauguration, he made it clear that he planned to get rid of the ban of homosexuals in the military. The United States policy regarded gays, bisexuals, and lesbians, they could remain in the military as long as they did not openly declared their sexual orientation. The DADT policy lasted until September 20, 2011 when President Obama repealed it, they don't need to hide to serve our country -
Defense of Marriage Act
Marriage is said to be the union of one man and one woman. Defense of Marriage Act of 1996 was passed on Sep 21, 1996. The act is a federal law, denying federal recognition and prohibits marriage of same-sex couples from collecting federal benefits. As well as allowing states to refuse recognition of same sex marriage license. Doma was overruled on June 26, 2015 by the U.S Supreme Court. States that have previously banned it arent required to recognize legal marriages performed in other states. -
Lewinski Affair
Presidential Bill Clinton had an affair with a White House Intern: Monica Lewinski. Their sexual relationship began in 1995-1997. Prosecutor Kenneth Star hears about the affair through a female civil servant, whom Monica confessed to about the affair in confidence. In 1998 the relationship comes to light and the media gets the story. President Clinton denies having an affair with Monica under oath. Soon evidence proves that he was lying. He is impeached for perjury and obstruction of justice -
Election Controversy
The Election of 2000 was one of the closest elections in American history. The results/ winner would be decided by Florida, but it was hard to decide who won. The votes in Florida were so close that they had to recount. Then Al Gore decides to take it to the Supreme Court of the United States, Gore v Bush case where it's decided 5-4 that Bush won and judges couldn't be told how to count votes. George Bush barely lost the popular vote to Al Gore but defeated him in the electoral college votes. -
Period: to
Contemporary
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Election of 2000
The two major candidates for the Election of 2000 were Al Gore, running for the Democratic party and George W. Bush, running for the Republican Party. Al-Gore was then the Vice President to Clinton. George Bush was then the Governor of Texas and the son of former President George H.W Bush, advocating an ownership society instead of having jobs in the industry. The third candidate was Ralph Nader running for the Green Party who was also a environmentalist and advocated consumer rights. -
9/11 Attacks
September 11, 2001 is marked one of the most catastrophic day in American history. 19 Al-Qaeda hijackers board 4 planes and turn the course around, they hit the twin towers (2 World Trade Centers), 1 hits the pentagon and the last one is diverted by the passengers who subdue the terrorists, the plane nosedives into a field. The first tower is hit at 8:45 a.m everyone is clueless but 18 minutes the second tower is hit. Both towers collapsed. 2,973 people die in the terrorist attacks. -
PATRIOT ACT
As a response of the tragic 9/11 events the USA PATRIOT ACT of 2001 is signed into law by President George W. Bush, on October 26, 2001. The letter abbreviation stands for "Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism" act. The act expands the governments law enforcement powers but many think the Executive overreached its power, invading personal privacy. It would allow for the monitor of bank accounts, searches and surveillance. -
No Child Left Behind
The No Child Left Behind Act was signed into law by President George W. Bush on January 8, 2002. The act was an education reform that requires states to test students in reading and math from the 3rd grade to 8th and then once in high school. It's purpose is to help students achieve important educational goals. The law also provides money for educational assistance for poor children. It reauthorized former president Lyndon B. Johnson's Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. -
2nd Iraq War
Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein allegedly tried to attain nuclear and biological weapons of mass destruction. It was Believed that Saddam was linked to the 9/11 attacks, therefore disarming Iraq became a priority. President Bush demanded UN inspectors were to be allowed in Iraq, but Saddam Refused. On March 19, 2003 a coalition of forces invaded Iraq. The second gulf war lasted just three weeks and ended with overthrow of Saddam Hussein. In 2006 he was executed for his war crimes. -
Hurricane Katrina Disaster
From August 23, 2005 to August 31, 2005 a Category 4 hurricane hit the Gulf Coast from Central Florida to Texas. When the tropical storm made landfall in was rated Category 3. There were over 50 failures of levees and flood walls, not being able to hold the water, worsening the situation. It failed to hold the storm in New Orleans. Because Louisiana is under sea level, 80% of New Orleans was flooded. The total damage of Hurricane Katrina is estimated at $108 billion and 1,833 fatalities. -
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama runs for the US Presidential Election in 2008 for the Democratic Party. Obama campaigns on economic hope and change. On November 4, 2008 Illinois Senator, Barack Obama is elected the 44th President of the United States, becoming the first African-American President/ commander-in-chief. He wins 53% of the vote, beating McClain (Republican) by a large margin. 365 electoral votes to 173. He serves as the 44th president from January 20, 2009 to January 20, 2017 (two terms) -
Sonia Sotomayor
During President Obama's administration he nominates Sonia Sotomayor on May 26, 2009. Sonia Sotomayor was born on June 25, 1954 in New York City, NY and graduated from Yale Law School. In August 6, 2009 by a vote of 68 to 31 she becomes the first latina Justice and on August 8, 2009 she is sworn in by Chief Justice Roberts. She is the first Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of United States of hispanic descent and first Latina. She began serving in 2009 and still continues to serve today. -
Undoing of DOMA
DOMA or Defense of Marriage Act was passed on September 26, 1996 under Clinton's Administration, it federally prohibited the recognition of same-sex marriages. This federal law was in effect until Section 3 of the DOMA Act was ruled unconstitutional. On Dec 7, 2012 the Supreme Court agreed to take the case. After arguments from both sides were heard , the SCOTUS outlawed it in a 5-4 decision, declaring it "a deprivation of the liberty of the person protected by the Fifth Amendment."
