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The Massacre at Sand Creek
(http://www.ushistory.org/us/40a.asp)
This massacre occurred at Sand Creek, a village home to around 800 Native Americans. Their leader, Black Kettle, asked for peace with the US Army, and was assured that there would be no hostilities between them. Colonel John Chivington disregarded the request and surrounded the village. He then ordered his men to "Kill and scalp all, big and little." This massacre signaled a change in relations which proved deadly for Native Americans across the country. -
The Establishment of the National Labor Union
(http://www.ushistory.org/us/37c.asp)
The establishment of the National Labor Union, the first national union of workers, was a monumental event. While the organization ultimately failed, the movement established that the workers of America would not tolerate unfair wages or working conditions, and established a precedent for the unions of the future to follow. The National Labor Union also was a statement to the big companies that the workers would not give up until they had their rights. -
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US History: VHS Summer: Alexander Haag
This timeline documents what I perceive as some of the most important events and ideas that have shaped our nation from the year 1877 to the present. It includes detailed descriptions of why the events are important, and by studying the events and ideas outlined in the past, I hope that you will have a better understanding of the world at present. -
The Great Upheaval
(http://www.ushistory.org/us/37a.asp)
The Great Upheaval was a significant event because it was a major strike by workers in the Railroad industry that caught the attention of the entire country. Not even the National Guard could remove the protesting workers. The federal government's militia had to force their way through the protestors to get the trains they held hostage moving. After a few casualties, the protestors left, but their strike had a powerful effect in inspiring other strikes. -
The Harlem Renaissance
(http://www.ushistory.org/us/46e.asp)
The Harlem Renaissance was an explosion of African American culture and pride which inspired beautiful art and helped to bridge the cultural gap between White Americans and African Americans. Jazz music, visual art, and poetry produced by African American artists revolutionized American culture. Though it was caused by the oppression faced by African Americans around the US, this was a true cultural Renaissance, and an important era in the culture of art. -
American Expansion (Idea)
(http://www.ushistory.org/us/44.asp)
The idea of American expansion existed well before 1890, however around this time period overseas expansion began to increase rapidly. America exercised its influence in many countries such as Hawaii, Cuba, Panama, etc. American expansion is the idea that America has a right and a duty to extend its influence across the world. Some extremists believed expansion was God's mission, while others thought America superior to other nations and deserving of control. -
Globalization (Idea)
(https://courses.vhslearning.org/d2l/le/content/389552/viewContent/2722452/View) Image Analysis assignment.
Globalization is the breaking down of barriers such as trade tariffs and hostile negotiations in order to unite the world further as a whole. Organizations such as the United Nations help to accomplish this goal of unifying the planet, and America has been at the forefront of many initiatives such as NATO and NAFTA. The U.S. is currently at the forefront as a powerful member of the UN. -
Americanization (idea)
(https://courses.vhslearning.org/d2l/le/content/389552/viewContent/2722452/View) The Image Analysis assignment.
Americanization is the spreading influence of American culture across the world. Many people give a negative connotation to this occurrence because it is argued to interfere with local customs and harm the cultural identity of the foreign nations it influences. Examples of Americanization are trends such as fancy sneakers or clothes as well as American fast food such as McDonalds. -
World War I
(http://www.ushistory.org/us/45.asp)
World War I was one of the bloodiest, ugliest wars in history. It was the first real global conflict, spanning multiple continents and involving countries around the world. War crimes were rampant and the inhumane use of chemical attacks as well as the disregard for civilians caught in the crossfire was horrendous. The war wrought massive devastation throughout Europe which took years to repair, and caused extreme hardship to all involved. -
The Treaty of Versailles
(http://www.ushistory.org/us/45d.asp)
The Treaty of Versailles may have ended the war, but it immediately sowed the seeds for a disastrous new one. The terms of the Treaty of Versailles blamed Germany for the war and tasked it with paying for all damages incurred during it. Military restrictions were also put on Germany, its territories were given to the Allies, and its territory was divided, creating a weak economy destined to explode into violence. The Allies had made a big mistake. -
The Stock Market Crash of 1929
(http://www.ushistory.org/us/48a.asp)
The Stock Market Crash of 1929 was one of the most significant causes of the Great Depression as hopeful investors lost huge sums of money and banks closed, taking the savings of countless families with them. It was a time of hopeless confusion as people flooded Wall Street searching for answers. After the crash, many companies experienced major losses and were forced to lay off workers, leading to one of the highest unemployment rates in American history. -
Isolationism (Idea)
(http://www.ushistory.org/us/50a.asp)
Isolationism in the 1930's was caused mostly by the economic depression and the weariness of the American people. War left them distraught and led them to desire to avoid conflict. Trade with other nations slowed as an "America First" mentality became prominent. Negotiations and interactions with foreign countries stagnated as the public pushed for America to be independent from the influence of other nations. This led to feelings of distrust in foreigners. -
The Attack on Pearl Harbor
(http://www.ushistory.org/us/50e.asp)
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor brought the United States directly into the fight of World War II. Its aim was to cripple the US Pacific fleet to the point that it could not stop Japanese influence from spreading across the Pacific. Unfortunately for Japan, all the attack did was anger the US and give it a reason to join a fight it had been longing to be a part of. The attack saw the deaths of thousands of Americans, and inspired the deaths of many more. -
The Dropping of the first Atmoic Bomb
(http://www.ushistory.org/us/51g.asp)
The invention and use of the Atomic Bomb changed the face of warfare forever. These bombs remain the most powerful destructive force on the planet, and in their first and only use by one country on another, they claimed the lives of thousands of people. Nearly all of them were innocent civilians. The radiation damage left a lasting mark on the area, and the use of the bomb began a serious global arms race whose effects we see even now, years later. -
The Korean War
(http://www.ushistory.org/us/52e.asp)
The Korean War was one of the first direct conflicts between Communism and Democracy. Over 37,000 Americans were killed in this battle which ended in a stalemate. -
The Montgomery Bus Boycott
(http://www.ushistory.org/us/54b.asp)
The Montgomery Bus Boycott was tremendously successful. From the very start, it has sent a powerful message to the American Government about the resolve of the protesters. When Rosa Parks was arrested for challenging the system by withholding her seat from a white man on the bus, a boycott of public transportation around the city of Montgomery was instituted. In the end, this boycott led to a compromise which allowed more rights to African Americans. -
The Vietnam War
(http://www.ushistory.org/us/55.asp)
The Vietnam War was a horrific, costly war that divided American public opinion and ultimately ended in a victory for the Communists spreading their influence across the world. America was unable to protect democracy in the region, and perhaps the worst part of their defeat is that once Communism took over Vietnam, it spread to the neighboring countries as well, with the U.S. helpless to stop it. Many young Americans lost their lives and futures for nothing. -
Feminism (idea)
(http://www.ushistory.org/us/57a.asp)
Feminism existed well before the 1960's, however the revival of the movement in the 60's was much more successful. Feminism created a way for women to band together, celebrate their culture, and demand justice. By promoting the idea that women are equally as capable as men, and deserve the same rights and privileges, Feminism led to societal and legislative reform. With the rights they deserved, women were able to progress closer to a goal of equality. -
The Roe v. Wade Court Case
(http://www.ushistory.org/us/57d.asp)
The Roe v. Wade court case was a legal case originating in Texas through which Jane Roe won the right to abortion. She challenged the laws and regulations outlawing abortion for any reason in the state. The case, which made it all the way to the supreme court, led to a ruling that abortion would be legal in every state, and any law disagreeing would be overruled. As abortion was a big issue fought for by women at the time, this case changed American society. -
The invention of the consumer computer
(http://www.ushistory.org/us/59d.asp)
When Apple invented the first computer made for consumers, it revolutionized the world of technology. With access to computers and the internet, people were able to communicate via electronic mail and online chats, making the transfer of ideas and information incredibly faster. Computers helped simplify complex tasks such as accounting and business management, affecting companies everywhere. It was one of the most important inventions of the 20th century. -
The US crackdown on terrorism starting with the bombing of Libya
(http://www.ushistory.org/us/59c.asp)
When the US took its hardline stance on terrorism during the Reagan administration, it sent a message to the world. The empty threats which did nothing to halt the onset of terrorism around the world were over. Reagan told the world that if there were ties to terrorism in any country, that country would be punished severely. When terrorist attacks in Germany were tied to the Libyan government, America sent a strong message by bombing targets in Libya.
