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Labor Movement Gains Momentum (wk 1)
US workers were suffering from poor work conditions, long hours and low pay. In 1877, a group of W.V. railroad workers went on strike. Federal troops were sent in to force the workers back on their job, but failed. This event was called The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 and sparked similar strikes throughout the country that showed workers could unite against big business for change.
http://www.ushistory.org/us/37a.asp -
Period: to
US History: 1877 to modern times
The second half of the United States history was a tumultuous time of growth and change. Here are some of the key events: -
The Third Wave of Immigration (wk 1)
The period from 1880 to 1920 is referred to as the third wave of immigration. This period was different from previous immigration surges in that these immigrants were seeking economic opportunity in the fast growing industrial period that was happening in the states (as opposed to previous immigrants who were seeking religious freedom). During this time, more than 23 million European immigrants came to the US. http://immigrationtounitedstates.org/603-immigration-waves.html -
Chinese Exclusion Act (wk 1)
This act passed in 1882 placed broad restrictions on the immigration of Chinese Nationals into the United States. Before this time, Chinese workers had made up a significant portion of the labor force in the garment industry, gold mining, agricultural jobs and factory work. Economic and cultural tensions led to ethnic discrimination to place severe limits on further immigration. https://history.state.gov/milestones/1866-1898/chinese-immigration -
American Expansion (wk 1)
Beginning in 1890 with America Samoa and Hawaii, the US began expanding its territory outside of North American. This policy was controversial. Industrialists wanted more territory because they wanted more buyers for their goods and some saw it beneficial for our military strength. Others thought that the US should focus its attention and resources inward, not on acquiring new property. http://www.ushistory.org/us/44.asp -
World War I (wk 2)
A four-year-long war beginning in 1914. It was one of the bloodiest wars in human history with over 16 million deaths. It was the first war to take advantage of new technologies and fight both on land, air, and underwater. http://www.historynet.com/world-war-i -
Harlem Renaissance (wk 2)
In the 1920s African-Americans were migrating away from the south and into the urban North. This is what is known as the Great Migration. In particular, a community in Harlem became a focal point of black culture, art and intellectualism. Although blacks were segregated, their influence was strong and extended beyond their communities to affect white culture as well. http://www.ushistory.org/us/46e.asp -
Roaring 20s (wk 2)
While Europe struggled economically after WWI, America became the most economically prosperous country on earth. The change during this era was a huge evolution for the US and gave rise to the consumer culture that continues today. The rapid movement towards industrialization meant, for the first time in history, more people were living an urban instead of rural life. https://www.history.com/topics/roaring-twenties -
The Great Depression (wk 2)
This devastating economic event began with the Stock Market Crash of 1929 causing years of financial ruin for many. One-fourth of the population was unemployed and the stock market lost 90% of its value destroying the wealth and security of many overnight. http://www.ushistory.org/us/48.asp -
WWII (wk 3)
The Second World War began in 1939 when Hitler invaded Poland. Poland had the support of France and Britain who were immediately drawn into the war. The war lasted until 1945 and affected countries throughout the world. By the time Hitler and the axis powers were stopped, an estimated 40 to 50 million people had died, making WWII the deadliest war in history. https://www.britannica.com/event/World-War-II -
Pearl Harbor (wk 3)
The surprise military attack by Japan on Pearl Harbor killed 2400 Americans and wounded 1000 more. It was this event which forced the Americans to commit to the Allies in Europe and join WWII. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/pearl-harbor -
Cold War (wk 3)
This Post-WWII conflict between America and its allies versus the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries set the world on edge as its leaders used propaganda and hostility that threatened to break out into nuclear war over their differing ideologies. This period began in 1947 and lasted until 1990.
https://www.history.com/topics/cold-war/cold-war-history -
Vietnam War (wk 3)
This conflict began in 1955 and America got involved 10 years later joining South Vietnam against North Vietnam. This defining event in US history changed the relationship Americans had to their countries leaders and issued in decades of mistrust.
https://www.history.com/topics/vietnam-war/vietnam-war-history -
Civil Rights Act (wk 3)
The monumental law made discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin illegal. It was the result of years of peaceful protests and marches by leaders such a Martin Luther King, Jr.
https://www.nps.gov/articles/civil-rights-act.htm -
Equal Rights Amendment (wk 3)
This Amendment was put to Congress in 1921 with the intention of guaranteeing equal right for all Americans regardless of gender. It was passed by Congress in 1972 but thwarted by conservative women when it came time for states to ratify it. It languished and was never adopted.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal_Rights_Amendment -
Reaganomics (wk 4)
Reagan gave a 30% tax cut to high-income earners in attempt to increase revenue in the Federal government, also known as "Trickle Down Economics." This caused a dire recession from 1981 to 1982 as high interests caused an increase in prices for goods. On the flipside, an increase in military spending caused the American defense industry to soar.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/column-how-reaganomics-deregulation-and-bailouts-led-to-the-rise-of-trump -
Rise of the Digital Age (wk 4)
In 1975 computers and the internet were only used for the army. By the tail end of the 1980s personalized computers became popular for the masses resulting in a complete cultural change in business and communication.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_Age -
Clinton Scandal (wk 4)
Clinton´s success as president was disrupted by his inappropriate relationship with intern Monica Lewinsky. Clinton lost his ability to practice law when he lied under oath saying he had no sexual relations with Lewinsky. This resulted in his impeachment. -
America in the New Century (wk 4)
By the 2000s the Soviet Union had collapsed and America officially returned as the superpower country. American corporations continue to dominate the world economically.
