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End of World War 2
It was the dropping of the A-Bomb that ended the war for America because that was when the Japanese surrendered. Other countries surrendered at different times, but this is when Japan surrendered. -
Brown Vs. Board of Education
The decision of the Brown Vs. Board of Education was the landmark decision concerning segregation. It officially stated that segregation was unconstitutional and allowed integration in the public school system. -
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Montgomery Bus Boycott
The Mongomery Bus Boycott was a peaceful protest led by African Americans to end bus segregation and, on a larger scale, segregation in general. -
Little Rock Nine Incident
This was the date of the first attempt at the entry of the Little Rock Nine into Central High School for desegregation. It was unsuccessful because of a mob that had congregated outside. The students were escorted into the building by federal troops the next day. -
Sputnik Launch
While the launch of Sputnik marked the beginning of the space race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union and was a big step for the world, it shocked and scared many Americans because they feared the Soviets would be able to launch missiles on them with their superior rocket power. -
U-2 Incident
A spy plane, piloted by Francis Gary Powers, an American, was shot down in the Soviet Union. -
Bay of Pigs Invasion
Intending to overthrow Fidel Castro, the United States backed some Cuban nationalists and hoped to take over by force. However, the failure of this invasion did nothing but further damage the relations between the U.S. and Cuba. -
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Cuban Misile Crisis
A 13 day scare where the United States and the Soviet Union were consulting about moving the missiles that were being held in Soviet - controlled Cuba. Eventually, the Soviets agreed to move them. -
Letter from Birmingham Jail
Martin Luther King Jr sent a letter to his fellow clergymen explaining "why we can't wait". It had a powerful message and summed up the whole reason for the Civil Rights Movement. -
March on Washington
250,000 people met in Washington to support the Civil Rights Movement and get the attention of the U.S. Government. This is also the place where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous "I have a Dream" speech.
