-
Unemployment rises in the U.S.
Over 3.2 million Americans are unemployed. -
Star Spangled Banner
Becomes the country's official national anthem. -
Franklin D. Roosevelt President.
He defeats Hoover and in his first 100 days in office, Roosevelt launches the New Deal including dozens of federal programs to help agriculture. FDR calls for social security and more fair tax system. -
Adolf Hitler becomes chancellor of Germany
Hitler marches into Austria in 1938. Germany, Japan, and Italy withdraw from the League of Nations. -
Prohibition ends with the 21st Amendment
Prohibition ends when the 21st Amendment is ratified on December 5, 1933. -
Dust Bowl
One of the worst days was "Black Sunday," when 20 massive storms roll through the Plains and turn the sky black. -
The Hindenburg catches on fire and crashes in New Jersey
A German airship called the Hindenburg catches on fire while it tries to land at Lakehurst Naval Air Station in New Jersey. 36 dead. -
The Golden Gate Bridge opens in San Francisco
After four years of construction, the Golden Gate Bridge opens in San Francisco, connecting San Francisco to Marin County. -
"The Grapes of Wrath is published."
"The Grapes of Wrath" is considered one of the most important novels in American history. -
WW2 about to begin.
Hitler orders Nazi Germany's invasion of Poland. Two days later, France and England declare war on Germany, beginning World War II. -
Germany advances
Hitler invades Norway and Denmark in April, and then invades Holland, Belgium, France, and Luxembourg in May. Japan allies itself with Germany and Italy in September. -
U.S. enters the war
On December 7th the Japanese make a surprise attack on the Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Hawaii. The U.S. declares war on Japan. Hitler declares war on the U.S. -
Killing of Jews begins.
Hitler gives orders to start murdering Jews in concentrations camps. It is estimated that about 6 million Jews die by the war's end. -
The Big Three meet
In November, U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt, Soviet Leader Josef Stalin, and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill meet in Teheran, Iran. They discuss war operations and plans for peace. -
D-Day
Allied forces invade the coast of Normandy, France in a surprise attack by land, sea, and air. Armies now advance toward Berlin. President Roosevelt is elected for a fourth term. -
Japan surrenders
On August 6th, the U.S. drops the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima in Japan. A second one is dropped on August 8th on Nagasaki. Japan surrenders on August 14th, ending the war. -
The United Nations begins
The United Nations' general assembly meets in London in January. New York eventually becomes the location for the United Nations headquarters. -
Jackie Robinson
Becomes the first African American to sign a contract with a major league baseball team. -
Reconstruction and a new nation.
The Marshall Plan, outlining the reconstruction of Europe, passes in Congress. Israel proclaims itself an independent Jewish state. -
Nations protect themselves from Russia
With the increased threat from the Soviet Union, the United States and several western European countries sign a treaty of support. It is known as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO. -
The Korean War Begins
The United Nations is called on for help, and forces are sent to help push the North Koreans back across the border. Fighting ends on July 27, 1953. -
22nd Amendment is ratified
The 22nd amendment limits the terms a President of the United States can serve to two. -
The U.S. tests the H-bomb
After World War II, President Truman has scientists work on a hydrogen bomb for American defense. It is tested on November 1, 1952 on a small island in the Pacific. -
A new president and a new queen
Dwight D. Eisenhower is inaugurated as the United States' 34th President. He serves for two terms. Queen Elizabeth II of England is crowned queen. -
SEATO is formed
In order to stop the spread of communism, a group of allies form SEATO, the South East Asia Treaty Organization. Its members include the United States, Thailand, the Philippines, France, Great Britain, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Australia. -
Warsaw Pact forms
To respond to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Soviet Union forms the Warsaw Pact. Its members include most of the Central and Eastern European states. -
Elvis Presley gains popularity
Elvis' first single with RCA records, "Heartbreak Hotel," is released in January 1956. It becomes his first number one hit. -
First in space
The Soviet Union launches the first earth-orbiting satellite, Sputnik I, on October 4, 1957 ahead of the United States. Sputnik II is launched on November 3rd. -
A new satellite and a new space agency
In response to the Sputnik launches, the U.S. launches the Explorer I on January 31st. Later in the year the U.S. government starts a new space agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). -
New states join the Union
On January 3rd, Alaska becomes the 49th state of the United States. Hawaii follows on August 21st, becoming the 50th state.