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Montgomery Bus Boycott
The Montgomery Bus Boycott was a13-month long boycott to support African Americans who were arrested for breaking transportation segregation policies. Rosa Park's arrest sparked the beginning of the boycott. African Americans took taxis driven by black drivers, walked, rode horses, or cycled to make an economic impact on public transportation. -
Little Rock Nine
With segregation outlawed by the Brown vs. Board case, the Little Rock School District called for students to attend Central High School. After a few attempts, nine students were escorted in to Central High School by federal troops. The kids continued to be harassed throughout the year. -
Election of 1960
Democrat John F. Kennedy narrowly defeated Republican Richard Nixon to become the 35th president of the United States. John F. Kennedy's handsome looks earned him votes. Kennedy was a Roman Catholic, but stressed a strong separation of church and state. -
U.S. Sends Aid to Vietnam
Kennedy sends 400 Green Beret to train South Vietnamese soldiers in counter-insurgency against the Viet Cong's. The Green Berets also aided in the establishment of fortified camps along the mountains to prevent infiltration by North Vietnam. -
Kennedy's Assassination
John F. Kennedy was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald, while riding in a presidential motorcade with his wife in Dallas, Texas. Lee Harvey Oswald was later murdered by Jack Ruby. -
MLK Jr. Assassination
Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated by 40-year old fugitive James Earl Ray on a Memphis hotel balcony. President Lyndon B. Johnson called for a national day of mourning held on April 7. MLK Jr. was the most influential civil rights leader, and his assassination sparked protests across U.S. cities. -
Apollo 11
Apollo 11 was the first space shuttle to land humans on the moon. Commander Neil Armstrong and pilot Buzz Aldrin were the first to step on the moon's surface. Armstrong's first steps were broadcast worldwide, and he is quoted for the phrase, "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Apollo 11 uses the moon's gravity to propel itself back to earth. -
Equal Rights Amendment
An amendment of the US Constitution that guarantees equal rights to all American citizens regardless of sex and prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. The amendment was encouraged by the women's movement, after women experienced unfair working conditions and employment hours. -
Watergate Scandal
The famous Watergate Scandal was a scandal that was uncovered when five burglars were arrested at the Democratic National Committee Headquarters in the Watergate Complex. The burglars were found to be involved in illegal activities, such as placing recorders in the office's of Nixon's political opponents. -
Operation Homecoming
Operation Homecoming is the return of 591 American prisoners of war that were being held captive in North Vietnam. The Paris Peace Accords ended U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. -
Nixon Resigns
Nixon announced his resignation from presidency due to the Watergate Scandal. Nixon was found guilty for his involvement in the Watergate Scandal, and he resigned because he was facing impeachment. The following president Gerald Ford gave him a presidential pardon, so he did not face criminal charges.
