1955-1975

America Joins the Vietnam War

Nov 1, 1955

The United States entered the Vietnam war to halt the spread of communism. They had been providing funding, armaments, and training to South Vietnam's government since 1954.

23rd Amendment Is Passed

Jul 16, 1960

This amendment allowed residents of the District of Columbia to vote for President and Vice President.

35th Presidential Election

Jan 20, 1961

John F. Kennedy served as President of the United States from 1961 until his assassination in 1963.

Cuban Missile Crisis

Oct 16, 1962

Leaders of the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in a tense 13-day political and military standoff over the nuclear-armed Soviet missiles on Cuba, which is just 90 miles from American shores.

First Inauguration of Lyndon B. Johnson

Nov 22, 1963

Following the assassination of President Kennedy, Johnson was inaugurated as President of the United States on Air Force One at Love Field, Dallas. This was the eighth nonscheduled inauguration to ever take place.

24th Amendment Is Ratified

Jan 23, 1964

Passed by Congress on August 27, 1962, the 24th Amendment was ratified on January 23, 1964. This amendment outlawed the poll tax as a voting requirement in federal elections.

First Person on the Moon

Jul 20, 1969

Neil Armstrong became the first person on the moon on July 20, 1969. They landed on the moon in the Lunar Module.

Roe v. Wade

Jan 22, 1973

This was a legal case in which the United States Supreme Court ruled that unduly restrictive state regulation of abortion is unconstitutional.