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Founding of Jamestown
After men were dispatched on 3 ships to Virginia, they founded the first permanent English settlement of Jamestown. The settlement struggled early on, with many dying from starvation and disease. However, this was Britain's first experience with colonization in the New World, and they would learn the difficulties of keeping a settlement going. -
Headright System
The headright system was devised to increase the population and support the struggling colonies. It granted 100 acres of land to settlers already in Virginia, 50 acres to new settlers, and another 50 acres to anyone who paid for the passage of another person. This encouraged families to migrate to the New World together and established the indentured servant system. The headright system allowed poorer people to migrate, which was important for populating the colonies and supplying workers. -
Mayflower Compact
A group of Puritans wanting complete separation from the Church of England called themselves the Pilgrims. They migrated to present-day Massachusetts aboard the Mayflower to found the colony of Plymouth. Led by William Bradford, they signed the Mayflower Compact, which expressed a community ideal of working together. This was the governing document of Plymouth Colony, and also the first attempt at self-governance in the new colonies. -
Bacon's Rebellion
Most Indians lived on territory where former servants wanted to settle. They demanded the Indians to be forced out but were ignored by Governor Berkeley. Fighting broke out between militiamen and the Indians. Nathaniel Bacon emerged as the leader of the rebels and issued the "Manifesto and Declaration of the People," which demanded the removal of Indians. Backed by 400 men, he burned down Jamestown but his army later dispersed after he had died. The rebellion increased the popularity of slavery. -
Invention of the Steam Engine
The steam engine was invented in England by Thomas Savery and James Watt. It could power mechanical equipment using steam and was originally used to haul loads and pump water out of mines. With this invention, engines could operate without the presence of a source of energy. Factories could be built anywhere and the steam train could deliver goods faster than ever, and steamboats could finally travel upstream. The steam engine made it cheaper to produce and ship goods across the country. -
Start of the Great Awakening
People felt that religion was becoming dry, dull, and distant and preachers felt that people needed to be concerned with inner emotions rather than outward religious behavior. The Great Awakening revived religion and gave colonists a shared national religious experience. Preachers spread themes of salvation from sins. Those who embraced the new ideas became the New Lights, while those who didn't became the Old Lights. A more religious people were created and ideas of equality were encouraged. -
The French and Indian War Begins
Tensions between the French and British over land east of the Appalachian Mountains resulted in the French and Indian War. Native Americans who wanted to protect their land from the British also allied with the French. The British ultimately defeated the French, forcing them to give up all their land holdings in North America. However, the war came at a great cost and would cause division between the colonies and Great Britain. -
The Albany Plan
Benjamin Franklin proposed the Albany Plan at the Albany Congress in hopes of creating an alliance and unified government between the currently divided colonies. He argued that an attack from the French on one colony would be an attack on all of them, which would allow them to fare much better against the French. The plan was rejected, but it was the first time an idea like this was presented. It also formed a network of similar-minded people such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. -
The Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was passed with the main purpose of helping pay for British troops stationed in the colonies. It taxed all printed items such as birth certificates, documents of marriage, and ship manifests. This was one of the many acts that were imposed on the colonies, increasing tensions between them and Britain. The tax affected the rich the most, so they used their influence to stir up anger within the colonies. The act ultimately led to opposition and organized boycotts of British goods. -
Boston Massacre
A mob of patriots were both verbally and physically abusing British soldiers in Boston. When a soldier was hit by a rock, they opened fire on the mob and killed 5 people. Paul Revere made propaganda named the "Bloody Massacre" that depicted more British soldiers and protestors who were not fighting back. The depiction spread throughout the colonies, which helped unite all of them against Britain and sparked the revolution. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was a protest against Great Britain for their imposing of taxes without representation. It was organized in the Boston Harbor by the Sons of Liberty and led by Samuel Adams. They took their shirts off, painted their faces like Native Americans, and threw bags of tea into the water, causing $1.8 million in tax revenue to be lost. This was one of the first acts of rebellion against Britain and played a big part in causing the eventual American Revolution. -
The Intolerable Acts
To punish the colonies for their acts of rebellion, the British passed a series of laws called the Coercive Acts, dubbed the "Intolerable Acts" by the colonists. They outlawed assemblies, took total control of the colonial government, and royal officials accused of a crime were tried in England. The Boston port was closed to specifically punish Massachusetts for the Boston Tea Party. These laws outraged the colonists and contributed greatly to the brewing revolution. -
Common Sense Published
After fighting in Boston and before independence had been declared, Thomas Paine wrote the pamphlet "Common Sense." It was considered a brilliant work of propaganda that advocated American independence from Britain. He used either logical or emotional arguments and wrote in the common language to inspire the American people to unite together, which was crucial in leading up to the American Revolution. -
Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson helped write the first draft of the Declaration of Independence. The document was made after a long period of attempting to negotiate with Britain and was approved by the Second Continental Congress. It declared the independence of America from Great Britain and outlined the political values of the nation. It also won wide support from foreign nations such as Germany and France and sparked celebrations throughout the colonies. -
Battle of Saratoga
British General Burgoyne and his army took a direct route to meet up with 2 other armies, but they got stuck in a swampy area. The Continental Army quickly surrounds his army, capturing an entire army and leveling the playing field, which until now was heavily favored towards the British. This boosted morale and supplied them with gunpowder, cannons, ammunition, rifles, and food. The French, seeing this victory, now agreed to help America, which marked a major turning point in the war. -
Battle of Yorktown
In an attempt to lure Washington's army into a trap, General Cornwallis ordered his troops to retreat to Yorktown in order to receive backup. However, unaware that the French had defeated the British fleet, Cornwallis was instead met by the French navy and was forced to surrender when surrounded by the American army. This was the last major battle in the American Revolution, and the surrender of the British forecast the end of British rule in the colonies. -
Treaty of Paris
After major fighting had ended in the Revolutionary War, the Treaty of Paris was signed to formally declare an end to the war. Great Britain finally recognized the United States as an independent nation. The treaty gave the US all British lands between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mississippi River, and north to British Canada. This increased the size of the country and would encourage westward expansion. -
Shays' Rebellion
After the Revolutionary War, many farmers who had fought received little compensation and were in deep debt. Many were sent to prison or lost their farms. Daniel Shays led a mob of farmers to take over courthouses to prevent foreclosure. With no executive or standing army, the government was too weak to put down the rebellion, and a private army had to be commissioned by wealthy Bostonians. This pointed out the flaws in the Articles of Confederation and showed that reforms needed to be made. -
The Northwest Ordinance
Included in the Articles of Confederation, the Northwest Ordinance organized the northwest territories into the states of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. It created a way for territories to become states based on population and organized towns by requiring communities to provide funding for schools. Unlike in the South, slavery was outlawed in the northwest territories, setting up a future conflict between the North and South. -
Three-fifths Compromise
To please southern electors who wanted more representation, the Three-fifths Compromise was reached at the Constitutional Convention. It allowed for slaves to count as three-fifths of a person, despite slaveowners claiming that they were property. Because the south held most of the slaves, it boosted the southern states' power in the House of Representatives but did not affect their representation in the Senate. The south also had more power in determining direct taxation. -
The Bill of Rights
When the Consitution was drafted, its major flaw was that it did not include a declaration of individual rights, making it difficult for it to get ratified in every state. The Anti-Federalists refused to support the Constitution, so James Madison drafted the Bill of Rights which was adopted in 1791. The bill included the first ten amendments of the Consitution and stated the rights of the people that could not be changed. Some of these rights included freedom of speech, press, and religion. -
Invention of the Cotton Gin
Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin in 1794. Its purpose was to remove seeds from cotton fiber, which greatly sped up the harvesting of cotton. This improvement in efficiency made cotton profitable in the South and later became America's leading export. However, harvesting cotton was still very labor-intensive. This caused slavery, which was on the decline, to return when southern planters had to meet a demand for cotton and required enslaved labor. -
Alien and Sedition Acts
To silence Republican critics, the Federalists enacted the Naturalization, Alien, and Sedition Acts. The acts raised the residency requirements for citizenship, allowed the president to deport any alien, and banned the publication of anything critical of the president or Congress. Republicans accused the Sedition Act of violating the First Amendment and the Kentucky and Virginia legislatures declared the acts to be void, which set forth a states' rights interpretation of the Constitution. -
Revolution of 1800
In the presidential election of 1800, Thomas Jefferson, an Anti-Federalist, defeated John Adams, who was a Federalist. The peaceful transfer of power was the first time in history that a change in political ideology in a government occurred without violence or bloodshed. The election proved that America's system of government was effective. It would also encourage leadership under the new Democratic-Republic party. -
Marbury vs. Madison
John Marbury sued James Madison after Madison refused to deliver a letter granting him a federal judgeship. The Supreme Court sided with Madison and refused to grant Marbury the position based on the fact that they found part of the Judiciary Act void. This resulted in the Court claiming the right to "judicial review," which allowed them to declare laws as unconstitutional. This ensured that no branch of government assumed too much power and it protected civil rights. -
Lousiana Purchase
Jefferson was fearful of the US losing control of New Orleans and access to the Mississippi, which was a major trade route for eastern America. Therefore, he sent James Monroe to buy the port from Napoleon, who offered the whole Louisiana Territory instead. Jefferson accepted the offer despite questioning whether he had the authority to. The purchase doubled the size of the country and encouraged migration to the east. The Lewis and Clark expedition was commissioned to explore the new territory. -
Embargo Act of 1807
With France and Great Britain at war once again, President Jefferson wanted to remain neutral to preserve the trading relationship the US had with both of them. Under a lot of pressure and wanting to protect American interests, he enacted the Embargo Act, which imposed a ban on all foreign trade by prohibiting American ships from leaving ports. This destroyed the economy, but in the long run, it encouraged the growth of domestic manufacturing by forcing people to create their own goods. -
The Battle of Thames
The Battle of Thames was fought between British and Indian forces and American forces during the War of 1812. Under the leadership of William H. Harrison, the Americans defeated the British and Tecumseh's Confederacy. The Native American leader Tecumseh was killed during the battle, which ended Indian resistance in the Ohio River Valley. This led to an increase in white population west of the Appalachian Mountains. -
The Missouri Compromise
In order to maintain a balance between the free and slave states, President Monroe signed the Missouri Compromise. It outlawed slavery north of the 36º 30' parallel and allowed slavery south of the line. Along with this, territories applying for statehood could now only be admitted to the Union in pairs, one free and one slave. Missouri and Maine were admitted as slave and free states respectively. These laws kept the balance in Congress but were challenged when California applied for statehood. -
The Monroe Doctrine
In response to the fear of foreign nations encroaching on American affairs, President Monroe declared a national policy that warned European powers not to interfere with the affairs in the Western Hemisphere. The American continents were not to be colonized further, and in return, they would not interfere with the internal concerns of European nations. This policy solidified the US as a diplomatic leader and they won the acceptance of its northern and western boundaries. -
Election of 1828
In the election of 1828, Andrew Jackson ran against John Quincy Adams. Jackson wanted to recreate the old Jeffersonian coalition of northern farmers and artisans and southern slave owners. He created a national committee that oversaw local and state party units, which became the first political party known as the Democrats. He also started the first modern political campaign, holding mass meetings, parades, and picnics. Jackson won the election, which introduced the two-party system to the US. -
Indian Removal Act
The Indian Removal Act passed the House and the Senate and was widely supported. Andrew Jackson signed the law, which authorized him to negotiate with southern Indians for their migration into New Indian territory. Most Indians refused to move and later were forced to by American troops. They walked the Trail of Tears on foot and with little preparation, where thousands died from starvation and disease. The act achieved its purpose of furthering white colonization of Indian territory. -
Battle of the Alamo
At the start of the Texan Revolution, the president of Mexico, Santa Anna, led an army to wipe out the rebels defending the Alamo in San Antonio. Among those that were killed, American folk heroes Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie were two of them. Newspapers used their deaths to persuade Americans to join rebel forces in Texas. The Alamo became a symbol of the revolution, urging rebels to "Remember the Alamo." -
Reports of Oregon Published
The US Navy published reports about fine harbors in the Puget Sound and farmers sent letters about the mild climate and rich soils of Oregon. This peaked American interest in Oregon and thousands of families began their trek on the Oregon Trail in what was known as "Oregon fever." By 1860, 250,000 Americans had migrated, but 34,000 died from disease, exposure, and Indian encounters. The migrants who made it to Oregon settled in the Willamette Valley, where families squatted on 640 acres of land. -
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed as a resolution to the Mexican-American War. Although American forces could have taken all of Mexico, the US gave most of the land back to them under certain conditions. The Rio Grande was finally acknowledged as the border of Texas, and Mexico was forced to give up the Mexican Cession. The US finally became a bicoastal nation, which was important for trade and defense. Just a year after the treaty was signed, gold was discovered in California. -
Seneca Falls Convention
The Seneca Falls Convention was the first women's rights convention and was considered the starting point of the women's suffrage movement. The convention called for the social, civil, and religious rights of women. During the convention the Declaration of Sentiments was made, which was similar to the Declaration of Independence. It was the first time that women demanded a change, and it stated that "we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal." -
Compromise of 1850
To settle the threat of dissolution of the Union, Henry Clay proposed the Compromise of 1850. To appease the north, it admitted California as a free state and abolished the slave trade in DC, a symbolic step towards abolitionism. For southerners, the Fugitive Slave Act was passed, which helped them capture runaways in the north. Slavecatchers angered northerners, which increased support for the abolitionist cause. Additionally, new states would be governed by the concept of popular sovereignty. -
Dred Scott Decision
Dred Scott was a slave who had moved with his owner into a free state. Scott went to the Supreme Court to sue for his freedom, arguing that since slavery was illegal in the state, his slave status would violate the law. However, the Supreme Court ruled against Scott, denying citizenship to all African Americans and declaring the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional. Abolitionists were outraged by the ruling and it contributed greatly to the eventual secession of the southern states. -
Lincoln-Douglas Debates
The Lincoln-Douglas Debates were a series of 7 political debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas for the US Senate seat. Douglas argued for white supremacy, while Lincoln argued that blacks should have equal economic opportunities but not political rights. Ultimately, Douglas was reelected to the US Senate, but Lincoln's speeches made him rise to prominence, which was crucial to winning the upcoming presidential election of 1860. -
Battle of Fort Sumter
With the possibility of war on the horizon and the secession of the southern states, President Lincoln sent an unarmed ship to resupply Fort Sumter. However, Jefferson Davis and his forces opened fire on the fort in an attempt to seize control of it. The defenders of Fort Sumter were forced to surrender, which officially started the American Civil War. Northerners and southerners both responded to the attack with military action, but the border states between the north and south were conflicted. -
Homestead Act
To help populate the interior West, Republicans passed the Homestead Act, which gave 160 acres of federal land to each head of household. To ensure that the land was not going to waste, applicants were required to occupy the land for 5 years and make improvements to it. Many families would often travel as one, and towns would emerge from them working together on a large plot of land. Up until now, Indians had resided in the West, but this act drove thousands of whites across the Great Plains. -
Pacific Railway Act
The Pacific Railway Act was signed by President Lincoln to promote the creation of a transcontinental railway from east to west. The Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroad companies were authorized to begin construction from each end. They used Irish immigrants, war veterans, and the Chinese to work on the railroad, and the two companies met at Promontory Point in 1869, completing the railroad. This drastically reduced travel times and allowed the US to trade with any country from anywhere. -
The Emancipation Proclamation
The Union claimed victory at Antietam, which allowed Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. The proclamation reframed the purpose of the war from the reunification of America to slavery. While it declared that slaves in the Confederacy would be free, none were actually freed because they were people that Lincoln had no control over. The proclamation did persuade foreign nations to not recognize the Confederacy as an independent nation, which impacted the economy by decreasing exports. -
Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg was a confrontation between General Lee and General Meade's army. Meade allowed the Confederate units to escape, but it was still a decisive Union victory. This was a turning point in the Civil War, which was now in favor of the Union. Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address to commemorate a new national cemetery and said that out of the carnage of the war, Americans should bring about "a new birth of freedom," referring to slavery. -
Freedmen's Bureau
The Freedmen's Bureau was a federal agency that helped newly freed African Americans transition to a life of freedom. It helped them negotiate labor contracts, secure loans, and find and purchase land. The agency also started schools and provided legal aid to those in need. The Freedmen's Bureau was discontinued in 1872, but its legacy lived on in the various programs and initiatives that were created to support and empower African Americans. -
14th Amendment Passed
The Civil Rights Act of 1866 gave citizenship to all African Americans, but Republicans feared that Democrats would overturn the act. Therefore, the 14th Amendment was passed as a more permanent solution. It stated that all people born in the US or were naturalized were full citizens and that they had the protection of the US states. States that did not protect the people's rights could lose their representation in Congress. Formerly enslaved people were now granted full citizenship permanently. -
Tenure of Office Act
To protect certain Radical Republicans in President Johnson's cabinet, Congress passed the Tenure of Office Act. The act stated that the president could not remove military officials without Congressional approval of the Senate. Despite this, Johnson still removed the Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton, and replaced him with General Lorenzo Thomas. Because he had violated the act, the House impeached Johnson, with the Senate falling one vote short, which left him officially powerless. -
Election of 1876
The election of 1876 was between Democrat Samuel Tilden and Republican Rutherford B. Hayes. However, when the votes were counted, it seemed that all of the South had voted for Tilden. The North questioned the validity, so a recount was initiated in 3 states, which all went to Hayes. The South was outraged, so an electoral commission was created to resolve the crisis. Hayes was finally named president, and he ordered Union troops back from the South, officially ending the Reconstruction era. -
Assassination of President Garfield
Charles Guiteau had been a vocal supporter of Garfield’s giving speeches during the election. He expected to be rewarded under the spoils system with a government position, but this did not happen when Garfield was elected. Enraged, he shot Garfield, who died 11 weeks later. The assassination was the catalyst for civil service reform, with Garfield himself advocating for change. This led to the passage of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which made federal government jobs meritable. -
Dawes Act
In an attempt to protect Indian property rights and assimilate Native Americans into white culture, the US gave each family 160 acres of land. However, to do this, the government had to break up tribal lands, and only those that accepted the land could become US citizens. Families that took the land were seen as traitors, which meant that they had to sever all of their tribal ties. The government ended up stripping over 90 million acres of land from the natives, forcing them to adopt white ways. -
Founding of the Populist Party
The populist party rose up in response to high debt, falling farm prices, and high unemployment in the lower classes. It was most popular amongst agrarian workers but sometimes allied itself with labor unions. Often thought of as a party of radicals and reformers, they believed in the direct election of US Senators, the graduated income tax, and free and unlimited coinage of silver. William Jennings Bryant was their presidential nominee and delivered the popular “Cross of Gold” speech. -
Plessy v. Ferguson
In a 7 to 1 vote, the Supreme Court ruled that "separate but equal “accommodations on railroad cars conformed to the Fourteenth Amendment's guarantee of equal protection. The decision was used to justify segregating all public buildings, which included schools. However, many school districts neglected their black schools, ignoring the equal requirement. This was a setback for racial equality and implied that blacks were of a lower class. It wasn't until 1954 that this was overruled by the Court. -
De Lôme Letter
In the midst of the Spain and Cuba conflict, US government officials receive a stolen letter sent by the Spanish minister. He called President McKinley a “would-be politician” and admitted that Spain had no intentions of honoring a deal with the US aimed at humanitarian relief for the Cuban people. Yellow journalists who received a copy generated public support for a war against Spain. The US had previously wanted to negotiate a peaceful solution but was now more driven to go to war. -
Treaty of Paris (1898)
The signing of the Treaty of Paris with representatives of Spain ended the Spanish-American War. The treaty finally gave independence to Cuba and forced Spain to give up the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico, which the US gained. During the war, the US also annexed Hawaii as a state. Other effects of the war included the enlargement and modernization of the US Navy, the expansion of open markets and trade opportunities, and the US becoming a world power. -
Start of the Anthracite Coal Strike
The Anthracite Coal Strike was organized by coal miners that were a part of the United Mine Workers of America. They advocated for higher wages, shorter workdays, and recognition, but business owners refused to cooperate. However, President Roosevelt stepped in, demanding that the owners negotiate with the workers, and threatening to get the US military involved. This event marked the first time that the government sided with labor over business, representing a big shift for labor unions. -
Model T Introduced
Henry Ford introduced the Model T in 1908 for $850. However, with the use of scientific management and moving assembly lines, he reduced the production time from 12 hours to 90 minutes, reducing the price to only $280. This allowed most common people to afford an automobile, which increased sales, introduced the national highway system, and increased the demand for the materials needed. The automobile resulted in a booming economy, low unemployment, low-priced goods, and rising wages. -
Sinking of Lusitania
The Lusitania, a British passenger ship, was sunk by a German U-boat in 1915 during World War I. Over 1,100 civilians, including 128 Americans, lost their lives. The event outraged the American public and intensified anti-German sentiment, ultimately leading to the US joining the war effort two years later. The sinking marked a turning point in public opinion and helped to shift the balance of power in favor of the Allies. -
The Zimmerman Telegram
On March 1, 1917, the US learned about secret German plans after intercepting a telegram known as the Zimmerman Telegram. Germany promised to help Mexico gain back territory that they lost to the US, including Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. In exchange, they asked for an alliance in which Mexico would attack the US. News of the telegram is what ultimately drove the US to join the Allied powers in World War I. -
Selective Services Act
At the outset of WWI, America’s army was small and ill-prepared. Therefore, President Wilson signed the Selective Services Act in order to grow the military and compel service. Anyone between the ages of 21 and 31 was required to register for a military draft. America goes about the business of war and manages to mobilize 4.5 million troops. This was the nation's first peacetime draft and was crucial in supporting the Allies in the war. -
18th Amendment Passed
The 18th Amendment to the US Constitution, enacted in 1919, prohibited the manufacturing, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. It was designed to solve alcohol misuse issues and promote public decency, but it had unforeseen consequences such as the emergence of organized crime and government corruption. The provision was eventually removed by the 21st provision in 1933, but it remained an important reminder of the interaction of law, social standards, and public health policy. -
Treaty of Versailles
After years of brutal fighting, all sides wanted an end to World War I. The European powers did not like Wilson's 14 points and wanted to punish Germany, resulting in the Treaty of Versailles. The treaty forced Germany to pay reparations, limit the size of their army, lose overseas territory, and accept guilt for the war. Although this was designed to stop Germany from rising again, the resulting crisis in Germany only caused their rise to power in World War II. -
Start of the Palmer Raids
Fear of spreading communism, paired with the rise of stronger unions, immigration from Eastern Europe, and a rash of bombings in several large cities led the US government to respond. Attorney General Mitchell Palmer encouraged raids that involved mass arrests and deportation of those suspected to be anarchists, communists, and radicals. While not very productive, it demonstrated the need to protect civil liberties and constitutional rights. -
Sacco and Vanzetti Case
Two Italian immigrants who were admitted anarchists, Sacco and Vanzetti, were charged with the murder of an employee of a shoe store during an armed robbery. After the trial, they were found guilty and sentenced to death unfairly with little evidence. Their deaths sparked widespread protests and debates about civil rights. Animosity towards immigrants and those with dangerous political positions were highlighted, showing the impact of the Red Scare. -
Immigration Act of 1924
WWI created a great sense of patriotism among Americans and anyone seen as unpatriotic or standing against American values was ostracized and feared. With the knowledge of the Russian Revolution, there was a rising tide of hatred against communism marked by anti-immigrant feelings. Thus, the Immigration Act was passed, limiting the number of immigrants who could come to the US to only 2% of their country's population. -
Scopes Monkey Trial
A town in Tennessee banned the teaching of evolution in favor of teaching the creation of man as taught in the Bible. However, a local science teacher, John Scopes, decided to teach it anyways and was charged and brought to trial. William Jennings Bryan volunteered to assist the prosecution with Clarence Darrow joining the ACLU in the defense. In the end, Scopes was found guilty, but the case heightened tensions and sparked a debate that persists even today. -
Stock Market Crash
The 1929 stock market crash marked the beginning of the Great Depression, causing widespread poverty, unemployment, and economic hardship. Its consequences led to regulatory reforms to prevent a similar crisis from happening again. The Securities Act increased transparency and accountability in the stock market, while the creation of the FDIC provided a safety net for bank deposits. The crash ultimately highlighted the need for government intervention in times of economic crisis. -
The Dust Bowl Begins
In the plains region of the US, many experienced the economic and environmental disaster known as the Dust Bowl. This was caused by overproduction, single-crop farming, soil exhaustion, and soil erosion. The region experienced severe droughts, strong winds, crops turning to dust, homes being buried, and fields being blown away. Food became very scarce and many families were forced to abandon farms “Okies” and move to California. This was the number one ecological disaster of the 20th century. -
Bonus Army Conflict
Veterans who had served in WWI were promised a bonus for their services, but they weren't due to receive it until 1945. However, because of their financial circumstances, many of them wanted and needed it now. A group of 17,000 veterans gathered in Washington DC to demand early cash redemption, but the Senate denied their request. After months, Hoover called out the army to disperse the crowd and burn their camps. The conflict showed how desperate people were getting during the Great Depression. -
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
As the stock market crashed and banks started to close, many people lost life savings they had stored in the bank. Therefore, FDR reformed the financial system through the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. He declared a national bank holiday in which all banks were closed and inspected. Only healthy banks were allowed to reopen and they insured individual bank deposits. This helped restore public confidence in banks and was one of the greatest accomplishments of the New Deal. -
Court Packing Scandal
The Court declared 22 provisions of the New Deal unconstitutional. Enraged, FDR threatened to add 6 more SCOTUS members, which would ensure that his legislation would stand. Although the Consitution did not inherently prohibit this, many questioned his tampering with the sacred Supreme Court, as every sway in political power would result in more members being added to favor their party. However, the Court never ruled against him after his threat. -
Creation of the House Un-American Activities Committee
The House Un-American Activities Committee was created to investigate alleged subversive activities in the US. It targeted suspected communists and their supporters in Hollywood, academia, and other fields during the Cold War. People who refused to cooperate were often put on a blacklist or imprisoned. The HUAC's actions sparked controversy and were widely viewed as a violation of the First Amendment and civil freedoms, but had a huge impact on American politics and society. -
Attack on Pearl Harbor
The US demanded that Japan withdraw from China and Indochina, but Japan thought that attacking the US would provide them with an easy win and territory with abundant land and resources to rule once they were victorious. Since the US oil embargo against Japan was hurting their economy, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, dealing a seemingly crippling blow to the US Pacific fleet. Thus, the US was finally forced to join WWII with Great Britain, causing Germany and Italy to declare war against the US. -
Detroit Race Riot
Rumors emerged in Detroit among the black population that the whites had thrown a black woman and her baby over the Belle Isle bridge. Enraged, African-Americans stormed white districts, destroyed stores, and indiscriminately attacked anyone with white skin. Similarly, white mobs heard of a rumor that a black man had raped and murdered a white woman on the bridge. As one of the deadliest riots in American history, a police raid ensued, with 6,000 federal troops being called in. -
D-Day
Stalin wanted to create an operation that the Allies would carry out in Western Europe to reduce German divisions in the USSR’s territory. Therefore, the Allies spent 18 months training for D-Day to open a second front in France. They secured a foothold on Hitler’s “Fortress Europe,” allowing more than 1.5 million soldiers and countless military supplies and equipment to flow into France. This marked a turning point in the war, leading to Germany's surrender less than a year later. -
G.I. Bill of Rights
To thank World War II veterans for their service in the war, the government provided a range of benefits to them. It paid for their college education, making it more accessible and expected. It also gave them low-interest home loans, which helped them pay for their homes after the war. Low-interest business loans and unemployment compensation were also provided, financially supporting them. The bill made education more accessible and helped build America's middle class. -
Yalta Conference
The Yalta Conference was the last gathering of the Allied leaders of the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union during World War II. It resulted in the division of Germany, the founding of the United Nations, the Soviet Union's commitment to joining the war against Japan, and accords on the post-war rebuilding of Europe. These agreements further increased hostilities between the Soviet Union and the Western Allies, paving the way for the Cold War. -
Hiroshima and Nagasaki
The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 marked the conclusion of World War II. Over 200,000 people were killed in the bombs, which devastated the two cities. The blasts also highlighted nuclear weapons' destructive capability and potential for widespread destruction. The bombs resulted in Japan's surrender, the start of the Cold War, and a worldwide arms race. The bombs also brought up ethical concerns regarding nuclear weapons use and their impact on populations. -
Truman Doctrine
The Truman Doctrine, a foreign policy issued by President Truman, said the US would support countries under the threat of Soviet forces/Communist insurrection. This support could include economic, political, or military assistance. Truman asked Congress for $400 million in aid and US troops to help both Greece and Turkey fight back the communist threat. This deviated from the US's usual stance of withdrawal from foreign conflicts and showed that we would support a democratic nation. -
Marshall Plan
The Marshall Plan, proposed by Secretary of State George C. Marshall, provided more than $12 billion in economic assistance to Western European countries ravaged by World War II. The strategy encouraged American leadership and diplomacy, backed political stability and democracy, and assisted Western Europe in recovering from the economic devastation caused by the war. Its victory solidified America's status as a powerhouse and prepared it for a post-war leadership role in international affairs. -
Creation of NATO
An important development in the post-World War II era was the founding of NATO. In order to provide collective defense against Soviet aggression, the US, Canada, and a number of European nations formed this military alliance. NATO was instrumental in preventing Soviet expansionism and preserving the balance of power throughout the Cold War. Additionally, it contributed to the peace and security of Europe and beyond. NATO still plays a significant role in maintaining global security and defense. -
Korean War Begins
In the Korean War, China and the Soviet Union supported North Korea while the US supported South Korea. The conflict resulted in a standoff and the split of Korea into two countries, where tensions still exist today. It was the first time the United Nations entered a conflict, which had a significant effect on the global community. The war also increased tensions between the US and the Soviet Union, which fueled an arms race and the creation of nuclear weapons. -
Brown v. Board of Education
Brown v. Board of Education was a landmark Supreme Court case that invalidated the "separate but equal" principle established in Plessy v. Ferguson. This ruling had broad repercussions, as it helped launch the Civil Rights Movement and eventually led to the end of segregation in all spheres of American life. It also created the idea that regardless of race, the courts must ensure everyone has access to equal protection of the law. It was a turning moment in the American fight for racial justice. -
The Eisenhower Interstate Highway Act
Eisenhower authorized the building of highways throughout the nation, which would be the largest public works project in history. It updated and modernized America's roadways, connecting the country like never before. Small towns not connected to the interstate withered away, while new towns emerged near exits. The growth of suburbs was sped up as traveling in cities was made easier. The act also played on Cold War fears by making evacuation easier and having the roads act as emergency runways. -
Launch of Sputnik
The Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, caused a crisis of trust in the US educational system. In response, the US government increased financing for science and education, leading to the establishment of NASA and the introduction of new technologies. The launch also fueled the Cold War space competition between the US and the Soviet Union and marked a turning point in American history, spurring investments and shaping the country's future in the space age. -
U-2 Incident
The U-2 incident signified a severe setback in US-Soviet ties. A US espionage plane was shot down over Soviet territory and the pilot, Francis Gary Powers, was captured. This escalated tensions between the two superpowers, with the two accusing each other of aggression and spying. This also exposed the US's use of espionage, harming the country's international standing. A planned summit between President Eisenhower and Soviet Premier Khrushchev was postponed, further escalating the Cold War. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
The Cuban Missile Crisis was a standoff between the US and the Soviet Union. The discovery of Soviet missile depots in Cuba, which jeopardized US security, caused the two superpowers to engage in an intense standoff where they both considered military action. In exchange for a US promise not to invade Cuba and the removal of US missiles in Turkey, the Soviet Union agreed to withdraw the missiles. The crisis was a significant moment in the Cold War and demonstrated the dangers of nuclear weapons. -
Children’s Crusade
The Children's Crusade was a turning point in the civil rights movement, publicizing the fight for racial equality. The involvement of thousands of children in nonviolent protests and their cruel treatment by police sparked international indignation and helped gain support for the cause. The events of the crusade contributed to the enactment of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibited segregation and discrimination in the United States based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. -
March on Washington
The March on Washington was a nonviolent civil rights protest staged in Washington, D.C. Over 250,000 people, both black and white, came together to demand equal rights and an end to prejudice against African Americans. The march contained Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, which became a rallying cry for the civil rights movement. The march also pushed the US government to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and inspired future social justice movements. -
Baptist Street Church Bombing
The Baptist Street Church Bombing took place in Birmingham, Alabama. When a bomb set by white nationalists exploded in the church, four young African American girls were killed and several more were injured. The bombing drew international attention to the South's harsh racism and segregation, helping to galvanize the civil rights movement. The incident also bolstered public support for the Civil Rights Act. The church bombing is seen as a watershed point in the fight for racial equality. -
Assassination of Presdient Kennedy
One of the most important events in American history was the assassination of President Kennedy. It signaled a turning point in the country's consciousness, dashed post-World War II optimism, and ushered in a time of doubt and mistrust. Conspiracy theories increased after the assassination, severely eroding popular confidence in political institutions. Kennedy's death has a lasting cultural and political resonance that continues to influence how Americans regard their nation and its leaders. -
Gulf of Tonkin Incident
The Gulf of Tonkin Incident involved claimed North Vietnamese boat attacks on US Navy vessels in the Gulf of Tonkin. It served as a trigger for the expansion of US engagement in the Vietnam War, resulting in a huge military buildup and greater troop commitment. However, further investigations indicated that the second strike did not take place and that the first incident was a response to US covert operations. The incident lost trust in the US government and contributed to resistance to the war. -
The Great Society
President Johnson implemented a package of domestic initiatives known as The Great Society. It aspired to advance civil rights, improve healthcare and education, and lessen poverty and inequality. It prompted the establishment of initiatives like Medicare, Medicaid, and Head Start, which have benefited numerous Americans. The Great Society, however, also came under fire for its high cost and alleged overreach by the government. -
Operation Rolling Thunder Begins
Operation Rolling Thunder was a US bombing campaign against North Vietnam aimed at destroying the North's infrastructure and forcing it to abandon support for the Viet Cong. However, the operation failed to achieve its objectives and resulted in heavy casualties and damage to both sides. It also generated widespread opposition to the war in the US and around the world, leading to a change in public opinion and pressure on the US government to negotiate a peace settlement. -
Selma to Montgomery Marches
The Selma to Montgomery marches were a series of civil rights rallies instrumental in the enactment of the Voting Rights Act. The marches called attention to the discriminatory policies that prevented African Americans from voting. The brutality unleashed by state police on peaceful protesters on "Bloody Sunday" aroused public opinion, prompting President Johnson to campaign for voting rights legislation. The Voting Rights Act paved the path for greater political engagement and representation. -
Voting Rights Act of 1965
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of legislation that intended to abolish barriers to voting for African Americans in the United States. It prohibited discriminatory voting practices such as literacy tests and poll taxes in addition to establishing federal control of voting procedures in places with a history of prejudice. The act expanded voter registration and the participation of African Americans in public positions, which aided their political clout. -
Mỹ Lai Massacre
The My Lai Massacre was a war crime committed by US soldiers during the Vietnam War. 500 unarmed civilians were massacred in the village of My Lai, which shocked the world and became a symbol of the atrocities committed during the war. The US military initially covered up the incident, but it was later exposed, leading to public outrage and increased anti-war sentiment. The massacre highlighted the moral dilemmas of war and the importance of maintaining military discipline and accountability. -
Watergate Scandal
The Watergate Scandal was a political controversy involving the discovery of a break-in at the Democratic National Committee offices in the Watergate complex, which was eventually linked to President Nixon. It resulted in Nixon's resignation, improvements in American politics such as the establishment of the Office of the Independent Counsel, and campaign finance reform legislation, and damaged trust in government while displaying the press's ability to hold authorities accountable. -
Camp David Accords
The Camp David Accords, signed between Egypt and Israel, marked a historic breakthrough in Middle Eastern diplomacy. It ended 30 years of hostility between the two countries and led to a peace treaty in 1979. The Accords also demonstrated that peaceful negotiations could be used to resolve conflicts in the region, and paved the way for further diplomatic efforts. The Accords were significant in improving regional stability, and the treaty remains a cornerstone of the Middle East peace process. -
Strategic Defense Initiative
During the Cold War, the US proposed a missile defense system called the Strategic Defense Initiative. It sought to safeguard the US from nuclear strikes by intercepting incoming missiles with space-based weaponry. While never implemented, it contributed to advances in missile defense and helped bring the Cold War to an end by forcing the Soviet Union to accept disarmament agreements. However, the SDI expressed concern about a weapons race and its potential to destabilize global security. -
Iran-Contra Scandal
The Iran-Contra Scandal was a political scandal in the US when secret weaponry agreements were made with Iran in exchange for hostages and money was diverted to Contra insurgents in Nicaragua. Oliver North and other officials were charged in the incident, which resulted in changes to the government's security system. This scandal highlighted illegal and unethical behavior by government employees and the need for increased monitoring and openness in governmental operations.
