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Wright Brothers
Spurred by scientific interest, Orville and Wilber Wright set out to create a steerable, Heavier-than-air (powered), aircraft. Their plane, the Wright Flyer, flew 12 seconds (1903) and changed the world. Having become feasible, flight technology went on to design planes for WW1, for war, espionage, and recreation. Moreover, aircraft would play a pivotal role in WW2, Korean War, Vietnam Conflict and the Cold War. The plane would go on to change every aspect, lately shipping and transportation. -
Panama Canal
Searching for a faster shipping method between Atlantic and Pacific, world leaders rushed to create the Panama Canal. A massive undertaking, the canal took 10 years with major US support. The canal allowed for cheaper and faster shipment of goods internationally, boosting the world's economies. For the US, the canal continued the "Big Stick" policy, allowing the navy to maneuver around SA. The canal led to a more connected world + boosted consumer lifestyles and helped producing nations export. -
The Jungle Published
With a trend of "Muck-raking" by authors, Upton Sinclair wrote "The Jungle" to highlight the atrocities of the meat-packing and processing industries of America in the 1900s. Widely famous (causing mass outrage), Teddy Roosevelt read the book and took action against the meat-industry, passing regulation and inspection laws. Most notably, Roosevelt created The Pure Food and Drug Act (1906) which led to the creation of the Food and Drug Administration which notably regulates/inspects food stuffs. -
Zimmerman Telegram
Following German fears of US joining the war, German Foreign Secretary Zimmerman sent an encoded telegram to Mexico detailing its soon resumption of unrestricted sub warfare (Past promised to end practice) as well as proposing an alliance (to gain back America land for Mexico) if the US declared war on Germany. Intercepted by the British and handed to the US, it caused massive outrage and distrust in both Mexico and Germany. It ultimately persuaded the US to declare war on Germany, entering ww1. -
US Enters WW1
With Woodrow Wilson as president, US declared war on Germany in 1917 even after previously vowing neutrality. Congress declared war because Germany had continued unrestricted submarine attacks on civilian and military vessels (Lusitania) after past agreement to restrict. Moreover, US uncovered Mexico and Germany alliance in Zimmerman Telegram, step too far. Effects of this come as war ends sooner with US troops fighting as well as larger involvement of US in the post-war peace settlements. -
Espionage and Sedition Acts
With public support vital to the war, Woodrow Wilson and Congress passed 2 laws, the Espionage Act of 1917 and the Sedition Act of 1918. The acts criminalized negative talk of the war, including disloyal or abusive language, with punishments of up to 20 years in prison. The acts are now deemed unconstitutional, an infringement of the 1st amendment, but were overlooked during. The acts were a wartime measure but represent unconstitutional POTUS actions and led to stricter constitution follow. -
Armistice/Treaty of Versailles
Following 4 years of hard war, the allies eventually force Germany to surrender. The only country left fighting, Germany fell victim to the "War Guilt" clause and was forced to pay heavy reparations and lose land and military. Argued as too harsh by Wilson (him publishing his 14 points), the other allies continued. The treaty led to the end of the war but over-strict punishment's led to a German Economic Depression and subsequent rise of Fascism in the 1930s, and by extension, World War Two. -
18th Amendment Ratified
Following the heightened strength of women's suffrage and temperance groups, the US ratified the 18th amendment. The amendment banned manufacture and transport of alcohol, ending legal breweries and bars. While originally designed to stop "man's flaws", the prohibition era was a failure with rise in organizes crime and millions still consuming alcohol whilst government lost taxes and control. The era ended in 1933 with the 21st amendment, ending prohibition and general Temperance movement. -
League of Nations Created
First proposed by Woodrow Wilson, the League of nations was built on Wilson's 14 points and championed international peace through mutual benefit as well as disarmament and improving global welfare. While the US never joined, crippling the program, the program went on to help POW's and slave victims. The program lost credibility after the Great depression+Germany's depression. US involvement could have prevented WW2, but Conservative dominated Congress never ratified the document->never joined. -
19th Amendment Ratified
After an intense escalation of Women's Suffrage after the war and Woodrow Wilson's final endorsement, the 19th Amendment was ratified. The amendment allowed women to vote as well as banned discrimination of voting based on gender. The ratification met the goal of the past century for women and resulted in the largest extension on democratic voting rights ever. Overall resulted in furthering of social issues with women able to have a say in larger capacities as well as easier to hold office. -
Great Depression
Following the economic boom following World War One, the stock markets crashed from a collapse of foreign markets, credit buying, and series of bank foreclosures: leading to the Great Depression. The era, under President Hoover, would host high unemployment, a crash of product and crop values, and collapse of American economy and lifestyle. The depression led to the election of Roosevelt and eventual recovery during the New Deal, with the Depression ending with the introduction of World War 2. -
Election of 1932
Following misguided but justified hatred of Hoover, America elected Franklin Roosevelt in a massive landslide.Roosevelt immediately created the "first 100 days" precedent, swiftly attacking the Depression. His "100 days", labelled as the New Deal, brought agencies like the CCC, AAA, FDIC, TVA, and NIRA. All sought to target the cause of the depression in their own right and put Americans back to work. The New Deal brought with it a shift in role of government and also led to the Second New Deal. -
Second New Deal
Following Roosevelt's implementation of the New Deal, more assistance was needed. Roosevelt created the "second phase" or second New Deal in 1935 which brought the Social Security Act, Wagner Act, Banking Act of 1935, rural electrification, and breakup of utility holding companies. Most notably, the Social Security brought Government closer in citizens lives and Wagner act notably defended worker's rights to organize. 2nd Deal created a societal "safety net" rather than just economic recovery. -
Attack on Pearl Harbor
With a goal of total control of the Pacific Rim and provocation and sanctions by Roosevelt, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor and delivered a declaration of war. The attack failed to destroy US carriers but still crippled the pacific fleet and killed 2403 Americans. The attack was effectively a wake-up call, ending America's past isolationist lifestyle. With an uproar from the public, the attack would lead to Roosevelt asking for a declaration against the Empire of Japan from Congress on December 8th. -
US Declares War
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, Congress approved a declaration of war by Roosevelt against Japan. Upon declaration, Germany and Italy declared war on the US, Japan being an ally, and the US declared war on Germany and Italy as well on December 11th. The Declarations finally brought US into the entirety of WW2 and led to an overall allied victory in the war as well as the defense of Britain. The war would soon ramp up American economy and start the "American Dream" philosophy. -
Japanese Internment
As fears of Japanese attack reached a crescendo, Roosevelt passed Executive order 9066, sending all Japanese-Americans to internment camps. Justified as an effort to prevent sabotage, the act is largely seen as a show of racist power in-line with anti-Asian hatred. The internment of citizens for the duration of the war lost 400 million in private property and kept citizens out of their respective occupations and with poor facilities. It serves as a show of overlooked atrocity during time of war. -
Operation Overlord
After the Washington Conference in May of 1943, the allies decided to focus on Germany first and Japan second. To free mainland Europe, the allies devised "Operation Overlord", an attack of allied nations on Northern France in an effort to push Germans out and create a safe landing zone for further efforts. The attack itself killed 4140 Americans and thousands more allied but marked the beginning of the end of Nazi Germany. The attack ultimately led to the surrender of Germany and thus Japan. -
GI Bill of Rights Created
In an effort to economically benefit and appreciate soldiers retuning home, Roosevelt and Congress created the GI Bill. The bill gave stipends for work and education, established hospitals (VA healthcare), and made low-interest mortgages and business loans to the 8 million+ vets in an effort to assimilate them back into civilian life. Boosting homeownership and education levels, the bill flung America into the 1950's and consumer/capitalist lifestyles through the creation of the Middle Class. -
Yalta Conference
With the allied victory inevitable, the major world leaders met to discuss the European post-war borders. Winston Churchill, Joseph Stalin, and Roosevelt in Yalta to discuss and bargain, ultimately sectioning away Germany into 4 parts and splitting Berlin into 2. The conference ultimately led to the split of Germany into 2 opposites, setting Germany (and Europe) as the Cold War center stage. The conference would also try an establish democratic gov's, failing with Stalin breaking agreement. -
VE Day
Following an exhaustive and failed defensive of Berlin, Germany surrendered to Allied forces on May 8th. The surrender marked the end of the long war in Europe and introduction of Nuremburg Trials and Reconstruction of Europe (Marshall). Moreover, the surrender ultimately led to the focus-fire on Japan, thus leading to the Cold War. Due to Germany's surrender, it retained no land and was split (Yalta conference) thus setting the stage for the Cold War in Europe + Berlin Wall and Berlin Airlift. -
Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Following the death of Roosevelt, Truman steps in and makes ultimate decision. With educated statistics of mainland invasion of Japan and Japanese resistance to surrender, Truman decided to drop 2 atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The bombs killed 10,000s and effectively ended ww2, starting the Cold War. The bombings led to the end of the war and start of the Cold War arms race with countries racing to match the US. The bombings ultimately led to decades of tension throughout the world. -
UN Created
Following the world's most deadly war, the world came together to create the United Nations. The UN, headed by the US (Having earned from League of Nations), is dedicated to international peace, end of poverty, and upholding of human rights. While strained during the cold war, the UN helped establish anti-nuclear agreements with major countries whilst also supplying outreach to countries in need. It also notably saw the withdrawal of Soviet troops from middle east+calming of Palestine v. Israel. -
Truman Doctrine
With threat of Communist expansion after WW2, POTUS Truman delivers his "Truman Doctrine" to Congress, seeking aid for Turkey and Greece. The plan outlined system of support for countries battling Communist take-over or threatened by Communist neighbors. The Doctrine was seen as a formal acknowledgement of the Cold War to the Soviets who hated the policy. The doctrine led to plans like the Marshall Plan, thus rebuilding Europe whilst defending-also led to future US role of foreign intervention. -
Marshall Plan
Under the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan offered financial aid to majority of countries affected by the War in order to rebuild Europe and stop spread of communism. While offered to soviet-captured countries, Stalin declined all, thus dividing Europe further through economics and thus lifestyle. over 4 years, US gave 14 Billion and revitalized America's own economy by rebuilding European markets while also creating a capitalist foothold in European countries, preventing Communist take-over. -
NATO Created
To counter the rising Soviet threat, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization was created. The treaty, made up of some Euro countries, Canada, and US (originally), was designed to be a collective measure to safeguard Europe from Communism, Nationalism and to promote European political integration. It led to further tensions with USSR, but, halted Soviet advances into Europe. Eventually led to the creation of Warsaw Pact as a NATO counter-measure from USSR, dividing Europe further, "Iron Curtain". -
Korean War
In a surprise invasion designed to reunite the Korea's under one communist leader, North Korea attacked. With US aid (Eisenhower as POTUS), allies pushed communist forces to border of China. China (also communist) joins war, pushes US back to previous Korean border. Ceasefire signed in 1953, created 38th parallel border between 2 Koreas. War destroyed civilian population + infrastructure, but prevented "domino effect" of communism through Asia, thus preventing further Communist expansion. -
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
With the Civil Rights movement underway, the NAACP (Marshall) seeks to integrate schools and public facilities using the 14th amendment and Executive orders 9980-81. A series of cases combined, the Supreme Court rules in favor of Brown, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson and destroying "separate but equal" policy. The case led to further civil rights, including sit-in's (thus SNCC) a well as Freedom Rides. Used largely to destroy further Jim Crow Era laws, led to Little Rock Nine and integration. -
Montgomery Bus Boycott
An organized effort to protest segregated public transport, NAACP and SCLC (under MLK) stage arrest of Rosa Parks, initiating the bus boycott. Lasting for more than a year, the movement spread nation-wide, losing bus companies revenue and putting pressure on city and state governments. Eventually led to federal public transport integration in 1956, signaling end of boycott. The boycott was the first major organized Civil Rights protests and ended barriers in transportation, gaining MLK fame. -
Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956
Revitalizing America's internal road network, POTUS Dwight D. Eisenhower created the largest public works ever, the Highway Act. While shortening distance between cities thus improving trade and commuting, Eisenhower created the interstates as a means of rapid evacuation in case of a nuclear attack. The act led to a greater era of cars and reliance on gas, but also greater consumer opportunities through a connected nation. The interstates also sponsored growth of suburbs and franchises/fastfood. -
Sputnik Launched (Space Race)
With the Space Race loosely on, the USSR launched the first satellite into orbit, Sputnik. Credited with studying the Solar System + Earth, it preyed on American fears of Russian ICBMs and US raced to compete. Recognizable by its beeping, the launch led to the Creation of NASA (to compete) and DARPA (to defend), thus more accelerated national defense programs. The launch also spurred the development of the Space Race, thus major milestones like First creature and man in space + man on moon. -
U2 Incident
In keeping tabs on the USSR, the US commissioned and flew the U2 over Soviet territory. Thought invincible from ground weapons and interceptors, the plane was shot down over the heart of the USSR in May of 1960. The US denied espionage but the pilot was put on trial in Russia and eventually traded for and brought home, much to the public's outrage. The U2 Incident led to the collapse of the Paris Summit (De-escalation talks), heightened tensions, and revealed the US's equipment and spy tactics. -
Bay of Pigs Invasion
Following Fidel Castro's communist revolution in Cuba, the CIA devised plan to train Cuban exiles to win the country back. Overseen by Eisenhower, the plan consisted of intense American air and sea attacks followed by the rebels on land. With the election of 1962, Kennedy inherited the plan and immediately scaled it down, dooming the invasion. The US publicly shamed, the failure strengthened Castro and led to his proclamation of Communist alliance with USSR, leading to the Cuban Missile Crisis. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
Following an alliance with the USSR, Cuba began (unbeknownst to the US) setting up missile launch sites. Keeping tabs on Cuba, a U-2 plane flew over the country in October, taking pictures of the missiles. To halt flow of missiles from Europe into Cuba, Kennedy ordered a blockade of Cuba, coming close to conflict with Soviets. Ultimately the conflict was resolved with the removal of Soviet missiles in exchange for US moving missiles from Turkey, contributed to tensions, boosted Kennedy opinion. -
Birmingham Campaign
Planned by SCLC and led by MLK, the Birmingham Campaign was an effort to highlight segregation in Birmingham AL. Part of the campaign, protests such as the Kids March and others brought violence to Birmingham. With media present, such scenes were broadcasted to America, putting pressure on officials to end it. The campaign led to JFK's official vow of support and the urging of America to support the movement. It also ousted Connor, burnished MLK, and paved the way for Civil Rights Act of 1964. -
March on Washington
Planned by Philip Randolph and Bayard Rustin, the march encompassed several days and speakers, and protested: Segregation, lack of voting rights, and unemployment. The highlight of the march came with MLK's "I Have a Dream Speech" to 200,000 marchers. The march furthered the Civil Rights Movement, specifically, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the 24th amendment banning poll taxes, and made MLK an icon. The march also added media coverage and public support to the movement -> legislature. -
JFK Assassinated
Whilst campaigning in Texas for the upcoming 1964 presidential election, JFK was shot while in motorcade by Lee Harvey Oswald. Unsure of the motivation of Oswald, the world has been left to guess. Dying in Parkland hospital, the country was shocked, and panicked. LBJ was sworn in while on Air Force 1, leading to the "Great Society" and environmental and Civil Rights Acts. Kennedy became a martyr, forgiving his past embarrassments and becoming the American image for Cold War and the Space Race. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
Written by Kennedy but signed by LBJ, the 1964 Civil Rights act was spurred by the success of the Birmingham Campaign and March on Washington. The act banned discriminations based on sex or race in public and federal facilities as well as hiring/firing practices. A small taste given in Brown V. Board, the act fully ended segregation, leading to the end of the Jim Crow laws. It also enabled the breakdown of barriers in the workplace, transportation, and services, strengthening blacks involvement. -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
Seizing the empty power vacuum that was Vietnam after the French withdrew, LBJ asks congress for a declaration of war. Denied, congress creates the resolution, allowing for LBJ to take any measures he felt necessary to contain communism in Asia following alleged attacks by VC on US forces. The Tonkin Resolution ultimately is what enables the US to go to unofficial war, sparking 9 years of direct conflict. Also led to protests, hippie movement, 57,000 US dead, and main factor in POTUC elections. -
LBJ Great Society
One of LBJ's most ambitious goals, his "Great Society" feature monumental legislation. Among them, Medicare, Medicaid, Older American Act, and the Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965. Combined, his works helped to establish his War on Poverty and sought to serve the public. Added on too by Nixon, LBJ's Society led to better Immigration, Economic, Healthcare, and Environmental reforms not yet seen. Nearly all aspects of health decreased, business's were held to new standards, and more education. -
Selma to Montgomery March
Following denial of an African American woman's right to vote in Selma, the community planned a march to Montgomery. 600 marchers, they were viscously beaten at Edmund Pettus Bridge by police. Resilient, MLK led the next march but turned it around before violence. Third try, LBJ dispatched the army to defend the now 40,000 marchers and they successfully made it to Montgomery. The march led to national support of movement and led to Voting Rights Act of 1965, securing the African American vote. -
Civil Rights Voting Act of 1965
In response to the previous violence in Birmingham and Selma, LBJ and congress passed the Voting Rights Act. The act banned discriminatory voting practices including literacy tests which was used as a prerequisite to exclude minority voters. The act allowed minorities to safely have the vote, (ensured by federal examiners) by the end of 1965, 250,000 new black voters were registered. The act led to the Black Vote, furthering the movement, and also proved a testament to MLK's peaceful protests. -
Miranda V. Arizona
Following an confession from Ernesto Miranda to crimes after police arrested him, Miranda sued Arizona. Judged by Supreme Court (Thurgood Marshall), the court ruled that criminals must be informed their rights. The ruling upheld the 5th and 6th amendments and guaranteed individual freedom rights as well as right to fair trial. The case led to fairer court trials and eliminated police pressuring to get a suspect confessional, commonly used in Civil Rights movement to incriminate innoccents. -
Black Panther Party Created
Following the assassination of black nationalist Malcom X, Newton and Seale created the Panthers as a means to protect communities from police brutality. At odds with MLK's teachings, the Panthers and Malcolm X preached "any means necessary", including violent acts. The success of the group led to better protection and outreach to African American communities. It's impact can still be seen today with BLM as well as other country's organized minorities, started with inspiration from the Panthers. -
MLK Assassinated
While preparing to attend a protest, James Earl Ray shot and killed MLK. With immediate consequences, the US broke out in protests, with security being called into Memphis. On trial, Ray pleaded not guilty as he stated "He was the victim as well", merely a pawn in a larger conspiracy. Believing a plan with the US government and Ray, MLK's family pardoned Ray. MLK's death led to the Equal Housing Act as well as an increase of Black Panthers and the King Holiday, signed into law by Reagan in 1983. -
Nixon Elected
Following LBJ's shame and failure in re-election, Republican Richard Nixon was elected, beating competitor Humphrey. Winning public support by promising an address of the Vietnam failure, Nixon won major lead in Electoral and Popular votes. His election would lead to the withdrawal of US troops from Vietnam and thus War Powers Act of 1973. His election would also lead to the Watergate Scandal and shameful Whitehouse tapes and eventual pardon by Ford, completely losing public presidential trust. -
Moon Landing
After a 12 year race to space, the US landed Apollo 11 astronauts on the moon following JFK's promise in 1961. With high foreign tensions, the Moon Landing marked the end of the Space Race. The landing marked the first people to ever land and walk on the moon, marking US innovation and resilience in failure. The landing also strengthened NASA and scientific exploration, leading to further missions. The end of the race saw massive tech increases, especially to communications and computer science. -
26th Amendment Created
Following the success of the Hippie Movement and anti-war campaigns, Nixon and Congress created the 26th Amendment. As the draft started at 17-18, some US dead were killed before they could even vote, enraging the public. The amendment lowered the voting age to 18, to both allow a say for students but also a means to allow draftees to have a say. The amendment, while late for the Hippie movement and ultimately unsuccessful for Nixon, lowered the voting age, allowing for progressive youth votes. -
Watergate Scandal
In an effort to "find dirt" on political opponents, Nixon ordered a search of the Democratic Headquarters (Washington DC), including bugging rooms and communications, and stealing secret documents. Discovered by a security guard, Nixon denied involvement even with major evidence (Oval Office Recordings), leading the public to lose support and faith. The scandal dominated his career and led to the resignation of Nixon and the controversial pardon by Gerald Ford + added to distrust of government. -
Roe V. Wade
A challenge to Texas legislation (Wade attorney), "Jane Roe" brought abortion rulings to the Supreme Court. The court ruled that anti-abortion laws were unconstitutional under the 14th amendment. Moreover, the court made abortion legal nationally, pleasing feminist and Liberal activists, although enraging Conservative and Religious members. A teetertotter, the case gave Women and progressives support and a victory but was used heavily as an argument for Conservative presidents leading to Reagan. -
1973 Oil Crisis
Following the US support of the 6 Day War in 1967 in the Middle East, the (OPEC(Middle East)) placed an embargo on western countries. The embargo created an oil-less America, halting US production, transportation, and recreation with extreme fuel prices. The crisis was the first time the US economy stalled since WW2, recessing the economy until 1975. The crisis also sponsored shorter work weeks, restricted business, and, less heating and driving and revealed western reliance on Eastern fuel. -
War Powers Act of 1973
After Nixon's rough evacuation of US troops from Vietnam, Congress signed the War Powers Act, both ending the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution (ending Presidential spending), and preventing future Potus-led Escalations and de-escalations of military abroad. The act was designed to prevent another "Vietnam" and is a part of the checks and balances system. The Act led to the official end of the US in Vietnam as well brought limit of Executive power, a result of heavy public protesting of conflict. -
Iranian Hostage Crisis
When Shah came to the US in October for medical reasons, Ayatollah incited an Iranian attack on the US Embassy in Tehran, capturing all. Carter responded with economic sanctions, although unpopularly, cancelling operations, waiting. Iran transitioned to a new government after the death of Shah, one which wanted better relation with US. In the final minutes of Carter, Algerian diplomats were able to work a deal, releasing the hostages. The issue again hurt Iran with sanctions and lost US lives. -
Ronald Reagan Elected
Serving two terms, Republican Ronald Reagan was elected in election of 1980, a relief for conservative voters after LBJ. Reagan cut domestic discretionary and government spending, cut taxes, and increased military spending. Hand-in-hand with his foreign policies, Reagan classily bombed Libya and Iran/Iraq but used détente foreign policy strategies to work with the USSR. Reagan led to an economic high and Tax and immigration reform acts, all leading to a tripling of US debt, Reagan economics. -
Operation Desert Storm
Triggered by Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait, the US invaded to remove Iraq forces and install a new government. Lasting only a few months, the US and Allies crushed Iraqi forces from Ground and air. The war ultimately led to the collapse of Iraq life, leading to further war. The Iraqis suffered as sanctions were placed on Iraq and toxic munitions + oil fields were burned, creating a massive humanitarian crisis. The war recovered the world's opinion of US but created our future enemy. -
End of the Cold War
After decades of tensions, the Cold War finally ends. Following a collapse of Soviet economics and unstable politics, the USSR dissolved into component states late 1991. Immediately the Iron Curtain was lifted, ending the Soviet Bloc and returning Democratic governments. The disassembly of the USSR led to the end of the Cold War, a return of strong US economy, and end of threat caused by Communism. Moreover, it opened Eastern Europe to Western markets, improving quality of life for millions. -
Election of 2000
Losing the popular vote but winning electoral, George Bush was elected, beating competitor Al Gore. Bush and Gore had been followed by controversy (Bush V. Gore(Supreme Court strikes down recount)) following poor Florida election systems and political fraud. Bush's presidency would see much controversy, including 9/11 and the War on Terror. Bush also signed important acts like "No Child Left behind" and tax cut and anti-abortion acts. Failed re-election after 2008 recession with housing markets. -
9/11 Attacks
Cited with revenge for US support of Israel, presence of troops in Saudi Arabia, and Sanctions against Iran, Al Quada Hijacked a series of planes, crashing them at locations around Eastern America. Notably hitting the World Trade Center and Pentagon, the planes killed thousands and sent the US into a panic. The attacks shocked the nation and led to the War on Terror and eventual killing of Osama Bin Laden and destabilization of the middle East + US deaths, as well as TSA regulations in airports.
