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Jamestown Settled
After multiple failed attempts of settling in the New World, Jamestown Virginia became the first permanent settlement. The first of many thriving settlements, it was a precursor of the Columbian exchange to come. Europeans bringing disease to the indigenous people and exchanging food, ideas, and religions. Searching for natural resources like lumber and tobacco this successful settlement provided a precedent for the country here today. -
The Seven Years War
The Seven Years war was started in North America and the colonies over land disputes between Britain and France. This is the first time the colonies realize they are stronger together, illustrated by JOIN OR DIE. After we won, we believed that we sacrificed greatly, should be seen as equals, and can move freely. Britain believes they did all the hard work while we fought like cowards and restricts and taxes us to make up for it. Thus begins the united anger of the colonies towards Britain. -
Stamp Act
Along with many other restrictive Townshend acts from Great Britain, the Stamp Act was among one of the most rankling to the American Colonists. This act, placing harsh taxes on the Colonists' paper. Their official papers, diplomas, marriage licenses, etc. Like the quartering act, this angers the upper class wealthy elites who need the paper the most. It is their influence that leads to Sam Adams, Patrick Henry, and John Hancock to start taking action and motivating colonists against Britain. -
Boston Massacre
Five British soldiers were guarding the King's money on a frigid Boston day, under orders not to engage with the colonists. Knowing this, the colonists goaded the men and eventually threw rocks, one of which cut a soldier and finally started a fight. This skirmish, which really killed only five people, was blown out of proportion to help the SOL cause. Aided by the shocking etching from Paul Revere, an eye witness, this propaganda stirred up revolutionary and rebellious ideas in the colonies. -
The Boston Tea Party
Angered by Britain's Townshend Acts (especially the Tea act) and a trumped up Boston Massacre, with passions heated by Samuel Adams, the Sons of Liberty storm the ships in the Boston harbor. Poorly disguised as Native Americans, shirtless and facepainted Radical Patriots threw 342 chests of East India Tea company tea. This lost Great Britain 1.8 million dollars in tea taxes alone! This massive setback brought about the Coercive Acts, also known as the intolerable acts. -
Coercive (Intolerable) Acts
In response to the openly rebellious attitude in the colonies and money lost in the Boston Tea Party, Paliament enacted the Coercive acts. These were meant to coerce the colonies back into submission, by closing the Boston port, taking control of the Boston government, and trying Royal officials back in Britain. These acts were so outrageous for the colonists that they renamed them the "Intolerable acts." They then formed the first continental congress and created the Olive Branch Petition. -
First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress convened in 1774 in direct response to the Intolerable Acts. Twelve delegates met in PA to discuss our options. The radicals, led by Sam Adams, were hungry for war to prove America's worth and independance. The Conservatives preferred reconciliation with Great Britain. Eventually they decided to try the conservative idea first adn draft the Olive Branch Petition. This angered the King, but before they receive the rejection fighting had broken out in Lexinton. -
The Battle of Lexington
After the First Continental Congress, the Sons of Liberty were stockpiling for war. British soldiers were ordered to lay siege to their stores at Concord and capture colonial supplies. On the way to Concord, they learned that two of the opposing leaders, John Hancock and Sam Adams, would be in Lexington. They change course but are stood up by 77 militia men that let the leaders escape. During this confrontation the "Shot Heard 'Round the World" was fired thus starting the American Revolution. -
Second Continental Congress and Declaration of Independence
As the battles of Lexington and Concord took place the Olive Branch petition was refuted by the King. This ended the conservative views from the 13 delegates in the continental congress. Setting down the road to independence, the congress split up into committees. One for writing the Declaration, one for revising it , and one to organize the war effort. They selected George Washington as their commander and organized a government, starting the war and setting the precedent for years to come. -
The Battle of Saratoga
The battle of Saratoga was a turning point in the revolutionary war. The US had three armies of 7,000 while Britain had four 10,000 man armies. The US used their knowledge of the land to lure the bulky British armies into the swampland. US troops then surrounded them and were able to beat a legit British army, not only giving civilians and troops the morale boost they needed, but giving credibility to the US cause and convincing France to become real allies, instrumental in winning the war. -
Battle of Yorktown
General Cornwallis, was chasing Washington and his troops when he ordered a retreat. He had decided to hole up in Yorktown, a position he knew was easily defensible and that, as far as he knew, was backed by English Navy in the bay. His plan was foiled by the French's surprise presence in the harbor having beaten the English Navy. This forced Cornwallis to surrender, though he still snubbed General Washington by refusing to present his sword. This surrender set the Treaty of Paris in motion. -
Shay's rebellion
After The Treaty of Paris, the first attempt at government was the Articles of Confederation. Influenced by struggles with Britain, its federal goevernment had no army, and could not raise taxes. It was soon tested by a revolution of farmers whose farms had been neglected due to the war effort and were now in debt. These farmers took over the courthouses and the governement was helpless. Shay's rebellion exposed the articles' weaknesses and proved the need to strengthen the federal government. -
The Northwest Ordinance
The Northwest Ordinance was passed as a part of the Articles of Confederation. It split the Northwest territory into five pieces, with towns in grids with madated schools and courthouses. It sets up a path for territories to become states and most improtantly outlaws slavery in the NW terrritory. This outlawing of slavery was the first of its kind in the US an set an important social precedent. This was also the grounds of much debate when admitting southern states into the US. -
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Washington Presidency
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Washington's Federal Judiciary Act
As one of George Washington's many great achievements he signed the Federal Judiciary Act. This act, rationalized by the Necessary and Proper Clause, established a Supreme Court with lower courts underneath. SCOTUS consisted of one chief (John Jay) and five justices. This addition of a new branch of government made the checks and balances far more effective in government. SCOTUS also becomes responsible for any constiutionality disputes, gaining the ability to keep our country accountable. -
Whiskey Rebellion
The US government was in debt from the Revolutionary war. As a result they imposed their first tax on something extremely popular: whiskey. This was extremely unpopular with the civilians, who rebelled and refused to pay. This led to Washington calling the army, who arrived in great force, only to see the protesters had given in. This was a great test of the constitution and the government's ability to resolve a crisis. Where the Artices failed the constitution succeeded, giving us validity. -
The Cotton Gin
The creation of the cotton gin saved the south's floundering economy. Cotton was becoming obsolete because of the low profit for such a relatively high amount of work and time. In fact, slavery was starting to decline in the south, following trends in the north, until the cotton gin was created. This machine made cotton far easier to harvest and thus far more profitable. Thus slavery, and the south's dependence on it was reinvigorated and became one of the leading factors in the civil war, -
XYZ Affair
John Adams, the newly elected president was facing assault by Navy from France. They were stealing top cargo and crews. Our three best negotiators, sent by Adams to negotiate a treaty, were met by low level diplomats (X Y and Z.) They demanded $250,000 just to negotiate! This enraged the public, as we were still being treated like a third class country. Ignoring the call for war, Adams instead negotiates peace. This affair was the reason that the US started their now world-class navy. -
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John Adams Presidency
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The Alien and Sedition Acts
After negotiating with Napoleon, Adams had become unpopular in the eyes of the people. Worried by the impending election, Adams enacted the Alien, Naturalization, and Sedition acts. These acts focused on silencing his opposition, but the acts meant to curry favor in fact turned the people against him. He was not re-elected and only served one term. These acts were important because in addition to challenging the SC power, they brought about the end of the Federalist Era, ushering in Jefferson. -
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thomas Jefferson
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Madison v. Marbury
In his last days in power, John Adams appointed many federalist judges, one named John Marbury. James Madison, secretary of state, threw Marbury's appointment away. Marbury sued and the supreme court ruled in favor of Madison. More importantly, this was the case that Chief Justice John Marshall created "Judicial Review," the idea that it was the SC's responsibility to look through the lens of constitutionality, forever influencing the way the SC made their decisions. -
Louisiana Purchase
Thomas Jefferson, the first Anti-Federalist was worried by the seemingly short-term Pinckney Treaty. He sends James Monroe to secure the trading and transportation port of NO for $3 million to secure the Mississipi. Napoleon is only willing to sell the Louisiana Territory. Torn between strict constructionist beliefs and his vision for an agrarian society, Jefferson accepts $15 million offer. This land becomes much of what the US is today and a battle ground for many Natives who lived on it. -
Eli Whitney invents interchangeable parts
The idea and prospect of interchangeable parts was one that revolutionized the world. Before it everything was made by hand. If something broke you'd have to go and get it specially remade. This idea, however, led to mass manufacturing. Mass manufacturing allowed pieces to be made in the exact same way enabling many more products to be made and sold. This revolutionized the farming industry with mass production of the cotton gin, and transport with the steam engine, and war with the musket. -
The Embargo of 1807
As Britain waged war with France, each side demanded the US stopped trading with the other. They started attacking our merchant ships, and eventually Jefferson was forced to step in. Angered by the condescending treatment from both sides, he places an embargo on all foreign trade. This destroys American economy, but also greatly accelerates the birth of industrial America. Jefferson had unexpectedly (and unintentionally) become the greatest promoter of Hamilton's plan in history. -
Battle of New Orleans
The war of 1812, was fought by the US and the Natives, against the British. Provoked by British impressment and our inferiority complex, the US was trying to prove themselves. Unfortunately, we had a poorly trained army, weak navy, and were forced onto the defensive. In a decisive battle, however, Andrew Jackson defeated the British with brilliant tactics a casualty count of 2042:71, earning him fame and popularity. This fame eventually gave him rise to power and set in motion his presidency. -
Missouri Compromise
Rapid westward expansion and new territory begged the question: Would new states be "Slave States" or "Free States?" While the northerners felt a moral objection to slavery, the southerners felt it was a cornerstone of their livelihood. To stay balanced it was decided that new states would be admitted in pairs of slave and free states, but also outlawed slavery above a certain latitude. This compromise worked temporarily but the US saw the beginnings of rising tensions in the debate on slavery. -
The Election of 1824
In the election of 1824 (The Corrupt Bargain) Four candidates were vying for the votes they needed, and although Jackson had the most votes, none had the majority they needed. Rather, the matter went to the house, whose speaker was one of the candidates, Henry Clay. Clay dropped out and selected John Q Adams as president, who in turn made Clay Secretary of State. Many people viewed this as corrupt and felt JQA was illegitimate. True or not, this scandal greatly helped Jackson when he won in 1828 -
1828 Election
Andrew Jackson, feeling snubbed in the last election, is again running against JQA. He creates the first Democratic Party, opening national, state, and county HQs. Jackson, the common man's politician, was catering to the common man because this was the first election in which they could vote. Jackson won the election, but the real impact came from the formation of the Democratic Party. It became one of the largest political parties and facilitated local and national government for centuries. -
Tariff of Abominations
JQA, a president elected under shady circumstances at best, was an elitist academic. He was very unpopular so in order to get re-elected he enacted the Tariff of Abominations. The tariff of Abominations was a tax on foreign goods that was meant to gain the favor of the North by encouraging US industry. The South, however, is crippled by it, as Europe starts buying less from them in return. This ends up being the final nail in the coffin for JQA and a boost for Andrew Jackson who is elected. -
Indian Removal Act
Andrew Jackson was very unsympathetic to the Indian people and wanted the land back. He passes the Indian Removal act through congress and the house. In SC case Worcester v. Georgia they ruled that a state government could not impose regulations on Native American land. Andrew Jackson refused to enforce this ruling, however, carrying out his plans of Indian removal. He used military force to evict Natives from their land, forcing them to march the Trail of Tears. -
The Liberator is Published
The country was undergoing it's second Great Awakening, with religion and sermons still emotionally driven, but now also emphasizing free will. Getting into heaven was now decided by one's earthly actions. This led to many people, mostly women, using the church as a vehicle for change. One very popular reform was the abolition of slavery. The Liberator was a newspaper published by William Garrison, greatly encouraging abolition. This paper was very influential and raised much awareness. -
The Nullification Ordinance
South Carolina threatened to nullify the Tariff of Abominations as it favored the North. Unappeased by the treaty of 1832, South Carolina declares them null and void in the Nullification ordinance, and threatened to secede. Luckily, Henry Clay creates the "Compromise Tariff" which gradually removers the tariff over ten years. This period represents an important conflict between federal and state governments, with congress ruling the federal government able to use force against the states. -
Texas declared independance
Mexico's government, in an attempt to make the lawless and arrid Texas profitable, incentivized depsperate Americans to immigrate by giving them land, if only they renounce their citizenship and adopt catholicism. Americans flooded in and Mexico was forced to close their borders. Mexico then started to tax the new settlers and banned slavery. Angered by this micromanagement, the people of Texas declared themselves independent from MX. Thus started the TX war for independence. -
The Alamo
The Alamo was, on paper, a huge defeat for the now independent Texans. The Texans were able to use it as a rallying point to gain US sympathy. And many Americans were sympathetic to their cause, especially southerners. Despite the government refusing to send troops, many influential figures went to the alamo and fought valiantly until the very last person had been killed. "Remember the Alamo" became a rallying cry for Americans and was the reason the US offered to annex (and help) Texas. -
Polk sends troops to disputed territory
The US, in order to help TX, annexed TX in 1845. Unfortunately, this annexation resulted in disputed territory between the Texas border and Mexico. James Polk, in a calculated and shifty move, sent a small number of troops to the disputed area. Mexico, seeing this, sends a larger number, who end up killing our soldiers. Polk uses this fact to convince congress to go to war, which he does, using the line "American blood was shed on American soil." This set in motion the war with Mexico. -
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The US, fighting with Mexico for disputed territory, won almost every battle and eventually lays siege to Mexico City. Mexico, with their capital all but overtaken, is forced to sign the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, stating that the Texas border is the Rio Grande, and that the US now owned the Mexican Session. This ended the war and supplied the US with land that would make it a bi-coastal nation and prove invaluable when gold is discovered in California a year later. -
North Star Published
The North Star was a narrative of a former slave, Frederick Douglass. This was a huge win for abolitionists because it disproved one of the main points that the south relied on: the idea of "Positive Good." The positive good philosophy asserted thet African Americans were incapable of being educated. That slavery was actually good for them, because without the slavemaster's guidance they wouldn't know what to do. The writing of a former slave completely disproved that notion, enraging the South. -
Seneca Falls Convention
The Women's rights and suffrage movement was brought about by the transcendentalist ideas of the second Great Awakening. Women were finally able to contribute to changes in society through the church and volunteer work, and were very prominent reformists. At the Seneca Falls Convention, suffrage became a movement, with the leading females writing a Declaration of Sentiments (modeled off of the Declaration.) This is the moment when the movement became real and this organization spurred the cause. -
The Compromise of 1850
With CA on both sides of the polarizing line of latitude and the addition of so many states, the Missouri compromise was no longer feasible. Instead, Henry Clay averts disaster with his 1850 Compromise, stipulating that: California is a free state, Slave trade is abolished in DC, Strict fugitive slave laws are enacted, and new territories will now be governed by popular sovereignty. This compromise is important because it covered up the underlying rift in the country for another ten years. -
Bleeding Kansas
After the compromise of 1850, which established the idea popular sovereignty, both sides of the argument tried to populate new territories with likeminded people. Lyman Beecher, a pastor was a strong abolitionist based on moral concerns. He traveled around churches and raised money to buy land in Kansas to give away to abolitionists. In response, ruffians from MO came across the border and forcefully changed the votes to pro-slavery. This made KS a slave state and resulted in more violence. -
Dred Scott v. Sanford
In the Dred Scott v. Sanford case, Scott was slave whose owner moved to WI. This was a free state as it was originally one of the NW territories, where the NW ordinance applied. This case went to the supreme court, who ruled that slaves in this situation should not be freed. This decision meant that African Americans were not and would never become citizens of the US. It also denied the constitutionality of the Missouri Compromise, which added even tension to the tenuously held peace. -
Harpers Ferry
John Brown was a radical abolitionist, who felt "called" by God to carry out his will. After Bleeding KS, he went to KS, broke into proslavery cabins and killed the inhabitants. He then disappeared and started integrating his followers to Harpers Ferry, a huge US armory. They spied on the routines for a year and then broke in planning to arm and free the slaves of nearby plantations. Brown is captured and hanged for treason, but this incident was a precursor to the Civil War to come. -
The 1860 Election
Republicans and Whigs united to nominat Abe Lincoln as their candidate. Lincoln's biggest agenda was to keep the country unified. The Democrats, however, are forced to split their votes, with the northern democrats nominating Stephen Douglas, and the south nominating another. Lincoln forced Douglas into a series of presidential debates, which allowed him to spread his rationale and delivers iconic quotes such as "a house divided against itself cannot stand". He went on to win the eection. -
First Vaudeville Show
Vaudeville shows were light entertainment shows where you could pay for entry to see various unrelated acts. This show was significant because it signaled the growth of the American middle class. With the rise of big business, there were more higher paying jobs. As companies grow, these job opportunities grow and so does the middle class. America is first beginning to grow into a middle class country which has money to spend. To keep up with this demand Vaudeville shows are created. -
The South Secedes
The disrest in the south finally boiled over after years of patching the problem with tenuous compromises. Eleven states seceded to form the confederacy. South Carolina was the first to do so, angered by issues like tariffs, popular sovereignty, state rights, and the institution of slavery. Abraham Lincoln hoping to reunite the country starts the civil war, but has no good general to match the south's Robert Lee, a master. Because of his superior tactics, the south starts with the advantage. -
The Emancipation Proclamation
Halfway through the Civil War, the Union was struggling agianst the South's superior generals. Lincoln had drafted the Emancipation with reunion in mind, but he would only have the credibility to give it after a Union Win. The battle of Antietam gave him that chance. The emancipation freed saves, but only in the seceded states, where the north had no real power. It permitted slaves in areas under union control, however. This proclamation promoted union, but not necessarily abolition. -
Siege of Vicksburg
The campaign for Vicksburg was lead by Ulysses S Grant. After a 47 day siege, the union had gained control of the Mississippi, cutting off the supply line and completing the Anaconda Plan, which cutoff trade. General Pemberton was forced to surrender on July 4, which cemented Grant's reputation, and raised union morale, but most importantly gained control of the Mississippi. According to the confederate's own president Vicksburg had been the nail holding the south's halves together! -
Lincoln Assassinated
After the Civil war, the reconstruction began in the south, reintegrating ravaged suthern states back into the normal union life. Lincoln's 10% plan was met with dissent because it was far too sympathetic to the south. The Wade-Davis Bill was far harsher, requiring 50% of voters to swear into union. It also only allowed non-confederates to vote. Lincoln did not pass this bill, and shortly afterward he was killed by John Wilkes Boothe. As a result, Andrew Johnson steps in as president. -
Johnson's reconstruction
Johnson's reconstruction was surprisingly similar to Lincoln's. It too included the 10% clause, mandated states outlaw slavery in their constitutions, and forgave confederate war debts. Unlike Lincoln, he disenfranchised the leaders and rich citizens of the confederacy. The impact of this reconstruction was that only 8 months later all southern states were back in the union, ratified abolition, forbidden secession, and disenfranchised blacks. -
Civil Rights Act
The Freedman's Bureau tried to combat continued southern defiance and black codes in the south after Johnson's reconstruction. Congress, disgusted by Johnson's vetoing of the Freedman's bureau and the civil rights bill, gained a 2/3 majority and overrode his veto. They passed the civil rights act granting full citizenship to the African Americans. These rights protected them from some black codes and were an important precursor to the 14th Amendment which guaranteed rights to citizens. -
Election of 1868
The 15th Amendment gave any citizen, including African Americans, the right to vote, and prohibited any state from denying a citizen a vote. The new voters in the 1868 election were more democratic minded and republicans lost the super majority. Despite losing the super majority, their candidate Ulysses Grant still won. This was important because Grant signed the civil rights act of 1875 which banned discrimination in public accommodation, although presidents after him did not enforce it. -
Wyoming gives women the vote
The fight for women’s suffrage lasted for over a hundred years. This movement developed in the West, by families where everyone shared equal responsibility, including the mothers. This inclusion empowered women and won favor and respect from their men. A turning point in this battle was in 1869 when Wyoming gave women the right to vote. There was still a long way to go yet for women’s rights but this was a major win and precursor of what was to come. -
Political Machines and Boss Tweed
Boss Tweed received his first elected position in 1869, but he had been in control for years. A political machine would meet the influx of immigrants at the docks and “ help” them get “settled in”. In return for these services they expected to control the immigrant’s votes. In this way, machines like Tweed could effectively rig elections for whoever paid them most. These bosses then hold a debt over elected officials’ heads meaning they effectively have invisible reigns over the government. -
Second Industrial Revolution
This revolution created extremely fast growth in America. It led to the creation of industrial cities. This meant the growth of businesses (with terrible labor conditions,) of government (rife with corruption and abuse of power,) and of population (a huge influx of immigrants drove wages way down and contributed to an anti-immigrant feeling.) Urbanization also increased crime and unsanitary conditions. It caused tenement houses to be built and decreased quality of life for the poor working class -
The Election Crisis of 1876
Many Southern whites formed the KKK to intimidate freed people and republicans to stop them from voting. Their existence made the North all the more suspicious when it seemed that 100% of the southern votes were for the Democrat Tillden. They demanded a recount and this returned different results for SC, LA, and FL. Hayes was named president by an election committee, but the growing democrat support won in state governments which ended the civi rights Reconstruction period. -
The Rise of Steel Industry
The rise of industry in the late 19th century was an underlying cause of every other big event of the time. The three biggest growths were in the steel oil and railroad industry. In tandem, these three industries propelled the US into a superpower. By 1880 the US contributed 80% of the world's oil and steel. This allowed the railroads and infrastructure to grow immensely. This promoted agriculture growth and economy as well as lowered costs on both shores. -
Tuskegee Institute founded
Booker T Washington became the first black man to ever dine in the white house. He was a leader of the civil rights movement, but he advocated for the African Americans to accept segregation and focus on themselves. He believed that once they had elevated the black community they would finally be able to gain respect in the white community. He served as ambassador for the black community to Teddy Roosevelt. Washington even founded the first black trade school, named the Tuskegee Institute. -
First Electric Trolley Car
Electricity became essential for everything we do today. Though discovered in the 18th century, It began to grow as an everyday US commodity in the late 1800s. The first electric trolley car marks the integration of electricity into things that were traditionally mechanical. Created in Kansas City in 1885, the first electric trolley signified the innovation and foreshadowed the life of tomorrow. Electricity also began to power lights, subways, and most importantly water sanitation plants. -
The Pendleton Act
In the midst of great civil reform driven by middle class women and stoked by muckrakers, the ethicality of the Spoils System was in question. James Garfield was assassinated by Charles Guieteau 1881. Guiteau felt his volunteering was instrumental in Garfield winning and was snubbed by his decision not to give him a job. This was the final straw and the Pendleton Act was passed. Now, a prospect for a government official must pass a civil service exam to be appointed to any position. -
Haymarket Strike
Many organizations formed to improve labor conditions in the US. The Knights of Labor formed to push for an 8 hr work day, prohibition of child labor, and (radical) socialistic co-ops. The Haymarket Strike was a labor protest in Chicago headed by racialists like the KoL. The protest went sideways when a bomb was thrown at the police. The backlash to this violence was so potent the KoL was disbanded overnight. Though the KoL lost influence many labor activists lived to fight another day. -
Carnegie publishes his "Gospel of Wealth"
This book is symbolic of the type of wealth that was starting to consolidate in the top of the one percent of the US. The owners of these giant corporations and monopolies would eventually control most of the wealth creating a huge wealth gap. Many of these men were industrious and hard working “captains of industry,” but many also had darker traits characteristic of “robber barons.” Carnegie’ book tries to govern the morals of the exceedingly wealthy, giving them a set of values to live by. -
Gospel of Wealth is published
This book is symbolic of the type of wealth that was starting to consolidate in the top of the one percent of the US. The owners of these giant corporations and monopolies would eventually control most of the wealth creating a huge wealth gap. Many of these men were industrious and hard working “captains of industry,” but many also had darker traits characteristic of “robber barons.” Carnegie’ book tries to govern the morals of the exceedingly wealthy, giving them a set of values to live by. -
Influence of Sea Power on History published
Alfred Mahon was one of various supporters of American imperialism. This book was one argument in a huge debate on American foreign policy. Joined by William Seward, Commercial factors, the scientific community, and protestants, Mahon believed we should be an imperialist country -- to grow our military, economic influence, and religious base. Others believed we shouldn’t mess with others and be isolationist as we would absorb everyone else’s problems. -
Southern Horror published
Southern Horror contained the stories of many lynchings and racism in the US. Wells was a muckraker journalist, one of many in her time to stir up publicity around a problem in the US to raise awareness of it. Many of these muckrakers found success in creating change through the vehicle of middle class women. These women had free time and influence over their husbands. They fought for Abolitionism, Suffrage, and Temperance. These muckrakers gave rise to the Progressive middle class. -
Pullman Strike
The Pullman Strike was another labor protest in which Eugene V Debs convinced 1.4 million rail workers to go on strike. This stopped railroads all around the country leaving the majority of the country with no coal, food, or transportation. This was extremely detrimental so Grover Cleveland sent 2500 military men who left 34 strikers dead when they started destroying railroads. This violence turned the nation against them and the strike was ended to no avail. -
Plessy v. Ferguson
Democratic redemptionists reintegrated segregation and racism following the end of the Reconstruction. They did this with unfair and crooked methods in sharecropping, and racist Jim Crow Laws. In 1896 the Supreme Court enabled this in the Plessy v. Ferguson case where they ruled 7-1 that segregated railroad cars were "separate but equal," setting a strong precedent for discrimination in the future. They sidestepped the 14th amendment with this statement and allowed everyone else to as well. -
Teller Amendment
Cubans, though they hated the oppressive spanish colonization, were not excited that the US was joining the war. To them it seemed like we were going to come in and take over instead. To quell their fears, the Teller Amendment was written, saying the US has no claim on Cuba and that after we win cuba would be free. This added support gives cuba the comfort of mind to help the US in the war. This added help resulted in a US victory. -
Roosevelt resigns from undersecretary
Roosevelt, born a rich cattle rancher, rose to the position of undersecretary of the navy, but he felt he should be on the front lines. He resigned from his position and gathered a group of cowboys named “Roosevelt’s Rough Riders.” A special forces cavalry unit in the navy, they were renowned and loved across America and were instrumental in the battle for San Juan. Roosevelt gained agency and trust from Americans through this special task force and this popularity paved the road to presidency -
De Lome Letter intercepted
The US had large investments in the sugar trade through Cuba which forced us into a decision when Spain colonized Cuba. After an attempted Cuban revolt, the US steps in and satisfies both sides with a peace treaty. Later we intercept the DeLome Letter, Spaniards slandering the US president and promising to dishonor the treaty immediately. A yellow journalist named William Hearst publicizes this and stokes the public’s anger. Hearst promised to “furnish the war” if he had to, just for a story. -
USS Maine explodes
William randolph Hearst was a yellow journalist who wanted sales so much that he said he'd "furnish the war," if he had to. McKinley, his hand forced by American rage (brought about by embellished yellow journalism), decided to mediate the situation in Cuba by sending the USS Marine to the bay in Havana to enforce the peace agreement Spain had signed. In an unfortunate incident, the USS Maine exploded, an event blown far out of proportion, and forced the US into war with Spain. -
America Won Spanish American War
When America beat Spain in 1898 the most immediate consequences were Cuba gaining its independence and the US acquiring The Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico. America emerged from the war with a proven, modernized navy. We were officially a world power, and with these new markets our economy grew and trade flourished. Possibly the most relevant outcome of this war was the US also purchasing Alaska and annexing Hawaii. These two states are strong contributors to the continental US to this day. -
The Jungle is published
Upton Sinclair was a muckraker. Muckrakers were journalists who raised awareness about topics of injustice and wrongs in American society. Their goal was to make life better for some group of people. Upton Sinclair visited a meatpacking plant and was . Inhumane work conditions with thumbs being cut off and even ground into the meat. He wrote The Jungle to prove socialism would be better, but Roosevelt was far more focused on the abysmal conditions discussed. Because of this he created the FDA. -
Meat inspection Act and FDA
Roosevelt, disgusted by what the conditions he read about in The Jungle, was motivated to action. The Pure Food and Drug Act required drugs to undergo testing and regulation. It also forced drug agencies to be completely upfront with all side effects and prohibited lying. The Meat Inspection Act addressed the meatpacking industries that were grossly misconducted. It made them more sanitary and mandated surprise inspections. -
NAACP founded
W.E.B. Dubois was another influential leader of the black community. He was the first black man to graduate with a pHd from Harvard. He took the opposite view of Booker T Washington, asserting blacks ”cannot accept any segregation.” He believed any acceptance would take the movement backwards and validate the behavior. With this belief he founded the NAACP which was instrumental in furthering black Rights. His NAACP became the leading organization that headed the movement for years to come. -
Triangle Shirtwaist Fire
The Shirtwaist fire was a tragedy in a New York sweatshop. A fire started on the 8th floor and the factory had not complied with the safety recommendations and had no measures in place to save the workers. As a result 146 underpaid workers died. The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire had an explosive impact on the progressive era. It lit a ‘fire’ under everyone in NY, not just one demographic. New York was forced to create 56 new safety laws representing a huge win for reformers. -
Archduke Franz Ferdinand Assassinated
The acronym MANIA describes WW2 factors as Militarism, Alliances, Nationalism, Imperialism, and then the assassination. European countries, threatened by the countries building their militaries around them, started to build up their armies leading to strong militarism. There were also alliances that along with a strong sense of nationalism and pride and even more added tension from imperialistic policies, created a powder keg that only needed one assassination of an archduke to explode. -
US Inetercepts Zimmerman Notes
Though the powder keg had exploded in Europe due to MANIA, the US was still far removed from the war. Wilson had declared our neutrality and that the US would keep our economy thriving by not alienating any markets. The catalyst for the US joining was the interception of the Zimmerman notes from Germany to Mexico outlining plans for Mexico to attack America thus diverting our attention. Mexico declined, but the interception of these papers had brought the US into the world war scene. -
US declares war on Germany
His hand forced by the Zimmerman Notes, Wilson changed his tune and pleaded with congress to declare war. To convince the dubious public of the war he said it would be “The war to end all wars!” He claimed that it would save democracy and that if we refrained, the war would eventually come here. Our army grows through the draft, to a staggering 4.5 million troops. This bolstered the economy into that of a wartime economy with production at super speeds to create all the supplies needed for war. -
Creel Committee of Public Info
The Great War as it was called, was also great in cost. In order to pay for the wartime supplies the government turned to the public in the form of war bonds. This method worked wonderfully. On average each adult bought 400 dollars of bonds. The Creel Committee of Public Information is what made this a reality. This was a propaganda campaign to raise money, but also to demonize the enemy and convince them to work wartime jobs. Along with the 4 minute men they gained millions of supporters. -
Selective Service Act passed
This act gave the federal government the right to open a draft for men to join the army. Many young men had already enlisted, but with the draft we were able to turn out 4.5 million men during the war. With 4.5 million troops sent overseas the US factories lost a huge chunk of their workers as their production ramped up to cover wartime needs. This space was in large part filled by blacks escaping sharecropping in the south and starting the Great Migration to the north. -
Sedition Act 1918
As 4.5 million fought overseas the rest of America contributed also. We were in a time of Total War. A war industries board controlled businesses’ products, production levels, prices, and raw material distribution. Americans’ patriotism compelled them to let these things slide and opened the door for the Espionage and Sedition Acts of 1918. Meant to root out threats to the government, it outlawed any slander against the government. It jailed 2000 people before being overturned. -
18th Amendment passed
The temperance movement, backed largely by protestant women who believed alcohol was ruining their family lives finally succeeded in making alcohol illegal. Contrary to their hopes however, alcohol consumption actually rose after the Volstead Act. Organized crime that distributed the contraband also began to skyrocket. Speakeasies popped up in every town where people bought drinks. This act did nothing for the problem of alcohol but served to incentivize organized crime. -
Treaty of Versailles
Instead of Wilson’s clement 14 point plan, the other Allied powers devised a punitive treaty. They felt that all of the resources and men they had lost would be in vain if no one lost. Germany received the blame and was excluded from peace talks. Germany lost all land they had gained in war and had many restrictions forced on them that they were forced to sign. This is the beginning of the German depression and unrest that led to WWII. The US doesn’t sign or join the league of nations. -
Louis Armstrong Releases First song
Louis Armstrong released his first song in 1923, and went on to become one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. Jazz was a genre that came out of African Americans and its popularity was sparked during the Great Migration and the Harlem Renaissance. With this giant African American enclave, black culture was exploding with joy and life. Though jazz was an black genre, it caught on quickly in the white community and black musicians often performed for mixed or even white only crowds. -
Immigration act of 1924
Hidden behind the glamor of the economic prosperity of the 20’s was a subtext of fear in the Red Scare. Palmer raids and acts violence towards immigrants and anyone deemed “unpatriotic” made everyone afraid to be seen as a communist. This was even worse for immigrants because in addition to the suspicion of being from another country, there was animosity for job security. This led to the Immigration act which limited immigration from the Middle East and Europe to 2% of their US census count. -
Scopes Monkey Trial
This trial was staged to challenge the Butler Act which forbids evolution to be taught in school. This was a case testing religion vs. science being taught in school. Though scopes lost the case (then to have it overturned on a technicality) his purpose was served as the reporters were out the door at the courthouse and attracted national attention. This was one of many changes in the 1920’s with literature, fashion, and even automobiles also reflecting the new atmosphere of the country. -
Great Depression starts
Preceded by the explosion of consumer culture, unstable domestic spending, and the US loaning to European countries who couldn't pay us back, the US found itself in the offset of its greatest economic recession. A boom economy in reverse, stocks crashed, and bank runs caused millions to lose their life savings and jobs. Hoover was blamed for this and his conservative plans with federal aid did nothing to help in the eyes of the public. The unemployment rose to 25% and America was in squalor -
Bonus Army march
The main population was reduced to standing in lines waiting for jobs to open up with their families in their mud shack in their hooverville (rife with crime). WWI soldiers had been promised a bonus, but it wouldn’t be paid til 1945. They were now struggling like everyone else and believed they should get their bonus early. They marched on Washington and staged a protest. Hoover eventually boils over and orders their hooverville burned which was the last straw for his presidency. -
FDR elected
FDR won the election in a landslide (because his name wasn’t Hoover) and immediately focused on “Relief, Recovery, and Reform.” His New Deal package transformed the government into something much stronger and took on the problems of the people. The opposite of a do-nothing president he believed in spending his way out with Keynesian economics. He set a new measurement of presidency within his first 100 days and was loved by the public. His economic policies resulted in the FDIC, SEC, FERA etc. -
WPA created
One of many federal programs supplying jobs to Americans, it employed 8 million citizens, making the US government the biggest employer on Earth. The government paid over $2 billion to create new bridges, sewers, irrigation etc. Other work programs paid citizens to fix the Dust bowl, build dams, and help the environment. These programs seemed to do great things for the unemployment rate, but as soon as they rolled some back rates plummeted again. These programs fixed symptoms, not the problem. -
Hitler Invades Czechoslovakia
Hitler had first violated the Treaty of Versailles in 1933 when he raised his army from the allotted 100k to 500k. His country had been in a depression since the treaty signing so by doing this he gave 400k families a source of income. This defiance compounds until Germany openly invades the Czech. At the Munich conference Hitler agreed to not take any more land but immediately went back on this. He then allies with Stalin with a “non-aggression pact” and takes Poland, starting the war. -
FDR signs Executive Order 8802
Executive Order 8802 was the first huge civil rights victory. It eliminated discriminatory hiring practices in the federal government and any company paid by the feds (who were buying war equipment from many companies.) The Harlem Renaissance and new culture emerging combined with black employment doubling during WWII led to increased black pride. This pride empowered African Americans to fight for their civil rights in the future, leading to the 60’s civil rights movement. -
Pearl Harbor
Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, or main naval base, on December 7 1941.This was a crippling blow to the US Navy. The US was forced to finally join the war, finally satisfying Churchill’s exhaustive pleas. Americans were so angry that recruiting stations were FULL and we supplied 16 million troops. These troops needed supplies, meaning the US economy switched back into wartime production. These troops, along with Russia exiting the war decided an Allied victory and sent our economy to prosperity. -
G.I. Bill of Rights
The GI Bill honored WW2 vets by making higher education free and made home and business loans very low interest. This shifted the now huge middle class (thanks to the baby boom) to a college centered society. This education created new opportunities and contributed even more to the economic prosperity of the time. As these college focused baby boomers grew up they revolutionized each field of life with their sheer numbers. This bill is still in effect and has provided college to millions. -
Truman Doctrine
Post WWII the USSR was slowly creeping its communist influence over Eastern Europe. Churchill recognized this and gave a speech calling Stalin’s communism an “Iron Curtain” that was obstructing the freedoms of all it eclipsed. The US adopted a policy of containment, vowing not to let any more countries fall to communism, regarding it as the red disease. The Truman Doctrine defined this clearly and gave clear measurements for how far the US would go in foreign affairs. -
USSR tests nukes
Stalin had been allies of Churchill and Truman, but only by virtue of mutual German hate. Stalin’s communist beliefs eventually alienated the USSR and the US was set against the spread of communism. The development of USSR nukes led to a huge Red Scare and the start of the Cold War. The US vows to help any country invaded by the USSR but cannot fight personally because of mutually assured destruction. The Red Scare consumed the US and added a darker lens to 50’s life that is often overlooked. -
Brown v. Board of Education
The years following Plessy v. Ferguson, a case ruling that “Separate but Equal” was constitutional, were strife with racist Jim Crow laws. Over time, the unrest from these laws grew great and organizations like the NAACP, CORE, etc. grew and lobbied to further civil rights. In Brown v. Board, the supreme court ruled that segregation in schools was unequal and ordered integration. This struck the precedent that Plessy had set and opened the door for many more cases, like Rosa Parks and sit-ins. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
In the midst of the Cold War Cuba fell to Fidel Castro despite a failed revolution of Cuban refugees that was spearheaded by JFK. In 1962 the US found ICBM (russian short range nukes) launch sites being constructed in Cuba, close enough to the US that it threatened all of mainland US. Then we find a Soviet ship that we know carries ICBMs heading to Cuba. Amid hysterical level panic, JFK sends a naval blockade to stop Russia from reaching Cuba. Luckily this ploy is successful and JFK averts WWIII -
JFK assassinated
JFK’s assassination shook the country. JFK, elected in 1960, was the president for 3 years. He had beaten Richard Nixon, an arguably more experienced and better candidate, with the advent of television and the televised debate. He presented a breath of fresh air contrasting the fearful cold war climate. His assassination created even more fear, but he was succeeded by LBJ who was a strong presence and promptly won an election of his own right. LBJ brought a New Deal ideal to the Whitehouse. -
JBL signs Civil Rights Act of 1964
After a hundred years of activists fighting, this bill was passed through tireless efforts by leaders such as MLK, Rosa Parks, Thurgood Marshall, and millions around the country who participated in boycotts, protests, and sit-ins. This bill prevents discrimination on the basis of race, color, or religion. Unfortunately it did not include the basis of sex, and still needed a voting amendment passed in 1965. This new law was often broken, especially by bigoted southerners. -
NYSE created
Huge industries thriving in the US led to great economic growth and corporations began to emerge. These protected the owner’s assets and were able to outlive the owners, but the biggest pro for these companies was the creation of the NYSE. This allowed for lots of investment very easily. Selling partial ownership was wildly popular and compounded company growth even more. The stock exchange created these corporations which used vertical and horizontal integration. -
Watergate
The popular incumbent Nixon was campaigning. He had signed Title IX (which banned gender discrimination in schools), allowed 18 y/os to vote, and normalized trades with China. Unfortunately his campaign managers broke into the Watergate hotel where the democrats were holding their summit to spy on their opponents. Nixon was then found to have covered this scandal up when he first learned of it and lied about it. For these offenses he resigned to prevent impeachment and Ford took over. -
Beirut Barracks Bombings
One of many issues Reagan had with the Middle East, the Beirut bombing was the worst. 241 marines were killed when marxist soldiers bombed their barracks. This was Reagan’s saddest day of presidency. He couldn’t attack back but instead invaded Grenada as a show of force. Beirut also started kidnapping Americans. This led to Reagan’s administration illegally trading with Iran to get help with the hostages. We used this money to (illegally) help Nicaragua’s costas who were also fighting communism