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Sand Creek Massacre
As American citizens moved westward, they often clashed with the Natives in hopes of pushing them out and taking their land (even though they promised protection). A group of Colorado volunteers ventured out and violently attacked the Natives at Sand Creek, killing 400 Natives (women and children included). This was essentially a crime against the natives and represented the abuse that Americans enacted on them. This just showed the mistreatment of the Natives and how America betrayed them. -
13th Amendment
On December 6, 1865, the 13th Amendment was ratified. The amendment stated that slavery would be abolished in all states; additionally, according to Johnson's plan for Reconstruction, all southern states had to ratify this amendment in order to rejoin the Union. This amendment is significant because it marks the first attempt to make any real change in American society. Black people were finally free from slavery and were beginning to find their place in society. -
Black Codes
Even after legislation that aimed to protect the lives of African American citizens was passed, black people were still subjected to same oppression. Many of the former Confederate states established black codes in attempt to counteract the laws that protected black people. These black codes were intended to limit black people's behavior and usually imposed social and economic control. Not only did these black codes make the lives of black people awful, but it shows how little progress was made. -
Mass Immigrations
Beginning in 1870, several years after the Civil War, many immigrants emigrated to the States in hopes of achieving the America Dream. Many hoped to rebuild their lives and to be more exposed to beneficial. By 1890, millions of immigrants came to America. At this point, America was transforming into an international hub and was beginning to shape into what it is today-a multi-cultural and diverse country filled with people from all corners of the world and different walks of life. -
Presidential Election of 1876
The election was between Hayes (Republican) and Tilden (Democrat). For most of the election, Tilden had more popular and electoral votes than Hayes; however, Hayes ended up winning in the end. Hayes' victory was due to the Compromise of 1877, which was when the Democrats conceded victory to Hayes if all remaining troops in the South returned North. This compromise inevitably caused the failure of Reconstruction as there were no more Republican influence in the South to defend black people. -
Railroads
During this time, railroads dominate America. Three percent of the entire nation's workforce were working on the railroads. Eventually, there were 9,000 miles of railroads across the United States with a few transcontinental railroads. Railroads allowed for faster connection, communication, and transportation for American citizens. As a result, they heavily shaped the economy. The allowed for more effective trade and linked people together. Hub cities were formed as a result of the railroads. -
Corruption in Cities
During the Gilded Age, corruption in cities was increasing at an alarming rate. Because of the spike in immigration, corrupt politicians were able to manipulate innocent immigrants into electing them and voting. This inevitably led to a viscous cycle of unfit politicians remaining in power. In fact, the Gilded Age is distinguished by the amount of corruption that was in America. Money was essentially the new government; whoever had it, had power. -
Settlement House Movement
As a result of the movement reforms that occurring at the time, settlement houses were erected in attempts to remedy problems that were prevalent, specifically poverty. Many of this settlement houses adopted the idea of Social Gospel to try to fix society. They called people to practice Christian practices and "live like Jesus." They wanted people to focus on the community, rather than individual benefit. They encouraged people to help those in need and in poverty. -
Populist Party
In the early 1890s, the Populist party was formed. This political party aimed to represent the common people, especially the farmers (this party was also called the people's party because of this). Many of the promises that they made were designed to help farmers economically. For starters, they wanted the railroads, telephone and telegraph to be made more public for civilian use. They also campaigned for bimetallism in hopes of helping farmers out of debt. This party (Bryan) lost to Republicans -
Progressive Era leads to Conservation (basically throughout this Era; not one exact date)
One of the many effects that the Progressive Era caused was that it caused many people to be conscious about the environment. Reformists aimed to address the toll that urbanization created on America. For example, the bison in America were practically exterminated because of cities and railroads. People began caring about the environment because people were tired of seeing it being destroyed (bc reform and what not). Better nature = profit. Better nature = better lifestyle and more luxuries. -
Homestead Strike
In July of 1892, workers in Carnegie's steel plant were on strike over the horrible conditions (i.e. being locked in and trapped) that they faced in the factory and the deliberate ignorance of Carnegie to remedy it. Carnegie then sent Frick to deal with the strike. Frick decided to send the National Guard to stop them. These events highlighted the corruption that existed at the time, whether it be in government or in the working world. Business owners were willing to mistreat their workers for$$ -
Taking Hawaii
Alarmed by Queen Liliuokalani's policy about how Hawaiians should be the ones controlling Hawaii and tariffs on sugar, Americans desired to conquer and annex Hawaii. As a result, Sanford B. Dole led a revolt consisting of tiny minority of white planters in hopes of annexing Hawaii. Even after senator Cleveland sent an investigator to Hawaii to try to stop the annexation, he was unsuccessful. Eventually, Dole became president and Cleveland was criticized for his actions, sparking a debate in US. -
Spanish-American War
Driven by the want of sugar/land, the sinking of the USS Maine and the De Lome Letter, the US aided Cuba in their fight for independence from Spain. The US utilized brutal tactics such as starvation, as they often blocked ports and surrounded Spanish cities (Battle of Santiago). The war was an easy fight for America, since they often lost very few soldiers, as opposed to Spain's great losses. The war led to more imperialistic ideals and more territories in the near future. Huge debate on it. -
Teller Amendment
During the Spanish American War, America established the Teller Amendment, which stated that the US had no political intention with Cuba. This amendment was controversial, considering the things that occurred after the war and the ideals at the time. Many Americans at the time wanted America to be an imperialistic powerhouse. In fact, after the war, still capitalized on Cuba's resources, which seemed somewhat contradictory to the amendment's goals. It went against American thinking and was shady -
Carrie A Nation (also attacked the hotel bc they served alcohol (she a radical member of Prohibition
During the Progressive Era, women across nation banded together in hopes of gaining suffrage and fighting for change in the world they live in. Carrie A Nation was a radical example of the things that women to try to change their country. Nation wanted to send the message that big corporation corruptly ruled their nation and had too much power. As a result, she attacked a luxurious hotel. She attracted attention from across the country, as she was a unique example of people trying to fix the US. -
Theodore Roosevelt
He was labeled as the "trustbuster." During his presidency in the Progressive Era, he aimed to regulate the relationship of the wealthy monopolies and trust with the general public. He didn't believe all trusts were bad, but wanted balance. Most of his presidency consisted of ant-trust laws. He advocated for reform in the country and conservation of the natural world. In other words, he embodied the ideals of the Progressive Era. He was assassinated. -
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
Due to poor working conditions and safety hazards, many workers in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory suffered a tragic death because of a fire that broke out. These deaths would have been prevented had their well being and rights were upheld. This tragedy represented the flaws of society at the time. Many workers suffered in the work place. As a result, many ppl. felt the need to reform society and fix the issues. Movements erupted in hopes of changing the Nation. This time is the Progressive Era. -
WW1 Propaganda
During WW1, America used propaganda as a way to increase national support. A lot of the propaganda tried to persuade Americans to help the war in any way possible, whether it be through the purchasing of bonds or participating in the draft. There were also many forms of propaganda that depicted their enemies as evil. Additionally, there were many events such as Meatless Mondays and Wheatless Wednesday that aimed to provide the American army with more supplies. All of these were ways to help ww1. -
Zimmerman Telegram
The Zimmerman Telegram can be credited to be one of the reasons WW1 started. Germany had sent an encrypted message to Mexico negotiating a plan to retake Texas, New Mexico and Arizona if the US entered into war against Germany. It changed American thinking, since it made the issue of war more serious, forcing America to take action. America began to realize who their enemies were and how to deal with their problems. -
Questionable American Actions during WW1
During WW1, America made many attempts to increase national support for the war. However, by doing so, America sparked a lot of controversy and resentment from its citizens. For example, by issuing the Sedition and Espionage Acts, America directly challenged its First Amendment, as it limited its citizens ability to express themselves. Additionally, the Draft also sparked lots of controversy since many viewed it as unethical and wrong. -
Wilson's 14 Points
Trying to end WW1 peacefully, Wilson offered up his 14 points to Congress, which aimed to prevent future wars and established international safety. He was greeted with push-back, as other nations were angry at the distribution of lands and the punishment of Germany. Additionally, American isolationists did not America to ally with other nations. Wilson had to compromise many goals to satisfy the conference and the League of Nations. -
Prohibition
At the time, many Americans believed that the consumption of alcohol was the source of the many problems in America, such as corruption and violence. As a result, the 18th Amendment was passed. Although supporters of Prohibition intended it to be a good thing, it was the cause of a lot of corruption. People who wanted alcohol would get it regardless of the law. Many black markets formed and organized crime formulated. People of all classes were involved. Crime was prevalent everywhere. -
Immigration Restrictions
During the Roaring 20s, many Americans feared that immigration would lead to anarchy and that they would heavily influence American society. As a result, they were many attempts to restrict immigration into the states that appeared. For example, quotas and Immigration Acts set a quantitative standard for how many immigrants can come into the US. This restriction led to many immigrants that were already in the States to feel very isolated and alone. It was a bad no no. :( -
Women in the 1920s
The Roaring 20s proved to be one of the most influential periods for women prosperity. As a new era approached, a new lifestyle of women erupted; they were known as the "flappers." Flappers relished in their new fashion, freedom and opportunities. Additionally, the rise of consumerism and technology allowed many women to enter the work force. The number of working women increased a lot. This time period acted as a crucial moment in the evolution of the role of women in society -
Cars 1920s
During this time, technology and consumerism boomed. One of the most monumental invention was the automobile. The industry was completely transformed by Henry Ford, who utilized the assembly line. This was the first time the assembly line was heavily used. It drastically increased efficiency and productivity, the main ideas during the time. The automobile is a prime example of the change in the American economy at the time. Productivity went up. Worker treatment went up. New technologies.Change! -
Manchuria Incident
On September 18, 1931, Japan devised a plan that would essentially launch them into WW2. Japan essentially attacked themselves to give them a reason to attack China for resources, since they blamed their planned attack on China. This was one of examples of Japan's aggression that eventually evolved overtime. America responded to this attack by enacting an embargo on Japan, which angered Japan even more. This attack highlights Japan aggression during the War -
WW2 Homefront
During the war, the American homefront was heavily involved. For starters, the American government emphasized civilian participation through rationing, victory gardens and war bonds. All of these were attempts by the government to increase morale and the economy. Everyone was involved in the war and supported it. Additionally, figures like Rosie the Riveter empowered women during these times. A big part of the war was fought within American borders. -
Pearl Harbor
Japan attacked the American naval base, Pearl Harbor. Japan knew that American intervention in the war was inevitable; they knew that American was bound to be their enemy. Thus, Japan tried to hurt America as much as they can before they even joined the war. Japan chose Pearl Harbor because it was close and had many battleships and planes. Pearl Harbor brought America into the war against Japan. America was angered and had a reason to fight back. -
Japanese Internment Camps
On this day, President Roosevelt passed the Executive Order 9066, which allowed Japanese Americans to be transported to internment camps and kept there. The guidelines were very vague, which led to the mistreatment of the Japanese. This was America's attempt to limit the threat of potential Japanese spies and such. Many Americans indirectly supported these camps because they didn't protest against it. People did not see the treatment of the Japanese. Big big no no. -
Chinese Exclusion Act
Beginning from the late 1800s, many immigrants were subjected to restraints that denied them the chance to live life. The Chinese Exclusion Act, for example, denied many Chinese immigrants the chance to come to America and start a new life. They were denied of their hopes and dreams. Many immigrants in the states too also suffered from unjust ruling, such as being denied from jobs simply because of their race. This is just one of many forms of discrimination that immigrants faced,
