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The Navigation Act of 1651
Dutch & French shippers had a lot of trade with the New England colonies in the 17th century. To combat this, Britain passed this act, which required that all goods be carried on ships owned by English or colonial merchants. This act supported a "mercantilist economy" by increasing national wealth by forcing the colonies to trade with the mother country rather than having free trade. Mercantilism consists of the idea of bringing more money into the country than giving it out to other nations. -
Treaty of Paris (1763)
The French & Indian War (7 Years War) came to an end with this treaty. Overlapping land claims in the East and the middle of the continent between the French and British made the war inevitable. As the British gained wins in Northern America, they also attacked French territories in other areas. In order to protect their West Indian sugar lobbies, the treaty was signed. The impacts of left Britain broke from war. They then decided to tax the colonists, which ended up starting a revolution. -
Royal Proclamation of 1763
The 7 Years War was fought over land claims. When the war was won by the British, the colonists hoped to expand westward to alleviate overcrowding in the East. However, the British ministry passed the Royal Proclamation of 1763, which declared colonial settlement of land westward of a specific line to be illegal. They did this because of 2 reasons: it was very expensive to control the trans-Atlantic west & Indian conflict could be created. Many colonists, however, ignored this edict. -
Declaratory Act of 1766
To pay off war debt, Britain issued many taxes on the colonists. These included the Sugar & Stamp Acts. The Stamp Act specifically, which imposed a tax on all paper, received a lot of backlash from the colonists. The British then repealed the Stamp & Sugar Acts. However, to reassert their control, they passed the Declaratory Act. This act asserted Parliament's unassailable right to legislate for its British colonies in all cases. This act is important as it shows early signs of revolution. -
Townshend Act of 1767
After William Pitt, the man who was named to lead a new government by King George III, fell chronically ill, chancellor Charles Townshend was left in command. Unlike Pitt, Townshend was not sympathetic toward America. He passed a new act named the Townshend Act of 1767, which imposed duties on colonial imports such as tea, glass, lead paper, and so on. Although some revenue was allocated toward American military expenses, the rest was earmarked for paying the salaries of imperial officials. -
The Boston Massacre
With troops stationed at a particular port in Boston, 9 redcoats fired into a crowd and killed 5 colonists. Although the soldiers were exonerated, the incident was popularized as a tragic massacre. It was used as a rallying sentiment against imperial power. An African American named Crispus Attucks was recognized as the "first black martyr" of American liberty. This also occurred at the same time as Lord North's compromise in which he repealed most of the Townshend duties but kept a tax on tea. -
Coercive Acts
After the Boston Tea Party took place in 1773, King George III struck back by passing the Coercive Acts. Also known as the Intolerable Acts, the acts closed Boston Harbor to shipping, annulled the colony's charter, prohibited most town meetings, mandated new barracks for British troops, and allowed trials for capital crimes to be transferred to other colonies or Britain. This ended up being the cause for the First Continental Congress, which had 12 mainland colonies send representatives. -
Second Continental Congress
A month after the Battle of Lexington and Concord, Patriot leaders organized the 2nd Continental Congress. In this gathering, John Adams nominated George Washington to lead a continental army to "rise to the defense of American liberty". While this was going on, the Battle of Bunker Hill took place as well. This is what inspired Adams to establish an army. This Congress also went onward to create its own money and establish independence in the near future. -
"Common Sense" Published
While the popular opinion of whether or not to side with King George III was in flux, Thomas Paine's pamphlet helped the people of the colonies pick a side. He published "Common Sense", which convinced many of those on edge to pick the sides of the Patriots. In the book, he blasted the monarchial system of government and King George III. At one point in time, the rate at which Common Sense was sold was more than the rate at which the Bible was being sold. -
The Declaration of Independence
Inspired by recent events at the time and Common Sense, the Continental Congress passed the historic Declaration of Independence. The main author, Thomas Jefferson, proclaimed the infamous unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It was celebrated worldwide and became an example for countries that would follow America's path of independence. Along with summarizing the colonists' intentions, alliances were now officially made due to America's new status as a country. -
Battle of Saratoga
Until this point in the Revolutionary War, the U.S. was struggling economically and militarily. Losing multiple battles, it started to seem bleak for the colonists. However, after an unexpected win in the Battle of Saratoga, the tide of the war changed. Largely considered the turning point of the war, not only did it provide hope, but it also sealed a military alliance with France which was negotiated by Benjamin Franklin. This alliance remains important for the future of the war as well. -
Articles of Confederation
After winning the war & gaining independence, Americans had to figure out how to organize their government. Fearful of another regime similar to Great Britain's, they drafted the Articles of Confederation. This document gave the U.S. a small central government and more freedom for states. Many flaws that were later pointed out consisted of no chief executive, no judiciary, no power to enforce taxes, etc. The power to force tax systems was severely needed due to the costs of the war. -
Treaty of Paris (1783)
After the Battle of Yorktown occurred in which British General Cornwallis was cornered by French & American forces, conditions were negotiated for America's independence. In the Treaty of Paris of 1783, Great Britain formally recognized American independence & relinquished its claims. Native Americans, loyalists, & slaves were considered the losers of the war, as the Indians lost more than 5 million acres of land, slaves were not freed, and loyalists were seen as traitors. -
Ratification of the Constitution
After Shay's Rebellion challenged how well the Articles of Confederation truly worked, many leaders called for a change. The Philadelphia Convention brought an opportunity to rewrite the laws of the country. Multiple plans were brought about in this convention. The Great Compromise combined two major plans into one creating the House & the Senate. After other negotiations of slavery & national authority were held, more ratification debates were held. Eventually, the Constitution was ratified. -
The Bill of Rights
James Madison, now a member of the House of Representatives, submitted 19 amendments for consideration. 10 of these got ratified and are now known as the Bill of Rights. These amendments are known to guard the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people. Freedom of speech, religion, assembly, the right to a trial by jury, and more were granted to the citizens of the U.S. via the Bill of Rights. This ended up easing the fears of Antifederalists who were scared of a tyrannical government. -
Whiskey Rebellion
Alexander Hamilton's new economic policies sparked a domestic insurgency. Taxes placed on corn whiskey drove down demand which made western Pennsylvanian farmers mount the Whiskey Rebellion. In response, President George Washington raised a militia force of 12,000 troops to take down the rebellion. Not only did this demonstrate growing divides between the Federalists and Antifederalists, but it also showed that the government could function well in the face of mishpas such as these. -
Naturalization, Alien, and Sedition Acts
With criticisms growing, John Adams & other Federalists passed the Naturalization, Alien, & Sedition Acts. The Naturalization Act required a lengthened residency requirement for American citizenship. The Alien Act authorized the deportation of foreigners. The Sedition Act prohibited the publication of insults on any members of the government. These acts sparked a crisis with the states of Virginia & Kentucky nullifying the laws. This made President Adams look bad and set up the election of 1800. -
The Election of 1800
With the bad reputation of the Naturalization, Alien, & Sedition Acts following John Adams, hopes seemed bleak for him to be reelected again. The Federalists launched personal attacks on Thomas Jefferson, the candidate from the Antifederalist party. After a tie between him & Aaron Burr, Jefferson's opponent Alexander Hamilton surprisingly supported him being elected to office. Often called the Revolution of 1800, the bloodless transfer of power showed that democracy as a system can & will work. -
Marbury v. Madison
After James Madison refused to deliver the commission of the appointment of William Marbury, a midnight judge John Adams submitted last minute, a case was called. Although Marbury seemed to have the right to appointment under the Judiciary Act of 1789, it conflicted with Article III, Section 2, of the Constitution. Chief Justice John Marshall at the time established the Supreme Court's authority to review congressional legislation & interpret the Constitution. Marbury ended up becoming a judge. -
The Louisiana Purchase
After Napolean Bonaparte seized Spanish territory & violated Pickney's Treaty, he cut off American access to New Orleans, a port that held valuable trade for the U.S. After Jefferson sent Robert Livingston with an offer to buy New Orleans, he received a counteroffer selling the entire Louisiana territory for $15 million. Jefferson, who had a strict interpretation of the Constitution, was conflicted in his powers to buy the territory. He eventually accepted loose construction & bought it. -
Treaty of Ghent
After Britain violated its commercial rights as a nation & assisted Indians in western territories from British Canada, the U.S. declared war on Britain. Luckily, a war-exhausted Britain wanted peace by 1815. Meeting in Belgium, they signed the Treaty of Ghent to retain prewar borders. However, before the news could reach the states, General Jackson gathered troops and launched an attack on the British. While only 13 Americans died & 58 were wounded, 700 British men died & 2000 were wounded. -
The Missouri Compromise
Arguments regarding slavery in the new state of Missouri sparked a crisis between northerners & southerners. While northerners such as James Tallmadge declared that they would only support statehood if the state banned slavery, southerners composed multiple arguments on why it should be admitted as a slave state. Henry Clay then stepped in & provided the Missouri Compromise. In it, Maine would be a free state & Missouri would be a slave state. This set a precedent for admissions to the Union. -
Monroe Doctrine
John Quincy Adams, son of John Adams, was secretary of state for 2 terms under James Monroe. John Quincy Adams was successful in convincing Monroe to create the Monroe Doctrine. The doctrine mentions that the western hemisphere was now not subject to further colonization anymore. Monroe pledged that the United States would not interfere in the internal concerns of European nations. This was a landmark doctrine that helped stop western colonization & established the U.S.'s strength as a nation. -
David Walker's Appeal to the World
David Walker's Appeal to the World was a radical antislavery tract published in 1829 by David Walker, a free black abolitionist. The Appeal was a call to action for both black and white Americans to work together to bring about the end of slavery in the United States. Similar to the temperance movement as symbolized by the Maine law, the 2nd Great Awakening also sparked the abolitionist movement as now being symbolized by David Walker's Appeal. As an influential piece, it inspired many. -
Ordinance of Nullification
After enacting the Tariffs of 1828 & Abominations, South Carolina adopted an Ordinance of Nullification declaring the tariffs null & void. Arguments in this ordinance echoed claims made by the Kentucky & Virginia Resolutions of 1798. President Jackson then declared the ordinance to violate the Constitution & gained the passage of a military force bill compelling South Carolina's obedience to national laws. Jackson also reduced tariff prices resulting in South Carolina standing down. -
The Battle of the Alamo
The Alamo was a military fort that was being used as a base by a group of Texan rebels. In late February, a Mexican army of around 1,500 soldiers, led by General Santa Anna, besieged the Alamo. The Texans were heavily outnumbered, but they refused to surrender and fought to the death with all 200 men dying. As a major turning point in the Texas Revolution, the deaths at the Alamo were romanticized in the U.S. resulting in involvement. To this day the phrase "Remember the Alamo" is popular. -
Panic of 1837
A sharp reduction in the English capital and credit flow caused a cash shortage. This ended up also causing the Panic of 1837. Being one of the first depressions of the U.S., it threw the American economy and workers' movements (which were becoming popular at the time) into disarray. The sudden deprivation of British funds caused planters, merchants, and canal corporations to withdraw gold to pay foreign debts. The fall of cotton prices & the drain of specie were also reasons for the panic. -
Trail of Tears
The Indian Removal Act of 1830 pushed for the relocation of Indians. After negotiations between a minority Cherokee faction, the Treaty of Echota was passed, in which the Cherokees would resettle in Indian territory. After only 2000 of the 17000 Cherokees had moved by the deadline, President Martin Van Buren ordered General Scott to enforce the treaty by rounding up the 14000 Cherokees and marching them 1200 miles. This tragic event became known as the Trail of Tears as many died on the way. -
Manifest Destiny
Manifest Destiny, a term coined in 1845 (the date used), was the idea that it was our god given right to expand westward. Another factor was to "civilize" the Native Americans & Mexicans in the west. Americans saw this as their duty to complete. It also helped motivate the U.S. whenever it had the opportunity to take more land westward, which consisted of the annexation of Texas, the Mexican Cession, etc. In today's world, however, we recognize Manifest Destiny to be what wiped out the natives. -
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
Due to the situation in Texas, the U.S. ended up joining their side and started the Mexican-American war. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, ended the war. In return for the Mexican Cession territory and war debts, the U.S. would pay $15 million. They gained the California territory, which proved very useful for two reasons. Not only could they now reach the Pacific Coast, but they gained access to a lot of gold in that land which sparked the California Gold Rush. -
The Seneca Falls Convention
The Seneca Falls Convention marked the beginning of the women's rights movement in the United States. The convention was organized mainly by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and other prominent feminists, and it was attended by over 300 people, including men and women from a range of backgrounds. Similar to the temperance & abolitionist movements, the woman's suffrage movement also took off due to the 2nd Great Awakening. The convention was organized due to discrimination in abolitionist meetings. -
Compromise of 1850
A debate emerged on if California would be a slave state or a free state. To keep the country together, Henry Clay and others developed the Compromise of 1850. This consisted of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, admitting California as a free state, resolving a boundary dispute between Texas and New Mexico, abolishing the slave trade in the District of Columbia, and organizing the rest of the territories to be Utah and New Mexico to both have popular sovereignty for their say on slavery. -
The Maine Law of 1851
The Maine Law of 1851 was a piece of legislation that aimed to prohibit the trade of liquor in the state of Maine. The law was passed in the midst of a growing temperance movement in the United States, which sought to reduce the negative social and health impacts of alcohol consumption. This movement originated from the 2nd Great Awakening. Alcohol was seen as an evil that encouraged sinful behaviors such as lust, abuse, greed, etc. The Maine Law was the first of its kind to outlaw alcohol. -
Dred Scott Decision
The Dred Scott case was a landmark decision by the Supreme Court in which the court said that African Americans could not be American citizens and therefore did not have the standing to bring suit in federal court. The case arose from a lawsuit brought by Dred Scott, a slave who had been taken by his owners to live in free states and territories. He argued that his residence in free states had made him a free man. The court also said that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional. -
Election of 1860
All Northern & Southern divisions culminated in the election of 1860. In this election, the Democratic party seemingly fell apart due to conflicts between the northern and southern parts of the party. However, a new party named the Republican Party presented its candidate Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln stated that they must either become one thing or the other, which scared southern plantation owners. Out of fear, they seceded in December of 1860. These were the sparks of the Civil War. -
First Battle of Bull Run
Near the beginning of the war, it was expected that the Union would win quite quickly. However, this proved false with the First Battle of Bull Run. To gain a quick strike by capturing the Confederate capital of Richmond, Lincoln ordered General McDowell’s army of 30,000 men to attack General Beauregard’s force of 20,000 troops at Bull Run. Many sat down to watch it as a picnic, but they were proven otherwise when Confederates were able to push back and gain a significant first victory. -
Homestead Act of 1862
The Civil War did not impact the West as much as distance made the conflict unreachable. They had their own problems with a lack of population. To combat this and alleviate population density in the east, Lincoln passed the Homestead Act. This act gave 160 free acres of land to any applicant who occupied the area for 5 years and improved the property. They also passed a similar land-grant college act named the Morrill Act that created public universities to broaden educational opportunities. -
Emancipation Proclamation
As the Civil War went onward, it seemed that the only path to reuniting the United States for Lincoln was emancipating the slaves. Lincoln's only intent and goal was to reunite the Union, and he would have done it way if it had to be done either by emancipating slaves or not emancipating them. After waiting for a war victory that came with the Battle of Antietam, Lincoln issued a preliminary proclamation and then the actual proclamation. Union border states however still kept slavery. -
Battle of Vicksburg
Near the beginning of the war, the Union had a plan to choke out the southern economy. Known as the Anaconda plan, the Union would use its navy to block southern trade with other nations. This plan is what silently won them the war, & it was also what the Battle of Vicksburg enacted. General Ulysses S. Grant took a very strategically important part of the Mississippi River. A few days later, Port Hudson in Louisiana was also captured by the Union, resulting in total control of the river. -
Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War & is considered one of the bloodiest battles of the war. The two sides engaged in fierce fighting with both sides suffering heavy casualties. Union forces were ultimately able to repel the Confederates & force them to retreat. The battle marked the first time that the Confederates were unable to achieve objectives in the North, it helped boost Northern morale, & ended the Confederate Army's ability to make further major advances. -
Election of 1864
Although the South was destined to lose, Confederate leaders still hoped for negotiated peace which was a possibility if Lincoln lost the election of 1864. To remain president, Lincoln needed to show the northern public he was winning the war. He did so by putting Grant & William Sherman in charge of the army. Sherman delivered by having his march to the sea, in which he used the idea of total war. He destroyed all of Atlanta in his path, guaranteeing Lincoln's reelection & Union victory. -
Sand Creek Massacre
There were many Cheyennes who made a deal with the U.S. government to guarantee their safety over having their ancestral land. Although the government originally gave them its word, a terrible event occurred. On November 29, 1864, more than a hundred peaceful Cheyennes, largely women and children, were massacred by John M. Chivington's Colorado militia. This caused outrage in Indian communities which resulted in retaliations. -
Black Codes
After Lincoln was assassinated, the incompetent Andrew Johnson was put in charge. Under his limited Reconstruction plan, southern state legislatures were able to restore slavery in all but name. These were called Black Codes, and they were abusively used by white plantation owners against African Americans & started in 1865. Luckily, congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1866 which nullified Black Codes. It also stated that African Americans should have equal benefits from the law. -
The 13th Amendment
The 13th Amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for a crime. This was a big reason why the Civil War was fought, and it was one in 3 amendments added in regard to the reformations coming during the Reconstruction era. Ironically, the Emancipation Proclamation had no authority to outlaw slavery, but the 13th amendment did. The 13th Amendment was a crucial step in the process of Reconstruction & marked the beginning of a new era in American history. -
Reconstruction Act of 1867
After the Civil War ended, many were concerned and confused about what would happen next. In order for remittance back into the Union for Southern states, there needed to be a plan. The Reconstruction Act did just that. It divided the South into 5 military districts each under the command of a U.S. general. Reentrance to the Union required granting votes to freedmen and denying votes to ex-Confederates. The generals were also supposed to supervise state constitutional conventions. -
14th Amendment
To make sure freed people were protected in the South, congress secured more civil rights in the form of the 14th amendment. The 14th Amendment consists of five sections, but the most significant and widely cited are the 1st and the 5th. The 1st declared that all citizens of the U.S. could not have their privileges deprived. In other words, national citizenship took priority over state citizenship. The 5th stated that any voting discrimination would result in reduced representation. -
Founding of the Knights of Labor
Originally founded in 1869 as a secret society in Philadelphia, the Knights of Labor was the first major labor organization of nationwide scope. Meant to unite all workers no matter the occupation, race, or gender, they believed average citizens needed control over the businesses they worked in. Although they wanted to create a cooperative commonwealth, there were still injustices such as excluding Chinese immigrants. However, violence at Haymarket Square caused the movement to falter. -
15th Amendment
In the Reconstruction era's last constitutional amendment, the 15th amendment was born and passed. This amendment protected all male citizens' rights to vote irrespective of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. It also ended up requiring polling places to have a poll tax and literacy tests. These literacy tests ended up being racist however due to the Grandfather clause. But nevertheless, all states (including those under control) ratified the amendment. -
Yellowstone National Park Establishment
The west scared Americans of rampant overdevelopment. Amid all of the land in the West, some contained natural wonders. In 1872, 2 million acres of Wyoming's Yellowstone Valley was set aside as the world's first national park. As a public holding, it would serve as a pleasing ground for the benefit and enjoyment of people. This also helped develop railroad tourism in the country as they were expanding. Since it was the first of its kind, it was first operated by the U.S. army. -
Minor v. Happersett
While African American men gained rights, women were frustrated about why they were not even after heavily helping in abolitionist efforts. To test the amendments, women tried to register to vote. Many were turned away, and Minor v. Happersett was a Supreme Court case that took place because of it. The woman trying to vote said the denying of a ballot was a violation of her rights under the 14th amendment. However, the ruling came out as suffrage rights not being inherent in citizenship. -
The Great Railroad Strike of 1877
As an industrial America grew, labor movements emerged as well. This nationwide strike protested the power of railroad corporations over the employees including the steep wage cuts they imposed in 1873. This strike caused labor rights to become more known, and books such as Progress and Poverty (1879) described how upheavals such as these would cause injurious impacts on workers. This also caused the US to create the National Guard to enforce order at home rather than in international affairs. -
The Pendleton Act
In the spoils system, introduced by Andrew Jackson, civil servants were replaced with friends and allies even if they lacked knowledge regarding their position. Reform was called for when Charles Guiteau shot President James Garfield. It was thought at the time that Guiteau had murdered Garfield out of disappointment in the scramble for patronage. This caused the Pendleton Act to be passed, in which a nonpartisan Civil Service Commission to fill federal jobs by examination was established. -
Wabash v. Illinois
This court case debated at the Supreme Court level struck down states' authority to regulate railroads. This case's ruling was quickly ignored, however. President Grover Cleveland and Congress passed the Interstate Commerce Act, which allowed for the creation of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). It was formed in 1887 to oversee the railroad industry, prevent unfair rates, and regulate corporate practices. The ICC is also one of the first instances of government trying to limit business. -
Dawes Severalty Act
To assimilate Indians and steal land from them, an act similar to the Homestead Act was passed for Indians. Reservations were divided into homesteads and the act was named the Dawes Severalty Act. 160 acres were given out for each family and 80 acres were given out for each person. The law was a disaster for Native peoples and resulted in the loss of two-thirds of land held by Indians at the time of the law's passage. -
First Hull House Established
With the growth of the urban poor and raised awareness from the muckrakers, urban reformers planned on creating social settlements. These settlements would act as community welfare centers that would investigate the plight of the poor and advocate for urban change. The most famous social settlement was founded in 1889 by Jane Addams and named the Hull House. Being the first of many, the Hull House helped an impoverished, largely Italian immigrant neighborhood flourish on Chicago's west side. -
Sherman Antitrust Act
Captains of industry such as John Rockefeller, Henry Ford, JP Morgan, and more used trusts to create businesses. This led to a growth in public outrage over it. Near the same time in Benjamin Harrison's presidency, both houses of Congress also gained a Republican majority. This coincidence led them to pass the Sherman Antitrust Act, a landmark 1890 act that forbade anti-competitive business activities, requiring the federal government to investigate any companies in violation of the act. -
The Opening of Ellis Island
Ellis Island served as the New York immigration station. Known for having the famous Statue of Liberty, it opened on January 1st, 1892. It served as the immigration station until its closing in 1954, in which 12 million immigrants passed through. To this day, Ellis Island serves as a symbol of what the United States of America is all about. The freedom and ability to do whatever in this country. Many people today can trace their roots back to ancestors that came through here. -
1898 Declaration of War Against Spain
In the Caribbean, Cuban patriots began to rebel and mount attacks against the Spanish government. This led to the Spanish commander creating concentration camps in which 200,000 died. Yellow journalists began to expose the American people to what was going on in Cuba, causing public outrage. This combined with the sinking of the Maine caused Congress to declare war in 1898. This, along with the Teller Amendment (US had no intention to occupy Cuba) caused the country to be swept with war fever. -
Newlands Reclamation Act
With Western expansion needed, there was a problem of what to do with all of the lands. For support, Roosevelt helped pass the Newlands Reclamation Act. As an ardent outdoorsman and hunter in support of environmental conservation, it was not uncommon for him to support such laws. Passed in 1902, the act allowed public lands to be sold by the federal government. The money earned would then be used for irrigation projects on arid lands (such as the West) to expand agriculture. -
Roosevelt Corollary
An example of Theodore Roosevelt's idea of "big stick diplomacy" was the Panama Canal, a canal across the isthmus of Panama connecting trade between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This ended up giving the US a commanding position in the Western Hemisphere. In 1904, Roosevelt announced that he would "police the entire Caribbean". This Roosevelt Corollary of the Monroe Doctrine meant that the US now had an unrestricted right to regulate Caribbean affairs, the opposite of the Monroe Doctrine. -
The Great 1906 San Francisco Earthquake
Known as one of the biggest earthquakes in recorded history, the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake destroyed most of Southern California. Rated with a moment magnitude of 7.9, the earthquake destroyed 80% of buildings in the city and could be felt from southern Los Angeles to southern Oregon. Around 3000 people died making it the deadliest earthquake in the history of the US. Even though the quake only lasted a minute, it set off fires that burned for days. Around 40,000 people were left homeless. -
The Pure Drug and Food Act
As factory work and mass production of goods began to rise, the questionability of the cleanliness of these factories began to rise in correlation as well. In 1906, journalist Upton Sinclair exposed the most extreme forms of labor exploitation in his novel The Jungle, a horrific depiction of conditions in a Chicago meat factory. Congress soon passed the Pure Drug and Food Act, which created the Federal Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA. To this day, the FDA remains important every day. -
Introduction of the Model T
Originally prior to 1908, Henry Ford was selling weak and old obsolete cars for around $1100+, a lot of money at the time. However, in 1908, he introduced the Model T. After using scientific management and a new version of the assembly line, he reduced the time to make a singular car from 12 hours to just 90 minutes, and it lowered the price to $850. He also starts to gain loyal workers by increasing pay and giving weekends off. This causes industries to flourish and cars to become mainstream. -
Creation of NAACP
In 1908, a bloody race riot broke out in Springfield, Illinois. Appalled by white mob violence in Abraham Lincoln's hometown, New York City Settlement Worker Mary White Ovington assembled a group of sympathetic progressives to formulate a response. The conference led to the formation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909. Most of the leaders of the Niagara movement soon followed, with W.E. B. Du Bois becoming editor of the NAACP journal The Crisis. -
The Mann Act
By the 1900s, sex became heavily commercialized. Many women entered prostitution because of low-wage jobs, economic desperation, abandonment, and often sexual and domestic abuse. In response, cities began to establish vice commissions to close down brothels. Many progressives also began to launch many campaigns against prostitution". This all culminated in the passing of the Mann Act by Congress, which stated that the transportation of prostitutes across state lines was prohibited. -
Federal Reserve Act
As president, Woodrow Wilson brought many economic reforms, including reorganizing the financial system to address the absence of a central bank. Private banks at the time acted as central banks, with the flaw that if they collapsed, the entire system would too. Wilson combated this with The Federal Reserve Act, in which the Federal Reserve was created, the central bank system of the US. The Federal Reserve sets the money supply level and seeks to insure the stability of the US monetary system. -
The Zimmerman Telegram
When World War I started, President Woodrow Wilson at the time was opposed to it and wanted to stay neutral. A few weeks after breaking off diplomatic ties with Germany due to unrestricted submarine warfare, newspapers published an intercepted dispatch from the German foreign secretary to Mexico. Known as the Zimmerman Telegram, Germany urged Mexico to join the central powers with the promise that they would get territory from the US. In response, the US declared war on April 6, 1917. -
Establishment of the War Industries Board
With the war on edge, America needed to mobilize its resources to get ready for the war. To do this, government powers began to expand during wartime. New federal agencies were created to oversee almost every part of the economy. The War Industries Board oversaw most of this. Established in July 1917, it directed military production specifically. It also oversaw the allocation of resources, conversion of factories to war production, and the setting of prices. This overall boom lasted until 1920. -
Sedition Act of 1918
Although the war brought about a new generation of very patriotic Americans, there was some speculation about the war. In what is considered a tragic loss of constitutionally-guaranteed rights, Congress passed the Sedition Act of 1918. The act prohibited any words or behavior that might promote resistance to US or help the cause of its enemies. This act, along with the Committee on Public Information (which spread propaganda on the US war effort), helped curb dissent from the American people. -
The Red Summer
The Great Migration was a migration of 6 million African Americans exiting the South to the North and West. This population boom in other areas caused high tensions with African Americans determined to achieve citizenship rights. Many black veterans refused to accept second-class treatment as well. This led to the Red Summer of 1919, which was a series of antiblack riots by white Americans in more than two dozen cities. The deadliest one occurred in Chicago, where 38 people were killed. -
18th Amendment
The 18th Amendment prohibited "the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquor...". The states ratified it on January 16, 1919. The movement to ban alcohol, known as the Temperance Movement, began in America in the early 19th century. On October 28, 1919, Congress passed the Volstead Act implementing the 18th Amendment. The Volstead Act made sure the amendment was enforced. This ban ended with ratifying the 21st Amendment on December 5, 1933, which repealed the 18th Amendment. -
The Treaty of Versailles (1919)
When World War I ended, the bulk of the blame was put on Germany. However, before doing so, Wilson first introduced his 14 points, in which no true blame was put on Germany. However, it almost became entirely ignored, with the creation of the League of Nations being the main thing that carried on. The leaders of Germany and France had the final say, in which the Treaty of Versailles would sign. The agreement called for Germany to pay $33 billion in reparations, which inevitably lead to WWII. -
The Palmer Raids
The bombings created by followers of an Italian anarchist heavily drove the Red Scare to popularity. The Red Scare was anticommunist hysteria that swept the US after the World Wars. One of the bombings took place outside of the townhouse of Attorney General A. Palmer. Palmer thereon swore to find and jail every last conspirator, leading to the Palmer Raids. The Palmer Raids were a series of raids on radical organizations. Federal agents arrested 6000 people and denied them legal counsel. -
National Origins Act
In the 1920s, after banning Chinese immigration in 1882 with the Chinese Exclusion Act, nativists wanted to reduce European arrivals as well. The National Origins Act was what was passed. It limited annual immigration from each foreign country to more than 2 percent of that nationality's percentage of the US population. However, it purposefully used backdated census data from 1890 to establish a quota system. The areas most impacted and with reduced immigration were southern and eastern Europe. -
Stock Market Crash of 1929
Although the 1920s seemed an era of good time labeled as the "Roaring 20s", it quickly ended with the Great Depression. The event that triggered the Great Depression was the massive stock market crash. Easy credit has fueled years of excessive stock speculation that makes the value of traded companies much higher than they actually are. In a series of declines from October 25th to November 13th, 1929, the stock market lost about 40% of its value, more than the total cost of World War I. -
Smoot-Hawley Tariff
Hoover and many Republicans in Congress believed that high tariffs could boost American manufacturing, just it did before. In 1930, Congress passed his Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act. Hoover received letters from more than 1,000 economists warning of disaster and urging them to veto the bill, but Hoover signed the bill. The Smoot-Hawley tariffs triggered retaliatory tariffs in other countries, further hampering global trade and exacerbating the economic contraction in the developed world. -
Bonus Army March
The Bonus Army March was where veterans of WWI protested, demanding the payment of their promised bonuses earlier than noted in the WW Adjusted Compensation Act. The incentives, however, weren't supposed to be paid until 1945. It took place during the Great Depression in Washington, D.C. in May. A total of 20000 camped out within the city. Following a violent confrontation, the military used tear gas and tanks to disperse the protesters in July 1932 after President Hoover ordered for removal. -
The First New Deal Acts
In response to the Great Depression, President FDR introduced a many initiatives starting 1933 known as the 1st New Deal to provide aid for millions of Americans experiencing financial troubles. The Emergency Banking, Agricultural Adjustment, and the National Industrial Recovery Acts stabilized stabilized banking, agricultural prices, and encouraged industrial recovery through fair competition, were just a few of the programs included in the 1st New Deal. This also expanded federal government. -
The Second New Deal Acts
President FDR initiated many more new programs named the 2nd New Deal in 1935 due to the continued Great Depression. The 2nd New Deal included the Social Security, National Labor Relations, and the Works Progress Administration Acts which established a system of retirement benefits, protected the rights of workers to organize, and provided jobs/support for a wide range of public works projects. However, some of its policies received criticism for having a large amount of government spending. -
The Bombing of Pearl Harbor
In 1941, Japan launched a surprise military assault against the American naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Over 2,400 Americans lost their lives in the attack, which involved hundreds of Japanese fighter and bombers and severely damaged the US Pacific Fleet. Following the attack, the US entered WWII, and the government put in place a number of policies including higher military spending, rationing of necessities, and internment of Japanese Americans. -
War Powers Act of 1941
The War Powers Act of 1941 gave President FDR sweeping powers to carry out military operations during a time of war. The act, which was passed in response to entering WWII, granted the President the authority to declare a state of war and to take additional acts required to carry out the war effort. The War Powers Act also granted the president the authority to control all facets of the nation's economy/industry that were connected to the war effort. The act was discontinued when the war ended. -
D-Day
D-Day, a military invasion, was conducted to free France from German rule. With 156,000 Allied soldiers participating including American, British, and Canadian troops, the operation was the greatest successful amphibious attack in history. D-Day was a key turning point in the war, and the US military's victory paved the stage for Nazi Germany's collapse. The operation was viewed as a strong victory for the Allies since it was a large logistical task that needed months of prep and organization. -
Servicemen's Readjustment Act (G.I. Bill)
The GI Bill gave benefits to WWII veterans by offering financial aid for house ownership, training, and education in addition to unemployment benefits and low-interest loans for new enterprises. Millions of soldiers were able to attend college because of the GI Bill's educational advantages, which boosted the economy and increased the middle class. The bill was regarded as a historic piece of legislation that had a significant influence on post-World War II American culture and the economy. -
Yalta Conference
During World War II, President FDR, PM Winston Churchill, and Premier Joseph Stalin met at the Yalta Conference. The conference's objectives were to plan for the defeat of Nazi Germany and talk about how Europe would be reorganized after the war. The leaders talked on topics including the UN's creation, the future of Eastern Europe, and the split of Germany. The agreements reached during the meeting changed Europe's geopolitical environment and laid the groundwork for the US-Soviet Cold War. -
The Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
The atomic bomb was developed as a result of the Manhattan Project directed by Robert J. Oppenheimer. The atomic bombs "Little Boy" & "Fat Man" were detonated on August 6 and August 9 on Hiroshima & Nagasaki. Japan's capitulation on August 15, 1945, was caused by the airstrikes which killed up to 226,000 and led to the end of WWII. Although the morality of atomic bombs was questioned, the deployment of the bombs was considered a symbol of the US military might and scientific supremacy. -
The Truman Doctrine
President Truman proclaimed a policy known as the Truman Doctrine that offered military/economic support to nations under communist danger. Truman stated that the US had a duty to stop communism from overtaking free peoples. The ideology offered support to nations like Greece and Turkey who were threatened by communist militants. During the Cold War, the doctrine was a pillar of US foreign policy. The ideology positioned the US as a world power and paved the way for subsequent proxy wars. -
Loyalty Security Program
The Loyalty Security Program (Executive Order 9835) was put in place to check for communist tendencies among federal employees. McCarthyism was evident in the program, which was a response to the possibility of communist infiltration. Those identified as having communist affiliations under the program were frequently fired. Myriad innocent people have been falsely accused of being disloyal. The initiative was finally phased out in the 1960s, although there is still controversy over its legacy. -
Marshall Plan
The Marshall Plan was started to assist with the WWII economic recovery of Western Europe. The US gave European nations financial support to help them rebuild their infrastructure, with more than $12 billion of aid given to 16 nations. A crucial element of US foreign strategy to stop the development of communism was apparent in the Marshall Plan. The strategy assisted in fostering economic growth and stability in Western Europe, which also assisted in building a defense against Soviet growth. -
NATO Establishment
A military alliance involving the US, Canada, and Western European nations was formed when NATO was created. After WWII, NATO was established to offer defense against the prospect of Soviet growth in Europe. The alliance established a system of defense, wherein an assault on 1 member country would be considered an attack on all, and offered a framework for collaborative military planning and cooperation between its member nations. The Soviet Union in response created the Warsaw Pact in 1955. -
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
In the US Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, segregation in schools was ruled to be unconstitutional. African American parents in Topeka, Kansas, launched the action, claiming that due to the racial segregation of schools, their children were being denied equal opportunities. The "separate but equal" principle, which had been established in the Plessy v. Ferguson case of 1896 and had permitted racial segregation, was overturned by the Supreme Court's decision. -
Montgomery Bus Boycott
The Montgomery Bus Boycott was a protest against the practice of racial segregation in Montgomery, Alabama's public transport. The arrest of Rosa Parks, a civil rights leader who wouldn't give up her seat on a municipal bus to a white passenger, served as the impetus. African Americans opted not to take the buses and instead used alternative modes of transport. The city's bus firms suffered financial losses as a result of the 381-day boycott. The campaign also sparked the Civil Rights Movement. -
National Interstate and Defense Highways Act
A national network of highways and interstates was built in the United States with the help of the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act. The act had a huge influence on the US economy and way of life, as well as the nation's infrastructure. The development of suburbia and the automotive culture was encouraged by the roads, which also altered how Americans worked and lived. The National Interstate and Defense Highways Act continues to be a significant component of US legal history. -
Eisenhower Doctrine
In accordance with President Eisenhower's foreign policy, the US would offer aid to any Middle Eastern country that was under communist danger. The concept was developed in reaction to the Soviet's expanding sway in the Middle East and the availability of oil resources was a further driving force. A foundation for US action in the Middle East was established by the doctrine. It was used in 1958 when the US dispatched soldiers to Lebanon to assist the government in quelling a domestic uprising. -
The National Defense Education Act of 1958
President Eisenhower signed the National Defense Education Act in response to worries that the US would lag behind the Soviet Union in science and technology. For students seeking degrees in science, math, and foreign languages, the act granted financing and scholarships. It was viewed as a substantial educational investment and a crucial part of the US reaction to the Soviet Union's 1957 launch of Sputnik, the first man-made satellite. The act influenced US education for many years to come. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
A military standoff between the US and the Soviet Union occurred during the Cuban Missile Crisis. President JFK ordered a naval blockade of Cuba to stop the shipment of weapons after US spy planes found evidence of Soviet missile bases. The world was on the verge of nuclear war for many days as the US and Soviet Union participated in negotiations. A compromise was eventually achieved. The crisis served as a turning point in the Cold War and brought attention to the perils of nuclear weapons. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
A significant piece of legislation, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The law forbade discrimination in the workplace, in schools, and in public places. The bill served to advance more equality and opportunity for African Americans in the United States and was a significant win for the Civil Rights Movement. The act was made possible through support from organizations such as the SCLC, CORE, SNCC, and more. -
Assassination of Malcolm X
Malcolm X was a well-known civil rights leader and activist who supported black emancipation. He was killed on February 21, 1965, while delivering a lecture in NYC. 3 people affiliated with the Nation of Islam, a political and religious group that Malcolm X had formerly belonged to but quit, carried out the murder of the activist. Many people in the United States and throughout the world were horrified and grieved by his murder. His passing was a major setback for the Civil Rights Movement. -
Apollo 11 Moon Landing
An important historical event that affected the US significantly was the Apollo 11 moon landing. Regarding its influence on science, technology, and culture, the moon landing had a long-lasting impact on the US. It contributed to advancements in fields including computer technology, materials science, and aerospace engineering as well as inspiring a new generation of scientists, engineers, and astronauts. It also served as a way for the US to tie the Cold War Space Race with the Soviet Union. -
Watergate Scandal Trials
A scandal known as Watergate happened at the beginning of the 1970s during Richard Nixon's administration. The Watergate office complex, where the Democratic National Committee's headquarters were broken into in 1972, was one of the unlawful actions committed by the Nixon administration. Although Nixon initially denied any participation, evidence has since come to light connecting him to the theft's cover-up and other criminal activity. On the date used, the burglars' trials took place. -
Camp David Accords
The Camp David Accords were a historic peace accord that Egypt and Israel signed in 1978. President Jimmy Carter served as the mediator during the discussions, which took place at Camp David in Maryland, US. The basis for peace between the two nations was laid out in the agreement, which was signed by the Egyptian president and Israeli PM. President Carter was hailed for his involvement in achieving the Camp David Accords as a success. The accords were viewed as a sign of optimism for peace.