Evolution of the national citizenry

  • 1492

    Native Peoples

    Tribes like the Cherokee, Navajo, and others were the first here. They faced a lot of struggles when Europeans came and took their lands.
  • Declaration of Independence

    When the country started, only some men who owned land could vote or be citizens. Others, like African slaves, weren't seen as citizens.
  • Discrimination Against Chinese

    People from China were treated very badly and were even banned from coming to the U.S. It was hard for them to become citizens.
  • Rights for Former Slaves

    After the Civil War, a law said that anyone born or naturalized in the U.S. was a citizen. It helped former slaves, but they still faced a lot of discrimination.
  • Women's Right to Vote

    Women got the right to vote, but many women of color still faced discrimination when they tried to vote
  • Fight for Civil Rights

    African Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanic Americans fought for equal rights. Laws like the Civil Rights Act helped, but discrimination still existed.
  • Immigration Changes

    Laws changed to allow more people from different countries to come to the U.S. before there were strict rules that kept many out.
  • Still Fighting for Fairness (current)

    People continue to struggle for fair treatment. Some fight for better laws for immigrants, rights for LGBTQ+ individuals, and to end racism.