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Declaration of Independence
The United States is declared to be a new nation by the Declaration of Independence, but at first, only white male landowners are eligible to become citizens. -
Dred Scott decision by the Supreme Court
Late 18th to early 19th century: African Americans, who were previously enslaved, face significant discrimination. The Dred Scott vs Sandford decision by the Supreme Court denies citizenship to African Americans and declares that they are not protected by the Constitution. -
Republican Party Wins Control Over the White House
Led by Abraham Lincoln, The Republican Party won control over the White house in the Elections of this year. -
End of the Civil War
In this year the Civil War came to an end after 4 years. Also, the Thirteenth Amendment abolishes slavery, granting Freedom to African Americans. -
Civil Rights Act
Congress passed the Civil Rights Act, which declared that all persons born or naturalized in the United States were citizens in the state in which they lived. This affirmed a rule of citizenship by birth that did not depend on race.
Also in this year the Fourteenth Amendment was drafted by the Joint Committee on Reconstruction. -
Fourteenth Amendment
The Fourteenth Amendment is ratified, which grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, including enslaved African Americans. -
Chinese Immigrants
Late 19th to early 20th century: Chinese immigrants face discrimination and exclusion through laws such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of this year. -
Nineteenth Amendment
The Nineteenth Amendment is ratified, granting women the right to vote and solidifying their status as citizens -
Fight Against Racial Segregation
Mid- Twentieth century: The Civil Rights Movement fights against racial segregation and discrimination, leading to significant legal advancements for African Americans and other marginalized groups. -
The Immigration and Nationality Act
The Immigration and Nationality Act removes racial and ethnic barriers to naturalization, allowing Asian immigrants to become citizens more easily. -
The Hart-Celler Act (Immigration Act)
In this year The Hart-Celler Act eliminates national origin quotas and establishes a more egalitarian immigration policy, leading to increased diversity among new citizens -
Ongoing Civil Rights Efforts
Late Twentieth century to present: Ongoing efforts focus on civil rights, immigration reform, and promoting inclusivity for individuals from different racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.