-
Period: to
1950-1990
-
Brown v. Board of Education
A case in which the Supreme Court ruled that laws that established racial segregation in public schools were unconstitutional. This case overturned Plessy v. Ferguson which created the doctrine of “separate but equal.”
“The three branches of the federal government used measures including desegregation of the armed services, Brown v. Board of Education, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to promote greater racial equality.” (Key Concept 8.2 I- B.) -
Vietnam War
Taking place between 1954 to 1975, it revolved around the conflict between North Vietnam’s communist government and South Vietnam with the aid of the U.S. The U.S assisted South Vietnam as a part of their containment strategy against the spread of communism.
“Concerned by expansionist Communist ideology and Soviet repression, the United States sought to contain communism through a variety of measures, including major military engagements in Korea and Vietnam.” (Key Concept 8.1 I- B.) -
Montgomery Bus Boycott
A civil-rights campaign that protested against racial segregation policy that dominated the public transit system in Montgomery, Alabama. It was sparked by the arrest of Rosa Parks.
“During and after World War II, civil rights activists and leaders, most notably Martin Luther King Jr., combated racial discrimination utilizing a variety of strategies, including legal challenges, direct action, and nonviolent protest tactics.” (Key Concept 8.2 I- A.) -
Little Rock Nine
African-American high-school students that challenged racial segregation by enrolling at Little Rock Central High School, an all-white school. The group was harassed and assaulted by a mob of white students, drawing national attention.
“Continuing resistance towards efforts at desegregation, sparking social and political unrest among the nation. Debates among civil rights activists over the efficacy of nonviolence increased after 1965.” (Key Concept 8.2 I- C.) -
Space Race
The competition between the Soviet Union and United States for control in spaceflight and technology that took place during the Cold War. It added on to the already established conflict between the capitalist U.S. versus the communist Soviet Union. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
It was considered a “landmark law” in the civil rights movement as it officially ended segregation and discrimination against race, religion, or sex. It ensured the prohibition of this discrimination in public facilities and institutions. -
Students for a Democratic Society
An American student activist organization known for its opposition and protests towards U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. The organization was a primary representation of the New Left. “Although anticommunist foreign policy faced little domestic opposition in previous years, the Vietnam War inspired sizable and passionate antiwar protests that became more numerous as the war escalated and sometimes led to violence.” (Key Concept 8.1 II- B.) -
Watergate Scandal
A break-in to the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee that revealed abuses of political power made by President Richard Nixon during his administration. As a result of the scandal, Nixon resigned from his position.
“Public confidence and trust in government’s ability to solve social and economic problems declined in the 1970s in the wake of economic challenges, political scandals, and foreign policy crises.” (Key Concept 8.2 III- E.) -
Roe v. Wade
A Supreme Court case that ruled that the Due Process clause of the 14th amendment protected the right of woman to choose whether or not to have an abortion. It ruled state regulation of abortions unconstitutional. -
Iran Hostage Crisis
The conflict between the United States and Iran in which revolved around fifty-two American diplomats and citizens being held hostage. The affair came about as a result of President Jimmy Carter's poor foreign policy decisions but ultimately, it led to a shift in political and diplomatic relations between the two nations. -
Reaganomics
A set of economic policies that President Ronald Reagan sought to implement during his administration. They involved cutting taxes on the middle class and businesses in the hope that they would invest their money in the growth of their businesses.
“Ronald Reagan’s victory in the presidential election of 1980 represented an important milestone, allowing conservatives to enact significant tax cuts and continue the deregulation of many industries.” (Key Concept 9.1 I- A.) -
Advances in Technology (World Wide Web)
The implementation of the World Wide Web and the Internet took information-sharing and communication to the next level. In today’s world, the internet dominates American society. The man in the picture is Timothy Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web.
“Technological innovations in computing, digital mobile technology, and the Internet transformed daily life, increased access to information, and led to new social behaviors and networks.” (Key Concept 9.2 I- B.)
