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Korean War
Between communist north and anti-communist south, the war involved more than 270,000 soldiers. North Korea invaded South Korea, but with the help of allies and the UN, South Korea was able to push back North Korean troops across the divide. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/korean-war-ends-kim-jong-un-moon-jae-in-north-south-summit-latest-news-a8324976.html -
Little Rock 9
9 African american students attended an otherwise entirely white school at the beginning of the school year. They were forced out, but the president called the national guard to escort them back in. This led to the court case Brown v. Board of Education. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=css4EaMwz9I&t=5s -
Hippies
Hippies emerged out of counterculture and the Vietnam war. Their motto was peace and they searched for the simplicity and happiness out of life. They are generally associated with tie dye and drugs, but their message of peace was spread all the same. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNQ3lQFJwvs -
President John F. Kennedy Assassinated
The tragedy of his death was most likely a lash-out against his actions on controversial topics like Cuba, funding a moon landing instead of welfare and social programs, and segregation. He is considered one of the best presidents to have ever served in office. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMBCfxIqP-s
This video is graphic -
Desegregation of University of Alabama
George Wallace, the Governor of Alabama, allowed two African American students to enroll in the University of Alabama after lifting a blockade. This university, previously one of the most discriminatory schools, took a huge leap towards ending segregation. -
Vietnam War
Although the Vietnam war started earlier, the US entered into it at this time. The US started an air strike campaign and mobilized troops, but Nixon decreased the amount of american soldiers. Eventually, he withdrew entirely, casing the fall of Saigon to the communists. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89_3DgW_7mg -
Black Panthers
This group challenged the ethics and actions of the police force regarding police brutality against African Americans. They had large influence and recognition due to their protests that were violent, yet effective. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VW6zY4kmdBA -
US Moon Landing
A race between the United States and the Soviet Union to reach the moon first ended with America's feet on the moon's surface. This race led to many technological advancements, but at the cost of funding for other national programs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMINSD7MmT4 -
Ping Pong Diplomacy
The United States and People's Republic of China exchanged table tennis, or ping pong players. This marked a change in relationship between the US and China for the better. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EdEKsQ8o5U -
Watergate Scandal
Nixon was involved in a scandal where FBI and CIA agents broke into democratic offices, tapped phone lines, and stole important papers. Nixon resigned before impeachment. https://www.history.com/topics/watergate/videos -
Assassination Attempt on Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan was leaving after a speaking engagement at the Washington Hilton Hotel, when he was shot. He did not die, but the situation revealed the gravity of tensions between him and the people. -
HIV/AIDS Outbreak
This outbreak first showed up, and nobody knew what it was. They treated it as a fatal, highly contagious disease, and quarantined any known cases. Funding for research was scarce, since the disease was mostly contained to the gay community.
