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The American Revolution (1775-1783)
The American Revolution was the beginning of the original 13 colonies fight for independence from Great Britain. The outcome of the war lead to the creation of the United States of America, and a Republic system of government. https://www.archives.gov/research/military/american-revolution -
The Louisiana Purchase 1803
The US purchased a territory from France, effectively doubling its size. The expansion played a huge role in America's westward expansion, which lead to immigration and settlement in the Southwest. https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/louisiana-purchase-treaty -
Mexican-Amercian War (1846-1848)
A war fought between the US and Mexico over territorial disputes. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed after the war resulting in the US gaining much of the Southwestern territories, including what is now Arizona. https://www.britannica.com/event/Mexican-American-War -
The Gadsden Purchase (1854)
U.S purchases land from Mexico (Southern Arizona and New Mexico) to start the construction of a southern transcontinental railroad. This transaction further defined Arizona's borders and contributed to the region's economic development. https://www.loc.gov/item/today-in-history/december-30/#:~:text=The%20Gadsden%20Purchase,-U.S.%20Minister%20to&text=The%20treaty%2C%20amended%20and%20finally,the%20price%20of%20%2410%20million. -
The Civil War (1861-1865)
The Civil War was fought between the Union and Confederate states over issues including slavery and states' rights. Arizona was a confederate territory during the war. The civil war had long lasting effects especially in the South with labor and racial relation policies. https://www.history.com/articles/american-civil-war-history -
The Chinese Exclusion Act (1882)
Federal law that prohibited Chinese laborers from immigrating to the United States and limited the rights of Chinese residents. This law showed the racial prejudice that created immigration policy. Arizona's early Chinese community was directly impacted by this law and hurt the economy in areas that relied on immigrant labor. https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/chinese-exclusion-act#:~:text=The%20Chinese%20Exclusion%20Act%20was,immigration%20into%20the%20United%20States. -
Arizona Becomes a State (1912)
Arizona became the 48th State on February 14, 1912 after years of territorial disputes and political struggles. Arizona becoming a state started major economic development, particularly in mining and agriculture. https://www.loc.gov/item/today-in-history/february-24/ -
The Great Migration (1916-1970)
The migration of African Americans from the South to Northern and Western cities, including Arizona, in search of better economic opportunities and escape from racial discrimination. This migration impacted the demographics and labor in Arizona. https://www.britannica.com/event/Great-Migration -
The Great Depression (1929-1939)
The Great Depression was a worldwide economic downturn that began in the US following the stock market crash of 1929. The Great Depression led to unemployment and significant poverty. Arizona was heavily impacted due to its reliance on agricultural exports, and many people from the Midwest migrated to Arizona in search of work. https://thesquarephx.org/news/arizona-and-the-great-depression/#:~:text=Drought%2C%20overgrazing%2C%20poor%20soil%20conservation,people;%20and%20drove%202.5%20million -
The New Deal (1933-1939)
A series of programs and policies designed by FDR to provide relief, recovery, and reform in response to the Great Depression. The new deal had a great impact on the US economy by creating vast infrastructure and employment oppurtunities https://www.britannica.com/event/New-Deal -
The Bracero Program (1942-1964)
Agreements between the US and Mexico that allowed Mexican agricultural laborers to work in the US temporarily. This program was crucial for Arizona's agricultural economy, as it provided labor for the growing sector. Also was a major shift in US immigration policy. https://guides.loc.gov/latinx-civil-rights/bracero-program -
The Cold War (1947-1991)
The Cold War was a period of tension between the Us and the Soviet Union. The Cold War influenced US foreign policy, military spending, and immigration. Arizona was a military hub that hosted numerous bases and installations to the US defense posture during this period. https://arizonahistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/The-Defense-Establishment-in-Cold-War-Arizona-1945%E2%80%931968_-Jason-Gart-project_muse_737794.pdf -
The Civil Rights Movement (1950s-1960s)
Movement aimed at ending racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans. This led to important changes like the Civil Rights act of 1964, and policies regarding race and equality across the nation. https://www.history.com/articles/civil-rights-movement -
The 2008 Financial Crisis/ Great Recession
Collapse of the Housing Market and a global financial crisis that had far reaching economic effects. Arizona's real estate market was hit hard by this crisis. Employment levels and housing prices plummeted during this period. https://www.britannica.com/money/financial-crisis-of-2007-2008 -
Arizona's Immigration Debates (2000-Present)
Arizona has been in the middle of debates about immigration since SB 1070 in 2010. SB 1070 is a law requiring law enforcement to check the immigration status of people. https://cis.org/Center-Immigration-Studies-New-Arizona-Immigration-Law-SB1070?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtJ6_BhDWARIsAGanmKctNOFHm6aaLBddlmBMAj-pKhSBpZ02SgTEK-kXdvnxuy8i2uzzFT8aAmV9EALw_wcB