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1866: The 14th Amendment
The 14th amendment was added to the constitution, giving citizenship to all people born in the United States regardless of race. “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” [1] This was a turnaround from the previous turmoil and slavery that that had ensued in the years prior. [1] National Archives Website, Amendments 11-27 -
1867: The First Vote
Following a series of civil rights acts, African Americans were given the right to vote. 105,832 freedmen registered to vote in Virginia, and 93,145 voted in the election on October 22, 1867. [1] Twenty- four African Americans were elected for the Virginia Constitutional Convention, which later led to the passing of the Fifteenth amendment allowing all men of any race the right to vote. [1] Virginia Memory, BROADSIDE SHOWING AFRICAN AMERICANS -
1890: "How The Other Half Is Living"
Jacob Riis depicts the brutal reality of the change going on in the United States in his published pictures of New York City.[1] Laborers faced many brutal conditions and tasks while big business owners and investors made maximum profits. These pictures show what it was really like to live around and work in the factories during this time, and how the formation of labor unions, labor laws, and minimum wage came to be.[1]NPR, "Jacob Riis: Shedding Light On NYC's 'Other Half'," Riis Photo Gallery -
1912: The Election of 1912
This was a 4 way presidential race between Roosevelt, Taft, Wilson, and Debs. "Now, this means that our government, national and state, must be freed from the sinister influence or control of special interests." [1] An excerpt from Roosevelt’s speech given in 1910 that gives an idea of Roosevelt’s intentions for presidency. The democratic party won the election, leading to the progressive movement and America’s entrance into WWI.
[1]Theodore Roosevelt, from "The New Nationalism" (1910) -
1917: WWI
In April of 1917, the U.S. declares war after German U boats sink 5 American ships. After two and a half years of attempting to remain on neutral ground for “the war to end all wars”, Woodrow Wilson asked the senate and congress to allow entry into the war. America had been involved in trading with allies during the course of the war. American jobs and a sense of nationality came about during the year and a half spent in the war. -
1920: Women's Vote
The 19th amendment gave women the right to vote, finally making them equal to their male counterparts. Prior to this, voting was seen as a powerful right that was strictly reserved for men. “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” [1] Women fought for all rights to be equal among men, and being able to vote was the first success.
[1] National Archives Website, Amendments 11-27
