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House-Select-Un-American Activities Community (HUAC)
Created in the late 1930's, an organization to investigate and expose communist influence, disloyalty, and subversive activities in American government and society. For example, although it began through the trial of Alger Hiss, it eventually moved to government officials, and Hollywood actors and directors. -
G.I. Bill
A law that provides college or vocational education, and as well as other benefits for those who have served in the armed forces in WWII. Also as a one-year unemployment compensation. The education and training provision existed until 1956, and Veteran's Administration offered insured loans until 1962. -
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The Second Red Scare
From the late 1940's through the 1950's, the second Red Scare is the fear of communism that permeated American culture, society, and politics during opening phases of the Cold War with the Soviet Union. -
Atomic Bomb
Nuclear weapon that is derives its power from unleashing nuclear energy by nuclear fission. In August 29th, 1949, the Soviets detonated their first atomic bomb. While the U.S. dropped two atomic bombs in Japan, which ended WWII. -
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Cold War
Period of political conflict and military tension between two power blocs, (American and Soviet Bloc) involving propaganda, subversion, economic sanctions, and other measure short of open warfare--that followed after the Second WWII. -
Truman Doctorine
In 1947, President Harry S. Truman wrote a policy statement promising military and economic aid to the nations threatened by armed minorities or outside groups (mainly targeted at Greece and Turkey--who were being threatened by communist aggression). -
Fair Deal
A message to Congress from Truman, for a program that calls to improve housing, higher minimum wage, better farm price supports, full employment, extension of social security, and new TVA's. However, the only success there was is the ability to get: extended old-age insurance, raising minimum wage, and better public housing to more people. -
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1950s
The decade of the strongest military power, increase in economy, and prosperity. Such as; suburban houses, new cars, and many consumer good that were now available to more people than before. However, many movements took off over the idea of African Americans receiving their civil rights (moving over to the 1960s). For instance, no more "separate, but equal", or the right to vote! -
McCarthyism
In the early 1950's, senator McCarthy used his position to investigate and accuse high-ranking government officials and many other Americans of being a communist. Therefore, the term is now named after him--meaning the practice of making accusations of subversion or treason without proper regard for evidence. -
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Korean War (The Forgotten War)
In 1950, the Forgotten War began when the North Koreans invaded South Korea. Therefore, UN soldiers fought to defend South Korea from being taken over by Communist (North Korea). Only after Eisenhower became president was an armistice signed, which ended organized combat operations and left the Korean Peninsula divided. -
Rock 'n' Roll
Young individual used the term 'rock 'n' roll' to refer to sex. Became a transition music style that ascended in the 1950's. Rock 'n' rolls merges the rhythm of blues, white bluegrass, and country. Also featuring a driving rhythm, and heavy beat--therefore, becoming a defining feature. Rising stars such as; Elvis, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, etc. -
Television
TV becoming the new source of news info and diversion, it has overpowered radio, newspapers, and magazines. Advertising meant vast market for new products. Programs created a distinctive image of an "american life." Such as; middle class, suburban, traditional gender roles, and white. -
TV Shows
Network programs of the 1950s like "I Love Lucy," "Gunsmoke," "Father Knows Best," ect. These TV shows helped blur the nations strong regional differences from the public and helped forge a national popular culture. -
Brown v. Board of Education
Topeka board of education denied Linda Brown admittance to an all white school close to her house. Thurgood Marshall argued that a "separate but equal violated equal" protection clause of the 14th amendment. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the desegregation of schools. -
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Civil Rights
African Americans sought to achieve Civil Rights such as; equal opportunity in employment, housing, and education, as well as the right to vote, the right of equal access to public facilities, and the right to be free of racial discrimination. -
Elvis Presley (My boo <3)
Famous for his distinctive "throaty" tone in his music, and "provocative" dance moves, Elvis is one of the first stars of rock 'n' roll. Very popular for his songs such as; Hound Dog, All Shook Up, and many more--Elvis has created a new idiot known forever. Therefore, is now known as the "The King." -
Polio Vaccine
Killing millions word wide, Jonas Salk, in 1953 and announced in 1955, created a successful vaccine that virtually eliminated the virus in the bloodstream--other known as Polio. -
Emmett Till Tragedy
Fourteen year old African American boy who was murdered in Mississippi in 1955. Beaten and murdered then dumped in a river for simply whistling at a white female. The two white men who were put on trial for murder but were not convicted or punished for their racial crimes. His death showed the world that blacks were hated and extremely segregated. -
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Vietnam War
Cold War conflict that took place in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Following the First Indochina War and fought between North Vietnam (supported by it's communist allies) and the government of South Vietnam (allies with U.S. and other capitalist nations). -
Montgomery Bus Boycott
Protest campaign in Montgomery, to oppose the city's policy of racial segregation on its public transit. Causing deficits in public transit profits because a large percentage of people who used the public transportation were now boycotting it. -
Beat Generation
A literary movement started by young writers, artist, and poets, writing critiques of what they consider as a "american life." Meaning, the insignificance of american politics, and unoriginal of popular culture. Consisted of small bohemian writers and rebellious individuals. -
Dr. Jonas Salk
American biologist and physician, Jonas Salk is best known for his creation of a killed-virus polio vaccine. To test this vaccine, Salk injected himself, his wife, and his three children. On March 26, Salk then announced the success of the vaccine to the world. -
Little Rock Nine
9 African American students enrolled in an all white school. First day of classes at Central High, Governor Orval Faubus called in the state National Guard to bar the black students’ entry into the school. In response Eisenhower sent in federal troops to escort the “Little Rock Nine” into the school. -
Civil Rights Act of 1957
Eisenhower passed a bill, establishing a permanent commission on civil rights, but it did not guarantee a ballot for blacks. First civil-rights bill to be enacted after Reconstruction which was supported by most non-southern whites -
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Space Race
A competition in the 20th Century, between the Soviet Union and the United States to see who could make space capability. Such as; send men into space, explore outer space, artificial satellites, etc. Initially began, when the Soviets launched Sputnik in early October. -
Sputnik
In 1957, early October, the Soviet Union surprised the world when they launched the first artificial satellite to orbit earth--a.k.a. Sputnik. Feeling humiliated by the Russians, United States put all their work into reshaping the education system to produce the large numbers of numbers of scientist and engineers to make better advancement. Which also led the Congress to create NASA to administer non-military space research and exploration. -
NASA
NASA (National Aeronautic and Space Administration), created in 1958 because of the fears that the Soviets were ahead in both space exploration and military missiles. Therefore, gaining power with Kennedy's charge to land the first men on the moon. -
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1960s
Decade of extremes, bizarre contrast, and transformation change. Groups were created like hippies and black panthers who rebelled over the WWII. Therefore, is now perceived as the dawn of the best times and when the nation seemed to be falling apart. -
New Frontier
Program, by JFK, for change in which he issued a challenge to the people, to make sacrifices to achieve potential greatness; including education spending, space exploration, public service initiatives, etc. -
Peace Corps
Federal agency made by President Kennedy to promote service by American in foreign countries. Providing labor power to help developing countries improve their health care, educational systems, infrastructure, etc. Organization represents an effort by postwar liberals to promote American values across the world. -
Bay of Pigs
An unsuccessful attempt to overthrow the communist government in Cuba by training and sending Cuban Rebels. Unfortunately, the attempt failed miserably and was an embarrassment for the U.S. Then led to Castro pleading for Soviet aid and Kennedy vowing to take down Castro. -
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Cuban Missile Crisis
In 1962, U.S. and Soviet Union came to the closest approach to nuclear war, because the U.S. discovered that the Soviets inserted 42 missiles in Cuba. President Kennedy insisted the the leader of the USSR remove them, which eventually the Soviets did so nuclear war was averted and ended the crisis. -
Assassination of JFK
President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 23, 1963 in Dallas, TX by Lee Harvey Oswald. His funeral became a defining moment for the nation was caught with grief and was watched on television. His presidency is still viewed as high point and cast as an influence on american politics. -
Lee Harvey Oswald
While riding in an open car, President Kennedy was shot in downtown Dallas, TX. Less than hour, Lee was killed by a policeman who questioned him on the street. He was later arrested in a movie theater by police. Then transferred jails two days later and was shot by Jack Ruby. -
Jack Ruby
A Dallas nightclub operator, who shot and killed Lee Harvey Oswald when he was being transferred to another jail. Ruby stepped out of the crowd and gunned him down live on television, being witness by millions. He was convicted of murder and claimed to have acted out of grief and denied conspiracy of involvement. -
Warren Commission
In November 29, 1963. Lyndon B. Johnson order for there to be an investigation of the assassination of JFK, by Warren Commission. It concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone, and so did Jack Ruby--but about Oswald.These findings since then have proven controversial and have been challenged and supported by studies. -
Great Society
Call for improved environmental, conservation, racial, educational, and health programs, the Great Society was inspired by JFK and prompted by LBJ’s insecure need to win over the American people. Successful in the first two years of the Johnson administration. -
Counter Culture
Rejection of the cultural standards of past generations, specifically racial segregation and initial widespread support for the Vietnam War. Consisted of white middle-class youths, called themselves "hippies" that embraced counterculture and turned back on America because they believed in a society based on peace and love. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
United states outlawed racial segregation in schools, public places, and employments. Bill was amended prior to passage to protect women and also created equal employment opportunity commission -
Barry Goldwater
In 1964, Republican contender against LBJ for presidency; attacked the federal income tax, the Social Security system, the Tennessee Valley Authority, civil rights legislation, the nuclear test-ban treaty, and the Great Society. -
Selma March
Tens of thousands of black protesters for the right to vote outside of city hall along with MLK. Police met them with tear gas and clubs. "Bloody Sunday" is highly publicized and people are shocked. Therefore Johnson proposes and win passage the Voting Rights Act of 1965. -
Voting Rights Act of 1965
Aimed to overcome legal barriers such as literacy tests at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote accorded to them under the Fifteenth Amendment. Did not end discrimination and oppression overnight, but helped blacks get a hold on change. -
Watts Riots
Riots in the black Watts neighborhood, racial tension reaches a breaking point after two white policemen scuffle with a black motorist "suspected" of drunken driving. A riot began, spurred on by residents of Watts who were embittered after years of economic and political isolation. -
Hippies
Youthful counterculture that dominated many college campuses in the 1960's. Rather than promoting a political agenda, they challenged conventional sexual standards, rejected traditional economic values, and encouraged the use of drugs. -
Stonewall Riot
Police raid of the Stonewall Inn, a guy club in NYC that turned violent as patrons and local sympathizers begin rioting against the police. Although it was legally justified in raiding the club, NY's gay community had grown weary of targeting gay clubs. -
Apollo 11
In 1969, the U.S. attempted the first manned mission to land on the moon and succeeded. This space vehicle carried three American astronauts, Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, Lunar Module, Edwin Eugene Aldrin Jr. On July 20, Armstrong and Aldrin became the first humans to land on the moon. -
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1970s
The 1970s, Women, African Americans, Native Americans, homosexuals, lesbians and others fought for equality by protesting and violence against Vietnam. A “New Right” mobilized in defense of political conservatism, traditional family roles, and the behavior of President Richard Nixon undermined many people’s faith in the good intentions of the federal government. -
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Organization signed by Richard Nixon to regulate pollution, emissions, and other factors that negatively influence the environment. Marked newfound commitment by the government to combat risks and significant triumph for environmentalist movement. -
Watergate
Scandal named Watergate that was committed during the '72 presidential election. Nixon hired "plumbers" to break an entry into the Democrat HQ at Watergate hotel for information. Revealing several other plays during Nixon's administration over the past few years--therefore forcing him to resign while killing the faith of the public that they had in the government. -
Roe v. Wade
Citizen Norma McCorvey from Texas was denied the right to get an abortion, due to the fact that the state laws made it illegal. For this reason, she went to court as Jane Roe, arguing that the state is violating her right. Court ruled prohibition of abortion as unconstitutional under the 4th amendment. -
Heritage Foundation
Policy that promotes the principles that made America great such as; free enterprise, limited gov., individual freedom, etc. Took leading role in the conservative movement during the presidency of Reagan. -
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
Intergovernmental organization, determining the best means for safeguarding their interests. Later announced to cut oil exports to the nations provided military aid to Israel. Exports reduced 5% every month until Israel evacuated the territories occupied. -
Endangered Species Act
Environmental law that puts protection ahead of economic considerations, threshold, and endangered species and also directed the FWS to prepare recovery plans. Recognizing the value of species habitat, protecting species who are in danger of extinction. -
Camp David Accords
Negotiations between Menachem Begin of Israel and Anwar Sadat of Egypt occurred at Camp David in Maryland. In the end, there was a Treaty between Egypt and Israel. America gave Egypt billions of dollars in aid every year. -
Three-Mile Island
A nuclear meltdown that occurred in reactor number 2 of Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, U.S. Therefore, increasing the public's questioning of technological progress and opinion against them. -
The Moral Majority
Organization associated with Christian right and Republican Party. Campaigned on issues its personnel believed were important to maintain its Christian conception of moral law. -
Iran Hostage Crisis
Revolutionaries stormed American embassy in Tehran and held over 52 Americans hostage. Carter tried to negotiate for the hostages release, but was unsuccessfully. However, they were released after Carter left office, ending the 444 days in captivity. -
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1980s
In this era, Americans embraced a new kind of change in social, economic and political life during the 1980s, characterized by the policies of Reagan. This decade was the rise of out breaking music and movies that has started up the careers of many iconic artists. Such as; Michael Jackson, Madonna, David Bowie, etc. -
Election of 1980
Head to head, Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter both candidates for to be the president. Ronald Reagan, republican, Jimmy Carter, democratic whom wasn't liked. Reagan won and put Republicans back in control after 25 years. Carter was defeated because of his lack of managerial skills. -
Ronald Reagan
Elected president in 1980, who ran campaign based on the common man and populist ideas. Developed Reaganomics, the trickle down effect of government incentives. Did things such as; cut out many welfare, public works programs, used strategic defense initiative to avoid conflict, meeting with Gorbachev that were first steps of ending the Cold War. -
Reagan's Presidency
Reagan is credited for America's victory in the Cold War, although some people blame him for his insensitive social agenda and irresponsible fiscal policies. He used the strategic defense initiative to avid conflict; responsible for the Iran-contra Affair which bough hostages with guns. -
Reaganomics
Theory that allowing companies the opportunity to make profits, and encouraging investment will stimulate the economy and lead to higher standards of living for everyone. Their goal was to reduce the size of the federal government and stimulate economic growth. -
Music Television (MTV)
Instrumental in promoting music videos and launching careers of performers like Michael Jackson, Prince, etc., who's videos played over and over again. MTV revolutionize the music industry and became an influential source of pop culture and entertainment in the U.S and around the world. -
A.I.D.S. Crisis
AIDs was a new disease that not one scientist could figure out how to cure it. AIDs was later labelled the gay plague suggesting that it was spread only among men who had sex with the same sex. For awhile, it was actually called, "Gay Related Immune Deficiency" -
Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) "Star Wars"
A plan for building a high tech system of lasers and particle beams to destroy enemy missiles before they reached the U.S. Also known as "Star Wars," and put pressure on the USSR to respond. Unfortunately for them, their economy couldn't handle it. -
Reagan Doctrine
Reagan's promise to restore American pride and confidence. The U.S. provided overt and covert aid to anti-communist guerrillas and resistance movements. The doctrine's purpose was to abolish soviet influence and also open the door to capitalism in nations to those who governed by soviet-supported socialist governments. -
Iran Contra Affair
A scandal that happened when Reagan's administration sold weapons to Iran hoping to free American hostages in Lebanon. However, in the talks of Reagan's impeachment, it soon came to an end when presidential aides took the blame for the illegal activity. -
Challenger Explosion
Space shuttle orbiter Challenger, exploded after launching for about 73 seconds into flight killing all of those who were on board. Due to a faulty seal in the fuel tank there was an explosion, after that the program was halted and investigated while being given new safety regulations. It was later resumed in 1988 with the flight of the Discovery. -
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1990s
The era of multiculturalism and alternative media. Movements like grunge, the rave scene and hip hop spread around the world to the young generation. Technology has become so advance that the internet and cable television were brought introduce to the world. 1990s was politically defined by a movement towards the right wing, including increase in support for far right parties in Europe. -
Persian Gulf War/1st Iraq War
Iraq invaded neighboring Kuwait for their oil and Persian Gulf access. Iraq ordered to withdraw by the UN. After 42 days of attacks by the allied coalition, U.S. President Bush declared a cease-fire and by that time, most Iraqi forces had either surrendered or fled. -
Rodney King Incident
Police officers beat up black bystander Rodney King, a videotape of the incident was released for the entire world to see. Therefore, outraging whites and blacks. Rodney received 56 blows from nightsticks while a few officers stood by and watched not doing a single thing. Feeling so enraged, South Central Los Angeles erupted one of the largest racial disturbances of the 20th century. -
Election of 1992
Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush go head to head for the presidency. Clinton wins over Bush because of economy's problems and solving of foreign policy problems. Clinton won 370 to 168 in the electoral college. Therefore now the democrats also have the control of the House and Senate. -
Ross Perot
Ran independent ticket for the 1992 election. Earned 20% of the popular vote. Won no electoral votes but 19.7 million popular vote. Reflected pervasive economic unease and the virulence of the throw the bums out national mood. -
Bill Clinton
President Clinton plan to provide universal health care to all Americans. Unfortunately, was defeated by Republican Newt Gingrich's "Contract with America" movement and also American Medical Association. Although his few domestic and international successes were forgotten by the sex scandal that led him right ot his impeachment, but was eventually acquittal. -
World Trade Center Attack 1993
Hoping to take down the World Trade Center, terrorist bomb set off bombs in a parking garage. Although they failed at bringing the entire center down, the attack still left a crater 60 feet and injured 1,000 people. -
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
The NAFTA created one of the world's largest free trade zones, laying foundations for strong economic growth, and rising prosperity for the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. It has demonstrated free trade increasing wealth and competitiveness, delivering real benefits to farmers, workers, consumers, families, and manufacturers. -
Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy
A compromise that restricts the military from seeking out those who were secretly gay, lesbian, or bisexual service members from joining the military and expelling those already serving during Bill Clinton's term. -
Lewinsky Affair
Political sex scandal between President Clinton and Monica Lewinsky, whom was an intern at the White House. Using evidence, from a cigarette and a blue dress--led to charges of perjury and led to the impeachment of Clinton but was later acquitted. -
Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
Law signed by Clinton, mandates unequal treatment of legally married same-sex couple depriving them protections and responsibilities that triggers at federal level. It is said under DOMA, that those who are same sex couple are denied a long list of important protection and responsibilities. -
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Contemporary
First five years have been marked by the rise of global economy and Third World consumerism, mistrust in government, deepening global concern over terrorism and an increase in the power or private enterprise. New generations such as Millennials and Generation Z have begin to adapt to new advancements from new laws like Same Sex Marriage, and new technologies that our now being introduce to the world every single day. -
Election of 2000
Bush goes head to head with Gore. Bush by a landslide, enraging Gore. Therefore he sued to have a manual recount--being the first time the Supreme Court got involved in electoral college decision. Although they ruled that the votes should stand as counted so Bush won the election by the electoral votes. -
Bush v. Gore
Vice President Al Gore and democrat George W. Bush, a republican. Bush won by a landslide, Gore demanded a recount. However, the Supreme Court's decision declared Florida's mandates for recounting ballots during disputed election was unconstitutional and were force to stop. So George won. -
9/11 Attacks
On September 11, 2001, two planes hit the Twin Towers which were hijacked by 19 militant Islamist men, also crashed four commercial aircraft. Therefore, leading people to also jump to their deaths. One plane crashed into the Pentagon in Washington. The last one crashed into a field in Pennsylvania. Over 3,000 people died, making it one of the saddest terrorism in American history. -
No Child Left Behind Education Act
A bill created and signed by Bush to increase accountability standards for primary and secondary schools. Several federal programs were authorized by law to monitor those standards and increased choices for parents in selecting schools for their children. Program was highly controversial. -
Hurricane Katrina Disaster
Hurricane struck the Gulf Coast of the U.S. when the storm made landfall, had a category 3 rating. The storm itself caused a lot of destruction, but the aftermath was worse. There were massive flooding's, and many people were affected, caused more than 100 billions of dollars in damage. -
The Great Recession
Worst economic time for the U.S. the Great Depression. Began in December 2007 and ended in mid-2009. Long-term lingering effects on unemployment and largest housing bubble in US history. Caused by irresponsible spending, economic thinking, and speculation. -
Election of 2008
Barack Obama and John McCain. Obama wins by 365 electoral votes, unlike McCain whom got 173 electoral votes. Senator Obama won the number of electors necessary to be elected President and was inaugurated on January 20, 2009. Becoming the 1st Black President. -
Barack Obama
44th President, first African American was elected to office. After a protracted primary election campaign against Senator Hillary Clinton, Obama sealed the Democratic Party's nomination and defeated Senator John McCain on November 4, 2008 -
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Based on economic theories of John Maynard Keynes that called for increased government spending to offset decreased private spending in times of economic downturn. Act was controversial passing with no Republican votes in the house, and only three from the senate. -
Affordable Care Act (ACA) "Obamacare"
Law signed by Obama, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act amendment, representation the most significant regulatory overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system since the passage of Medicare and Medicaid. Enacted to increase the affordability of health insurance, and many other things.
