-
Period: to
Cold War
Conflict between the US and Soviet Union. The nations never directly went to war against each other but deadly threats went on for years. -
G.I. Bill
Also known as the Serviceman's Readjustment Act of 1944 provided schooling for returning World War II veterans, as well as a one year of unemployment compensation. The bill also provided loans for veterans, which many took advantage to start their own business as well as houses. -
Period: to
Contemporary
1945-Present- Modern history. -
Hiroshima
"Little Boy" was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, the decision that ushered in the nuclear age is still the subject of controversy. Americans lives were presumably spared because of the bombing, in the down side the bombings killed approximately 90,000-146,000 Japanese civilians. "I think it can be proven that the bomb was not only unnecessary but known in advance not to be necessary", philanthropist Gar Alperovitz. -
Iron Curtain
An attempt by the Soviet Union to seal itself and eastern and central European allies from Western influence and other non communist areas after World War two. Soviet Restrictions included the prohibition of media from foreign countries, border blockades, and limited travel routes. The iron curtain ceased to exist one the communist abandoned the one-party rule in eastern Europe. -
Fair Deal
An economic extension of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, Harry Truman proposed an increase to the nations minimum wage, housing and full employment. As a result, the Housing Act of 1950 was enacted to oppose the Deal. -
Berlin Airlift
In response to the Berlin Blockade established by the Soviet Union, the United States of America and the British, started an operation that would have lasted three hundred and twenty seven days, where they flew in planes carrying cargo such as food and supplies into western Berlin to supplement the starving citizens. -
Beat Generation
The Beat Generation was a literary movement, founded by a series of authors whose work influenced American culture after World War II. They rejected standard narrative values, exploration of American and Eastern religions, explicit portrayals of the human condition, experimentation with psychedelic drugs, and sexual liberation and exploration. -
Period: to
1950's
The world recovered from World war two and the Cold War developed. -
North Korea invades South Korea
North Korea illegally crossed the 38th parallel heading towards South Korea, they captured South Korea's Capital Seoul. Initiated the Korean War, which ended in minor changes to their former geography. -
Ike Turner
Turner began to be relevant to American culture once his Rock 'n' roll song "Rocket 88" released, with his group the Kings of Rhythm. His career soared once again when he teamed up with his wife during the 1960's and 1970's, and won his first Grammy in 1972. To concur, Turner was an iconic Rock 'n' Roll singer. -
Period: to
Civil Rights
The national effort to make black people equal to whites. -
Brown v. Board of Education
In Topeka, Kansas, a black third-grader, Linda, had to walk one mile every day to get to her non-integrated elementary school, although their was a white elementary school seven blocks away. Her family attempted to enroll her to the school, but the principal denied her enrollment. The family took their case to the NAACP which helped challenge segregation in public schools. The final decision was that all schools should be desegregated although their white ancestors turned down a similar case. -
Dr. Jonas Salk
Dr. Jonas Salk started experimenting with one million children (Polio Pioneers). On April 12, 1955, the vaccine tested positive in eliminating the polio disease. The vaccine was labeled as safe and effective. Dr. Jonas Salk decided not to patent the antidote in order to make available to as many as people as possile. -
Little Richard
Little Richard began to gain popularity with "Tutti Frutti". He was part of the growing rock and roll era during the 1950's. With his croons, wails and screamed he influenced such bands as the Beatles. -
Rosa Parks
On December first Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man, even when threatened to be thrown in jail, this historical figure represents an early act of defiance against white supremacy. In an interview Rosa Parks state the "I had no fear at that particular time... I felt more annoyed than frighted" -
Elvis Presley
Presley astonished his audience with his "unique" dance moves. He was the most significant person in rock and roll history. His first big hit "Heartbreak Hotel" was released January 27, 1956. His music was inspired by african american culture. -
Bill Haley and the Comets
An American rock and roll band in the 1950's, their first hit album was released on August 13, 1956. They were one of the first white musicians attract incorporate rock and roll into American culture. At the time rock and roll was associated with sexual arrousel, for example Rock Around The Clock. -
Orval Faubus
He was the governor of Arkansas during the Civil Rights Movement. White supremacist, who attempted to block the integration system by using the national guard. They ultimately integrated the school thanks to Eisenhower's persistence. -
Sputnik
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics launched a satellite into space during the Cold War. This ignited the second red scare in America. The United States responded with additional spending to the country's education and aerospace fundings. Initiated NASA project. -
NASA
The result of the second red scare, the united states offered more money to innovate space technology. Set to rival the soviet union after the launch of Sputnik. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration was committed to winning the "space race" against the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. -
Albert Sabin
Sabin developed the oral poliovires antidote,, which was more effective than the injected antidote. Before he tested it on anyone else, Sabin and his group tested the drug, it proved to be effective and was later shipped all around the world, this is the same pill we use in modern times. -
Period: to
1960's
Counterculture -
Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC)
This was one of the most prominent organizations during the Civil Rights Movement, it inspired the sit-ins as well as the freedom rides. Most supporters came from the Northern states, where they were paid ten dollars a week unless they volunteered. "It [the SNCC] demonstrated that ordinary women and men, young and old, could perform extraordinary tasks." -
New Frontier
The New Frontier was first introduced during Kennedy's presidential inauguration. Kennedy announced the challenges America will be facing in the next few year and how he intends to overcome them. "The torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans" -John F. Kennedy. At the time, Sputnik had already been released into outer space, and the Second Red Scare was still happening, therefore he set America's goal to put a man on the moon, giving America hope, and gain the lead in the Cold War. -
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
The Organization of Petroleum Countries was created during a Baghdad Conference (Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Venezuela), it took the council four days to organize everything. OPEC's intends on stabilizing the oil industry, and to assure that it is functioning in an efficient manner. Currently, there are twelve members of this organization (Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates and Venezuela). -
Televised Politics (Nixon v. Kennedy)
The Election of 1960 was the first televised debate in history, there Nixon and Kennedy battled it out, but it was evident that posture and overall health during the debate prove to be a major component when deciding who won the debate. There was a confliction between the people who heard the debate and the ones who saw it, people who heard it say that Nixon clearly won the debate while the viewers thought that Kennedy won. -
Peace Corps
The peacekeepers offer its services to tackle the challenges of our generation. They promote community service worldwide, and to provide help to Americans understand other people's situation. Prepare people to help others in need. Funding for the organization comes from congressional budget. -
Sam Walmart
Born on March 29, 1918, Sam Walton opened the fire Walmart on July 2, 1962, in Rogers, Arkansas. Walton was determined to grow his business, he would begin his work days at 4:30 in the morning, overall Walton was a humble man with much success. -
Resolution to the Cuban Missile Crisis (the deal between the U.S and the Soviet Union)
The end of the dangerous confrontation against the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics during the Cold War came to a close when president Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev negotiated a non-proliferation treaty. The US will inspect soviet ships, the US dismantles its ICBMs in turkey in exchange, the US promises not tho invade Cuba, and a communication line will exist between the Pentagon and the Kremlin. -
"I Have A Dream" by Martin Luther King Junior
Martin Luther King Junior war the leader of the non-violent civil rights movement. He was an inspiration to many African Americans. On August 28, 1963, King delivered his famous speech "I Have A Dream". King wrote his speech in advance for this moment but as he stood in front of thousands of civil rights revolutionist inspired him to go off script. He stood in front of the Lincoln memorial, and said: "I Have A Dream..." -
Lee Harvey Oswald
Oswald was and Ex-marine with communist sympathies. Marries a woman from Russia and is the supposed killer of Kennedy's assasination. Video evidence leads people to believe that there was a second shooter. Before he gets the chance to present himself in front of a jury, Jack Ruby kills him. -
Jack Ruby
Ruby was a nightclub owner who shot and killed Lee Harvey Oswald in the Dallas Police Headquarters. -
Malcolm X
A black Muslim faith activist, who challenged the mainstream civil-rights movement and their nonviolent ideals. His followers were urged to fend for themselves against the white's aggression. Malcolm changed his last name to X to represent his rejection of his slave name. X became an influential leader to many young blacks, and eventually his teachings served as the foundation for the Black Power movement of the late 1960's. X's charisma to fight for justice was evidently the cause of his death. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
Legally banned the segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin, considered as one of the crowning legislative achievements of the civil rights movement. -
Daisy Girl Ad
This Advertisement plays to the fears of Cold War mentality. Goldwater's response to this ad was to give commanders the authority to launch nuclear weapons. -
Warren Commision
President Johnson to investigate Kennedy's assassination, came to a conclusion that Oswald acted alone, many conspiracy theorists believe otherwise because the final shot looked as if it came from the side and not from the behind. -
Great Society
The Great Society was introduced during Johnson's campaign, it promised education, good standards of living and beautification went further that the New Deal. Johnson rammed liberal legislation through congress. Johnson wanted to eliminate poverty in order to expand educational programs, increase healthcare, public housing, and the beautification of highways. -
Barry Goldwater
The Republican Presidental nominee from Arizona, who contradicted his plans for a federal income tax, and social security plan, as well as the Tennesse Valley Authority, Civil Rights Legislation, the nuclear test-ban treaty, and the Great Society. -
Selma March
A protest promoting the civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King. Six-hundred marchers set out to walk fifty miles to Mongomery. Country police interrupted the march in the end of Edmond Pettus Bridge by force using clubs and tear gas. Instead of obeying the officer's marchers kneeled down and prayed, white witnesses cheered as the police force brutally beat blacks, TV cameras recorded the horrific scene, influenced thousands more to join the cause. -
Anti-War Movement
A social movement opposing a particular nation's decision to start or carry on an armed conflict, unconditional of a maybe-existing just cause. The term can also refer to pacifism, which is the opposition to all use of military force during conflicts. -
National Organization for Women
The most prominent women's movement in the 1960's. -
Cesar Chavez
A Mexican-American, union leader and labor organizer. Before his prestigious position, he was a migrant worker who suffered through intense labor. Later on, Chavez helped establish the Agricultural Workers Organization Committee, who started a strike against grape growers in California. Soon, they merged with another organization becoming the United Farm Workers. Overall, Chavez fought to improve the working conditions for migrants farm workers and uniting them. -
Black Panther Party
This party was founded by two civil rights activists, Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale in Oakland, California. Originally this party's duty was to protect residents from acts of police brutality, but it was eventually formed into a Marxist revolutionary group that called for the arming of all African Americans. Members wore black military attires, reason-being that whites feared them. They were perceived as a terrorist organization by the FBI. Due to the growing differences the party disappeared. -
My Lai Massacre
American soldiers killed the majority of citizens of Southern Vietnamese hamlet of My Lai. As many as 500 people including women, children, and elders were killed, High ranked officers were able to cover up the event for an entire year. Sparked an international outrage and led to an investigation, out of fourteen officers only one was convicted. -
Apollo 11
"The Eagle has landed" those were the famous words Neil Armstrong said as the first American spacecraft landed safely on the moon. After years of panicking during the second red scare the United States gave its people the support they crucially needed to keep themselves sane for once. A massive milestone when realizing that the wright brothers only had invented the airplane sixty-three years prior to this moment. The expedition completed the national goal set by JFK. -
Period: to
1970's
Women, African Americans, Native Americans, gays and lesbians and other marginalized people continued their fight for equality, and many Americans joined the protest against the ongoing war in Vietnam -
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Their purpose is to protect Americans from significant risks to human health and environment where they live, learn, and work. They work on reducing health hazards and help set federal laws protecting human health and the environment are enforced fairly and effectively. -
Watergate Hotel Scandal
Several burglars were arrested inside the office of the DNC. They were caught while attempting to wiretap phones and steal secret documents. People speculated that Nixon knew about the scandal., Nixon was never prosecuted but did question his leadership/presidency. -
Title IX
A federal law that prohibits the exclusion or benefits of any kind by a person's sex, this program received its funds from the government. -
Heritage Foundation
Raegan's attempts to promote conservative policies such as free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, values, and a strong national defense. Non-profit. -
Endagered Species Act
Required wildlife services to list all the species of plants and animals in their region who are threatened with extinction. Set, because wildlife was being killed off in massive numbers during industrialization and poison in the environment. -
Nixon's Resignation
Nixon's choice to withhold evidence from SCOTUS led to conflict, later SCOTUS rules that Nixon cannot withhold information in his wrongdoing. On August 8, 1974, Nixon is the first president to ever resign from office, his vice president, Gerald Ford, becomes president. -
Gerald Ford's Presidency
Ford takes Nixon's place after he decides to resign. Ford was a modest person, he distanced himself from the elite "I'm a Ford, not a Lincoln". He was looked down upon when he pardoned Nixon for all of his crimes, adds on to the distrusted the American people have collected over the years. -
Video Head System
Although it was invented in 1976 it was a prominent factor in the 80's. These were the media files at the time, these recorded video files about two to four hours long. If you wanted to see the file again it was time-consuming when rewinding them. -
Panama Canal
President Jimmy carter agrees to give panama control over the panama canal beginning in 2000. -
Iran Hostage Crisis
Shah was allowed to enter the United States for cancer treatment, angers the Ayatollah, and eventually attacks US embassy in Tehran. The embassy was seized by Iranian militants and college students who claimed to be Khomeini's disciples. The hostages were separated into smaller groups and were not able to communicate with each other. Blindfolded for 444 days. This humiliated America, changed foreign policies, military assertiveness, and preparedness. -
Period: to
1980's
Many Americans embraced a new conservatism in social, economic and political life during the 1980s, characterized by the policies of President Ronald Reagan. -
Black Entertainment Television (BET)
Founded by Robert Johnson, this television network was specifically for black artists, etc., it became popular during the 80's making its founder the first black billionaire. -
Video Game Systems
Although games weren't new they grew in popularity starting off with a classic Pacman. Later, arcades became a thing, so children from the block would gather around and try to beat each other high score. -
Election of 1980-Jimmy Carter
The democratic nominee, a former peanut farmer from Georgia, enlisted as a submarine commander, relatively unknown, except that he was resourceful. Our 39th president. -
Election of 1980- Ronald Reagan
The republican nominee running for president, Former governor of California, was an actor during the 40's and 50's, testified before HUAC about communism, united conservative Coalition behind him, and founder of Reaganomics. -
Sandra Day O'Connor
The first female representative in the Supreme Court Justice. Nominated by Reagan, moderate ideology, during her prime years she supported the conservative ideology, but the transferred to liberal in her final years. Retires due to her Alzheimer inflicted husband. -
Music Television (MTV)
One of the first cable television networks, they televised music videos whom which include Madonna and Michael Jackson, ultimately boosting their careers. -
Internet
"Modern Internet" was invented January first, 1983. Used to exchange data immediately. Supercomputers allowed communication on college campuses, by the late 1990's millions of households will obtain the internet. Changed business and lifestyle of Americans, computers will later be replaced by phones once they can receive a connection. -
Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) "Star Wars"
Star Wars is ultimately the cause of the USSR's economic destruction, a new advancement in war tactics, these satellites are able to shoot down nuclear missiles, the United States happily shared their technology with the USSR knowing that if they overcommit to it they would go bankrupt, and that is exactly what happened. Another reason was to make missiles useless, because if anyone could shoot them down as soon as they are launched. -
Reagan Doctrine
US support anywhere in the world to support anticommunist activity; in Afghanistan we supplied missiles; Grenada ousted a pro-Marxist govt; gave money and military help to military governments in El Salvador; spent over 6 billion in aid to help kill over 40,000 dissidents, American missionaries, and others -
Iran Contra Affair
A secret action that was not approved by Congress, supplied weapons to Iran, the enemy, in hopes of releasing the American hostages held in Lebanon by terrorists loyal to Ayatollah Khomeini. The transaction was contrary to the legislation of Democratic-dominated congress and contrary to the Reagan administration. -
Challenger Explosion
The night before the launch, five engineers at NASA tried to stop it from taking off, but NASA overruled them. Ebeling told his wife, Darlene, "It's going to blow up", the challenger exploded 73 seconds after it was launched. The scientist later discussed how the cold temperatures would affect the boosters leading to it to explode. -
Fall of Berlin Wall
People were anxious to leave because there wasn't a lot of money and good basically original food going around. prior to the demolition 5000 people tried to cross the border, 600 were killed off. The demolition felt like a liberation to many of these folk. -
Period: to
1990's
The Uprising of the Millenial generation. Advances in technology and values leaned towards liberal ideology. -
Persian Gulf War
Iraq wanted to take over Kuwait's oil fields and wanted access to the Persian Gulf, considered making Kuwait part of their country. The United States ARMY was set off to battle against Iraq after they illegally invaded Kuwait. Iraq was defeated, trade sanctions were imposed after the war, the UN cease-fire agreement called for Iraq to allow U.N inspectors to search and destroy weapons of mass destruction. -
Rodney King Incident
The footage showed LAPD officers repeatedly striking King with their batons while other officers stood by watching, without taking any action to stop the beating. A portion of this footage was aired by news agencies around the world, causing public outrage that raised tensions between the black community and the LAPD and increased anger over police brutality and social inequalities in Los Angeles. -
Election of 1992-Bill Clinton
The Democratic candidate running for office. Offered a new American health care plan, world class education, and promoted "Putting People First". Winner of the Election of 1992. -
Election of 1992-George H.W Bush
Former Vice President to Reagan, Director of the C.I.A, and ambassador to the United Nations, he was nominated by the Republicans for the 1988 election. Since the Cold War ended during his presidency his foreign policy would shape America's foreign policy for the decades to come. He betrayed his Republicans by passing the Democratic tax plan and offered only cuts in federal programs during the recession. This only left behind the upper class who prospered from Reaganomics. -
Election of 1992-Ross Perot
Third party candidate split the vote between democratic Bill Clinton and republican George W. Bush. Reflected pervasive economic unease and the virulence of the throw-the-bums-out national mood. Earned 20 percent of votes, he didn't win any elctoral votes but still managed 19.7 million popular votes. -
World Trade Center Attack (1993)
A terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York City. It served as a warning to future terrorist attacks. A truck bombed detonated below the northern tower. -
Don't ask, don't tell"
The official US military policy for people belonging to the LGBT spectrum who wanted to join the ARMY. To summarize don't ask anyone if they are gay, and do not tell them if you are gay. Personally, I feel like this degrades our first amendment. -
Defense of Marriage Act
Signed into law by President Clinton. Defines marriage as "only legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife." Gave states the freedom to ignore same-sex marriage. Repealed during the Obama presidency. -
9/11 Attacks
On 9/11, 19 Islamic militants (Al-Qaeda) hijacked four airplanes and carried out kamikaze with them. Two of them hit each of the World Trade Centers, one of them hit the Pentagon, and the other crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. It is the most brutal terrorist attack in America in all of history. The attack caused ongoing wars with middle eastern countries, the immigration of civilians and also the deportation of them, and raised awareness of terrorist attempts. -
George W. Bush- Election of 2000
Forty-first president, prior to becoming president, he served as a congressman, director of the CIA, UN Ambassador, and vice president to Ronald Reagan Sent troops to overthrow Manual Noriega in Panama. Led the US to success in the Gulf War, forcing Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait. -
Election Controversy- 2000
The popular winner (Gore) didn't win the presidency, allegations said that there were a voter fraud and disenfranchisement. Rumors of illegal road blocks, unclear ballots, and uncounted votes, particularly in swing states like Missouri and Florida, were rampant. -
Bush v. Gore
Initiated in Florida year 2000 presidential election. Democratic Gore wanted recount due to voting irregularities in 3 Democratic counties. In a 5-4 decision, Supreme Court halted the recount, giving Bush the presidency. -
Patriot Act
Congress signed into law by president Bush, which deterred and punished terrorist acts. Reinforces neglection of weapons and military equipment. Increased funding for terrorist investigations. -
No Child Left Behind Education Act
Established by George W. Bush. A part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act authorized the elementary and secondary Education Act, sets high standards for student achievement to ensure that all children are caught up to the twenty-first-century learning. -
Second Iraq War
The United States of America and Britain initiated the Second Gulf War, at the time Bush was president, and his ideology consisted of attacking the enemy first, hence the United States called for war. -
Barack Obama- Election of 2008
The first African American presidential democratic candidate. His campaign focused on Tax Reform, Energy, Education, Health Care, Social Safety New And Worker Protections, and Foreign Policies. Obama partially succeeded in accomplishing these tasks, one being that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria has persisted throughout his presidency. Barack Hussein Obama was our first black president. -
Sonya Sotomayor
The first Hispanic-American in the Supreme Court, appointed by President George H.W. Bush. -
Affordable Care Act (ACA)
"Obamacare" is a healthcare plan which is intended to reduce medical expenses for all American citizen members. People have been debating on the impact of the act upon the middle class. Since it was signed, twenty million previously uninsured people have registered for the ACA. Recently, the republican party attempted to replace the affordable Care Act with The American Health Care Act, it failed miserably because it actually increased the cost and reduced the number of eligible people.
