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Emmett Till's Murder
Two white men murder a young black boy named Emmett Till. Despite obvious evidence against the killers, they escaped punishment. This event was a catalyst for the Civil Rights movement. -
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Montgomery Bus Boycott
The black population of Montgomery, Alabama, boycott the public bus lines in protest of segregation. They are successful, and public transportation is desegregated. -
Civil Rights Act of 1957
This act indicated the start of the real Civil Rights movement in the US. Despite accomplishing little, it is remembered as the first legislative step forward in Civil Rights since the Civil War. -
"The Affluent Society" Published
John K. Galbraith publishes his famous work, "The Affluent Society," which called out American culture for being shallow and materialistic, devoted to producing and consuming as much as possible as fast as possible. -
1960 Presidential Election
John F. Kennedy elected President of the United States. -
Greensboro Sit-ins
Students sat at segregated lunch counters and refused to leave until being served. This forced the desegregation of several department stores, and raised awareness for the issue of racial injustice. -
Tension Between US and Cuba
US and Cuba cease diplomatic relations during brief armed struggle. US is terrified of possible Cuban communism. -
Freedom Rides
Inspired by the actions of the sit-ins, black citizens board segregated interstate buses and refuse to leave their seats for a journey through the south, which is opposed to desegregation. -
James Meredith Enrolls at the University of Mississippi
J. Meredith is the first black student to enroll at the University of Mississippi, and has to be escorted to his classes by US Marshals to prevent violence. -
Voting Rights Act
This act made discrimination against voters illegal. Now both men and women, whites and blacks -- every American citizen of age -- could vote. -
Roe V. Wade
The US Supreme court rules in favor of murdering infants in the womb. The US is still facing the repercussions of this court ruling to this day. -
Impeachment Bill Approved
The House Judiciary Committee approved a bill to impeach President Nixon, who promptly resigned before a vote could be had.