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American Revolution
American colonies signed the declaration of independence in 1776, this lead to a revolt against the colony's mother country, Great Britain. George Washington was a prominate figure during the war and played a key role in the success of the colonies -
The New Nation
The constitution of the new nation was ratified in 1789. Some of its principles include the separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism. Congress later passed 10 amendments called the bill of rights that protected individuals against the central government to gain more support. -
Expansion and Reform
During this time we see a lot of westward expansion with the idea of manifest destiny. The idea that we were meant to have a country that spanned from one ocean to another. Also during this time was the California gold rush which caused a huge migration of people westward. Women's suffrage and reform in prisons and asylums can also be found. -
American Civil War
This is considered to be one of the bloodiest wars in U.S. history. It was a civil war between the north (union) and the south (confederacy). It was a civil war about slavery, and states rights or how much control should the federal government have over the states. The president during this time was Abraham Lincoln, and at the end of the war he signed the emancipation proclamation which was the end to slavery in the U.S. -
Reconstruction
This was the time following the civil war in which several amendments were added to the constitution. 13th Amendment: Outlawed slavery except for punishment for a crime. 14th Amendment: extended citizen rights to African Americans and guaranteeing equal protection under law. 15th Amendment: gave black men voting rights.During this time we see the rise of the KKK, who persecuted against African Americans, and the Jim Crow laws which also discriminated and persecuted against African Americans. -
Westward expansion
During this time we see the railroad system in America expand, and increase in mining. Also in this time we see a ranching and cattle boom and some farming and agricultural innovation. As well as some conflict with the Native Americans. -
Gilded Age
During this time we seen major technological innovation, mass immigration, and political strife. This is where we see the modern industrial economy take form. National communications networks, and transportation are created. This is where we also some monopolies take form where a small group of large businesses will be the only ones producing a certain product i.e. steel. -
U.S. Imperialism
During this time we see America take and interest in foreign affairs and begin to expand overseas. In 1898 the US acquires Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines after a war with Spain. Also during this time the US annexes Hawaii and the US under Teddy Roosevelt, promises to exercise "international police power". -
Progressive era
This was a time of economic, political, social and moral reforms. Some of which included outlawing the sale of alcohol, regulation of child labor, managing and conserving natural resources based on science, insuring pure wholesale of water and milk, and attempting to root out corruption. This is also a time where we see Women's Suffrage come to light or women fighting for equal rights as men. This is also when women are granted the right to vote by the 19th amendment. -
World War I
This war started due to the assassination of archduke Franz Ferdinand. The US got involved due to the sinking of the Lusitania, unrestricted German submarine warfare, and the Zimmerman telegram, which revealed a German plan to make mexico go to war with the US. In this war we see trench warfare and have the highest body count and the highest cost of any war previous. Woodrow Wilson signed the Treaty of Versailles which ended the war and created the League of Nations. -
The Roaring 20's
The 20's were a time of huge cultural conflict in the US. We see a somewhat of a liberation of the countries previous morals concerning mainly gender roles. We also see flappers which in turn show a dramatic change in dress and hairstyles. During this time we see a sort of a reinvention of the KKK as well as the emergence of Jazz. -
The Great Depression
The Great Depression started in 1929 when the stock market crashed. Among other things unemployment rose to 25%. There was growing support for the government to become responsible for the well being of the economy and for the government to be responsible for the public's well being. To try and solve this issue Herbert Hoover tried raising taxes but the economy just kept on falling which is partially why Roosevelt won by a landslide the next election. -
World War II
Pearl Harbor
Holocaust
Adolf Hitler
Europe and the Pacific
Atomic Bomb -
Cold War
Soviet Union
Communism
Containment
Arms Race
Space Race – Sputnik 1957
Espionage (spies) -
Vietnam War
Part of the Cold War
U.S. supported South Vietnam against communist North Vietnam
Lyndon B. Johnson
Draft
Antiwar Movement -
Civil Rights Movement
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Rosa Parks
Sit Ins
Brown vs. Board of Education
“I Have a Dream” -
Late 20th Century
Inflation
Oil Crisis
Conservative Resurgence
End of Cold War
Technological Revolution -
US in the 21st Century
Globalization
9/11 Terrorist Attacks
War on Terror
Hurricane Katrina
2008 Economic Recession
Election of Barack Obama
