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Work and Living Standards Improve
Following the publishing of 'The Jungle" in 1905, and the burning of the triangle Shirtwaist factory in 1911, urban life would slowly begin to improve as the nation adapted to a growing population. A standard work week is established, and in 1924, child labor is outlawed. Safety and health both at home and in the workplace improves. This century is marked by reforms that improved the quality of life for the average American. -
World War 1 Begins
Following the assassination or Archduke Ferdinand, the Austrian army would invade the nation of Serbia. A series of alliances would cause other nations to enter the war. The allied powers (Britain, France, Italy, and later the United States) would triumph over the central powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottomans) but not without great financial and physical damage to all involved European nations. This war would create massive technological and financial opportunities for America. -
19th Amendment Passed
The Woman's Suffrage Movement had been fighting for women's voting rights for years. Various protests and meetings, such as the Seneca Falls convention, marked a growing unrest at the civil inequalities of the United States. When the 19th amendment was ratified, granting women the right to vote, the nation took one step closer to equality for all its people. While still a massive victory for civil rights on its own, this would become a steppingstone for further advancments in civil rights. -
The Great Depression begins
Changing global economies following World War 1, emergence and abuse of credit systems, the Dust Bowl, and the stock market crash are just a few of the factors that caused the Great Depression. This period was marked by a GLOBAL economic downturn. Unemployment and homelessness skyrocketed, businesses and banks shut down, and international trade was crippled. these struggles would continue all the way until the start of World War 2. -
Ma Ferguson Elected as Texas Governor
Miriam "Ma" Ferguson was the first woman elected as governor in Texas. Many Texas voted for her to simply act as a figurehead for her husband, who had been governor before her. Even so, this would be a first step to accepting women in both politics and the workplace. -
World War 2 Begins
A series of unresolved conflicts from the first world war would eventually culminate when Germany invaded Poland, beginning the second World War. The results of this war were numerous. Countless soldiers and civilians lost their lives. European infrastructure was left in ruin. American labor shifted to more industrial production, accepting women in the workplace. The end of the war would bring America massive economic and military power, cementing it forever as a major global power. -
The Cold War Begins
Though allies during World War 2, America and Russia held conflicting political beliefs. To make things worse, both nations were immensely powerful and held great political sway over other nations. The decades to come would be marked by proxy wars as both nations attempted to either spread their ideologies or prevent their enemy from spreading theirs. The threat of nuclear war loomed over the world, and the policies set in this time still continue to affect daily life to this day. -
Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act passed
In 1964, the Civil Rights Act would outlaw segregation based on race. This caused many conflicts across America, as many people still held prejudices. However, the Civil Rights movement was making progress, slowly bringing the injustices of America to light. In 1965, the Voting Rights Act was passed. African Americans already had the right to vote but discriminating legal practices made many ineligible to vote. The Voting Rights Act outlawed many of these practices, overcoming this barrier. -
Man Lands on the Moon
America and the Soviet Union had long been competing in a "Space Race", a competition to land boots on the moon. Tensions were high due to the Cold War, but America would send a clear sign to the world when Buzz Aldrin and Niel Armstrong would be the first humans to stand on the moon. America showed that they were a global leader in technology and military developments. However, this victory was also felt by the world, unifying humanity under a single great achievement. -
The Berlin Wall Falls
Germany had been split into 2 nations following World War 2. West Germany was influenced by American and British culture, while East Germany was controlled by the Soviet Union. A wall was built to prevent them from sneaking to West Germany. This division was a symbol of growing conflict between western and eastern powers. When the wall fell, uniting Germany again, the world breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed tensions from the Cold War were subsiding, though not entirely gone.