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Selective Service Act passed
The Selective Service Act was passed six after American entrance into World War I. Required men between 21 and 30 to register. This act gave the president the power to draft eligible applicants in a lottery form to fight for the U.S. in times of war. This act resulted in the registration of 24 million men and the draft of 2.8 million into WWI. -
18th Amendment
The 18th amendment prohibited the sale, production, and transportation of alcohol in the U.S. This was also known as Prohibition. Prohibition was the result of Organized crime in America. Speakeasies and Mobsters rose above cries for morality in our country. This amendment as inspired by the Temperance Movement. Citizens who advocated the banning of alcohol were mostly women, this movement connected closely with Women’s Suffrage Movements. -
Sacco and Vanzetti Trial
Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were two Italian immigrants that were arrested and accused of murder. This trial eventually became one of the most famous in America’s history; simply because it was a result of the Red Scare. Sacco and Vanzetti were seen as anarchists who wanted to destroy democracy and bring communism into America. They were executed but found innocent years later. -
19th Amendment
The 19th amendment began a period where women gained rights, however they were still nowhere near equally treated to men. Women fought for 70 years for the simple right to express their public opinion. Not until 1984 were women allowed to vote in all states. -
Emergency Quota Act
This act made a certain amount of immigrants allowed into the U.S. from different areas. It resorted to 3% from each certain place. It allowed more people from northern than from eastern and southern Europe. It put no limits on Latin America and wanted to not allow aliens into America. -
Harlem Renaissance
This was a literary, artistic and intellectual movement inspired by African American culture. Its beginning and heart was in Harlem, New York. Many white publishers were fascinated by the culture and seen it as “exotic”. They sought to publish black authors. The movement was never political but it was aesthetic. -
Publication of The Great Gatsby
This novel was written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, an American novelist. It is about a rich gangster’s pursuit of an unattainable rich girl. This novel closely relates to the authors life and time period. In the novel you can see the hardships many people faced during this time period. -
John Scopes Trial
Also known as the Monkey Trial, a biology teacher, John Scopes, was put on trial for teaching evolution. During this time period, teachers were still teaching the Bible way. He was accused of violating Tennessee’s Butler Act. He went to court and was tried and found guilty of violating the law of teaching evolution. -
Flight of Charles Lindbergh
Charles A. Lindbergh was the first American pilot to make a solo flight across the Atlantic. It took him 33 and a half hour to complete the flight from New York to Paris. He flew a single engine monoplane that took off from Roosevelt Field. He eventually becomes an American hero and icon for many things. -
The Jazz Singer
This motion picture was known as one of the first “talkies” during the 1920’s. It was produced by Warner Bros and directed by Alan Crosland. It is a historic milestone and cinematic landmark. It’s about a poor immigrant family, a father wants his son to continue the family legacy and become a cantor. -
St. Valentine's Day Massacre
The reason behind this day was due to gang violence and had a lot to deal with Al Capone. An Irish gangster named George “Bugs” Moran, a foe to Al Capone, was shot several times by men dressed like police officers. Even though the murders weren’t put on Al Capone, many believe he was behind all of it. Capone wanted to eliminate his rivals in his illegal trades like bootlegging. -
Herbert Hoover elected President
Herbert Hoover was America’s 31st president. At the start of his work he dedicated himself to helping with humanitarian work. He also helped deliver supplies to Berlin after it was split by Russia. After the Great Depression many people lived in shanty town’s call Hoovervilles. He failed to recognize the severity of the Great Depression and did nothing to fix it. He said that it would fix itself. -
Black Tuesday
The stock market began declining in September and early October. When Black Tuesday hit Wall Street billions of dollars were lost and thousand of investors were wiped out. This was not the main cause of the Great Depression but it was one thing that led to it. Production had declined and unemployment had risen. -
Empire State Building Built
This building was designed in the Art Deco style and known as a popular building. It was designed by William F. Lamb. This task gave many jobs to Americans and immigrants. The Empire State building was opened by President Hoover. -
Hoover Dam Construction
The new border was used to tame the Colorado River and support the Southwest. Gave jobs to those unemployed and many died trying to build it. The construction was not finished until 1935. This would divide water among seven different states. -
Bonus Army
A group of WWI veterans and their families marched to Washington D.C.to demand their bonus checks. It was led by Walter W. Waters, a former army sergeant. Most of these veterans did not have jobs due to the beginning of the Great Depression. They lived in tents near the main buildings and were forced out by President Hoover. -
1st Election of FDR
After being elected as the 32nd president, FDR immediately reacted to restore the public’s confidence. He created a bank holiday and fireside chats to speak directly to the public. During his first 100 days he created some of the most important institutions such as the CCC, PWA, TVA and AAA. He created these programs to provide economic relief for workers and farmers. -
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
After the stock market crash, a need for reform was high. There was no security and stock was held in a few powerful hands, which was unfair. It was used to regulate exchanges, brokers, and over-the-counter markets. It was also used to break up big operations into smaller ones. -
FDR's First 100 Days
FDR’s main goal in his first 100 days was to end the Great Depression. He wanted to end Prohibition. In May, he signed the Tennessee Valley Authority Act enabling the government to build dams and give unemployed people jobs. He also passed a law to control how and what farmers grew so the endless supply of wasted food would actually be cost something, its name was the Agricultural Adjustment Act. In June, National Industrial Recovery Act, gave workers the right to form unions. -
FDIC Passed
The Federal Deposit of Insurance Corporation was a part of the Banking Act signed by Franklin Roosevelt. The FDIC protects bank accounts and insures them in the case of a second Great Depression. This insurances helps prevent account holders form losing all their money if a bank were to fail. -
21st Amendment
This amendment repealed the 18th and ended prohibition. Utah was 36th state to ratify the amendment by having the three-fourths vote majority of the states’ approval. Some states kept prohibition around by issuing state wide temperance laws. Though Mississippi was the last dry state in the union and put a final end to prohibition in 1966. -
National Labor Relations Act
The NLRA was created by Congress in 1935 to protect the rights of employees. This allowed workers the right to form labor unions, and engage in collective bargaining. This act although doesn’t cover workers under the Railway Labor Act. This was put in tack to help those to organize labor unions. -
Social Security Act Passed
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the social security act into law. The SSA was a part of FDR’s New Deal plan. This act guarantees income for retired and unemployed persons over the age 65. It was created to combat unemployment but it also aided the disabled. The social security act has altogether remained unchanged since 1935. -
Neutrailty Act
These Acts prevented the United States selling arms and granting loans to belligerent nations during World War II. The acts also prevented U.S. citizens from traveling to those nations involved in war. The purpose of these acts was to keep America from choosing sides and favoring any nation during the war. This resulted in the U.S. remaining “neutral” while attempting to assist Great Britain. -
Hindenburg Disaster
A German aircraft burst into flames while trying to land in Lakehurst, New Jersey. In less than 30 seconds the largest object to fly in the air went into flames killing the airship travel era. This disaster was never broadcasted on radio until later after the fact. The designer Hugo Eckener wanted to use helium but the U.S. shortly banned the sale to Europe. Most Americans wanted to take back the ban and allow it back to Europe. -
Golden Gate Bridge Completion
This historic bridge took five years to finish construction. The Highway District was formed to pay for the expenses of the bridge. The countries that helped with the building would be paid back with bridge tolls. This took place during the Great Depression and gave out tons of jobs. This bridge was a symbol of progress during such an economic crisis. -
Nazi Germany Invades Poland
1.5 million German troops invaded Poland from the German-controlled boarder. This is what led to the start of World War II. Germany tried to convince Britain and France that it was a defensive attack but they were not convinced and declared war. Germany attacked Poland’s navy ports and air fields. -
Lend-Lease Act Signed by FDR
This program was devised by Roosevelt to aid Great Britain. It provides money and materials for allies in the war. Congress eventually extended the terms of the act to the USSR after much debate. After the war the Lend-Lease Act changed into the Marshall Plan. This allocated funds for friendly democratic nations even if they were enemies before. -
Pearl Harbor
Surprise attack on U.S. Hawaiian Naval Base destroying and sinking several of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. This ambush resulted in the unification of American Public Opinion on the War. The Japanese intended to destroy U.S. pacific fleet and advance on to Malaya and the East Indies in search of necessary resources, such as oil, that had been banned by the U.S. After the attack the Declared war on Japan. Hitler Declared war on the U.S. four days later. -
D-Day
The allies invaded Normandy to take France back from Germany. The invasion was supposed to take place on June 5th but weather delayed the invasion. By the end of August Paris was liberated. Germans were being removed from northwestern France which ended the Battle of Normandy. After, the allies planned to move to Germany. -
Concentration Camps Liberated
Soviet soldiers were the first to liberate the concentration camps after Hitler tried to destroy them. Most Jews in Poland were already killed by 1943 when Hitler discovered his secret was out. In January 1945 they went to Auschwitz where they found thousands of dying Jews due to starvation and disease. In April Americans liberated more than 20,000 prisoners. -
Yalta Conference
This was a meeting held between American President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Britain Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, and Soviet Premier, Joseph Stalin. This meeting took place in France as WWII was winding down. The “Big Three” wanted to discuss what to do with Europe and Japan after WWII. This was the second “Big Three” meeting. -
Battle of Iwo Jima
U.S. Marine troops were greeted by 23,000 Japanese army and navy troops. Japanese had territorial advantage through caves, dugouts, and underground tunnels. U.S. Marines victorious after raining flag on Iwo Jima. Ended with 5,900 Americans dead and 17,400 wounded. This victory was needed to capture the island for a closer U.S. naval base. -
FDr's Death
FDR dies during his fourth term as President. This left the job to his Vice President Harry S. Truman, during when we were still fighting WWII. FDR’s wife, Eleanor, did a speech that afternoon when she was suddenly called to the White House knowing her husband had died. He left Truman with the newly made atomic bombs and what exactly to do with them. -
VE Day
Great Britain and the United States had finally conquered German Nazi Occupation across the world. German Soldiers Finally laid down weapons in Soviet Union leading to a final cease fire. The Victory in Europe declared the end of the World War II on one front and gave hope for victory over Japan -
Hiroshima and Nagasaki
The bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima is thought to be the final straw to ending the war. American Allies dropped “Little Boy” and “Fat Man” on the two small Japanese Cities. The devastation cause by the two bombs led to the unconditionally surrender of the formally stubborn Japan. -
VJ Day
Ending World War II the Japanese unconditionally surrendered to the U.S. America’s victory over formally took place on September 2, 1945. Aboard the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay. After 6 years of Fighting Japan’s surrender put the U.S. at the top of everyone’s lists as a world power.
