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The end of reconstruction
After the 1876 presidential election, the Compromise of 1877 concluded in Rutherford B. Hayes becoming president in exchange for the removal of federal troops from the South. The ended Reconstruction effectively, letting Southern states enforce Jim Crow laws that removed citizenship of black Americans and upheld racial segregation. White supremacist groups such as the Ku Klux Klan gained power, resulting in a century of systematic racial discrimination. -
The invention of the light bulb
Thomas Edison developed a practical and long lasting electric light bulb successfully, which revolutionized everyday life and industry. While earlier versions of the light bulb existed, Edison's carbon filament bulb was able to last up to 1,200 hours, making electric lighting feasible for homes and businesses. This innovation stimulated the development of power grids, factories operating during day and night, and a transformation of cityscapes worldwide. -
The formation of the American Federation of Labor
Founded by Samuel Gompers, the AFL was an alliance of skilled labor unions that centered on collective bargaining for higher wages, shorter work hours, and better working conditions. Contrasting more radical labor movements, the AFL declined socialism and strikes unless necessary, assisting to shape labor policy in the U.S. well into the 20th century. -
The annexation of Hawaii
After years of U.S. business interests undermining Hawaiian sovereignty, Queen Lili'uokalani was overthrown in 1893 by American-backed forces. In 1898, the U.S. officially annexed Hawaii, referring to strategic military importance during the Spanish-American War. The annexation set the stage for Hawaii becoming a U.S. state in 1959. -
The Spanish-American War
Stimulated by the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, the U.S. declared war on Spain, aiming to aid Cuban independence. The war only lasts four months, with the U.S. ending victorious and gaining Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines. This conflict marked the U.S.'s upcoming as an imperial power and set way for its involvement in global affairs. -
The Wright brother's first flight
On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright successfully flew a powered aircraft for 12 seconds in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. This milestone in flying history led to quick advancements in flight technology, which would play an important role in transportation, warfare, and global connectivity. -
The sinking of the Titanic
The RMS titanic, the largest and most luxurious ship of its time, struck an iceberg on its voyage and sank, which killed over 1,500 passengers and crew members. The disaster revealed flaws in maritime safety regulations, resulting in the establishment of new international safety standards, including lifeboat requirements and constant radio watch on ships. -
The U.S. entry into World War I
Initially neutral, the U.S. joined World War I after multiple German submarine attacks on American ships and the interception of the Zimmerman Telegram, in which Germany wanted an alliance with Mexico. U.S. involvement assisted to tip the balance in favor of the allies, leading to the end of the war in 1918. The war also resulted to social and economic changes in America, including women joining the workforce in large numbers. -
The stock market crash
On October 29, 1929, also known as Black Tuesday, the stock market collapsed, wiping out billions of dollars in wealth and starting the Great Depression. This economic downturn resulted in widespread unemployment, bank failures, and major poverty. The crisis prompted president Franklin D. Roosevelt to present the New Deal, a series of government programs wanted economic recovery. -
The attack on Pearl Harbor
On December 7, 1941, Japan launched an unexpected attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, sinking or harming 19 ships and killing over 2,400 Americans. The attack triggered the U.S. to declare war on Japan, bringing it completely into World War II. The event urged American war efforts and shifted the balance of the global conflict. -
The Marshall plan
After World War II, the U.S. launched the Marshall Plan, giving over $13 billion in assistance to rebuild Western Europe. The plan aided to prevent the spread of communism by stabilizing economies and strengthening democratic governments, contributing to the Cold War rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. -
The Korean war
The Korean War started when communist North Korea, backed by China and the Soviet Union, invaded South Korea. The U.S. and the United Nations got involved to prevent the spread of communism. The war ended in a truce, with Korea still divided along the 38th parallel. The conflict marked the first major military focus on the Cold War. -
Brown v. Board of Education
This landmark Supreme Court decision ruled that racial segregation in public school was unconstitutional, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson. The ruling gave momentum for the Civil Rights movement, resulting in further desegregation attempts and federal civil rights legislation. -
The Cuban missile crisis
A 13 day standoff between the U.S. and the Soviet Union happened after the U.S. discovered Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba. The crisis almost led the world to nuclear war but ended peacefully when the U.S. agreed not to invade Cuba in exchange for the Soviet Union getting rid of its missiles. This event significantly affected Cold War diplomacy and nuclear arms agreements. -
The civil rights act
Signed into law by president Lyndon B. Johnson, this act outlawed segregation and discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It ended legal segregation in public places and required equal employment opportunities, marking a major victory for the Civil Rights movement. -
The fall of the Berlin wall
After decades of Cold War tensions, mass protests and political changes in Eastern Europe resulted in the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989. This represented the collapse of communist regimes and led to the reunification of Germany, signifying the beginning of the end of the Cold War. -
The Persian Gulf war
After Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait, a U.S.-led partnership launched Operation Desert Storm. The war was six weeks long and ended in Iraq's defeat, but Hussein stayed in power, resulting in further conflicts, such as the 2003 Iraq War. -
The September 11 attacks
Al-Qaeda terrorist hijacked four airplanes, crashing two into the World Trade Center towers in New York, one into the Pentagon, and another in Pennsylvania after passengers intervened. Around 3,000 people died, prompting the U.S. to being the War on Terror, including the invasion of Afghanistan. -
The 2008 financial crisis
Starting from the collapse of the U.S. housing market and risky banking practices, the financial crisis resulted in global economic turmoil. Major banks fell apart, unemployment rose, and governments implemented huge bailouts. The crisis reformed financial regulations worldwide. -
The Covid-19 pandemic
The outbreak of the novel coronavirus led to a global health crisis, causing millions of deaths and widespread economic disturbance. Lockdowns, travel restrictions, and vaccine rollouts were key strategies in managing the crisis. The pandemic also increased remote work, digital transformation, and healthcare innovation.