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The Progressive Era
The Progressive Era was a time of Social Reform led by mostly Christians and middle class women. The goal was to improve the morality of the nation, and create a healthy society. -
The Gold Standard
The Gold Standard Act is ratified, making the United States a nation that used the gold standard. -
McKinley wins Election Once More
William McKinley once again takes the presidency, beating out William Jennings Bryan once again. He wins by a huge margin of 137 electoral college votes. -
Assassination. Again
After the election, McKinley is assassinated. Theodore Roosevelt, his vice president, takes over for him. This murder led to the creation of the Secret Service. -
The First Rose Bowl
The first Rose bowl is held between Michigan and Stanford. Michigan wins 49-0. Another would not be held for another fourteen years, but now a Rose Bowl is held every year. -
The Air Conditioner.
Willis Haviland Carrier creates the first air conditioner. This is an important date for Texans, who have to use it almost every day of the year. -
Wilbur and Orville Wright
Wilbur and Orville have the first successful flight of a manned aircraft in North Carolina. This is the beginning of modern air travel. -
Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine
The Roosevelt Corollary of December 1904 stated that the United States would intervene as a last resort to ensure that other nations in the Caribbean and South America fulfilled their obligations to international creditors, and did not violate the rights of the United States or invite “foreign aggression to the detriment of the entire body of American nations.” -
Roosevelt retains the Presidency
Theodore Roosevelt retains his position of president, despite having only been given the position originally. He beat democratic candidate Alton B. Parker 336 electoral college votes to Parkers 140. -
Tractors!
The first tractor successfully runs under the direction of inventor Benjamin Holt. -
NCAA
The Intercollegiate Athletic Association is formed under Theodore Roosevelt. It would later become known as the National Collegiate Athletic Association or NCAA. -
An Earthquake in California
The San Francisco Earthquake occurs, measuring 7.8 on the Richter Scale, and killing anywhere from 500 to 3,000 people. -
New Member of Congress
The first American Indian is elected to serve in Congress. Charles Curtis from Kansas is elected. -
First Ball Drop
For the first time, the ball is dropped in New York, signaling the New Year. -
Taft becomes President
William Howard Taft is elected president. He beat William Jennings Bryan, who looses the election for the third time, 321 to 162 electoral college votes. -
Leaving Cuba
United States troops leave Cuba for the first time since the beginning of the Spanish American War. -
Boy Scouts
The Boy Scouts of America is founded. -
Henry Ford
Henry Ford patents his invention, the Automobile Transmission. -
Girl Scouts
The American Girl Guides, later renamed Girl Scouts is founded. -
Wilson takes the Presidency
Woodrow Wilson wins the presidential election, becoming the first Democratic candidate to win since 1892. He beats both Theodore Roosevelt and Howard Taft, since they split the Republican vote between them. -
16th Amendment
The sixteenth amendment is passed, allowing the government to implement an income tax on Americans. -
First Assembly Line
The first assembly line is introduced in the Ford Company. It allows for much faster mass production of products. -
Ford increases Wages
The Ford Company introduces a base wage of five dollars, which was much higher than the average. It went up from the two dollars forty cents made previously. -
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World War I
The Great War, or World War I, ravages the whole globe and introduces countries to a new deadlier form of combat. -
Neutrality
The United States declares its neutrality in the war currently going on in Europe. Although it was a noble cause, it was a situation that would not last forever. -
Lusitania
The British cruiser the Lusitania is sunk by German U-Boats, creating more support in America for joining the war. -
Wilson keeps the Presidency
Woodrow Wilson wins a second term in office, keeping the presidency in Democrat hands. He beats Republican nominee Charles E. Hughs 277 votes to 254. Wilson campaigned with the slogan "He kept us out of war." He was not able to keep them out for much longer. -
Zimmerman Telegram
The Americans intercept a telegram from Germany to Mexico asking for help attacking America. This leads America to cut ties with Germany and seek war. -
War
America officially declares war on Germany, joining the now world wide conflict. -
First Troops in Europe
The first American troops land in Europe, ready to fight. These troops included conscription soldiers, authorized by the Selective Services Act. -
Life Goes On
Despite the War, life still continued. Time zones were made official by the government, the 18th Amendment is reviewed, and Airmail is started by the Post Office. -
Influenza
The Spanish flu begins to infect millions, compounding an already bad year. -
Peace
The war begins to wind down, as treaties are signed, the armistice comes into effect, and plans are made for a peace summit in Paris. The war caused great devastation to the European landscape, leaving many countries in ruins. The Allies won this war, despite all the losses both sides face. -
Prohibition
Nevada becomes the thirty-sixth state to ratify the 18th Amendment, thus making it law. Prohibition was in affect. -
Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles is signed, officially ending World War I. -
League of Nations
The League of Nations is established. It is hoped that it will prevent any future conflicts such as World War I. America chooses to not join it, despite Woodrow Wilson being the main advocator of the League. -
Voting Rights
Women are given the right to vote with the 19th Amendment. They would vote for the first time in the upcoming election. -
Harding takes the Presidency
Warren G. Harding wins the presidential election in a landslide, beating the Democratic nominee 404 to 127 electoral college votes.