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1492
Columbian Exchange
Connections between the Old and New Worlds were made possible by Columbus's discovery of the New World. The lives of Native Americans and Europeans were significantly impacted by the trade of flora, animals, technology, and diseases. Native populations, for instance, were destroyed by the introduction of new European diseases. Additionally, foods from the New World like maize, white potatoes, and tomatoes encouraged population increase in Europe. -
1492
Christopher Columbus "Discovers" the New World
Christopher Columbus was the first European to find the Americas since the Vikings. When he arrived on top of an existing Bahamian island, he believed he had reached east Asia. Soon after, Columbus and his men arrived on the island of Hispaniola and established a small colony there. Columbus was admired when he returned to Spain in 1493 with gold, spices, and a small number of already-existing Indians. -
1519
Mexico invaded by Herman Cortes
In 1519, Hernan Cortes subdued the Aztec empire and claimed Mexico for Spain. Since discovering the Yucatan peninsula a year before Hernan Cortes' ships arrived in Mexico, Spain has been keen to annex the country. Cortes eventually succeeded in overthrowing Aztec leader Montezuma after a protracted battle. The Aztec empire collapsed as a result of people losing faith in Montezuma as a result of a smallpox outbreak and a lack of food, and Cortes constructed Mexico City on top of Aztec ruins. -
1532
Atlantic Slave Trade
About 12 million Africans from West Africa were transported by the transatlantic slave trade to the New World to labor on plantations. The first transatlantic slave shipment was done by the Portuguese. Later, the slave trade spread to the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain, and France. In the middle passage about 10 to 15 percent of slaves would die.. Slaves were bought and sold to work once in the new world. Later, in 1807, the transatlantic slave trade would be outlawed. -
1532
Peru invaded by Pizarro
Francisco Pizarro, a Spanish conquistador, invaded and conquered the Incan empire on Spain's behalf. By constructing a trap, Pizarro was able to capture and ultimately kill the Inca leader, Atahualpa. Pizarro persuaded Atahualpa to meet with him with the promise of throwing a feast in the leader's honor. Atahualpa was later sentenced to death by burning at the stake after Pizarro used him to appease the Incas who were now under Spanish rule. -
1555
Tabacco goes to Europe
In the New World, tobacco was a highly lucrative cash crop. After being harvested, tobacco was exported to the mother nation where it was sold. Because it was beneficial for the mother country, it demonstrated that it worked well with the mercantilist system. Tobacco farming required more slaves and more land in the colonies. It took a lot of labor to grow tobacco, thus more slaves were required. Tobacco also depleted the land, which led colonizers to search west for more ground to cultivate. -
1565
St. Augustine Established
In 1565, Pedro Menendez de Aviles led a Spanish expedition that resulted in the founding of St. Augustine. An old Native American town served as the foundation for the community that became known as St. Augustine. The community was established 42 years before the English first at Jamestown. The Spanish successfully drove the French colonists out of the region when they colonized it, establishing a lengthy Spanish rule in Florida and the surrounding areas. -
Lost Colony of Roanoke Established
With the intention of founding the first permanent English settlement, John White set out with a company of more than 100 men, women, and children. On Roanoke Island, off the coast of North Carolina, White set foot. Later, he went back to England to acquire some supplies. However, the naval conflict between Spain and England caused a delay. He came back and discovered the community deserted. The words "Croatoan" and "CRO" engraved on a tree were the only indications of what had happened. -
Dutch East India Company
In Holland, business associations formed the joint-stock firm known as the Dutch East India company in 1602. The business developed into one of the biggest shipping and trading organizations in the world. With its substantial shipyards, the enterprise, which was founded in the Netherlands, greatly increased trade and economic activity there. The Dutch trade monopoly they were given between the Cape of Good Hope and the Straits of Magellan also contributed to the company's success. -
Jamestown is Established
The first prosperous English permanent settlement was Jamestown. Jamestown was established in 1607 by shareholders in the joint stock corporation known as the Virginia Company. King James I was honored with the colony's name. Conflicts with Native Americans, starvation, and sickness afflicted the town's first two years. However, after the arrival of new residents and resources in 1610 and the introduction of tobacco farming, the town went through a period of peace and prosperity. -
Ships Arrive to Jamestown
On a Dutch ship, the first slave ship makes its way to Jamestown. However, indentured servants continued to undertake the majority of the forced labor at this time in the American colonies. Plantation owners received 50 acres of land through the headright system for each servant whose passage to the new world was paid. This is a significant date even though slavery wouldn't emerge as the main form of forced labor until later in the 1600s. -
Plymouth Colony is Founded
Separatists were a group of pilgrims that established the Plymouth Colony. Similar to Puritans, these settlers held the view that their religion should be fully independent of the English official church. They escaped from England to Holland, but they changed their course to immigrate to America out of concern that Dutch culture would rob them of their English heritage. They agreed to relocate to the Virginia Colony with the Virginia Company, but they wound up on the New England shore instead. -
Mayflower Compact
The Mayflower, the ship that carried pilgrims to the future Plymouth Colony, is where the Mayflower Compact is signed. It was a legally binding agreement for a temporary form of self-government until they could get a legal charter from England because they were outside the boundaries of Virginia, where they were going to live under the Virginia Company. It was signed by 41 of the ship's 101 male passengers. It established the first written system of government in what would be the United States. -
Massachusetts Bay Colony
Under the leadership of John Winthrop, a party of Puritans founds the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Unlike the pilgrims, who desired a full break from the Church of England, the Puritans thought that the Church of England needed to be reformatted. All men who were congregational church members were granted the ability to vote in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Their charter acted as their constitution and granted them a significant amount of autonomy and self-government. -
Pequot War
The Pequot War,a conflict between the Pequot tribe and English settlers in New England in the 1630s. Escalated after the murder of several English traders by Pequot warriors. The English ultimately defeated the Pequots in a series of battles; culminating in the Mystic massacre in which hundreds of Pequot men, women, and children were killed. The war decimated the Pequot tribe and paved the way for further English colonization of New England. -
First Navigation Act
The first Navigation Act was a law passed by the English Parliament in 1651. The act was part of a broader series of trade laws known collectively as the Navigation Acts, which were designed to regulate trade between England and its colonies in America. The first Navigation Act required that all goods imported into England from the colonies had to be transported on English ships, and that certain goods, such as sugar, tobacco, and cotton, could only be exported to England from the colonies. -
King Phillip's War
King Philip's War was a conflict between English colonists and Native American tribes in New England in the 1670s. The war began due to increasing tensions between the English and Native Americans over land and resources, and escalated after the killing of several English settlers by Native American warriors. The war ended in a victory for the English, but it was a costly one, with significant losses on both sides. The war marked the start the decline of Native American power in New England. -
Bacon's Rebellion
Bacon's Rebellion was a conflict that occurred in the English colony of Virginia in the 1670s. It was sparked by tensions between English settlers and Native Americans, as well as disagreements between the colony's governor and its settlers. The rebellion was led by Nathaniel Bacon, a wealthy settler who protected the settlers form native Americans. The rebellion was ultimately unsuccessful, but it marked a turning point in the relationship between the English Crown and its colonies in America. -
Pope's Rebellion (Pueblo Revolt)
Pope's Rebellion was a Native American uprising that occurred in the Pueblo region of what is now New Mexico in 1680. The Pueblo people, led by a religious leader named Popé, launched a coordinated attack on the Spanish, driving them out of the region and taking control of their settlements. The revolt was successful and temporarily ended Spanish colonization in the area, but the Spanish eventually returned and reconquered the region. -
The Dominion of New England
The Dominion of New England was a short-lived administrative union of the English colonies of New England established by King James II in 1686. The Dominion was intended to improve the efficiency of the English colonial government in the region, but it was met with resistance from the colonists who were accustomed to self-governance. The Dominion was headed by a governor-general, Sir Edmund Andros, who was unpopular with the colonists and was eventually overthrown in the 1689 Boston revolt. -
The Salem Witch Trials
The Salem witch trials; a series of legal proceedings in the late 17th century in which several people in Salem, Massachusetts were accused of practicing witchcraft. The trials were the result of a combination of social, political, and religious factors, and were spurred on by accusations of witchcraft made by a group of young girls. The trials were eventually ended by the intervention of the governor of Massachusetts, but not before they had caused significant upheaval in the Salem community. -
1st Great Awakening (1730s-1740s)
The Great Awakening was a religious movement that swept through the American colonies in the mid-18th century. The movement was characterized by an emphasis on personal religious experience and a rejection of traditional religious institutions. The Great Awakening sparked a period of religious fervor in the colonies and contributed to the growing sense of American identity and unity that would eventually lead to the American Revolution. -
Poor Richard's Almanack
Poor Richard's Almanack was a popular almanac published by Benjamin Franklin in the 18th century. The almanac contained a mix of practical information such as weather forecasts and tide tables, as well as humorous essays and proverbs written by Franklin under the pseudonym "Poor Richard." The almanac was published annually from 1732 to 1758, and was widely read in the American colonies. It was known for its wit and wisdom, and many of its proverbs, such as "time is money," are still known today. -
Stono's Rebellion
Stono's rebellion was a slave revolt that occurred in South Carolina in 1739. Jemmy and a group of other enslaved Africans marched from the Stono River to the town of Stono, where they attacked and killed several white slave owners. The rebellion is considered to be the largest slave uprising in the history of the American colonies. The rebellion had significant implications for the institution of slavery in the colonies, and is seen as an early precursor to the American Revolution. -
French and Indian War (1754-1763)
The French and Indian War was a conflict that occurred in North America in the mid-18th century. It was part of a larger global conflict (the Seven Years' War), It was fought between the British and French empires, as well as Native American allies. The war began in 1754 when a British force led by George Washington was defeated by a French and Indian force at the Battle of Fort Necessity. The war ended in 1763 with a victory for the British, but a high cost in terms of lives and resources. -
Albany Plan
The Albany Plan was a proposal for colonial union that was presented at the Albany Congress in 1754. The plan was drafted by Benjamin Franklin and called for the creation of a central government for the British colonies in North America, with the power to regulate trade and colonial defense. The plan was not adopted by the colonies, but it is seen as an early attempt at intercolonial cooperation and a precursor to the later formation of the United States. -
The Proclamation of 1763
The Proclamation of 1763 was issued by King George III of Great Britain following the end of the French and Indian War. It established the colonies' western boundary, reserved land for Native American tribes, and prohibited colonial settlement west of the Appalachians. It aimed to prevent conflicts between colonists and Native Americans. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris was signed on February 10, 1763, and ended the Seven Years' War, which had been fought between France and Great Britain. The treaty also recognized British possession of Canada and Spain's control over Florida. The signing of the treaty marked the beginning of Britain's ascendancy as the world's most powerful nation. -
Boston Massacre
On March 5, 1770, British soldiers and colonists engaged in a bloody battle in Boston that came to be known as the Boston Massacre. Five colonists were killed in the incident, which caused a great deal of resentment across the American colonies. The soldiers involved were tried and found guilty of manslaughter despite evidence that they had acted in self-defense. The incident is regarded as an important precursor to the American Revolution. -
Boston Tea Party
On December 16, 1773, Boston witnessed the Boston Tea Party, a political protest and act of civil disobedience. The Tea Act, passed by the British government and allowing the British East India Company to trade tea from China without paying taxes in American colonies, was the target of the protest. In retaliation, a group of colonists dressed as Mohawk Indians attacked three British ships, poured their cargo of tea into Boston Harbor, and then took control of the ships. -
Coercive Acts
The Coercive Acts were a set of laws that the British Parliament passed in 1774 in response to the Boston Tea Party. These laws attempted to punish the colonies for disobedience and enforce the supremacy of the British government over them. The Quartering Act and the Boston Port Act, which forbade trade in the port of Boston until the colonists paid for the burned tea, respectively, were two of the Acts that required the colonists to house and feed British troops. -
First Continental Congress
In response to the Coercive Acts, representatives from the colonies met in 1774 and formed the First Continental Congress. The Congress was organized to consider a coordinated response to the British actions and to organize the colonies' rights defense operations. The Coercive Acts should be repealed, as stated in the Declaration of Rights and Grievances that was adopted by the Congress. The Continental Association advocated a boycott of British goods up until the Acts were overturned. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is a document adopted by the Second Continental Congress in 1776 that declared the colonies' independence from British rule. The Declaration outlined the colonists' grievances against the British government and asserted the rights and freedoms that they believed were inherent to all individuals. It was a bold and unprecedented step, and it helped to inspire the revolutionary spirit that would ultimately lead to American victory. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783 and officially ended the Revolutionary War between Great Britain and the newly-formed United States of America. The treaty recognized the United States as an independent country, and established its borders. It also provided for the evacuation of British troops from American soil, and granted the United States fishing rights off the coast of Newfoundland. The marked the end of British rule and the establishment of the country as a sovereign nation. -
George Washington's Presidency (1789-1796)
Because George Washington served as the country's first president, his administration had a significant impact on American history. Washington established many of the customs and procedures that are still used today as the first president of the newly constituted nation. He also set the example for subsequent presidents. Washington's leadership throughout the Revolutionary War also aided in the United States' victory over Great Britain. -
Second Great Awakening (1790-1840)
The Second Great Awakening was a religious revival movement that took place in the United States during the early 19th century. It was characterized by a surge in evangelicalism and an emphasis on personal conversion, social reform, and a renewed focus on the Bible. The movement had a significant impact on American society, leading to the abolition of slavery, the expansion of women's rights, and the establishment of numerous reform movements. -
Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase was a deal between the U.S. and France in 1803. The U.S. paid France $15 million for the right to expand westward into the Mississippi River Valley, adding over 800,000 square miles of land to the U.S. This purchase doubled the size of the country and opened up vast new areas for settlement and economic development. It was a key moment in American history, helping to shape the country's future as a major world power. -
Embargo Act
The Embargo Act of 1807 was a law that banned all foreign trade. This meant that American merchants couldn't sell or buy things from other countries. It was passed in response to tensions between the U.S. and European powers, and was meant to protect American interests. However, the act had serious consequences. Many people in America were very unhappy because they couldn't buy food or other things they needed. The Embargo Act was eventually repealed in 1809. -
Manifest Destiny
Manifest Destiny was an idea that emerged in the early 1800s, and it meant that the United States had a destiny to spread democracy and freedom across the North American continent. Many people used the idea to justify the annexation of Texas, the Mexican-American War, and the acquisition of land from Native American tribes. This idea was controversial and had a lot of consequences, including the displacement and mistreatment of Native Americans. -
Hartford Convention
The Hartford Convention was a meeting of Federalist Party leaders from five New England states. The convention ultimately recommended a series of constitutional amendments, including changes to how power is balanced between the federal government and the states, and a proposal to give New England the ability to nullify federal laws. Many Americans saw the convention as a betrayal, and the Federalist Party declined in popularity after the meeting -
Rush Bagot Treaty
The Rush-Bagot Treaty was an agreement between the US and Great Britain that limited the amount of naval vessels on the Great Lakes and the Saint Lawrence River. The treaty was made in 1817 after tensions between the two countries increased after the War of 1812. The treaty established a demilitarized zone along the border between the US and Canada and helped to improve relations between the two countries. -
Panic of 1819
The Panic of 1819 was a financial crisis in the United States that followed a period of economic expansion. The panic led to a widespread downturn in the economy, with many banks and businesses failing and unemployment rising. It also sparked a political debate over the role of the government in the economy, which ultimately led to the creation of the Second Bank of the United States in 1816. -
Missouri Compromise
The Missouri Compromise was a legislation passed in 1820 that admitted Missouri to the United States as a slave state and Maine as a free state. The compromise also prohibited slavery in the rest of the Louisiana Territory north of the 36°30' parallel, with the exception of Missouri. The Missouri Compromise was an attempt to address the growing tension between Northern and Southern states over the issue of slavery and its expansion. It set the stage for future conflicts over the issue of slavery -
Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine was policy statement issued by President James Monroe in 1823. It warned European powers not to interfere in the affairs of the newly independent nations of the Americas and declared that any attempt by a European power to colonize or control a nation in the Americas would be considered a threat to the United States. The Doctrine established the United States as the dominant power in the Western Hemisphere and established the principle of American neutrality in European wars. -
Tariff of Abominations
The US Congress ordered a tax in 1828 called the Duty on Detestations. This tax was meant to protect businesses in the North from foreign competition; this made goods more expensive for Southern customers. Southern legislators regional authorities were against the tax,calling it the "Tariff of Abominations" because they feared it would harm their region's economy. This tax was a major factor in the increasing hostility between the North and South in the years leading up to the American Civil War -
Indian Removal Act
The Indian Removal Act was a law passed by the US Congress in 1830 that authorized the president to negotiate with Native American tribes in the southeastern US to exchange their ancestral lands for lands west of the Mississippi River. The Act resulted in the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans, known as the "Trail of Tears," during which many Native Americans died due to the harsh conditions of the journey. -
Trail of Tears
The Trail of Tears was the forced relocation of Native American tribes living in the southeastern United States to lands west of the Mississippi River in the late 1830s. The relocation was carried out by the US government as a result of the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which authorized the president to negotiate treaties with Native American tribes to exchange their ancestral lands for lands in the West. -
Annexation of Texas
The annexation of Texas was the process by which the Republic of Texas, which had gained independence from Mexico in the Texas Revolution, became a state of the United States. Many people in the United States were against the annexation, because they felt it would give the pro-slavery South more political power. However, the annexation was eventually approved by the US Congress and Texas became the 28th state in the Union. -
Gadshen Purchase
The Gadsden Purchase, also known as the Treaty of Mesilla, was a treaty signed in 1853 between the United States and Mexico that established the final boundary between the two countries. The treaty was negotiated by James Gadsden, the US ambassador to Mexico, and resulted in the US acquiring a small strip of land in what is now southern Arizona and New Mexico. -
Cvil War (1861-1865)
The Civil War was a conflict fought in the United States between 1861 and 1865, primarily over the issue of slavery. The war pitted the northern states, which were generally anti-slavery, against the southern states, which were pro-slavery. The conflict began when southern states seceded from the Union and formed the Confederate States of America,leading to conflict. It was also a turning point in US history, leading to the abolition of slavery and the end of the Confederate States of America. -
Emancipation Proclamation
President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, issued on January 1, 1863, declared that all slaves in Confederate states were to be set free. This historic executive order paved the way for the eventual abolition of slavery in the United States and advanced the cause of civil rights for all. -
Assassination of President Abraham Lincoln
The assassination of President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865, at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C., was a tragic event that had a profound impact on the nation. This event plunged the country into a period of mourning and uncertainty, and ultimately shaped the course of Reconstruction and the eventual reunification of the United States. -
15th Amendment Ratified
The ratification of the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution on February 3, 1870, marked a significant step forward in the struggle for civil rights and equality. This amendment guaranteed African American men the right to vote, overturning decades of discrimination and exclusion from the political process. -
Compromise of 1877
The Compromise of 1877, which was an informal agreement reached between Democrats and Republicans, marked the end of Reconstruction in the United States. This agreement led to the withdrawal of federal troops from the South and had a significant impact on the political and social landscape of the region for decades to come, as it paved the way for the rise of Jim Crow laws and the disenfranchisement of African Americans. -
President James Garfield is Shot
The American government was rife with corruption in the second part of the 1800s. The spoils system, which allowed those in political power to choose others to work in the government with them, was one of the most prominent examples. Charles Guiteau, a significant Garfield supporter, was furious with Garfield since he had supported him for years but had not profited from the spoils system and had not been elected, leading Guiteau to shoot Garfield in retaliation. -
Booker T. Washington Founds Tuskegee Institute
In the late 1800s, Booker T. Washington was a well-known black activist and leader who fought for equality in the United States. The Tuskegee Institute, founded by Washington, was the first institution of higher learning for African Americans and offered both academic and vocational training. Was the first example in the US that, given the correct chances, African Americans are just as capable as their white counterparts. Its objectives were to uplift, educate, and support the black community -
Dawes Severalty Act
The Dawes Act was enacted into law in the United States in 1887. By splitting their tribal lands into separate allotments, it sought to incorporate Native Americans into American civilization. The Act, which was a significant and contentious piece of legislation in American history, caused the loss of millions of acres of Native American lands and the degradation of tribal culture and identity. -
Wounded Knee Massacre
The Wounded Knee Massacre, which took place on December 29, 1890, was a tragic event in which U.S. troops killed over 200 Sioux men, women, and children. This event marked the end of armed resistance by Native Americans and the beginning of a new phase in U.S. Indian policy, which sought to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American culture and strip them of their traditional way of life. -
Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890
The Sherman Anti-Trust Act was the first piece of legislation passed by Congress to control large corporations. Its goals were to prevent power concentrations that could harm commerce and reduce economic competition. Additionally, it attempted to stop big corporations from monopolizing by declaring any monopolization of trade or commerce within the United States unlawful. The Sherman Anti-Trust Act an impact during the Industrial Era, as it helped the economy and more businesses grow -
Plessy v. Ferguson
The Plessy v. Ferguson case, which determined that segregation was constitutional as long as accommodations were "separate but equal," had a significant impact on America's racial history by effectively legalizing racial segregation. With a 7-1 vote, the Supreme Court's decision was used to justify segregation in all public spaces, including schools, stores, and restaurants. This ruling remained in effect until the Brown v. Board case in 1954. -
Spanish American War
The Spanish-American War, which was fought between April and August of 1898, marked a turning point in U.S. history and the emergence of the United States as a world power. This conflict had significant implications for U.S. foreign policy, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, as the United States established itself as a dominant player in the region and pursued a more assertive approach to international affairs. -
Assassination of President William McKinley
The assassination of President William McKinley on September 6, 1901, marked a turning point in U.S. history, as it led to the ascension of Theodore Roosevelt to the presidency. This event shaped the course of U.S. political and economic policy in the early 20th century, as Roosevelt implemented a series of progressive reforms and pursued an assertive foreign policy that would have a lasting impact on the nation. -
Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906
During the progressive era, people became doubtful about the safety of the food and drugs they were ingesting. "The Jungle" unveiled the unhygienic procedures in the meat packing industry and brought this concern to the forefront. The resulting public outcry compelled Congress to enact the Pure Food and Drug Act, which prohibited the sale of any misbranded or tainted food and drugs.This act established the groundwork for the FDA, which became the first consumer protection agency in the US. -
Antiquities Act
President Theodore Roosevelt created the Antiquities Act, which was the first statute to guarantee protection for historic, prehistoric, and scientific features on federal lands. It enables presidents to save both natural and historic areas, including national parks like Yosemite and monuments like the Statue of Liberty. This statute has made it possible to conserve much of America's natural beauty while preserving knowledge, appreciation, and pleasure for future generations. -
Henry Ford and the Model T
By inventing a highly effective moving assembly line that changed industry and allowed Henry Ford to build a large number of uniform cars at a low cost, the Model T was the first mass-produced automobile. This led to a significant growth not only in the automobile sector but also in sectors like steel, glass, oil, and others. America's mobilization and the development of the US as a whole are due to the Model T's manufacture. -
The Great Migration
During and after World War I, the Great Migration involved the relocation of millions of African Americans from the South to industrial centers in the North. They were given new possibilities by it, and it also set the way for later movements like the Harlem Renaissance. -
17th Amendment Ratified
The ratification of the 17th Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1913 established the direct election of U.S. Senators by the people of each state, marking a significant shift in U.S. political power and representation. Prior to this amendment, Senators were appointed by state legislatures, which often led to political corruption and the influence of powerful special interests in the selection of Senators. -
Federal Reserve Act of 1913
The Federal Reserve was founded by Congress during the administration of Woodrow Wilson in order to ensure a more stable, adaptive, and secure financial and monetary system in the United States. Before it was founded, there had been a financial crisis that resulted in numerous bank collapses and large-scale withdrawals from banks. The Federal Reserve was created to act as an emergency reserve for banks in times of need and to stop major bank failures from happening. -
WW 1 Begins
The outbreak of World War I in 1914 had significant implications for the United States, as it transformed U.S. foreign policy and ultimately led to the country's entry into the war in 1917. Prior to U.S. involvement, the country had pursued a policy of neutrality, but the escalating conflict in Europe, as well as Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram, made it increasingly difficult for the U.S. to remain neutral. -
U.S. Entry into World War I
On April 6, 1917, the United States entered World War I, shifting the balance of power in favor of the Allies and ultimately contributing to their victory in 1918. This event also marked the emergence of the U.S. as a global superpower, as the country's involvement in the war demonstrated its military and economic might and cemented its position as a major player on the world stage. -
War Industries Board
During World War I, the War Industries Board (WIB) was established with the purpose of assuring that the US was producing enough crucial war supplies. The WIB was able to restrict production, set quotas, and set price ranges for specific products, giving them tremendous control over American enterprises. The delivery of raw materials was supervised by the WIB. Although some have questioned the WIB's constitutionality, it still boosted the US economy during World War One. -
Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles, signed on June 28, 1919, had significant implications for the United States and its role in the world, particularly in the areas of international relations and foreign policy. As one of the victors of World War I, the U.S. played a key role in negotiating the terms of the treaty, which created a new world order and set the stage for future conflicts. The treaty also marked the emergence of the U.S. as a global power. -
19th Amendment Ratified
The ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution on August 18, 1920, marked a significant step forward in the struggle for gender equality and political representation. This amendment guaranteed women the right to vote, ending decades of discrimination and exclusion from the political process and paving the way for women to become more active and influential participants in American democracy. -
Harlem Renaissance
In the 1920s and 1930s, black artistic expression experienced a renaissance known as the Harlem Renaissance. Its origins can be seen in the Great Migration, which dispersed African Americans across the nation and gave rise to several black enclaves where this movement could thrive. Jazz, new art forms, poetry, and other works of art that were inspired by black culture were developed as a result of this, which had never before occurred in the United States. -
Immigration Act of 1924
Through a national origins quota, the Immigration Act of 1924 restricted the number of immigrants who could enter the US, granting visas to only 2% of the entire population of each nationality, with a total quota of only 165,000. But this law arbitrarily singled out Eastern and Southern Europeans as well as immigrants from Asia, especially China and Japan, and forbade all immigration. This action widened the racial gap in America and contributed to the rise of prejudice and terror against Asians -
Sacco and Vanzetti
In the 1920s, two Italian immigrants named Sacco and Vanzetti were charged with murder and found guilty. They were put to death in 1927 despite widespread protests, pleas, and questions regarding their guilt. Their situation became a representation of the injustices experienced by immigrants and the working class in the country, and it is still studied and discussed as a significant turning point in American history. -
Stock Market Crash and the Great Depression
The Stock Market Crash of 1929 led to the Great Depression, had social and economic implications for the United States. This marked the beginning of a period of economic hardship and unemployment that lasted for over a decade,shaping the course of U.S. economic policy and government intervention in the economy for decades to come. The New Deal policies implemented were in response to the Great Depression, fundamentally transformed the role of the federal government in the economy and society -
New Deal
The New Deal, implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, introduced economic measures that stimulated recovery, provided relief, and reformed the financial system, leaving a lasting legacy on U.S. economic policy and social welfare programs -
FDIC's Foundation
In reaction to the financial crisis of the Great Depression, which led to the failure of thousands of banks and the destruction of people's life savings, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was created in 1933. The FDIC was created to offer deposit insurance in member banks initially covering up to $2,500 per depositor. This established faith in the banking system and contributed to the financial system's return to stability, making it a significant turning point in American history -
Social Security Act of 1935
FDR presented the Social Security Act as a part of the New Deal to encourage people to retire. All Americans had access to the SSA's financial safety net because it paid a portion of an individual's typical paycheck following retirement or incapacity. In order to overcome the Great Depression, it encouraged older individuals to retire, creating more openings in the labor sector. Even though it didn't have much of an effect, it has continued to have an impact on how Americans see retirement. -
Pearl Harbor Attack
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, marked a turning point in U.S. history, as it led to the country's entry into World War II and shaped the course of U.S. foreign policy and military strategy. The Allied victory in 1945, with the U.S. playing a leading role, had significant implications for postwar international relations. -
Executive Order 9066
Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, President FDR issued this order authorizing the forcible relocation of all Japanese and Japanese Americans from the West Coast to internment camps deeper interior. The Japanese Americans who were relocated lost their houses, their jobs, and everything else while living in harsh camps that were badly constructed and tightly governed. This simply served to inflame tensions between Asians and Whites while destroying countless innocent families' lives. -
D-Day
To retake France from the Germans, the Allies launched an amphibious assault on the Normandy beaches on D-Day. It took several Allied leaders 15 months to plan the greatest seaborne invasion in history. On 5,400 ships, 156,000 Allied troops arrived on five different beaches after crossing the English Channel. As a result of the invasion's astonishing success, the Allies were able to oust the German government in France, which marked the end of World War II. -
G.I. Bill of Rights
The G.I. Bill of Rights,provided significant benefits that altered the government's way of thanking American veterans. All veterans received free education at both trade and college level, and they also received low interest loans for homes and businesses as well as assistance with health care/insurance. This made it feasible for millions of individuals to receive a formal education, something was before impossible. It advanced society and produced thousands of new jobs and enterprises. -
Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the United States in August 1945 marked a significant turning point in the history of warfare and had profound implications for U.S. foreign policy and international relations. The use of nuclear weapons for the first time not only ended World War II, but also ushered in the nuclear age, with the U.S. emerging as a dominant superpower and setting the stage for the Cold War with the Soviet Union. -
Truman Doctrine
The Truman Doctrine, announced by President Harry Truman in 1947, signaled a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, as it committed the U.S. to contain Soviet expansion and defend democratic governments around the world. This doctrine set the stage for the U.S. policy of containment and the Cold War with the Soviet Union, shaping U.S. foreign policy for decades to come. -
Kinsey Report
The Kinsey Reports,created by Dr. Alfred Kinsey, gave a new perspective on sex and sexuality that was highly divisive among Americans at the time. The research disclosed a higher level of premarital sex, marital adultery, homosexuality, and "deviant" behavior. It brought sexuality to the center of conversation. Even though many of Kinsey's conclusions and techniques were dubious, his work significantly altered American attitudes toward the once-taboo subject of sex. -
Berlin Airlift
The Berlin Airlift,known as "Operation Vittles," was a result of the USSR enforcing an embargo of West Berlin, which was governed by allies (primarily the United States). This was addressed by Truman, who sent planes to drop supplies to West Berlin. In the course of this delivery operation, which lasted from June 1948 to May 1949, more than 200,000 flights were made. After recognizing that the United States would never give up on aiding West Berlin, the USSR removed the blockade in May 1949. -
The Marshall Plan
George C. Marshall, who served as secretary of state, created the Marshall Plan, which helped Europe recover and rebuild after World War II's devastation. However, a more fundamental objective of this campaign was to improve living standards and increase prosperity in order to stop the spread of Communism overseas. The United States ultimately sent more than $15 billion to various European nations for their restoration, which significantly improved the continent's infrastructure. -
NATO is Established
Dean Acheson, the U.S. secretary of state, proposed the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a global alliance of several nations, as a means of establishing a system of collective security against the growing threat and expansion of communism. It was founded by the US, UK, Canada, France, and Italy and presently has more than 30 members. This group strengthened democratic warnings against communism and stopped any future Soviet incursions abroad. -
Brown v. Board of Education
The landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education, handed down on May 17, 1954, declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional, marking a significant victory in the struggle for civil rights and equality in the United States. This decision not only led to the desegregation of public schools, but also paved the way for other civil rights advances in the coming years, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. -
Montgomery Bus Boycott
The Montgomery Bus Boycott a successful campaign to protest segregated bus seating in Montgomery, Alabama, marked a significant turning point in the struggle for civil rights and equality in the United States. This boycott, which lasted for over a year, challenged the discriminatory Jim Crow laws and brought national attention to the civil rights movement, inspiring similar campaigns and paving the way for future legal victories, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964. -
Eisenhower Interstate and Defense Highway Act
Over 41,000 miles of intricately connected roadways were built across the United States as a result of the Eisenhower Interstate Act. Eisenhower promoted this plan as a method to modernize and update the US's roads and infrastructure while simultaneously appealing to Cold War anxieties by saying that it would make evacuation from major cities more simpler and quicker in the event of a nuclear attack. The transportation system and the economy were altered by this. -
Little Rock Nine
The Little Rock Nine, a group of African American students were the first to attend an integrated high school in Little Rock, Arkansas, faced significant opposition and violence, but ultimately played a pivotal role in the struggle for desegregation and equal access to education. Despite the hostility they encountered, the Little Rock Nine's courage and determination helped to break down racial barriers and paved the way for integration in schools and public institutions across the United States -
Bay of Pigs Invasion
The failed Bay of Pigs invasion, a CIA-backed attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro in Cuba in 1961, had significant implications for U.S. foreign policy and the Cold War. The invasion not only undermined the credibility of the U.S. government, but also contributed to the escalation of tensions between the United States and Cuba, ultimately leading to the Cuban Missile Crisis the following year. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
The Cuban Missile Crisis a 13-day standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union over the installation of nuclear missiles in Cuba in 1962 marked a significant turning point in the Cold War and had profound implications for U.S. foreign policy and international relations. This crisis brought the world to the brink of nuclear war and forced both superpowers to reconsider their policies and strategies leading to a period of detente and increased efforts at arms control and disarmament -
March on Washington
The March on Washington, a massive civil rights demonstration led by Martin Luther King Jr. on August 28, 1963, culminated in his famous "I Have a Dream" speech and had a profound impact on the struggle for civil rights and equality in the United States. This event drew national attention to the civil rights movement and helped to inspire the passage of key civil rights legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. -
Civil Rights Act
The Civil Rights Act of 1964, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, had a profound impact on the struggle for civil rights and equality in the United States. This landmark legislation prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and helped to break down barriers to equal treatment under the law, paving the way for greater social and political equality for all Americans. -
Voting Rights Act
The Voting Rights Act of 1965, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, removed barriers to voting for African Americans and other minority groups, and had a profound impact on political representation and participation in the United States. -
Summer of Love
The Summer of Love took place in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco in 1967, marked a moment in the countercultural movement of the 1960s and had a impact on American culture and society. This event brought together young people from across the country who rejected mainstream values and embraced new forms of artistic expression, political activism, and social experimentation, influencing the music, fashion, and politics of the era and paving the way for later social movements.
